KNOW MORE ABOUT MR. STEVEN RIVER!!

Magazine layout version: https://docs.wixstatic.com/ugd/428030_6dea1ccd28754383b6c83cd23fd1f2ab.pdf

Mr. Steven River has been in the publication field for more than eighteen years. Currently, he is working for a Taiwan-based luxury magazine TimeSquare as the Brand Director and Chief Editor. We are honoured to have Mr. Steven River to share his experience and thoughts to students in UOW College/ Community College of City University in the public lecture on October 11, 2018.

Q&A Section

What are the characteristics you think that is crucial to be a journalist?

“There are mainly three things I think a journalist should, or even must have. First, it is language skills, which involves both writing and speaking skills. As most journalists nowadays require to be able to do interviews and write their scripts, they definitely cannot lack language skills. Second, it will be their attitude. Going to events, interviewing guests, communicating with public relations, these are some of the essential social activities that are inevitable to journalists. Having to encounter an array of important people in the industry, politeness is vital to bond well and have a positive relationship with them. Last but not least, is to be persistent and hardworking. I believe that all your hard work will pay off, what matters the most is whether you have the courage to take your first step.”

Why would you still insist to be in the print media field even people said that this field will not have any future left?

“People said that ten years ago, still print media can survive till now. Being in the print media field made me improves myself a lot, further develop my writing, photo-editing and designing layout skills. The information we give to our readers in the magazine is much richer than the ones they could find in the company’s official website. This is why the print-media industry could still remain until now.

What made you decide to change to the print media industry?

“Before entering the print media industry, I chose to work for TVB since I am an enthusiast for movies. Working in TVB, I understood the value of working as a team. We have to be careful about what we do as every department are inter-related. Gradually, I start to realize that I prefer more on working in my own style. With this personality, I think working in this corporate company may not be the best choice. And that is when I finally figured out that the print media industry suits me more.”

We know that you write movie critiques as a hobby, how can you judge whether a piece of movie critique is good or bad?

“There are no requirements on how to judge a movie critique. What is the most important for a movie critique is back-up, evident to prove your point of view. Also, there is no good or bad in movie critiques, because people are just expression about their thoughts of the movie.”

Is there anything you would like to tell students in UOW College/ Community College of City University?

“My advice is to follow your heart and don’t let fear stop you from trying new things. You will never know what is the best for you if you never try. Just like me! If I didn’t work in TVB before, I would not know that I prefer working in my own style and print media is what suits me most. You will be able to stay passionate about your job once you found your interest and preference.”