A day with Cathy Nolan!

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 where she shared 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 future career as a reporter. I learned from Ms. Nolan that for 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 and more opportunities or stories. Another helpful tip Cathy filled us in on was directed towards the targeting of celebrities. There's no easier person to get information out of than the enemy of a celebrity. As reporters and journalist, everybody wants to be the one with the juiciest story. Celebrities avoid the cameras and microphones all day, everyday, 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 given in the discussion with Cathy today was very helpful and credible because what better person to receive journalist tips from than a former journalist herself. I am not studying necessarily 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! !