Q&A MAIN IMAGE: JASMIN BAUER


What made you become a journalist? May 1968 events in Paris – the reports made me want to follow suit, give up being an academic and change the world via journalism (how naive!).


What other job might you have done/have you done? Teacher/academic (but I was too impatient).


vibrant – and a good story pre and post B---t! A green, very cosmopolitan and culinary city where the future of Europe is debated and, often, decided (typically in English)...


When did you join the NUJ and why? In 1968 when I became a graduate trainee with the Scotsman in Edinburgh – as a believer in solidarity/collective action.


Are many of your friends in the union? A few still hanging on in there – and new ones – but many retired (or dead...).


What’s been your best moment in your career? Gosh, too many but, perhaps, midnight on October 3 1990 in front of the Reichstag in Berlin when Germany was unified, the Cold War ended, Ossis and Wessis shared Sekt – and a streaker interrupted Kohl’s speech.


What is the worst place you’ve ever worked in? A confectionery factory in York as a student: a relentless production line and minimal pay and conditions.


NUJ & me


David Gow is a former Guardian writer and is treasurer of Edinburgh freelance branch


And the best? New York City in the immediate aftermath of 9/11.


What advice would you give someone starting in journalism? You should believe in yourself and your ability, doubt everybody else and accept no bullshit.


Who is your biggest hero? Daniel Barenboim for his passion for music as a force for peace, reconciliation and solidarity.


And villain? Vladimir Putin in today’s world.


Tell us a secret Brussels, where I lived/worked for over 10 years, is NOT boring but


Which six people (alive or dead) would you invite to a dinner party? George Orwell, Nelson Mandela, Billie Whitelaw, Jürgen Klopp, Mary Robinson, Joan Baez.


What was your earliest political thought? Let’s get rid of all private schools and reform the education system from top to bottom (still think that...).


What are your hopes for journalism over the next five years? That good, critical, investigative journalism will flourish, the media barons will see their powers curtailed and new outlets will open for ambitious young hacks.


And fears? That the manipulative, mendacious moguls will acquire more properties and powers – and the space for independent, critical reporting shrink.


How would you like to be remembered? As a good European hack.


30 | theJournalist


SUEDDEUTSCHE ZEITUNG PHOTO / ALAMY STOCK PHOTO, GRANGER - HISTORICAL PICTURE ARCHVIE / ALAMY STOCK PHOTO


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