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Take Five: Michelle Hurst

Each week we ask editors and other leading regional press figures a series of questions about their careers – where they started out, who or what inspired them to go into journalism, their best story or headline, the best journalist they have worked with or for, and which other newspapers they most admire.

This week: Michelle Hurst, left, deputy editor of the Grimsby Telegraph.

 

What was your first job in journalism?

Trainee reporter at the Grimsby Telegraph.

Who or what inspired you to go into journalism?

My dad inspired me to think bigger than being a “secretary” which is what I suggested I wanted to be when I was 10.

What would you rate as your best story, headline or picture?

Trying to think back too far! I’ve been a journalist for 24 years now, but there are certain stories that stand out more recently, such as challenging in the High Court in order to name a dangerous sex offender who was living in Grimsby and trying to hide the fact he was subject to a Sexual Offences Prevention Order.

Who would you rate as the best journalist you have worked either with or for?

As a training ground for young journalists, I have always been proud to see where former colleagues have moved on to bigger and better things, such as Gaby Hinsliff, Dominic Casciani, Laura Clarke, Colin Freeman etc. They are so inspiring.

Apart from your own title, which other newspapers do you most admire?

I admire the business decision behind the “i”, an acknowledgement that the paper industry has been changing and that not everyone is changing with it, but investing in a model to shake up the market place and pre-empt future effects is admirable.

3 comments

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  • January 20, 2012 at 9:48 am
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    ‘As a training ground for young journalists, I have always been proud…’ I should think so! Who wouldn’t be proud to be a training ground!

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  • January 20, 2012 at 10:23 am
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    Nice lady when I worked with her briefly. Not a typical Northcliffe lacky

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  • January 20, 2012 at 12:34 pm
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    Nice to see that Michelle managed to rise through the ranks but I must say she doesn’t look old enough to have had 24 years experience in journalism. Must be the Oil of Olay!

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