Optimist believes

in the value of words

Jo van Eeden was recently appointed as chief editor of Media24's three Afrikaans dailies. NWU & U chats with this seasoned reporter about her new position and her student years at the former Potchefstroom University for Christian Higher Education.

 

With 20 years' work experience at South Africa's biggest newspapers, Jo van Eeden's new mission is to ensure that quality journalism will take Beeld, Die Burger and Volksblad to greater heights.

 

A veteran in the world of news, Jo was the editor of Volksblad from 2012. Her appointment, along with the appointment of Adriaan Basson as chief editor of Netwerk24, forms part of Media24's strategy to promote Netwerk24 as a digital platform.

 

Quality journalism in a digital era

 

Jo believes that the biggest challenge of her new position will be to successfully manage the transition between printed papers and Media24's digital product, Netwerk24.

 

“The transition should be achieved without sacrificing quality and with respect to the respective reader communities of each newspaper. It is the same challenge that faces the rest of the industry: how do we conserve authoritative and profitable printed newspapers in an era where readers are gradually transitioning to a digital platform?”Jo also considers this challenge as a source of joy and excitement. “It is an incredibly exciting time to be working in the media. We are trying new things, experimenting, innovating, but at the same time we remain focused on producing quality journalism in Afrikaans.”

 

Jo says she considers every turning point in her career a highlight. It is with pride and fondness that she recalls the publication of her first news article in the Potchefstroom Herald, her first column in Beeld, and her first fixed appointment at a community newspaper in Pretoria.

 

Each highlight has been followed by another. Kobus Geldenhuys  joined Rapport as a reporter and was promoted to bureau chief for Pretoria. Later she had the opportunity to work at Beeld – first as lifestyle editor and then as assistant editor.

 

Her appointment as editor of Volksblad was a special highlight. She was also selected to represent South Africa in America as a Nieman fellow. “The privilege of studying at Harvard was life-changing,” she says.

 

Remembering her student days

 

“As a young student at the former Potchefstroom University for Christian Higher Education, I applied for an internship in journalism and had to write my tests with Prof Arrie de Beer, head of the Communication Department.”

 

When she submitted her first assignment to him, he gave it one look and asked, “Miss, can you write a better introduction than this?“ He sent her back to redo it. “It was a small moment, but a big lesson. I learnt that you have to work really hard and make an effort for something you want very much.”

 

Married to her best friend

 

Her husband, Charles, is her best friend, greatest supporter and most important critic. They have been married for 12 years and Jo says nothing makes her happier than spending time with Charles.

 

“He has taught me to relax, seize opportunities and realise that everything is an adventure.” This approach to life enables Jo to eagerly take on all challenges, including those at work.