Rotary Club hosts City Times editor
She is no stranger to Benoni having matriculated from Willowmoore High School and explained that it was during high school that she discovered her passion for writing and journalism.
The Rotary Club of Benoni van Ryn held their monthly meeting at the Benoni Country Club on Thursday (July 26) and joined forces with other clubs to get to know the City Times editor, Lana O’Neill, who was the invited guest speaker.
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O’Neill, who took over as editor from Kevin van der List on May 1, received a warm welcome as she took to the podium to tell members a little more about herself, her career and the role of community newspaper group Caxton in today’s media landscape.
Guests from the Benoni Lions, Benoni Van Rhyn Lions, Benoryn Lions Branch, Aurora Rotary, Aurora Rotaract and Benoni Rotary clubs attended and took the opportunity to pry ‘their’ editor with questions and queries after her talk.
O’Neill kicked off by saying: “Where your passion is, is where your heart will be”, referring to the fact that she has returned to the newsrooms of Caxton four times over the past 29 years since she started her career under the editorship of Hilary Green at the Germiston City News in 1989.
Much like the City Times is run, with a weekly diary meeting and on stringent deadlines, she said she likes routine as it sets the tone for the day and ensures things get done.
Often asked how the newspaper gathers its news, O’Neill explained there are tried and tested methods, like contact and ‘beat’ lists assigned to journalists and building good relationships within the community.
“There are stories happening all around us right now. To find them you just need to talk and listen to people,” she said.
“I have always enjoyed my job, which is a blessing.
“My dad always said ‘do what you love and the money will follow’, and he was right.”
She concluded by explaining the importance and relevance of community newspapers like the City Times and touched on the influence of digital media on today’s community newsrooms.
The rest of the evening was enjoyed over socials and dinner.
The Rotary Club of Benoni van Ryn was founded in 1972 and is a proud member of Rotary International.
Rotary’s motto is Service above Self which Robin Bath, president of The Rotary Club of Benoni van Ryn club strives to uphold.
Bath celebrated 27 years as a Rotarian on July 25.
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