Women in Media: Jean Johannson, A Place in the Sun Presenter on Channel 4 TV
So, my ‘tool’ is the camera. The camera is my friend and my worst enemy at times, but it’s the most important tool in my trade. Over the years, I’ve learned to have an intimate relationship with it and imagine I am looking into the eyes of the audience rather than a piece of machinery. I’ve always loved the camera. From a young age, I’d run around my house with my old camcorder, messing around and playing at being a TV presenter. My love affair with the camera has made all my dreams come true.
Women in Trade Day is an extremely important day to mark working women—in any trade. The TV industry, in particular, can be male-dominated, particularly behind the camera and in jobs like sound, editing, and producing. So I’m thrilled to represent women working in the media.
I will be celebrating the day by working, as a woman, in front of the camera!
Hopefully, I’m inspiring other women, particularly women of colour, to pursue their dreams. Mine was always to work in broadcasting, and I get to do that on a regular basis. I’m very lucky. Despite obstacles I’ve had in my life, I’d say I’m now a successful TV presenter, and I just want every woman to know they can do it too—whatever it is!