Media Matters: Di Sneddon, Hunter River Times
Editor of the Hunter River Times, Di Sneddon
Tell us about your career in the media.
I gained a cadetship with The Singleton Argus way back in 1980. I left journalism to undertake dental assisting, married, had two sons and returned to journalism in 1989. I worked for about five years as the Upper Hunter stringer for The Newcastle Herald and in about 1996 returned to The Singleton Argus casually and then permanently as senior journalist. I was the paper’s editor from 2004 to 2013 when I thought I had decided to retire.
When Australian Community Media decided to stop printing The Singleton Argus I, along with my business partner and publisher, Shane Davey, started The Hunter River Times. We went to print for the first time in 2019. In 2023 The Hunter River Times was awarded NSW Country Press best free newspaper. It is a massive achievement and reflects the hard work and dedication of everyone involved in the publication. We are a fortnightly publication of 40 pages with a 12,000 print run distributed from Cessnock through the Hunter Valley to Murrurundi and Merriwa.
Your favourite or most memorable story?
It is easily the period of time when Singleton became a safe haven for 499 displaced people seeking safety from war torn Kosovo in 1999. Temporary accommodation was organised at Singleton Army Base where they all lived.
Speaking through translators, I heard the stories of survival. One young woman, hiding under her bed, watched her entire family slaughtered with machetes and was working her way through recovery, discovering a new life here in Singleton.
It was a time when Singleton residents opened up their hearts and homes to these people. There were free music lessons, English lessons, people donating clothing and offering to help anyway they could. Sporting organisations held clinics on the base. As time went by people opened their homes for respite stays, others their kitchens where the older women could bake their scones and bread, some schools accepted the children in lessons and sporting bodies opened up their competitions to include the temporary residents.
It was a time when the community, confronted by a situation that could easily have turned sour, showed their compassion in the most heartfelt and beautiful of ways.
What makes a good news story?
People make a good news story. Bringing the personal experiences into any story makes it more real, readers can relate, empathise and better understand. Share the unexpected.
What should people avoid doing when working with print media?
Thinking we can drop what we are doing and respond immediately. If I have an appointment with someone I intend to keep it. People go out of their way for me and I should respect that so a phone call saying I need to be somewhere in an hour when I am already booked for something else doesn’t work. People also make arrangements for events or photoshoots without giving us a heads up until the 11th hour. Sometimes you feel obligated to attend regardless of your prior commitments but it is annoying. There are times when this cannot be avoided but if you can show some regard with media invites, it is always very much appreciated.
Your tips for people seeking media coverage?
Be nice.
Also think about the story and the reasons why you would like coverage. If you are a business and your message is hoped to build customer patronage or sales, it is an advertisement you should be seeking.
Don’t tell a journalist how to write the story or take the photo unless the journalist asks for direction.
Build strong and trusting relationships with those you know in the media.
Make it easy and as straight forward as you can and be on time.
If it is at an event and you want the journalist to speak with a number of people, have them lined up ready to go.
What is your top tip for presenting well?
Just be natural and relaxed and enjoy the conversation. If you are representing an organisation or sporting body, wear the uniform proudly or bring some props which can help to animate a presentation.
How do you relax outside of work?
I love spending time with my sons, their wives and my grandchildren. Husband is okay too.
I am involved in several organisations where I enjoy wonderful friendships and meaningful past times – Red Cross for example and Singleton Tidy Towns where we encourage sustainable enterprises. I am on the Upper Hunter Mining Dialogue as a community rep to bring issues regarding the industry directly to the decision makers. I am also on the Ourcare Services Board that delivers services to the aged, frail and disabled in the community. A couple of others but that’s enough.
When I do get a chance I love nothing more than to watch cooking shows. It drives my husband nuts because I never cook anything but maybe one day I just might.
The Hunter River Times is printed fortnightly. You may pitch a story or send a media release to Di by emailing di@hunterrivertimes.com.au.
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