Irrespective of their generic job description – newsdesk secretary, assistant or whatever – they are often the indispensable part of any busy newsdesk operation.
And one of this sterling breed has just been recognised in Aberdeen where Alison McWilliam, of the Press and Journal, has clocked up 30 years service in the regional morning’s newsroom.
Alison was presented with a gold watch by Aberdeen Journals’ managing director, Alan Scott, in recognition of her 30 years’ service.
She joined Aberdeen Journals in 1980 as a news telephonist – taking copy from reporters in the field. The 52 year-old spent nine years in that role before moving to work on the Press and Journal as editorial assistant – the first point of contact on the newspaper’s busy newsdesk.
She said: “When I started out, I was only going to stay for three months, but 21 years later I’m still on the newsdesk. It’s gone by quickly.
“I’ve seen so many people come and go and a lot of changes. I’ve also made many friends over the last 30 years. I’ve enjoyed it and I can honestly say there’s been very few days when I haven’t wanted to come to work. Every day is different.”
