Romy Stephens - ABC TV Journalist
Q: So political journalist, eh? Was that what you had in mind when you were at school?
A: Absolutely not. Early on I was focused on sport, especially tennis, but by the time I was 18 I realised I loved English and writing. Journalism seemed interesting, so I gave it a crack—though I never thought I’d end up on TV.
Q: How does political journalism compare with your earlier regional reporting?
A: Very different. Regional news was about connecting with communities—farmers, small business owners, that sort of thing. Politics is competitive; everyone in the building wants something from each other. But it’s exciting working on national and international stories that affect everyone.
Q: People must spot you in unexpected places?
A: All the time. I’ve been on people’s TVs, laptops, even the inflight TV on a plane. Friends and strangers send me photos when I pop up, and it’s nice—it makes me feel connected to people I haven’t spoken to in years.
Q: Where do you see your career heading?
A: Hard to predict. I once said I’d never do federal politics, and here I am. I’d like to try metro news in Sydney or Melbourne, maybe more TV presenting. I’ve always loved science and environmental issues too, so I could see myself specialising in that area.
Q: What about becoming a foreign correspondent?
A: I’ve thought about it, but it’s tough. I’m 29 now, and it could take years to get there. With wanting a family, the timing might be challenging. If the opportunity came up, I’d consider it, but I’m not fixated on it.
Q: Tell me about the Black Saturday fires. Have they shaped you?
A: Yes and no. I bounced back quickly at the time, but later I realised it left marks. I’ve been told my need for control could stem from that trauma. I also became obsessed with weather forecasts, and now as a journalist I love covering natural disasters—I know what it’s like, which gives me confidence. I even studied environmental science at uni because of that experience.
Q: You got quite far with tennis. Why didn’t you continue?
A: At 19 I went to the US to play college tennis, but I wasn’t enjoying it anymore. Coaching had become too controlling, and I felt anxious on court. I realised how hard it would be to go pro. I was homesick too, so I stepped back.
Q: Do you still struggle with self-belief?
A: Definitely. I’ve always felt I’m not naturally talented, just hardworking. I get imposter syndrome. In journalism, I’ve learned to project confidence, even when I don’t feel it inside.
Q: How do you keep your personal emotions out of your reporting?
A: It comes naturally. I always try to see both sides, even in court cases where others are convinced of guilt. Journalism training reinforces that balance—stories don’t go up unless both sides are represented.
Q: Any regrets looking back?
A: I sometimes wish I’d pursued tennis further, but realistically I made the right call. Mostly I wish I’d been kinder to myself. I’ve achieved more than I ever imagined, yet I’ve always been hard on myself.