- When and how did the journey of broadcast journalism start for you?
I began my career in newspapers – as a teenager I had always wanted to work as a newspaperman. However, after about four years of enjoying the newspaper life (I began while still 16 years old – nearly 17) I was approached by Channel Nine News in Perth, Western Australia, and went to work for them. Apart from some freelance work with British newspapers in 1987, I’ve been in television ever since.

Please describe a normal day at work.
On my current shift, I get to the office at around 6am and read six or seven newspapers online, as well as other informative websites. Sometimes I’ll write what we call an “in houser” – pull together a story from Agency pix and write/edit it in Atlanta. I go on air for YWT from 10am – Noon EST. Then, usually, my day is done. Often, if Jim Clancy is out of the office, I’ll do YWT from 10a – 2p, or cover his shows (Noon and 1p) while someone else (eg Stephen Frazier) does my shows (10a and 11a).


Did you consider not to go back to Baghdad after 2 of your staff members were killed in an ambush where you survived?
This may surprise some people, but, no – I was always going to go back. I felt strongly that during the ambush, we “westerners” were the targets, but because of pure fate, two Iraqis (Yasser and Duraid) died. I felt very strongly that I should return to show support and solidarity with our Iraqi staff, and was back in Iraq the same year. I’ve now been seven times in all, and continue to feel strongly that journalists NEED to cover this story.


- Reporting from Baghdad: Tell us how difficult it is to report from there.
Since the ambush it has been extremely difficult. To leave our compound and do an interview, or a stand up, takes much security planning. It’s frustrating, but necessary. Often the only way we can get into the Iraqi towns or Baghdad suburbs is to embed with the US military. Going out on our own is highly dangerous these days, but we do it.

- Jane Arraf left CNN - who do you think should be the next "Baghdad Reporter"?
These days, Michael Ware – another Australian (formerly of Time Magazine) is our main man, and he’s incredibly well connected and doing a great job. Arwa Damon is a producer/correspondent and also does some amazing – and courageous – reporting. Others, like me, pop in and out. I normally go twice a year for five or six weeks at a time.
 

- Do you like the "new" CNN graphics?
I’m normally pretty critical of graphics and changing “looks” but I have to say this new set and graphics are amazing. I love them – and the lighting is much improved. Having the Video Wall is a great tool as well.
 

- What can you tell us about the new Atlanta newsroom?
It’s a typical newsroom, with writers, producers, supervisors and technical staff. The difference with the new set is we used to be IN the newsroom, and now we are separated by a wall.
 

- Can you tell us something about Zain Verjee's departure from Your World Today?
Zain is a terrific talent, and a wonderful, wonderful person. She had wanted for some time to move into doing more field work, and to work at CNN USA. When Wolf Blitzer “discovered” her and wanted to work with her, she moved on. We all miss her, but wish her well and she’s doing terrific work at the State Department in Washington now.

- From which region would you like to report from?
I love to be ANYwhere in the world, but have to admit I have a fondness for the Middle East.

- Anything funny you experienced during your CNN time so far...
Despite the seriousness of the news, we have a very funny group of people and there are always plenty of laughs in the newsroom. Same in the field. There have been numerous amusing incidents, but one that springs to mind happened in Ramallah in the West Bank, after my producer and I had lunched with Yasser Arafat and had an off-the-record briefing. As we were leaving the compound, the crew was saying “thank you” and “goodbye” to Arafat’s guards in Arabic. My cameraman – who I won’t name, but whom I love because we’ve worked in four warzones together – walked past the guards, waving and saying “Shalom Shalom!”. He had no clue what language he should have been using!!

- Michael Holmes in 5 years?
This might sound like I’m being a “company man”, but I’d love to be doing exactly the same thing – anchoring, and spending a quarter or a third of the year in the field.

- Which websites do you visit regulary?
NY Times, Wash Post, Sydney Morning Herald, Times (of London), the Independent (London), Haaretz (Israel), The Economist, TMZ (for showbiz gossip!)

- What's your favorite food?
 I love lots of foods but I’d have to say Indian and Thai are my favourites...
 

- What do you do when you're not working?
I try to spend as much time with my children (Lily, 8, and Mac, 7) as possible, as well as my wife Victoria and dog Rusty. I am pretty much a homebody. I also go to the American football (Atlanta Falcons) with Rosemary Church’s husband, Paddy.

- Name one thing you can't live without.
My Family.