Storytellers is more than just a book about gathering and disseminating information, and the title is illuminating. Sales interviews journalists and those involved in news production. Importantly, each person interviewed generates more than bare facts. ‘Storytelling’ in this situation is the utilisation of their skill with words (and picture and sounds where possible) to give each article or segment a more rounded life. This in turn better engages the consumer. Pertinently, depending on circumstance, that finished product is then either sympathetic to – or skewers – the subject. Sales uses her own interviewing skills to bring these often-unseen abilities into the open. Given her talents, this was always going to be a success.

Insights are revealed in both process and personality. A diverse range of interviewees is included. This is vital – and long overdue – as the industry is still dominated by older, white men. Annabel Crabb nails a journalist’s limitations and strengths: ‘Your only asset is your curiosity and your ability to learn quickly’. Stan Grant’s facility in retaining information is unique. Appearing calm on camera is a learned skill. (Kumi Taguchi’s fingernail is an intriguing accoutrement.) The sections on interviewing and anchoring see Sales interviewing her ‘opposition’, but the mutual respect is overt.

Sales allocates sections to various forms of reporting, from general newsgathering, to being assigned a ‘round’ (such as court reporting or the Parliament House gallery), through to the forensic investigative form. Sales also takes the reader into the production process, giving voice to people such as camera operators, editors and producers, ensuring that the reader/viewer understands that the team behind the face or byline is equally valuable.

The most accomplished storyteller? Well … that would be Sales herself.

Reviewed by Bob Moore

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Leigh Sales AM is one of Australia’s most respected journalists. As the new presenter of Australian Story and the recent host of the ABC’s flagship current affairs program, 7.30, she has interviewed dozens of world leaders and celebrities, including Hillary Clinton, Tony Blair, the Dalai Lama, Paul McCartney, Elton John, Harrison Ford, Tom Hanks, Salman Rushdie, Margaret Atwood and Bill Gates.

She has interviewed every living Australian Prime Minister, as well as the late Bob Hawke, and has anchored the last three federal elections for the ABC. Leigh is the winner of three Walkley Awards, Australia’s highest journalism honour; the author of the books Detainee 002, On Doubt, Well Hello and the bestselling Any Ordinary Day; and the co-host of the popular podcast Chat 10 Looks 3 with Annabel Crabb.

In 2023, her service to journalism and the community was recognised with an honorary doctorate from Edith Cowan University.