JO SCOTT: “I’VE MORE ENERGY AND ENTHUSIASM THAN EVER”
By Mandi Millar
As BBCNI’s longest-serving Newsline presenter, journalist Jo Scott has nothing to prove yet her drive and ambition are stronger than ever.
Indeed, she’s one of a growing cadre of women in the media using their experience and maturity to their advantage.
For unbelievably, the ever youthful looking Jo is this year marking her 25th anniversary with the corporation.
“In an industry where two is a bonus that’s something I’m really proud of!” she beams.
“This is a big year for me and I’ve never been busier.
“I’ve more energy and enthusiasm than ever and I say yes to everything with a confidence that comes with maturity,” continues Jo though she concedes there can be some negativity towards older women in the media.
“But that’s all changing. I’m thinking of Mary Berry, Claudia Winkleman, Davina McCall, Arlene Philips, Gloria Hunniford. It’s their wisdom and experience that counts. They’re inspirational and thank God for them.
“For those girls age is immaterial, it’s the least interesting thing about them,” continues Jo whose anniversary year has given her a chance to reflect.
“I love the job – whether it’s travelling all over the world on Getaways, delivering a lamb on Home Ground, fronting Newsline, hosting events, anchoring Children in Need for Northern Ireland or presenting across the network on Sunday Morning Live.
“But it’s only looking back now I appreciate the amazing things that’ve happened. I’ve interviewed celebrities and politicians but it’s the ordinary people I remember most.
“Scripts are not just words on page. When I’m working on news stories especially I think as wife and mother. I try to imagine the people behind a story – the patient waiting on treatment, the mother hearing news about her children.
“It’s a privilege to share their stories,” continues Jo who didn’t actually start her career in journalism.
Having left Belfast High School in 1990, and completed her degree at Edinburgh University she was travelling the world as a food buyer for Mark and Spencer based in London when she decided to return to Northern Ireland.
“People thought I was mad but journalism was an itch I had to scratch and I’m a great believer in giving everything a try,” says Jo who lives with husband Gerry and their sons James (14) and Ollie (17).
“News was always important in our house. My parents were avid news watchers and as the youngest of four I rarely got to see what I wanted on TV anyway.
“I remember watching the greats like Moira Stewart, Selena Scott and Anna Ford and telling my friends at primary school I wanted to be a newsreader!”
Even so it must still have been a culture shock when she swapped the glamour of her London posting for Kiltonga Industrial Estate, Newtownards, where Downtown Radio was based – her first reporter’s job.
But Jo wasn’t long in proving her broadcasting chops, though she was still sometimes star struck by her fellow journalists.
“I remember seeing Eamonn Holmes while covering a story and thinking, there’s Eamonn Holmes off the telly!” she laughs.
“Walking into the studio here for the first time and meeting Noel Thompson and Rose Neill was the same.
“Eamonn’s become a mentor and friend as have many of the insanely talented people I’ve worked with at the BBC,” continues Jo who currently presents the late Newsline bulletin five nights a week.
“There’s a group of women working here around the same age and over the years we’ve all supported each other through the milestones – engagements, weddings, children, bereavement. It’s important to have that support.
“Outside work too I’ve great network of girlfriends. We train together, we laugh together, we enjoy a glass of wine together. Women supporting women is what it’s all about,” says Jo who takes her fitness seriously.
“Once you’re into your 40s and 50s it’s a priority and in recent years I’ve taken up yoga and running. I even got to run with Dame Kelly Holmes when I interviewed her – what a highlight.
“I’ve completed my first half marathon now too. Boy did that feel great!” continues Jo who uses her miles on the tarmac to enjoy podcasts and audiobooks.
“I love Woman’s Hour and Gabby Logan’s Midpoint. I’ve recently finished The Women by Kristin Hannah – a story about the resilience of women who served in the Vietnam War,” says Jo who alongside that still finds time to sing in a choir based at the Crescent Arts Centre.
And all that before she’s walked the family pooch, Rusty.
“I never really ‘got’ dogs before. I’ve a friend who had three children and three big Labradors and I used to wonder, why would you,” laughs Jo.
“Bit since we got our cocker spaniel, well now I understand. He’s the cutest thing.
“Because I work late shifts everyone’s in bed and the house is in darkness when I get home but Rusty’s always there. His is the best greeting you could wish for,” says this busy working mum whose family life underpins everything.
“I’m blessed with two great boys. They’re at a lovely age and really good fun to spend time with. We love travelling together, heading out on the bikes or going for dinner.
“And now they’re older I’ve a bit more time and a better work-life balance. I’m really enjoying this stage of my life.”
But having done so much already what more could the future hold?
“I’d love to do more Sunday Morning Live and maybe more for the network generally and of course I love news. I’m a big fan of Rip-Off Britain too so maybe if one of the girls stepped down…? Well that’d be the dream,” she laughs.
For now though Jo’s just happy to be celebrating this milestone anniversary in a career she loves. “Sure if you’re happy in your job you never work a day in your life!” she adds
