My week at work: Savita Vij, Eastern Eye
12th April, 2005
Early on Monday, inspired by a chat forum debate on AIM, I started a double-page-spread on psychics/astrologers; looking at the great debate... big scams or live-changing experiences? To complete the feature have to turn idea into reality and find participants for the piece as well as the human interest angle. Quite a task to complete in 2 days!
I have to find the astrologer, a psychic reader, a cynic and a believer who all have something to say by the end of play Monday. Luck is on my side with the first three, even though finding an Asian tarot reader is slightly more challenging. I somehow also become caught up in the story as the astrologer and psychic turn the cards on me and give me a complementary insight into my own fate and fortune.
Tuesday is deadline day and that means it starts with chaos and panic. I am responsible for the psychic DPS, and just as I am about to drown in despair with the knowledge of looming bad luck, a cynical Professor puts things in different perspective. The story became stuck when a believer was nowhere to be found but instead I got some Bollywood gossip from a secret spy about which celebrities have been seeing the psychics.
As always on a deadline day, everything falls into place at the last minute as someone who has been profoundly changed by the spirit world kindly shared their story.
As the news week begins again on Wednesday, the hunting for new ideas begins. This includes using conventional means and unconventional mediums. As well as the national and local news Eastern eye journalists are also required to source out stories from the heart of the community.
All possible stories are presented at our weekly news meeting on Thursday which filters out what is hot and what is not.
Compiling our news list this week we look at the forthcoming General Election in particular and the ways in which we can present the main political parties' agendas. Other issues include those raised in upcoming books, theatre productions and rumours we've heard whispered in our local neighbourhoods.
The highlight of the week was the annual Asian Business Awards which Eastern Eye hosted. No major hiccups apart from a few of us ladies getting caught up in the rain in all our finery but all was forgotten as we mingled with millionaires at the champagne reception.
This was followed by dinner, the awards - presented by Meera Syal and Shuilie Ghosh and an after-party to work off all the calories. Of course we have to return to business as usual the next morning and meet the editorial deadlines. A great start to the weekend!
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Savita is on the news desk at Eastern Eye newspaper.




