Telum Media spoke to Allison Jackson, the Manila Bureau Chief of Agence France-Presse (AFP), about her work as head of the Philippine office for the news agency. She also discussed how she started her journalism career, her experience in the Philippines, and stories that AFP is focusing on.

Use the timecodes to jump ahead:

• 00:39 - what sparked her interest in journalism
• 01:55 - typical day at AFP
• 02:55 - news-gathering process at AFP
• 04:46 - how to choose newsworthy topics
• 06:36 - experience as a Philippines-based journalist
• 15:41 - priority topic areas for AFP
• 17:28 - how AFP copes with tech-related changes
• 19:27 - projects aimed at delivering high-quality news
• 22:11 - advice to aspiring journalists

For journalists, Allison emphasises the need for persistence, hard work, and hunger for news: "You have to be hungry, that's what I would say. No one is going to come and hand you a job because there's so many other people who are also looking for that job. You have to be hungry for it. You have to work hard, but it's so worth it. It's such a great profession..."

Telum Media gives journalists a platform to share their experiences in the newsroom and out in the field. If you would like to share your story or nominate someone to be featured, email us at philippinesmedia@telummedia.com