UniSA Connect

Journalist on the Frontlines of the Biggest Stories Across the World

Lauren Waldhuter

TV News Producer at Bloomberg News
Bachelor of Journalism

The idea of becoming a journalist popped into Lauren Waldhuter’s head when she was just 10-years old, but it wasn’t until a placement with Channel 10 News in Adelaide and a gap year, did her aspirations turn serious.

A decade on in the industry – working across Australia, Europe, Asia and the Middle East – she’s now an award-winning journalist that has covered some of the most hard-hitting stories in the world, with everything from broadcast, digital and editorial leadership roles under her belt.

She began her journalism career with ABC News working in various locations across Australia.

She’s currently producing Bloomberg's TV news programs specialising in finance, business, economics, and politics across Asia, after spending time in Doha, Qatar covering major global news stories and international affairs in the Middle East for Al Jazeera's TV news channel.

Lauren also took her UniSA qualifications to London for two years where she briefly produced segments, interviews, and packages for Good Morning Britain, and then joined Sky UK's London newsroom producing coverage on global news stories, including of course Brexit.

Here she gives us a little more insight into her fascinating life and career.

What’s it like working and living in Hong Kong? Is there a particular city you have enjoyed the most?

Hong Kong is an incredibly busy city. It is packed with seven and a half million people – there are 7,000 people per square kilometre and more skyscrapers than any other city.

But most of Hong Kong’s land is wilderness areas, so most weekends are spent hiking with friends or going to the beach. We've had a lot of COVID-19 restrictions over the last few months – so no going out for dinner! But there is a huge expat community and it is easy to meet people.

I really enjoy it here, but I think London is still my favourite city and a bit of a second home after Australia.

Could you tell us about what’s involved in your role as a TV News Producer at Bloomberg News?

A very early start! I am in the office by 5AM and work on TV shows from 9AM until 12PM. Bloomberg is a business and financial news channel and my team focuses on major financial markets and economies across Asia, including China, Japan, South Korea, and India.

We spend the first few hours reading stories from around the world (we pay a lot of attention to the U.S.), looking at what big events are happening throughout the day to choose what we’ll cover. Then it’s a lot of writing and technical work before we go on air.

After that is the fun bit; three hours in the control room outputting live news coverage with things changing all the time. I didn’t know much about finance when I arrived, but it’s been a brilliant learning curve.

What was behind your move from Al Jazeera in Doha to Bloomberg in Hong Kong? You also spent some time at Sky News and ITV in London?

I spent two years in London mainly working for Sky News as a producer. From London I collaborated with reporters around the world helping cover big global news stories. I also worked on live TV broadcasts in the field (lots of Brexit!).

After my visa expired, I took on a short-term contract with Al Jazeera in Doha. The pandemic hit and plans for my next move were thrown into uncertainty. One day I saw a job being advertised with Bloomberg in Hong Kong and decided to go for it. A big lesson in jumping at any opportunity life throws at you! I couldn’t believe I got it.

With more than eight years in the industry working across Australia, Europe, Asia and the Middle East, have there been any significant changes you have experienced in the journalism, media and news industries?

I think the shift towards digital is becoming really obvious. It’s not a good idea to specialise in one medium anymore (‘print’, TV or radio) you need to be multi-skilled. The great part is that many news organisations are starting to embrace video, audio and digital reporting platforms. So, you get to use all those skills at work.

I think there’s also a growing focus on having a range of voices in media coverage – including women and people from different cultures, backgrounds, and ethnicities. It’s something I think Australia could do better.

Are there any stories or events that have proved the most memorable throughout your career? Even a project or beat you are particularly proud of?

I got to travel through outback South Australia a lot during my first job with the ABC which was a huge privilege and I met lots of fascinating people. Covering Brexit in London was also fantastic. A great story to watch unfold up close – it was still going on after I left and four years after the referendum!

But the COVID-19 pandemic has been the most memorable one. Initially with Al Jazeera and now with Bloomberg, I’ve really seen how the virus has impacted people and economies around the world. I’ve really felt that I was watching history unfold. It will have an impact on the world for many, many years to come.

What challenges have you come across during your career? Have you always wanted to live and work away, in foreign scenarios, from where you grew up?

I always wanted to work overseas but it took me a long time to pluck up the courage to go to London. It was the best decision I ever made. It’s taught me to take risks, because nothing is forever and if something doesn’t work you can always go home.

Whilst every new place comes with a new set of challenges what you gain from meeting new people and exploring a new place is worth it. As a journalist, it’s hard getting up to speed on news agendas across the world, but you can learn.

And finally, what do you love most about your job?

I love that every day is different and that I am constantly learning new things; from the politics in the Middle East, to the financial challenges of China’s major tech companies. It’s so diverse. I’ve always enjoyed the pace and pressure of newsrooms too.

Mainly I’ve loved working with people from around the world having my job take me to new places.

I feel very lucky!

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