What makes a good reporter?

Living on the edge, surviving missile attacks in Israel and narrowly avoiding deathly situations Alexandra Williams, forty three said to be a good reporter, ‘a nose for a good story is important.’ Reporting from the Gaza Strip and the West Bank at the height of the Palestinian-Israeli troubles, this dynamic lady tells us of the secrets behind reporting successfully.

‘First and foremost a good reporter is someone who is accurate and very particular about facts. This is the most important element of any news story.’

Having worked for The Times, The Sunday Times, The Independent and The Daily Mirror, Alexandra has obtained diverse knowledge of the media industry and claims personality is significant. ‘Be tenacious, confident and persistent.’

Mrs Williams explains difficult situations are addressed as a reporter. ‘One day I was reporting in the West Bank and the Israelis launched a missile attack. Luckily I was given refuge in someone’s cellar.’ Experience is vital as a reporter, the more experience, the better you are in dealing with different situations and gaining breaking news.

To be well respected, shorthand is essential to make accurate and fast notes. ‘A good reporter must abide by the law.’ If a reporter is doing a story where their sources have asked to remain anonymous it is imperative that their identity is never revealed.

Now freelancing after leaving The Daily Mirror after seven years as their senior news and foreign correspondent, Alexandra Williams now lives in France. ‘The most profitable story would be one that I break myself and one that involves celebrity or royalty.’ The money this extraordinary woman earns is per story and the figures vary wildly, due to freelancing.
Alexandra Williams continues to embrace remarkable experiences as a dedicated reporter.

Alexandra Williams doing an "I'm a Celebrity Get Me Out Of Here" challenge. Covering for The Daily Mirror in Australia.