What does a day in the life of Claire Sherwood, South Island News Director / Newsreader for Newstalk ZB, look like?
My work day may start at 5am, but there's a bit to get through before that! Our nanny arrives just as I am making my morning coffee so I can leave the kids (two toddlers!) tucked in bed. I arrive at work at 5am, and am first on-air with Kate Hawkesby at 5.37am. My half-hourly news bulletins begin at 6am. I have access to the stories being written by reporters right across the country and have full control over the bulletin that I read to our Christchurch audience.

Between bulletins, I am assigning stories for my reporters to work on, sub-editing their scripts, liaising with the sports newsreader, and compiling the bulletins. Plus, a whole lot of clock-watching to ensure I don't miss news time! Throughout the day, I am on air a total of 17 times, reading news and headlines. 

You previously worked for Newstalk ZB on a separate occasion in 2011. How has the network evolved since then?
During my decade away from Newstalk ZB, the main difference I have noticed is the level of collaboration and teamwork now exhibited. Not only are the newsrooms in Auckland, Wellington, Parliament and Christchurch constantly in conversation, but we also get to work alongside a greater team, including the New Zealand Herald. One team, one dream, and all that jazz! It works so well, and the end result for our audiences makes us the best in the business. 

How does the team in Christchurch liaise with Newstalk ZB’s other bureau?
We are in constant connection! All reporters who join the Christchurch newsroom begin their time at Newstalk ZB with a visit to the Auckland office, so they can meet the wider team. This includes network newsreaders, sub-editors, news directors, producers, hosts, other reporters, online / digital editors, social media managers, and more.

These few days of induction are so key - it helps so much to know who you're speaking with via phone, email, or instant messaging! It's very much a big whānau and I am so proud of that. 

You’ve also worked in radio in Australia. Are there any major differences you’ve noticed between New Zealand and Australian-based media?
The structure of the organisation I worked at in Australia is quite similar to Newstalk ZB. During my decade there, I also observed a heap of movement in the collaboration / team work space. Australia is possibly a little further ahead in terms of innovation. For example, I had been filing news for smart speakers for a few years before I left Australia in 2021!

Another thing I have observed is the need for media to look after contacts. In a country as small as New Zealand, there are often just one or two experts in a field. If those relationships are not strong, you could end up struggling to get the right content for coverage! 

What catches your eye in a PR pitch?
A strong news edge is important. So often, I see PR pitches that really should be going straight to the sales team. Some of the strongest PR pitches have come to me with a strong news hook and multimedia elements on offer. For example, a quick bit of (newsworthy, not scripted!) audio attached, or a video that can be embedded into online stories!

Embargoed information is always great, so we can prepare or work around it. A midnight or 5am embargo is best, so the story can be prepared in time to reach the bulletins with the highest audience listenership. 8am embargoes are so frustrating - you've missed the boat! The PR professionals who have a background in broadcast media are incredible, as they simply "get it"!