"This I Believe" Essay: Sue Mitchell

I Believe..in Cod Journalism

In another - more perfect - life I'd be a fish: since I'm stuck in this one I've become a journalist!

My family probably has a lot to answer for: starting with my Dad, who - for reasons it's best not to go into - changed his name through the courts to Austin Haddock. Not surprisingly, his idea of family heaven was watching the trawler boats on a windswept beach with fish and chips in hand. But there's no use looking back - journalism isn't such a bad profession and here are some of the reasons why.

It undoubtedly helps that my fish like brain knows no limits when it comes to absorbing  information: the only problem is, I retain absolutely none of it. For a few weeks I'm the master of the universe on any given subject: from medical implants to military manoeuvres - you name it, I know it. I'll be across every aspect - from an obscure reference in an illegible document, to a telling pause in an uninspiring interview. But ask me even one day after transmission and I'll struggle to remember the programme title and often even it's content!

So although you might not want me on your team when it comes to a general knowledge quiz - you might like me there if injustice or wrong doing ever strike! In life it's important to have people who don't go with the flow - who duck and dive in search of truth. It's not bravery - more a reckless sense that things will work out and a realisation borne from experience that whilst sharks might bite a good bite, they can be outwitted ..at times!

In my life as a fish I'd simply swim away my restless energy, but on land it drives me on in the pursuit of things that aren't right. That's a lot of energy but then there are no shortage of those who capitalise on ignorance, vulnerability and fear. So be warned - our beady eyes could soon be heading your way. We don't need much sleep - not in the new drink and smoke free world of journalism! And it's clear to me: the world of you and yours is no match for the dream of us and ours.

This job brings many joys - not least of which is the ability to immerse yourself so totally in the lives of others. This is an incredible privilege and a weighty responsibility. It helps make the heart stopping moments bearable - just!. It's how we deal with doubt and anxiety as transmission draws near. Do I yearn for smooth predictability yes. Do I enjoy the fact it never comes - you bet. I'd have been useless as a campaigner, too impatient as a reformer and over involved as a teacher: yet as a journalist I can shine the light brightly - albeit briefly - on things that are wrong. And I can be optimistic enough to hope that change might follow.

The world can be a lonely place and it helps having someone at your side, even if just for a short time. Journalism protects the weak and holds the strong accountable - in our increasingly troubled times this bedrock of democracy is needed more than ever. And we should join together to celebrate our strengths and rejoice in the best of what we do. There's danger out there: the nets are down - they're after us and there's little point in reaching the finish line alone!

Those of you who know me will already have clocked that I like spending time underwater - the only place I can hear myself think and only explanation for such muddled thoughts! But it's all good preparation for my next life - I just hope you don't think me too slippery to spend a little more time with you in this one!