Celebrity Journalism: Up Close and Personal Edited by: Tywynesha Thomas-Wright

By: Au'Bryana Johnson Edited By: Tywynesha Thomas-Wright

Day 5 of the International Media Seminar here in Paris, France felt like a complete success. Former bureau Chief in Paris for People Magazine, Cathy Nolan, came and gave insight on her job as a celebrity journalist in Paris. Demanding the attention of her audience, Cathy got up close and personal by creating a group circle during her discussion about tips and techniques essential to the role of journalists. The information that was shared also played a part in helping me understand the main essentials critical to my career as a future reporter. When becoming a reporter or journalist, your contacts will be your best friend. The competition in media today is very high and "who you know" will get you a long way toward more opportunities or stories. Cathy gave us  many helpful tips including how do get information about celebrities if your job is write about them. She suggested that occasionally it is possible to get information out of the enemy of a celebrity. 

Ms. Nolan noted that in celebrity journalism, all journalism, reporters want to get the juiciest story. Celebrities avoid the cameras and microphones all day, every day, so how do you expect to get information for your story? You may be able to get a bit out of a friend of your targeted celebrity, but just know that the "foe" is always an option as well. 

The information shared by Ms. Nolan today was very helpful and credible. What better person to receive journalistic tips from than a former journalist herself. I am not necessarily studying to be a journalist, however, the first speaker from today's seminar truly did give me a lot of insight and I left there feeling like I've gotten a head start. It is confirmed that today was definitely successful!