MAJ Archives
A journalist's profile, stories and careers in the field of journalism. Know a journalist who should be profiled here? Send an e-mail to Janet E. Bardon.
August
14, 1999
Mary Jane Copps
Journalist & Past President,
Media Link Inc.
Halifax, NS
I didn't exactly "choose" journalism. Although many members of my family were involved in the media, it was not something I had considered. But, I did choose to write. And my fascination and interest in the written word led to many "writing-based" jobs in my teens and early 20s until, at 23, I landed a job at a weekly paper. From there I moved into freelancing, primarily for The Globe and Mail, then to working at Maclean Hunter, writing and editing two trade publications.
All of this experience led me to create Media Link Inc. As a journalist, I was always in need of information: names, phone numbers, ideas, new ways of viewing a familiar situation. And, I needed this information FAST! So, it was the journalist in me that spawned the idea for this company.
Teaching was actually my first career choice. But I had promised my dad I would go out and earn a living for awhile before going on to teachers' college. I never went back!
My post-secondary education was completed at the University of Toronto. I have a BA in English with a minor in Theology. I did not formally attend journalism school, although once I realized I was "reporting" for a living, I did take a few night courses at Ryerson. And, I'm not finished going to school. I believe in continual learning and attend classes, seminars and workshops every year. The last few years my "education" time has been focused on fiction writing and has led to the publication of one short story.
I can't think of one experience that prepared me for the job of journalist -- or for the job of business owner. I know that confidence has always played a major role -- that ability to not be afraid of a "no". Throughout my journalism career, I always got the assignments that others felt uncomfortable about -- calling high-profile people, dealing with controversial legislation. I've always said that picking up the phone is like dating -- the worst anyone can say is "no" -- and then you move on. The same philosophy applies in owning a business. In part, Media Link is a success because I keep picking up the phone and asking questions. Curiosity is also key to being a journalist -- and being a business owner.
Here is a story about the "power" of journalism. A photographer friend of mine called me after taking pictures of a historical building on Bloor Street in Toronto -- the Conservatory of Music, near the ROM. He phoned to tell me I was very well known within that community. I didn't understand why -- I've never had any musical training. But I had written an article, about five years earlier, about plans being considered to demolish the building and construct a hotel complex. This was "news" to the Conservatory folks and reading the article allowed them to get organized and save a very important piece of architecture. In fact, they have the article framed and it hangs in the main office.
In terms of Media Link, there are "highlights" everyday. As journalists contact us to let us know that our information is valuable -- and as subscribers let us know that they were helpful to journalists, I think back to working to deadline on a Sunday in the stuffy confines of 777 Bay Street and having this idea -- THIS IDEA! Thirteen years later Media Link continues to grow and prosper -- that is indeed a highlight.
My mentor is my good friend Mary Savage, and her late husband Bob. From Mary I learned to "just ask"; that entrepreneurship is about working hard -- very hard; and that one should never stop learning. From Bob I learned that life is a wonder, but that you have to keep your eyes open -- and that making judgment calls about people and information distorts what you learn.
If you are going to be a journalist, or an entrepreneur, read, listen, watch. Books, newspapers, radio, television, movies, even conversations on an airplane, are full of information that can, and will, be valuable to you someday. Of course, the biggest challenge is coping with the mass of information available. Make some choices. Decide what it is you really want to know more about and spend your reading/learning time on those subjects. When you need information on something outside this focus, call and talk to an expert -- after all, that's why Media Link is here!
