Michael Fitzpatrick
Michael Fitzpatrick is a duty editor and reporter at Downtown Radio and Cool FM. He joined the station after completing a postgraduate diploma in broadcast journalism at the London College of Communication and has worked in a similar role at another commercial station in Northern Ireland. He has a keen interest in politics and was based as a reporter at Stormont during the last Assembly’s first few years.
Briefly describe how you got started in journalism.
After completing my undergraduate degree at University of Ulster I applied to a post-grad course in broadcast journalism in London on a bit of a whim. I’d actually started a different course back in Belfast, when I got word that I’d been accepted on to the competitive post-grad. I was always interested in news and current affairs but hadn’t really gone down the usual route of chasing after a career in journalism while at school and uni. It was only when I started the course in London that I realised this what I wanted to do all along.
How does your daily routine work out?
That depends greatly on what shift I’ve been slotted on to. Early starts and late finishes are commonplace for most journalists and it’s no different in commercial radio. I also work a lot of weekends.
On an early newsdesk shift, the day starts at 5.30am. The first thing I do is to check what stories have been left for me by the previous night’s desk editor before scanning through the emails and news wires. Then I check the morning papers and start putting the 6am news bulletin together.
The rest of the morning carries on in the same pattern: checking sources, writing scripts, carrying out and editing phone interviews. Then when a reporter arrives in we discuss what the big stories are, what ones we’re going to cover and the treatment they’ll be given. The evening shift generally works the same way with a lot of planning ahead for the next day. I also leave the news room to report on stories at different locations.
What have been the main highlights of your career so far?
The main highlights go hand in hand with the big stories I have covered and the biggest story to date has to be Peter Robinson’s defeat in the Westminster elections last year. The surprising result made huge waves not just here, but in the national media too.
The Hazel Stewart trial in Coleraine earlier this year was another gripping story I had the opportunity to report on. While the shocking events brought great sadness for all involved, the dramatic court case with Colin Howell as a prosecution star witness was one I doubt we’ll see in Northern Ireland again.
Other highlights include covering the visits of George Bush and Hilary Clinton and several royal visits. Last year I was selected to take part in a study programme for young journalists in the United States. It was a great programme looking at the impact of new media. I even ended up in the Cheers bar (from the TV show) in Boston singing the theme tune with basketball star Shaquille O’Neal. Don’t ask!
What’s unique about Downtown and Cool FM?
We’re unique in that we provide a news service for two different stations with different audiences. That can be a challenge as we seek to ensure that our stories are relevant and tailored to meet the needs and interests of a wide range of listeners. I think we have a unique, commercial sound which sets us apart from our rivals. We always aim to provide listeners with the most up to date, accurate and impartial breaking news. The station’s output extends further into community life through our Cash for Kids charity. Again news plays a vital role in our coverage and this year our annual radiothon raised £100,000 for the Royal Hospital for Sick Children.
Why did you decide to go into radio journalism?
As I said in the first answer, I applied for a postgraduate course in London in broadcast journalism on a bit of a whim and haven’t looked back since. I love the immediacy of radio and the opportunity to use a range of editorial, technical and broadcasting skills.
Do you prefer reading or reporting the news?
It’s a common misperception that all a news reader does is read the news every hour. This might be the case at larger news organisations, but in commercial radio the person reading the news is generally the person that writes the scripts, checks sources, follows up leads, carries out interviews and edits them for broadcast. I enjoy this side of the job but it can get manically busy at times. I equally enjoy reporting and find this is where the real journalism is done, out on the beat talking to people about the stories that matter.
How do you relax in your free time?
As you can imagine I consume a lot of news outside of work, mainly online as well as on radio and TV. I cycle a bit and try to keep fit, but it’s a bit of a struggle with my funny working hours. I’m most relaxed when spending time with friends and family.
