Challenges of a modern journalist
A journalist in today’s mediascape needs to wear several different hats.
“We have to film interviews, write stories, produce blogs, sometimes broadcast over radio,” says Giuseppe Valiante, MA 14, BA 09, Montreal reporter for the Canadian Press (CP), a position he assumed December 1.
As newsrooms continue downsizing, Valiante is one of three English language reporters employed by CP Montreal, plus one bureau chief. They’re responsible for covering all of Quebec.
“We’re lean and mean,” says Valiante, who left a job as parliamentary reporter at Sun Media in Ottawa to take on this new role.
And what’s the job description of CP’s Montreal reporter? “If it happens in Quebec and is of interest to the rest of Canada, then we cover it,” says Valiante. “It can be about politics, crime or industry for example.”
The 29-year-old has worked for six different news outlets, including The National Post and The Montreal Gazette.
Giuseppe Valiante, MA 14, BA 09 | Photo: Philippe-Olivier Contant
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Valiante recently attended The Link’s 35th anniversary reunion.
Considering the challenges, Valiante has advice for budding journalists. “You have to be willing to move around,” says Valiante. “Go where the work is. There is a job somewhere in Canada, though maybe not in your city.”
Valiante — a Montrealer — has worked out of Ottawa, Toronto. He was even employed in Myanmar, Southeast Asia.
“I would also suggest that you make connections. You’re at Concordia. There are so many opportunities — take advantage of them,” he says.
Valiante worked for Concordia’s student-run paper, The Link. He served as production manager, news editor and editor-in-chief over three years.
“I was there up to 40 hours a week,” says Valiante. “It was worth it. Building a portfolio was crucial.”
Related links
- Learn about our university’s notable leaders, prominent researchers, entrepreneurs, artists, athletes and thinkers at concordia.ca/greatconcordians.
- Discover what Concordia achieved first in Montreal, Quebec, Canada and the world at concordia.ca/concordiafirsts.