Media Matters: Tyson Cottrill, Nine NBN newsreader & reporter
Nine NBN News senior reporter and newsreader, Tyson Cottrill
Born and raised in Newcastle, Tyson Cottrill knew he wanted to be journalist from an early age. He began his career at NBN News in Newcastle, and after stints at Nine News in Sydney and on the Gold Coast and Brisbane, Tyson returned home in 2016. As well as regularly presenting the 6pm News, Tyson is also Nine NBN’s chief court reporter. During the week you can usually find him at one of the Hunter’s many court houses, and on the weekends at one of his favourite cafés in Newcastle.
Tell us about your career in the media
Journalism always felt like the natural choice for me. I gravitated towards subjects like English and public speaking at Kotara High School, partly because it came naturally to me but also because I was terrible at maths.
After high school I studied Broadcast Journalism at Charles Sturt University. During my studies, I knew it was the career for me.
Gaining a degree is one thing, but as we were told by our lecturers, getting a job wasn't going to be easy in a highly competitive industry. So, I did countless hours of unpaid work experience and internships before managing to land my first full time job as a reporter at NBN News on the Central Coast.
It was there I learnt a lot of lessons - and fast - “cutting my teeth” on a wide variety of news and sport stories. Working in a small bureau is invaluable, because you get a taste of everything.
I soon relocated to the head office in Newcastle where I honed my skills even further - gaining invaluable experience from some very talented colleagues, who are now some of my best friends.
Like many before me, the bright lights of Sydney called and I made the leap to the “big smoke” at NINE News as a producer. This opened my eyes to a world of breaking news, live crosses and rolling coverage. I took these skills to the sunny Gold Coast in 2013, where I worked as a reporter for NINE News, regularly covering major stories (and lighter ones) for the network including the Today Show, daytime news, and evening bulletins.
Just as the big cities once called, so did home. In 2016, I returned to Newcastle - and to NBN News - where I’ve been ever since.
As the Chief Court Reporter, I cover the major cases across the Hunter and northern New South Wales. I also regularly present the 6pm news, which I love. Over the years I’ve been rewarded with a number of awards, including a Victor Chang Media Award and a Gold Coast Media Award.
15 years in the industry, and I still love it.
Your favourite or most memorable story?
I’ve had so many amazing experiences as a journalist. One story that always springs to mind is travelling onboard HMAS Newcastle from Sydney Harbour to Newcastle - a homecoming of sorts. Sailing out of Sydney Harbour on the deck of a naval vessel is something I’ll never forget.
Flying on a blackhawk helicopter over Newcastle (with the doors open) for a training drill, and taking a day trip to Sale in a RAAF Wedgetail aircraft are also standouts.
More recently as a court reporter, covering the Royal Commissions into alleged sexual assaults within the Anglican and Catholic Diocese in Newcastle will always stay with me due to the sheer magnitude and the impact on so many people. Hearing from abuse survivors was at times heartbreaking, and I felt a huge sense of responsibility when telling their stories. The landmark conviction (and later acquittal) of Archbishop Philip Wilson and the sexual assault trial of former NRL player Jarryd Hayne also stand out given the huge public interest.
What makes a good TV news story?
Good vision. Not only is it essential for television but having strong footage grabs people’s attention, engages viewers and helps tell a story. As the old saying goes - a picture is worth a thousand words.
The one constant across every medium though is people. Hearing people’s stories, knowing how and why it affects them helps the audience understand and relate. Facts and figures are great but providing a personal angle really helps the story resonate with viewers. No matter what court case I’m covering I’m always looking for the story behind the crime - who is the person in court, who are the people affected by their actions and what does the community need to know.
What should people avoid doing when working with the media?
Pitching stories without any visual opportunities. For broadcast news having vision is vital. A media release may read well but if there’s no way of illustrating the story, it just won’t work.
Given news is 24/7 it’s also important to have someone to contact - especially on weekends. Often releases are sent out with no way of reaching the media officer quickly to line up interviews and speak about the story. Time is of the essence and if a journalist can’t reach you to organise the story on the day, it simply won’t happen.
Your tips for people seeking media coverage?
Having a solid news angle is a good starting point and the story must be relevant. Always ask - why would the public be interested?
Organisation is also key. Having talent available to be interviewed along with B-roll or VNRs can make all the difference. Often journalists are covering a number of stories each day with tight deadlines, so ensuring everything is planned and ready to go early in the day will help.
What is your top tip for presenting at a peak level?
First and foremost - know the topic. You don’t have to be an expert but having a thorough understanding of what you’re speaking about will help you feel more comfortable when telling people about it.
Often - less is more. There’s no need to give complex answers to questions. Simple, straightforward responses have the same effect in getting the message across. Plus, you’ll be less likely to stumble. Keep it simple!
How do you relax outside of work?
I keep things pretty low key outside of work. I love catching up with friends and family or going out for coffee/dinner at one of the many amazing cafes in Newcastle. I also enjoy watching tennis, which I played for many years, reading and watching a good true crime doco - surprisingly!
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
Connect with Tyson on Linkedin, Instagram or X (Twitter).
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