Young Gun profiles takes a look at the young talent across the Australian advertising, adtech, marketing and media sector. Aiming to shed light on the varying roles, people and companies across the buzzing industry.
Samuel Hussey: head of news & life at Forbes Australia
Time in current role/time at the company:
Seven months.
How long have you been in the industry?
Nine years.
How did you get here? Was this always the plan?
It was probably the dream of being a sports reporter that pulled me into media. I got my start in regional South Australia, working for a bi-weekly newspaper, the Port Lincoln Times. It was a surprisingly brutal induction given the kind of news we were covering (not a lot happens in a town of 14,000). You found your own stories, interviewed the subject in person, took your own photos, laid out the story on the page. There were no pitches or press releases, you needed to throw yourself deep into the community to find the best stories. To be honest, it was harder than I expected and I hated it at first... then you get your first front page and that all changes.
From there, I moved to Sydney and had stints at Yahoo News as a digital news reporter and eventually went onto become the Editor in Chief of 7NEWS.com.au. Fast forward to 2023 and I find myself at Forbes Australia surrounded by an incredibly talented team who have accomplished a remarkable amount in less than 12 months.
Who is your right-hand person/who guides you day to day?
I was fortunate enough to cross paths with our editor in chief Sarah O’Carroll during our respective stints at Yahoo News. We’ve now built a great relationship here at Forbes and share a strong vision on what we want our publication to become and what we can offer our audience.
What’s the best thing about the industry you work in?
Sharing stories that you know are going to connect with the audience. We have a team of great storytellers here at Forbes who do a wonderful job of finding compelling and inspiring narratives.
And the biggest challenge?
Just how quickly this game evolves. The idea that what worked last year or even last month is going to work again is a bit naive. You must be quick on your feet, or you’ll be left behind and stuck with a redundant news product.
Whose job have you set your sights on in the future?
Ohh Sarah O’Carroll... 100%… Disregard all the pleasantries above.
(I don’t think she’s in any real danger... yet.)
Where do you turn for inspiration?
My parents, cheesy, I know. They’re two of the most genuine, selfless and compassionate people I’ve ever known, and I try to keep these qualities at the forefront of all my decision making.
My favourite advert is:
The one I can’t stop thinking about right now is the French advertisement for the Women’s World Cup.
Two minutes of highlights of what we think is the men’s national team... only to find out that the vision has been altered and we’re actually watching the women’s national team.
“At Orange, when we support les Bleus, we support les Bleues,” the ad concludes.
Advertising at its best. Highly recommend a watch.
Tell us one thing people at work don’t know about you?
I have stolen my boss’ car park for about six months and somehow gotten away with it.
In five years’ time I'll be:
Hopefully in my own car park.
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