The University of Brighton hosted an engaging and insightful Women in Journalism panel on Wednesday 22 April, bringing together a diverse group of industry professionals to share their experiences with students. Held at Elm House, the event focused not only on inspiring the next generation, but also on offering practical advice and honest reflections on what it means to work in journalism today.
The panel featured speakers from a range of organisations, including:
- Millie Payne, senior writer and content editor at Bauer Media
- Emily Herbert, football commentator and reporter across radio and TV
- Cheryll Simpson, editorial Director at NBC News
- Anne Saene, UK correspondent at RTL News
- Marijke Peters, producer at BBC
- Harriet Sinclair, senior Editor at Yahoo News
Students were given a clear sense of how broad the field can be. This was reinforced early in the discussion, with Harriet Sinclair describing journalism as “one of the best jobs in the world,” explaining that it involves “meeting people who are interesting, getting to the heart of a story, holding people to account.”
A key takeaway for students was the idea that there is no single route into journalism.
While some panellists spoke about always wanting to pursue writing, others shared more unconventional journeys.
Anne Saenen reflected that they “went into journalism for the adventure,” while Millie Payne noted that combining “the love for writing and the love for talking… feels like an absolute win.”
These varied experiences helped demystify the industry, showing students that different skills and interests can all lead to a successful career in media.
Alongside the opportunities, the event did not shy away from addressing the challenges women can face in the industry.
Panellists spoke candidly about issues such as representation and confidence, particularly in traditionally male-dominated areas like sports and politics.
Marijke Peters said they still “regularly feel belittled by powerful male presenters,” describing it as “a real challenge,” while Harriet Sinclair pointed out that women’s ideas are sometimes overlooked, with “someone else [saying] the same thing and suddenly it’s a great idea.” These honest insights gave students a realistic understanding of the profession, while also reinforcing the importance of resilience and self-belief.
Encouragingly, the discussion also focused on progress and support within the industry. Speakers highlighted the importance of lifting each other up, with Emily Herbert noting that “we’ve got a big responsibility in raising and appreciating and making sure these women are heard.” This message of solidarity was paired with practical advice, as students were encouraged to speak up, build confidence, and take advantage of opportunities available to them.
Lídia Pedro Solé, course leader of the BA (Hons) at the University of Brighton, said: “An event like this helps students understand the realities of journalism beyond the classroom. Hearing firsthand experiences, both the challenges and the rewards, gives them confidence and shows that there is no single path into the industry.”
Student feedback reflected the impact of the event. BA (Hons) Journalism third-year student, Erin Norris, described the panel as both inspiring and reassuring, saying it “not only helped me connect with talented journalists but also reassured me in the career path that I aspire to take.” She added that “the advice and approach that they all had was very welcoming and showcased how broad the industry is,” echoing the wider sentiment shared by many in the room.
Fellow third-year student Holly Grant also highlighted the value of the event, saying that “getting to speak to women who work in the field was amazing,” adding that it “answered a lot of my questions around the reality of being a journalist as a woman and also prepared me for what the day in day out may look like.” She also praised the panel’s openness, describing “the transparency and honesty from all the women” as “incredible insight that I needed.”
Overall, the Women in Journalism event successfully bridged the gap between students and industry professionals. By combining honest discussion with practical insight, it provided a valuable learning experience and inspired confidence in those hoping to enter the field.
