Monica Attard is a renowned Australian journalist celebrated for her work with the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) as a foreign correspondent in Russia during the collapse of the Soviet Union, a tenure that earned her international recognition and the prestigious Gold Walkley Award. With a journalism career spanning more than four decades, she has been acknowledged with the Order of Australia Medal for her contributions to journalism. Currently, Monica serves as the head of journalism at the University of Technology Sydney (UTS), where she influences the next generation of journalists, focusing on ethics, truth-telling, and public accountability.

Key Takeaways:

Monica Attard's career was shaped significantly by her experiences as a foreign correspondent in Russia, particularly during the Soviet Union's collapse.

The episode highlights the challenges journalists face in maintaining impartiality amidst a shifting media landscape and digital transformation.

Monica emphasises the potential of young journalists to make meaningful impacts in the industry, provided they adhere to foundational ethics and objectivity.

The discussion underscores the evolving nature of journalism, with emerging voices often blending advocacy with traditional reporting.

Monica shares her personal journey and the influence of her educational background at Santa Sabina College on her career and ethical standards.

Notable Quotes:

"It's one of those things where you just never live it down and you regret forevermore that it was ever publicly known." - Monica Attard

"The west didn't handle the collapse particularly well. And as a result, you know, we have Vladimir Putin motivated by grievance with the way the west has treated Russia." - Monica Attard

"Since the collapse of the Soviet Union, the geopolitics of the world has been kind of spun on its head." - Monica Attard

"In my view, journalism that's not impartial is not journalism." - Monica Attard

"I never, ever questioned my place in leadership. You know, I never did. I just never did." - Monica Attard

Resources:

• Monica Attard's profile at the University of Technology Sydney: UTS Journalism
• Santa Sabina College Ex Students Association: Santa Sabina College

For any thoughts, comments and suggestions regarding this episode, feel free to contact us at santaexstudents@gmail.com. Join the conversation on  Santa Sabina College Alumni Facebook Group.