January 16, 2010

Getting shut out: former Globe and Mail reporter Jan Wong speaks out

Entry posted to Link Newspaper's blog

Former Globe and Mail writer Jan Wong graced the Canadian University Press delegates with her candour and with heart in Edmonton the evening of Jan. 15.

Wong reported on the Dawson College shooting of 2006. In her high-profile piece (which, like any major newspaper, was vetted by her editor), Wong noted that all three post-secondary shootings in Canada (and Quebec) were at the hands of an ethnic minority, noting perhaps marginalization and non-integration was a factor.

“A terrible backlash” was how Wong described the reaction to her piece.

“I got thousands of hate emails,” said the Columbia University graduate, which eventually resulted in death threats (she also noted an allegedly racist attack by Quebec premiere Jean Charest).

Wong said it was devastating to her when she realized her paper didn’t have her back. She sank into clinical depression. Her case with the Globe and Mail was recently settled and Wong continues to see a psychiatrist (one in five people experience clinical depression at least once in their lives, she noted).

Keeping in theme with the Nash 72 theme of “Natural Selection,” Wong drove home her 10 rules to survive and get the story:

1. Push yourself: if you hate business journalism, study business journalism. It’ll make you more competitive. Boldness is a muscle and you must exercise it.

2. Try not to break the law: Wong uncovered how easy it was to carry box cutters onto flights after 9/11 by doing it herself. But not after making sure it wasn’t illegal, of course (the rules have since changed. Don’t do this at home).

3. Push people to talk to you: “Jane Doe did not return phone calls” is not good enough (unless it’s a hard news story and there’s a strict deadline, of course). Find out more about the person you want to interview. Show up on their front lawn. There’s always a way.

4. Don’t worry about asking a stupid question: in fact, ask a stupid question. You might find out more about your interview subject that you didn’t expect, and it might end up being a useful lead.

5. Always ask at least one question where there is no good answer: not only might this produce a great sound bite, but you’ll see an honest reaction that will tell you more about the person.

6. Everything’s a story, so always be “on”: Wong ran into Jean Chretien, which caught her completely off-guard, she said. After catching herself, Wong asked him “What happens when you can’t do it anymore?” It produced a great quote for her new book.

7. Break down the barriers any way you can: always dress the part (this is also a metaphor). But avoid getting too close because that’s when you lose your “objectivity.” For example, Wong said, Tiger Woods surely has a brigade of beat reporters around him, like any celebrity athlete; where were they during the 14-woman escapade? she asked.

8. It’s not over ‘til it’s over: even if you close your notebook, the interview isn’t over until you exit the building. Try to keep a tape recorder running if you’re interview is with someone high-profile. “Off the record” is not retroactive.

9. Fight for time and resources: as a reporter, the best stories are produced when you have adequate time and resources (when possible). Be nice to your colleagues, be nice to your editors, but “beg, borrow or steal more time because you need the excellence,” Wong said.

10. Constantly write for page one: nobody wants an underachiever. For a page one-worthy story: show, don’t tell; cut out the adjectives; when you think you’re done writing, stop; and don’t give up. “It’s immoral to practice journalism and not do your very best,” Wong said.
Even though this wasn’t included in the top 10, stand up for your rights. If you don’t, no one else will. Even though it cost her a lot, Wong said “I don’t regret standing up for my rights, because that’s just me.”