Scott D'Arcy, Deputy Chief News Editor at PA Media

What story is gripping you right now?

The death of Russian dissident Alexei Navalny has sparked a fresh wave of condemnation of Russia just as the second anniversary of Putin’s invasion of Ukraine was marked. It remains to be seen how and where the conflict will go but, with the prospect of a new UK government and a Trump return to the White House early next year, it’s a story you cannot afford to take your eyes off.

What story will dominate 2024?

The run up to the election has dominated the first half of the year and I think the change it brings will dominate the second. From budgets through foreign policy and elections, every development will be seen through the looking glass of the reshaped political landscape.

The way society consumes news has changed - what shift has had the biggest impact?

In the same way as the internet shook up the business model of traditional print news organisations, social media is now disrupting the new normal of publishing news online. We know young people are getting more and more of their news through apps like TikTok and established brands are trying to get in on the act.

How will we consume news in a decade's time?

AI will likely have a lot to do with it, for good and ill. Deepfakes, mis- and dis-information and even innocently edited phone photos and video will proliferate, so it’s about how journalism deals with those challenges and how news organisations can overcome low public trust.

What is the greatest threat to journalism?

Polarising dis-information - the deliberate spread of fake news – is not a new problem but now, with the internet and social media, it can spread far quicker than those trying to check it and expose it can act.

Corporate responsibility and social purpose are becoming more important for business. How does the media decide what is genuine and what is ‘reputation washing’?

The first question I’d ask is ‘why are they doing this?’ and the second question I’d ask is ‘is it backed by action?’ The answer to those two questions can help indicate whether the company is being genuine or not.

If you could be a journalist at any point in the last 200 years, when would it be and why?

Probably the Sixties, simply so I could see England win the World Cup (and Spurs lift a trophy).

What was your first story as a journalist?

One of my first stories was an interview with a local boxer, who had won national titles, talking openly about being diagnosed with prostate cancer and encouraging men to get checked.

What is your favourite story to have worked on?

Favourite probably isn’t the right word but I am most proud of my work planning for and covering the Queen’s death – it was a monumental task and of course a huge team effort.

What would you say to a 12-year-old considering a career in journalism?

If you think telling the truth is important and get annoyed when people don’t, consider being a journalist.

And what advice would you give a young person considering a career in PR?

Do something you care about so the work will feel more fulfilling.