This week on Dan News’ 11 Questions, we’re joined by Mitch McCann, a journalist whose career has been shaped by early influences, strong mentors, and a genuine love of storytelling.
From formative moments in breaking news to the people who guided him along the way, Mitch reflects on the highs, challenges, and lessons picked up in a rapidly changing media landscape.
He also shares the interests that keep him grounded, the shows and music he rates, and his thoughts on where journalism, and AI are headed next.
When did you first become interested in media, and why?
I first became interested in news media at a really young age, mostly because I spent a lot of time at my grandparents’ house.
My grandad was a news junkie, it was on all day, and he would even sleep with one headphone in listening to RadioSport!
So I think his news habits had a real influence on me in that respect.
Who are some people you admire or look up to as role models, either in your career or in life in general?
As I mentioned, I really looked up to my grandparents, who have had a big impact on my life on both sides of my family.
In terms of my career, I have been lucky to have great mentors in people like Mike McRoberts, Eric Young, and Patrick Gower. They have helped me navigate everything from on-air performance, storytelling, and how to negotiate a contract. I’m very grateful to them.
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?
It would probably be a collection of my best friends from high school in Christchurch. We all knew each other before achieving anything in the world, and don’t get to see each other as much these days while living in parts of the world. I think I would have more fun with them than a celebrity I wouldn’t have much in common with. Queen Elizabeth might be fun on the wines though!
What is a memory from your career so far that will stick with you well after you retire?
Presenting the initial coverage of the Christchurch mosque attacks. I had only just started news presenting, and it was the definition of being thrown in the deep end.
At the same time, I was lucky to have amazing colleagues in the control room and on the ground. I am really proud of how we performed in those first few hours, but I still haven’t watched it all back, and I am not sure if I ever will.
Tell us some of your interests outside of work.
I’m trying to get back into running. I have run a number of half-marathons and did the full Queenstown Marathon, but I would love to do another while my body is still able to handle it. I love traveling too, and we’re trying to make more of an effort to travel across the US while living here. There is so much to see and do!
What is your favourite movie and television show? (I’ll allow you to choose a runner-up for both… just to be nice.)
Tough question! My favourite TV show has probably been House of Cards (the US version… yes, I know the UK one came first), and my favourite movie is probably Good Will Hunting with Robin Williams.
What are some of your most played songs?
Anything by Elton John, Cold Chisel, Midnight Oil, Jimmy Barnes, and a few others. Probably anything Olivia Dean at the moment.
Give us a random or weird fact that people may not know about you.
I was planning on going to law school in Dunedin and was accepted into one of the halls. I am pleased I changed my mind when I got into Broadcasting School. Did I make the right call, Dan?
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’m sure not everyone will agree with this, but I think news organisations need to spend more time reflecting on the product we put out, and less time getting defensive about what can sometimes be valid criticism.
Public trust in news media is falling every year, and we should be genuinely asking why that is. Are we really listening to the feedback and adjusting accordingly, or are we assuming that we always know best? I would love to see newsrooms become more self-critical, especially around issues of bias and impartiality.
Where do you see AI fitting into a modern media industry? What do you personally see as the advantages and disadvantages of its use?
AI has major advantages for news, particularly in cutting down research time. It can also be used for transcriptions and can assist in fact-checking. One of the obvious dangers is when people take what AI produces as “fact” without double-checking it, and it can allow for laziness. I don’t really want AI news anchors, though, because I think that personal connection with an audience is important.
Who from the industry would you like to see answering these eleven questions?
Isobel Ewing. Isobel is having a successful career in Turkey, and I would love to learn about some of the ways an international newsroom operates to ensure it puts out high-quality pieces.
(Isobel, 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
