From assistant to professional reporter-STV’s Laura Boyd tells all
STV News entertainment journalist Laura Boyd has become an inspiration for many as a positive representation of how cancer doesn’t automatically bring your life to a halt.
Laura started her career by studying Communication and Mass Media at Glasgow Caledonian University where she underwent a weeklong work placement at the STV. It was here that she was able to find her dream role.
Upon graduating she landed herself the role of ‘assistant editor’ at STV before eventually becoming an entertainment reporter. Laura said:” I remember putting together the school newspaper at primary school and I loved the buzz of seeing stories I would put together on paper for someone else to read.
“That feeling never left me and combining that with a love of drama and performing, TV journalism felt like the perfect step.
“It wasn’t a direct path. I wasn’t sure if my style of reporting or my style in general, given that I didn’t look like many of the other news reporters you see on tv, would be accepted in television but STV took a chance and I’ve been loving every moment since. I’m incredibly grateful for that.
“I had no idea what an assistant editor was, but I took it and I’ve never looked back. I always volunteered to get involved in extra projects - being a runner etc - as the best piece of advice I can give is grasp every opportunity, so you get a rounded understanding of the media world. It really helps.”
As her career developed more Laura was promoted to numerous positions before becoming an entertainment journalist. She also become a mother while living with chronic myeloid leukaemia in 2019.
Laura said: “I worked as an assistant editor then various roles - promos producer, online editor - but when I landed the job of entertaining reporter that was when I finally felt I had landed my dream role.
Laura with STV Weatherman Sean Batty- Photo credit @Lauraanneboyd on Instagram.
“Interviewing the likes of Rod Stewart, Brian Cox and Dolly Parton have been pinch me moments but equally, there are special stories you tell that help people that really mean a lot. Theatre groups that are struggling to find premises, sick children who have done incredible things and deserve recognition - these are the ones that really make you feel the stories you are telling are worthwhile.
“Getting succession star Brian Cox to swear at me is one of my favourite achievements! In all seriousness though, that was a special interview. We had a half hour chat, and he was just brilliant then I hosted an event straight after where I had to interview him again in front of 400 paying fans! That was terrifying but a huge career highlight.
“Things like being there right at the start of someone’s career too - Lewis Capaldi for instance. I pitched an interview with him to my editor at the time and had to fight for it as he was still unknown. I got to do it, it was a great fun chat and now look at him! I’ve interviewed him many times since but supporting someone at the start of their career then seeing them flourish is incredible.”
Journalism can be a very cutthroat industry and at times can lead to serious offensive behaviour being directed towards female journalists in particular, Laura said: “Thankfully, I haven’t really experienced much sexism, although trying to film a piece to camera with thousands of merry Scotland football fans behind you can lead to some interesting comments.
Laura with comedian Paul Black-Photo credit @Lauraanneboyd on Instagram
“I feel that perhaps more in the role of an entertainment reporter you must fight to be seen as a serious journalist. We work extremely hard to get stories, do all kinds of anti-social hours, gather the story, shoot, and edit it ourselves.
“We have to be always at the top of our game so although it may look like we just turn up and chat to famous people - which of course, is an absolute privilege to do -so much work goes into it behind the scenes, and sometimes people forget or don’t realise that.”
When asked what advice she would give to any young women that want to be involved in the journalism industry, Laura said:” Do not let anyone put you off.
“Approach every outlet you can think of for work experience but do not be taken advantage of. It is an in-demand industry but that doesn’t mean you should work for less than you’re worth. Even if it’s not your dream job, if it’s in the right area it’s worth a go as many roles are the steppingstone to where you want to be.
“Blog, vlog, social media, podcast - you have ideas, start putting them out there. It helps develop skills, build a following and gives potential employers something to look at.”