Newsroom escapades

by Zoe Rafah

Reviews is part of the softer side of journalism, and I love reviews because it is less dictation and more creative freedom.  

When a person sees a film, watches a play, or listens to an album etc, and then writes a review, they are expressing an experience personal to them whilst bearing in mind the mass audience.

If the writer tries to portray this experience in a way, which gives a fair representation of their experience, then this informs the reader of what to expect, giving them the choice to accept or reject the opinion of the journalist.

For example the review of the Pussycat Dolls' Fitness DVD combined celebrity status with interaction, resulting in a fair and balanced overview.

It is a great privilige to be a reviews editor as my writers are very hard working and always come up with the goods.

Being able to go to several events makes the nature of the journalist's job very rewarding.

The role of a reviews editor is very complex in terms of doing lots of little things to make one big thing happen-the print and online copy of the Arts London News.

The last four weeks in the Newsroom have been very extreme in terms of getting to grips with the role of reviews editor.  

Learning this role and having an assistant to help take care of the workload especially the technical side, has made life a lot easier, although still very full on.

I am really enjoying myself, although I have had a good cry many times due to pressure and frustration.

It is a great gift to be so blessed to be in this position, I feel very challenged and stretched, which does not feel very nice whilst it happening, but builds steadfastness and endurance, all of which drives away the demons of failure, inconsistency and the desire to quit.