Media Matters: Lauren Kempe, NBN News
Lauren Kempe (standing centre) with NBN News’ colleagues Jane Goldsmith and Jack Howard
Lauren Kempe does a combination of news reporting, producing, and news presenting and weather presenting for the Northern NSW Television Station, NBN.
Lauren has been based at its Newcastle headquarters for close to seven years . She loves the versatility of news and weather at NBN - no day is ever the same.
Tell us about your career in the media
I grew up in the NSW Hunter Valley. Journalism was a career I first set my heart on in high school, before completing a Bachelor of Communication at the University of Newcastle. I now have the privilege of reporting on so many important issues within a community I love dearly. Giving locals a platform for their concerns to be heard and stories to be told is a truly fantastic thing.
Your favourite or most memorable story?
I have so many great memories from stories I've covered over the years. Some of the ones I love the most showcase people who may otherwise not receive recognition - or show the power of our community to do good.
I covered a story around 18 months ago, where a man saw a post on a Facebook page about a pair of missing dogs, (who took it upon themselves to go for a swim at Lake Macquarie). The man sprang into action, jumping into his boat to find them. The pair of pooches had spent many hours isolated on a sand island. The man saved them and returned 'Chaos' and 'Paisley' to their owners - who were elated. It sounds simple, but these types of stories are some of my favourite ones.
What makes a good TV news story?
Anything our audience would genuinely find interesting, want to know about, or directly affects them.
I think stories that are particularly good, inform people about something they otherwise wouldn’t have known. They can also effectively present both sides of an argument, and give the viewer the chance to form their own opinion.
What should people avoid doing when working with the media?
Local news is a constantly changing and moving beast. Often, resources have to be redirected to account for breaking/developing incidents. There are times we can’t get to an opportunity or have to reschedule it at a moment’s notice.
It is extremely helpful when someone working with media takes our tight deadlines into account or provides supplied vision and interviews in the event we can’t make it. Their efforts mean the story has a much higher chance of being included in our bulletin.
Your tips for people seeking media coverage?
I think when pitching a story, considering the target audience and the final product goes a long way. Anything that has great opportunities for vision, a local case study, directly relates to local issues or includes region specific data is gold!
You emcee events as well as read the news and weather. What is your top tip for presenting effectively; on-air or speaking to groups of people.
One thing that significantly helps me in both presenting for TV and in any public speaking I do, is picturing myself only talking to one person. You’re connecting with someone just like you.
When you’re facing a camera, it can be easy to forget you’re informing a person sitting in their lounge room. Someone like your mum, dad, or grandparent - about something in a way they can easily understand, and often, in a way that shows empathy.
How do you relax outside of work?
I love doing pilates, going on nature walks or doing something creative like painting. My favourite way to spend my time is with my friends, family, partner and pets.
NINE NBN News is a nighty TV news service in Northern NSW and the Queensland Gold Coast. You may pitch a story or send a media release to nbnnews@nine.com.au or to Lauren at lkempe@nine.com.au
For coaching and workshops in delivering effective media interviews or working with media outlets, please contact our team today.