What makes a good reporter?

Lucy Mangan, 36, is one of the best known columnists for The Guardian, so who better to answer the much debated question of what makes a good reporter?

“As a reporter you’re producing the breaking stories so for that you definitely need great general knowledge,” said Lucy.

Lucy has worked with the Guardian for more than six years, the last five as a feature columnist, and is a natural talent in her field. She has also successfully published three books in the last few years.

“Curiosity is key,” she added when comparing herself to fellow Guardian reporter Helen Pidd, part of the Home News team. “Helen has such energy and interest, she is constantly haring off to different parts of the country to find the stories. Whereas, being a features journalist, I tend to have the news told to me and then I’ll write about it”

Lucy grew up in South London and was educated in Catford. She then spent two years training to be a solicitor at Cambridge, before switching to Journalism just after she qualified. In 2003 she started a placement with the Guardian, which lead to her being given a full time job.

“No matter how good a journalist you are, some people will always be ready to criticize,” said Lucy “Accept that you won’t get it right first time - no one does. Remember your brief, remember your audience, remember your work count, decided on your argument or forge your jokes and go for it.”