Suzanna Dutt

Oh, what a great question! It feels like such a throwback to a different era. I used a typewriter when I was about 7 or 8 at school. Our computer lab had one alongside those translucent turquoise iMacs, and we even had a typewriter in our classroom—it was kind of a novelty at the time. I remember how cool it felt to press the keys and see the letters instantly printed on paper with ink. But it was also incredibly easy to make mistakes, which could be frustrating. While it was a fun experience, I’m definitely glad we’ve moved on to more efficient tools!

Social media has made news instant and globally accessible, with stories breaking in real time and reaching audiences within seconds. Platforms like X (formerly Twitter), Instagram, and TikTok let journalists engage directly, share rapid updates, and crowdsource information.However, the race to be first often compromises accuracy, spreading misinformation. Algorithms favour sensational content, overshadowing nuanced reporting and the line between credible journalism and unverified sources has blurred, underscoring the need for media literacy.Despite these challenges, social media has democratized news, amplifying voices and perspectives that might otherwise go unheard.

I prefer pitches that are concise, clear and tailored to my beat. A well-crafted pitch should highlight the most compelling angle of the story upfront—what makes it unique or newsworthy. I appreciate when people show they’ve done their homework by understanding the type of stories I write and the audience I serve. It’s also helpful when pitches include relevant details, contacts, and any supporting materials, like visuals or data, that could help bring the story to life.Timing is important too—reaching out early enough for me to plan coverage but not so far in advance that it loses relevance. And, of course, follow-ups are fine, but I value a professional tone and patience if I’m not able to respond right away.

I’d have to say Instagram and YouTube. As a millennial, these platforms naturally resonate with me for their versatility and creative potential. Instagram is an all-in-one hub where I can share reels, longer content, work portfolios, go live, and collaborate with others. With Threads now adding a Twitter-like interface, it feels more comprehensive than ever, making it great for networking and business opportunities. YouTube, on the other hand, is perfect for storytelling and building a loyal subscriber base, whether through short clips or in-depth videos.

From a social media perspective, it’s easy to imagine flooding this answer with celebrities, authors, reporters, news anchors or public personalities I admire. And, of course, having those individuals follow me would be incredibly flattering. But truthfully, I don’t have a specific name in mind, perhaps because my content hasn’t quite resonated with industry professionals at that level—yet.As an Indo-Fijian woman still on the journey to achieving her dreams in this field, I’d hope to cultivate a following of people who find my content—whether it’s fun or thought-provoking—meaningful. If my work can inspire someone to believe that anything is possible, in journalism or any career path, that would mean more to me than any celebrity follow. It’s less about acknowledgment from those at the top and more about creating a ripple effect of encouragement and possibility for others.

Being a journalist means something different to everyone. For me, it’s about living my childhood dream. From the time I was 10, I loved standing in front of my dad’s camcorder during family events, reporting on the scene behind me. Sometimes I’d even walk up to relatives for a quick comment—often catching them mid-bite, which led to some hilariously awkward moments!Growing up, reading, writing, and performing arts were my comfort zones and where my confidence truly shone. Those passions naturally evolved into my love for storytelling through content creation. From scripting to filming, editing, and uploading, I thrive on the creative process.Representation, however, is a driving force for me. As a Polynesian woman from Fiji Islands, I know how rare it is to see people like me on TV, radio or reporting the news. I hope to be a familiar face in the community, inspiring young people from my culture to dream big and believe that they, too, can achieve anything they set their minds to.For me, journalism isn’t just a job—it’s a way to connect, uplift, and create space for stories that matter, especially for those who rarely see themselves reflected in the media.

My high school didn’t have a newspaper, but when I started university at U of T in the joint program with Centennial’s Story Arts Centre, I was introduced to a bi-weekly newspaper. As part of the program’s curriculum, student journalists were tasked with pitching and writing stories for this paper, which was distributed for free to East York residents. It was an exhilarating experience to be immersed in a newsroom environment, learning to meet deadlines and craft community-focused journalism.Unfortunately, I later learned that the newspaper was discontinued as everything shifted to digital platforms. Even so, that hands-on experience was invaluable, laying the groundwork for my passion for reporting and storytelling.

I’ve written thousands of articles, covering everything from breaking news and weather to crime, restaurant openings, retail events, and food reviews. But the stories I’m most proud of are the ones where I get to sit down with someone and hear their experiences. Each time, it feels like they’ve shared a small piece of themselves with me—something I carry forward as a reminder of the human connection behind every story.In a world often overshadowed by negativity, these 'feel-good' stories offer a glimpse of hope and joy. They highlight resilience, kindness, and the moments that make life worth celebrating. If my work can inspire people to feel connected, optimistic, or simply reminded of the good in the world, then I know I’ve made an impact.

Journalism isn’t your typical 9-to-5 job—news never sleeps, and neither do the stories waiting to be told. If you have a dream to be in this field, the passion to uncover truth, and the resilience to put in the work, know that you belong here just as much as anyone else. This industry is fiercely competitive, and you’ll face rejections along the way. But don’t let the 'no’s deter you or diminish your confidence. It only takes one 'yes' to change everything.

I’m a morning person, so I live by the saying, ‘early to bed, early to rise.’ I typically wake up around 5 or 6 a.m., start my day with a quiet moment and a cup of coffee, and then check my inbox. The best time to pitch me would be late in the evening—if it’s in my inbox by then, it’ll be one of the first things I read and focus on in the morning when I’m most productive.

The worst pitches I’ve received often come through DMs with little to no context—no details about the product or launch, no explanation of expectations, or whether it’s even a content creator-based gig. Sometimes, there’s no mention of compensation, making it unclear if the ask is for editorial coverage or a partnership. These pitches can feel impersonal, like a mass message sent without much thought or research. I understand pitching can be challenging, and I always appreciate the effort. The most effective pitches are clear, concise, and provide enough information to help me quickly understand the story or opportunity. When someone takes the time to craft a thoughtful pitch that aligns with the work I do, it stands out and leaves a positive impression, making collaboration much smoother.

When I’m not at a computer, you’ll most likely find me in one of two places: either filming funny videos and recording episodes of my podcast, Sitting on Top of the World, where I love chatting it up with my husband, or writing in my journal, which is my personal space to reflect and let my creativity flow.

I think one of the biggest misconceptions about journalism—especially in today’s digital age—is that we’re just churning out clickbait or regurgitating content. While that may be true for some organizations, for those striving to be great journalists, the reality is far more demanding. Every story requires relentless digging, meticulous fact-checking, and working under intense pressure to meet tight deadlines. It’s not just about combating fake news or misinformation—it’s about building trust and credibility in a world where hoaxes spread faster than facts. Journalism today is a tough but rewarding pursuit that demands dedication, adaptability and an unwavering commitment to the truth.