Meet Highway Mail’s new editor

DRIVEN by her passion for print and online journalism, the Highway Mail’s new editor, Michelle Dennis, is eager to get 2017 off to a positive start.

Apart from maintaining the high standard the papers, our loyal readers and advertisers have come to expect, she hopes to channel the voice and capture the heart of the local community both online and in print.

Her journey into the world of journalism began as a reporter at the Zululand Observer under the mentorship of the dynamic owner/editor, aka the doyenne of community newspapers, Regina Anthony from the Zululand Observer who helped to hone her skills as a writer.

Michelle has years of experience in the industry and has been the editor of the Cape Town community newspapers, the False Bay Echo and the Sentinel News in Hout Bay.

“The Cape experience was truly inspiring with more artists per square kilometre in the False Bay area but I missed the local warm climate and KZN friendliness and bonhomie.”

So she packed her bags and moved back to KZN where she was appointed editor of Northglen News.

She transformed the paper into a vivid, entertaining and engaging read and introduced the international award-winning YGN, news for teens by teens.

Her husband’s work commitments meant a rather reluctant move to Zululand in 2014 but a reuniting with her mentor, Regina Anthony and her love for the written word led her to take up the position of bureau chief at Richards Bay, then to head up the supplements and features department as well as doing subediting and staff training.

She joined the North Coast Courier as their digital manager last year. “The newspaper industry is an exciting and challenging one. Journalists now have to be multimedia specialists as news is no longer restricted to print and you really need to be on your toes to get the balance right.

“And be sure to keep grounded as social media can suck you in and consume your down time ,” said Michelle.

The Westville resident, a people’s person, is passionate about the community and being hands-on in her editorial approach to work. She looks forward to meeting with community leaders and the people the Highway Mail serves.

She aims to share her passion for journalism and encourage her team of journalists to continue to improve their skills to highlight the challenges and successes of the local community.

“What you put into life you get out of life. I believe journalism is a calling requiring dedication, commitment, ethics and a large dose of humour.

“The day my high school English teacher awarded me 110 per cent for a news report my fate was set.”

I agree with American journalist and author and founder of gonzo journalism, Hunter S Thompson, when he said: “Good news is rare these days, and every glittering ounce of it should be cherished and hoarded and worshipped and fondled like a priceless diamond”.

Contact Michelle via e-mail at michelled@dbn.caxton.co.za.