Telum Talks To...Jenni Mortimer, Lifestyle and Entertainment Editor at the New Zealand Herald
Interview

Telum Talks To...Jenni Mortimer, Lifestyle and Entertainment Editor at the New Zealand Herald

By Kristy Nguyen

What does a day in the role as Lifestyle and Entertainment Editor of the New Zealand Herald look like?
I start at 7am with the morning news meeting where we pitch all our brilliant lifestyle and entertainment stories for the day ahead. My days involve editing, managing breaking news, planning and sourcing stories as well as using our brilliant analytic tools to constantly create content that meets our audience's demands. 

I also co-host the New Zealand Herald's parenting podcast, One Day You'll Thank Me. My working day finishes at 3pm - just in time for daycare pick up and to enjoy some time with my three-year-old.  

How did you get your start at the New Zealand Herald?
I started as a Digital Lifestyle Producer and slowly worked my way up to Deputy Lifestyle Editor, Lifestyle Editor, and then the joint role of Lifestyle and Entertainment Editor. I've been here for seven years and no matter what role I have been in, I've always felt inspired to create memorable content for our audience.

What are some of your favourite articles published from 2022?
I travelled alone to the USA with my son and wrote a travel piece about the memorable (and messy) experience.

On the topic of parenting, I also wrote a column for Reset magazine on how becoming a mum changed my relationship with my body.

Finally, my review of the After Life - one of the best shows of 2022 - was tweeted out by Ricky Gervais himself so for that reason, it's one of my favourites.

Who makes up your team on a day-to-day basis?
  • Bethany Reitsma - Lifestyle Writer 
  • Lillie Rohan - Entertainment Writer 
  • Rebecca Blithe - Senior Premium Writer
  • Megan Watts - Digital Producer 

Any particular trends or topics you're looking forward to covering this year?
The team is all very excited about the King's Coronation and the surrounding royal drama.

What are three things you would recommend to PRs when sending a pitch?
For me, it's emailing and not phoning me. It's virtually impossible for me to listen properly to a pitch during a busy news day. Be honest about where else you are pitching to - especially within the same company. Where possible, try to note how / why you think your pitch would serve our unique audience and avoid generic pitches. 

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Jennifer Mortimer

Lifestyle and Travel Editor (Audience)

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New Zealand Herald

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