Issue 16 Meet the Media: BBC's Donna Traynor

Donna Traynor anchors BBC Newsline and presents various other BBC programmes such as Children in Need, its Balmoral Show coverage and Country Times. She was the first person to break the news of the IRA ceasefire in August 1994. Donna is married to broadcaster Ronan Kelly.

How did you get involved in journalism?

I was more interested in becoming a PE teacher than a journalist when I was at school. Then a family friend who worked as a production assistant in RTÉ took me into the studios in Dublin and I was hooked. I decided there and then that I wanted to be involved in broadcasting. It wasn’t until I had completed my Communications degree that I decided to specialise in journalism.

I did a post-graduate diploma in Broadcast Journalism in England and then got a job in RTÉ on 2FM news. I moved about in the newsroom and then after three years came to the BBC in 1989. A tutor once asked me why I wanted to be a journalist. I said I was a “curious being” and wanted to be the first person to tell everyone what was going on. That’s the way it’s gone.

Describe your daily routine before BBC Newsline.

The presenters have a meeting with the programme producer who outlines what we call ‘the running order’ – a list of stories we are covering that day. It’s a flexible feast but always includes pre-recorded reports and ‘live’ interviews. Presenters are never reluctant to give their suggestions on how we should cover stories. If I’m lined up for an interview or an outside broadcast, I need to read up on the subject matter and think about my line of questioning.

When Ian Paisley’s resignation was announced recently, there was no time for preparation. It was very last minute and we just talked to the interviewees as they arrived.

I normally spend the period ahead of the programme talking to reporters about their stories and writing links to the packages and headlines. There are further discussions with the producer about the order of stories before a trip to make-up. Then, after a rehearsal of the opening of the programme, we are on-air when anything can happen.

As a news broadcaster, what is unique about the BBC?

The BBC is a public service broadcaster and so doesn’t have to answer to shareholders or commercial interests; only to the licence fee payers. That is just one of the reasons, I believe, that its reputation for fair and impartial news reporting stands out. BBC Newsline’s theme is ‘Live, Local and Listening’. And we do just that. Using our satellite vehicles and outside studios, our journalists report live into the programme every day. We are always forging innovative links with our audience. For example with our BBC Newsline e-panel, viewers are regularly surveyed for their views on various topics and we ask them what they think we should investigate.

Do you have any advice for someone starting off in the media?

Be prepared to work long hours, especially at the start, to gain as much knowledge and experience as you can.

Like in so many other professions, you must have a passion for what you do and a never-ending desire to learn more. Most of all, be your own worst critic. There is no room for complacency because there is always someone looking to do your job.

What do you enjoy most about your job?

I love being ‘live’ on air. It’s the performer in me I suppose. That music plays, I’m given a cue to talk and I’m in the exciting and often unpredictable world of television. No matter what happens – late reports, dodgy satellite feeds, camera shy interviewees – I have to remain in control and get the news message across to the viewer.

Also, one of the best parts of my job is being in a building full of great people, from the canteen to the newsroom. It’s also a privilege to be part of a news team which has a wealth of knowledge, not just among the journalists but the technical crews as well. And we have great craic. Even in the midst of a chaotic day you can always have a laugh.

What is the main challenge in your job?

When I did early shifts, I would have said my biggest challenge was getting up before the larks. I am not a morning person. But now that I do day shifts it’s not a problem. The only challenge now is predicting where I will be in 10 years’ time. My crystal ball is a bit cloudy, but I’d still love to be doing this job.

What do you do to relax?

I once read that the singer Cher relaxed by cleaning her house. I wouldn’t say it’s necessarily a relaxing pursuit but a necessary one and takes up a lot of my spare time. I do fit in walking, watching movies, and meeting up with family and friends. Often there is no better way to relax than in the company of my husband, a bottle of wine, chocolates and a funny DVD.