• Former ABC foreign correspondent and Lateline presenter Ms Emma Alberici delivered a masterclass in television journalism writing to Charles Sturt University communication students

Esteemed former journalist and communications expert Ms Emma Alberici delivered a masterclass in television reporting to Charles Sturt University communication students in Bathurst.

The former ABC foreign correspondent and Lateline presenter shared her extensive knowledge of the industry with Bachelor of Communication students, focussing on thinking visually and writing to pictures in the three-hour session.

Ms Alberici said it was a privilege to share her top tips for students to use in their future careers.

“The students were so engaged and participated so willingly in the task, which was to write a short script and think about what the pictures would be to accompany the words,” Ms Alberici said.

“This is the single most important thing when you’re writing for television, to engage both senses at the same time.”

First-year Bachelor of Communication student Ms Ali Sproule, based in Cowra, has her sights set on a career in journalism.

“It was interesting learning so many little tips for stepping stones to success,” she said.

“To be yourself was one of the big ones, and to be authentic.”

Second-year Bachelor of Communication student from Orange Mr Matt Adams echoed his peer’s sentiment, saying “I found Emma’s insight that students should come to an interview with a good story idea really useful”.

Students watched a 2019 episode of Foreign Correspondent, The New Mafia, to start the masterclass, which created a discussion and analysis point. They also completed a writing-to-pictures exercise.

Fellow second-year student in Bathurst Mr Dusty Fitzpatrick said these exercises, along with Ms Alberici’s real-world knowledge, were both insightful and inspiring.

“An interesting part was writing to the pictures rather than just wallpapering,” he said.

“It was interesting to hear about the way Ms Alberici develops her script and works with her cameraman, especially when discussing a foreign correspondent story.”

Available to both online and on-campus students, Senior Lecturer in News and Media in the Charles Sturt School of Information and Communication Studies Mr Jock Cheetham said masterclasses like this were one of the many benefits of studying at Charles Sturt.

“Masterclasses and guest lectures are one of the ways our communication degree exposes students to real-world knowledge and industry expertise,” he said.

“This helps their thinking and their preparation for a working life.”

Ms Alberici is also an adjunct lecturer in the Charles Sturt Communication course.