Some people are so darned lovely it’s hard to know where to start with them. I’ve got nothing against newsreaders, but I wouldn’t expect someone who is on the box most days to be, well, real and regular, smart and savvy, and genuinely nice.
John Kerrison put me (and my mass generalisations) to shame the moment I met him at Media140. One of those people who is a pleasure to know as he reports, blogs, tweets, facebooks, researches, reads lots and, I’m told, runs ridiculously long distances for fun.
You can catch him on Sky News – he puts messages on his Facebook page when he’s about to go on which is handy – or other Sky Business programs like Read & Profit, which explores the business of books.
If you’re lucky, you’ll run into him one day and experience his charm first-hand… here’s John.
Describe yourself in three words.
Interested, imaginative, social.
What do you do?
Technically I do television. I’ve been a TV reporter or presenter for more than ten years but I like to think I tell stories. I also think lots and lots!
What are you passionate about?
Making small voices big! By that I mean giving people from less powerful groups a voice to be heard in new media. This could be in politics, sport, art, you name it! Mind you, I’ve not acted in the not-for-profit space so can’t run around with that kind of example – but I love that media is quickly becoming a tool anyone can use.
What are your feelings about social media and communities online?
It is changing so much of the world around us.
I try to be connected in several digital spaces particularly Twitter and Facebook. I also spend a lot of time producing content in traditional mass media too which I love. I’ve found that the online stuff is sending me offline lots more to meet people in real life which has been so rewarding!
Who do you credit for getting you to your current place in the world?
In television it would have to be Ian Cook who’s a senior producer with Sky News. I met him when I graduated from Uni and he gave me work at Channel Seven. When it comes to Social Media I suppose I owe much to Julie Posetti and you, Sarah, for getting me involved in Media140 after I left Channel Nine. (Ed. Bless, did I not say the fellow was divine?)
What excites you?
Mobile!! The ability for people to access and produce content from a device such as a smart phone amazes me. I’m very excited about what this technology will do for reporting and sharing for all sorts of groups.
What disgusts you?
Spin! The abuse of truth is so common by PR firms, organizations and some newsrooms. The problem with truth is that rarely is there one version of it, and everyone can claim ownership of it. Selective truth though, that benefits powerful elites or financial interests at the expense of others, disgusts me.
Do you have a secret to getting things done?
Ugh! I don’t get enough done. I wish I could get more done! I am now much more reliant on my mobile phone diary.
If you could work with anyone, who would it be?
Just one? Oprah Winfrey. She’s one of the great storytellers of our time.
Finish this sentence. “If I could turn back time…”
I’d do it all again with more passion!
Favourite quote:
“It’s okay to be on the right track but if you just sit there you’ll get run over” – I’m not sure who said it!
Here’s how to catch up with John online:
On Twitter as @jkerrison
On his Facebook page
And you can subscribe to John’s blog
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