In the latest ’10 minutes with’ interview, the Daily Mirror’s Lubin tells us about her lifelong ambition to be a journalist, why she prefers interviewing “regular people” over celebrities and some of her amazing career highlights so far.
How did you get into journalism?
Ever since I was young I always wanted to be a journalist. We had a video camera which I used to make spoof documentaries (thankfully the footage is long gone). At university I threw myself into the student paper and did as much work experience as I could, which did not help my degree, but did help me get onto the Daily Mirror’s trainee scheme in 2014.
Why does journalism matter?
We give people a voice, particularly those who would otherwise go unheard. Our campaigns have changed the law, we hold people in power to account and we sound the alarm on things like climate change. It matters today more than ever.
Best scoop (yours or someone else’s)?
I’m really proud of a front page I secured earlier this year, highlighting the plight of care home residents who had gone without visits for almost a year during the pandemic. There were shocking before and after photos of one grandad, John Ross, who had deteriorated so much he looked like a different person. After our story, guidelines were changed to allow visits.
What are you working on right now?
I have just started a new role as a specialist journalist working on a climate crisis and international development project. It’s a really exciting project, working with young people in six countries around the world empowering them to tell their stories. We will publish them in the Daily Mirror in print and online.
Career highlight so far?
Travelling to Zambia and Ghana to write environmental features was an incredible experience. I am also so grateful my editors gave me the opportunity to write a really personal feature in 2018 about my mum, who died when I was younger. The piece was about how we agreed to donate her organs and she saved six lives, which I only found out while doing my research for the feature. It was a piece that helped get our organ donation campaign over the line.
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve been given?
Just because you’re sensitive and not thick-skinned doesn’t make you a bad journalist!
Who or what inspires you most?
Normal people I’ve been lucky enough to interview and whose stories still stay with me, like John Ross. It’s why I have always preferred interviewing regular people to celebrities.
Who would be your fantasy dinner party guests and why?
I’d love to quiz Sir David Attenborough about all the incredible places he’s travelled to. But otherwise, I’d be happy to sit around the table with friends and family who I’ve not seen in a long time!
How do you switch off from work?
Netflix or head to the pub.
Gym or gin?
Unfortunately gin. I’ve never loved the gym but my fitness has improved slightly during this pandemic year.
If I wasn’t a journalist, I would be…
A zoologist or a vet – if I was any good at science! I love animals.
