My dad was a journalist. Long ago, in the halcyon days of the nineties, he presented a popular radio programme in Philadelphia. Later, he worked as a producer and content manager.
Then, Joe gave it up — to become a stay at home dad for me and my two siblings. Over the next two decades, he began a second career as a teacher, but never lost his love for radio.
He passed that love on to me — I remember listening to the BBC World Service cover the independence referendum in 2014 and being fascinated by the high stakes political drama unfolding an ocean away.
Growing up in the New Jersey suburbs, my parents taught me about the importance of truth and standing up for what was right.
As a pre-teen, I’d produce my own newspapers; typing out stories on a Windows 2003 desktop computer, and printing copies before stapling them together for distribution.
I ran a serious news organisation — with my two siblings serving as deputies.
Jump cut. It’s the spring of 2021. We're now living in Scotland, and I don’t know what I want to do with my life. Entering university, I had planned to become a minister, like my mother, but soon realised the clergy didn’t suit me.
Then, I fell in love.
It’s perhaps a manifestation of my youthful naivety, but it’s hard not to be romantic about journalism. The power of the pen beckons me each time I open my computer or pull out my notebook.
I wrote my first article for The Gaudie, Aberdeen University’s student newspaper, that summer. There would be many more to come.
As much as I cherish the grind and graft, there is always an awkwardness when I tell someone I am a “student journalist".
The phrase is often used derogatively as if to question the quality or content of one’s work.
Read more by Josh Pizzuto-Pomaco:
Scotland's American football fans are ready to party
Yet, student journalists are some of the hardest working folks in the industry. Hours upon hours of editing, writing, and reporting — often without a penny of compensation.
Several weeks ago, more than 50 students gathered at Glasgow Caledonian University (GCU) to take part in the Student Publication Association’s Scottish regional conference (generously sponsored by The Herald), which I had the pleasure of organising.
The students took part in workshops and panels about Scottish politics, podcast production, interviewing skills, local reporting, and more. Two dozen journalists donated their time and expertise to assist.
As I sit amongst the group of students, I think back.
In January 2021, my dad was diagnosed with motor neuron disease. His illness sapped his strength and ultimately left him unable to walk. Yet, he never missed an opportunity to be supportive.
He would post my latest articles on Facebook (in that awkward way dads do) and give me tips to improve my podcast episodes. I sometimes wish I had listened a bit more — because you don’t know what you have until it’s gone.
In the autumn of 2022, Joe died.
As my family said goodbye to a loving father and husband, writing provided the stability I needed. I poured myself into my work, seeking control amidst the chaos.
And I was successful, winning a slew of awards over the next 18 months.
But more important than that, and I don’t say this lightly — journalism has kept me afloat through the darkest of storms.
The media is often lambasted as smarmy water carriers for politicians and special interests. Some of this is true. Too often we fail to serve people and are unwilling to hold the powerful to account, the way my parents taught me to do.
Read more:
Aberdeen Uni announces Palestine scholarships plan
Councillor accuses watchdogs of 'whitewashing' her race row case
Women and people of colour are widely underrepresented, especially in positions of leadership. The media appears unprepared to combat misinformation, especially when it comes from billionaires and social media.
My generation has an opportunity to change this narrative. It’s vitally important that we do. If Scottish journalism is to thrive, we need to create an industry that looks like the diverse group of people who live here, and talks about the issues they care about.
The Herald’s Student Press Awards are just around the corner. In a matter of months, the best student journalists in Scotland will be feted for their work. It’s an honour I was proud to receive last year, with my mum proudly sitting in the audience.
As I enter my second term of a journalism masters programme at GCU, and continue to freelance, I’m grateful for the support I’ve received from so many over the last several years — including my dad.
I try to keep his memory alive through each word I write. The greatest tragedy of my life is now my greatest motivation, and so each success will be tinged with bittersweet memory.
The responsibility falls to us now.
Let’s make the most of it.
Share