Each week on Dan News’ 11 Questions, we shine a light on the people shaping the media industry.
From their inspirations and career highlights to their views on where the sector is headed, the series offers an insight into what makes them tick.
This week, we chat with Laura Tupou. The Three News presenter talks about her early interest in journalism, the challenges of covering major events like the Christchurch terror attacks, and the importance of trust and accuracy in modern media. She also shares her thoughts on AI, family life, and her unusual fear of hedgehogs.
When did you first become interested in media, and why?
I remember doing Newspapers in Education at primary school in Hamilton and writing a letter to the editor of the Waikato Times to express our outrage that there was going to be a licensed bar built next to our school.
The development went ahead, but this was my first taste of the media.
My grandparents always had National Radio playing and of course the 6pm news was appointment viewing at their house and mine.
In the mornings we always had Breakfast on while we ate our breakfast and got ready for school. Like many, that’s when I learnt of the 9/11 terror attack.
I will never forget seeing those images in my lounge, and then seeing them on repeat all day. Our planned classes were off and we were all glued to the TV in my intermediate classroom.
Who are some people you admire or look up to as role models, either in your career or in life in general?
Claire Watson, the Three News Executive Producer. She has led the creation of the Three News bulletin and brought together a team of people who were all made redundant.
She’s lifted spirits and challenged our ideas of what was possible when it came to producing TV news. And she always keeps the vibes high in the newsroom.
Also – I mentioned Breakfast’s coverage of 9/11… well, turns out Claire Watson was the Executive Producer of Breakfast at that time. I guess I’ve admired her longer than I thought.
It’s an old question, but I love it: If you were to invite four people to dinner (living or dead), who would you choose and why?
My dad – he died when I was just 9. I would love him to see what I’m doing.
Also my grandma and grandad, who also died when I was young. They wouldn’t believe my career – being on the airwaves and 6pm news they cherished so dearly (but channel 1…).
And my partner Andrew who, as he likes to remind me, is my biggest fan. I would love him to meet those members of my family.
What is a memory from your career so far that will stick with you well after you retire?
The afternoon of March 15, 2019.
I was reporting in Auckland that day and we heard there may be a significant event happening in Christchurch near Al Noor Mosque. Like my colleagues, we all hit the phones, calling all the businesses in the area to see if anyone had seen or heard anything.
Our Christchurch reporter Thomas Mead jumped into action and headed there. Mitch McCann went down to the studio and we went live into programming.
Mike McRoberts, Emma Cropper and others jumped on the next flight down.
We scrapped the planned 6pm bulletin and – along with filling the breaking news on air – we put together a whole new bulletin based on the tragic events.
One of my jobs was to do all of the international media that day.
We had a Google Doc we kept updating as we learnt more about what had happened. I was on Australian networks and Al Jazeera English, and although I got home just shy of midnight, it took me a long time to get to sleep.
Tell us some of your interests outside of work.
I keep quite busy with a 3-year-old and a 6-year-old in tow. But I also love cooking and baking, doing 1000-piece jigsaw puzzles, listening to podcasts, getting out in nature, and op-shopping when I can!
What is your favourite movie and television show? (I’ll allow you to choose a runner-up for both… just to be nice.)
The Pursuit of Happyness. It was the first film I ever cried in. Now as a mother I cry very easily!
My favourite TV series is more difficult. My more recent favourites are Slow Horses, The Handmaid’s Tale, The Last of Us, and The Pitt.
What are some of your most played songs?
Aside from the kids’ songs… Honestly, the Hamilton Broadway musical album. I don’t listen to much music these days. Podcasts are my go-to.
Give us a random or weird fact that people may not know about you.
I am terrified of hedgehogs. People joke about it, but it is a real thing (I wish it wasn’t!).
A couple of harder ones. How would you describe the state of the media industry both locally and internationally at the moment, and do you have any suggestions about how things need to change?
I think, like many industries, we’re fighting through a really difficult time. I think there’s a lot of scepticism out there, which makes our jobs even more important to make sure we get it right.
Unlike other people who can post anything, anytime online, we have to adhere to standards like accuracy, fairness, and balance. If we breach them, there are real consequences, and in an age where everyone “needs” to know everything so quickly, that is a real challenge.
But I do think more and more people are finding it difficult to figure out what’s real and what’s not, with the spread of scams that look like news articles. It’s more important than ever that people are able to recognise if an article is legitimate, and the media have a big role to play in that.
Where do you see AI fitting into a modern media industry? What do you personally see as the advantages and disadvantages of its use?
I think you’d be foolish not to use it. It’s obviously here to stay and has some real time-saving advantages. I think it’s definitely just a tool, though, and should never replace a journalist’s role. I’ve personally found it really helpful for brainstorming headlines!
Who from the industry would you like to see answering these 11 questions?
Mitch McCann – making it big in the Big Apple!
(Mitch, we will be in touch!)
To my readers: Who would you like to see answering 11 Questions? Send us your ideas — or have a go at answering them yourself.
Email: news@dannews.tv
