Former Weston Mercury Reporter Janet Williams Inspires Pupils Through School Good News Room
By Schools Correspondent
A former Weston Mercury reporter, who once worked alongside Jill Dando, has inspired the next generation of young journalists through a live school Good News Room.
Janet Williams, who began her journalism career at the Weston Mercury around the same time as Jill Dando, visited Herons’ Moor Primary School to share her experiences from the newsroom and offer practical advice to pupils keen to follow in her footsteps.
Janet, who was a couple of years older than Jill when they worked together, spoke with pupils about what it was like starting out as a reporter, the importance of curiosity and kindness in journalism, and how telling stories can make a real difference in people’s lives.
The visit was part of the Good News Post programme — the organisation behind Good News Rooms, which run inside schools and give children the chance to experience real-life journalism in a supportive, positive environment.
The Good News Post is also responsible for the expanding Jill Dando News Network, which trains pupil reporters aged 4 to 21 to become journalists in the style of Jill Dando: kind, positive, aspirational and brilliant, with a strong belief that journalism can help make the world a better place.
During the Good News Room session at Heron’s Moor, Janet explained how professional newsrooms work, from spotting story ideas to interviewing and writing.
She then worked with pupils, offering tips on asking good questions, listening carefully and reporting stories accurately and responsibly.
Pupils were encouraged to think about the good news happening in their own school and community, reflecting the Good News Post’s focus on uplifting stories, local heroes and positive change.
Janet said: “It was inspiring to meet youngsters who are curious about the world of reporting and want to ensure good news gets a fair chance.
“Although the news access today is very different, these primary school students asked interesting and varied questions and got straight on with writing their reports.”
The Good News Rooms were launched by the Good News Post in 2011 at Priory School, with the Jill Dando News project beginning in 2016 at Jill Dando’s former school, Worle School.
Since then, the network has grown across the UK and internationally, including projects in Malawi.
At Heron’s Moor, pupils aged nine and ten launched their own child-led Good News Room and will now receive ongoing support and training from the Good News Post as part of the Jill Dando News Network.
Headteacher Georgina Tinker said: “Our pupils were completely engaged. Hearing Janet’s real newsroom experience and learning about journalism through the Good News Room has been incredibly inspiring for them.”
Heron’s Moor’s Good News Room have also been trained by Nigel Dando, with 48 years journalism experience, and Rosie, 12, who has been a Jill Dando News reporter for three years.
The pupils will continue to develop their reporting skills by covering positive stories from their school and local community, joining hundreds of young reporters who are already part of the Jill Dando News Network — sharing good news, boosting literacy, building confidence and learning how journalism can be a force for good.
The Good News Post helps schools create Good News Rooms where pupils become Jill Dando News Reporters, learning journalism skills while sharing stories of kindness, community, and inspiration.
By joining this global network, your school can empower children, boost confidence, and show that good news really matters.
