Justin Harper’s passion for journalism was ignited long before he set foot in a newsroom. His grandfather, a respected journalist in the UK, covered major stories and political scandals, sharing tales that fascinated young Justin and planted the seeds of curiosity. Journalism, however, skipped a generation in the Harper family—his father chose a different path—but for Justin, there was always a sense of obligation, a calling to carry forward the family tradition.
The Road to Journalism
Despite his early inclination towards journalism, Justin initially pursued business studies at university, fascinated by the mechanics of commerce, economics, and finance. However, the pull of storytelling proved too strong, and he later undertook a postgraduate degree in journalism. The transition made perfect sense—business journalism would allow him to combine both interests, giving him the opportunity to analyze corporate affairs, interview CEOs, and delve into the stock markets and emerging trends like cryptocurrency.
His career trajectory has been nothing short of remarkable. Over the years, Justin has worked across four different continents, reporting for some of the biggest names in the media industry, including the BBC, Daily Mail, and Financial Times Business. His extensive experience makes him a rare breed of journalist in the UAE, with a depth and breadth of knowledge that few can match.
Honing the Craft in Local Newsrooms
Like many old-school journalists in the UK, Justin began his career at a small weekly newspaper covering a coastal town in Essex. It was a humble beginning, but one that laid the foundation for his journalistic discipline. In the fast-paced world of journalism, the lessons learned in those early days—fact-checking, deadline management, and source verification—proved invaluable. Working in a local newsroom equipped him with the fundamental skills that would later propel him to international recognition.
A Versatile Journalist in a Digital Age
Justin’s portfolio is as diverse as it is impressive. Currently, as a freelancer, he enjoys a varied workweek, covering personal finance features, interviewing entrepreneurs, producing cryptocurrency-related podcasts, and even writing scripts for a YouTube influencer in the financial world. The flexibility of his role allows him to explore different facets of storytelling, keeping his passion for journalism alive.
His adaptability is a key strength. As traditional media undergoes seismic shifts due to digital disruption, Justin has embraced new formats and platforms. He recognizes the growing influence of social media and AI in content creation, acknowledging both the opportunities and threats these advancements pose to traditional journalism.
Justin Harper :A Relentless Pursuit of Accuracy
One of Justin’s golden rules in journalism is the importance of fact-checking. “Always check your facts, double-check them, and even triple-check them,” he insists. In today’s fast-paced news cycle, where speed often takes precedence over accuracy, he believes that getting the details right—whether it’s a key date, a company name, or a share price—is non-negotiable. Having worked in high-pressure newsrooms, he understands how easily fact-checking can be overlooked, but he has made it a personal mission never to fall into that trap.
The Evolution of Journalism and Advice to Aspiring Writers
Despite his deep love for the profession, Justin is candid about the challenges facing journalism today. With the rise of influencers, social media content creators, and AI-generated news, the traditional role of a journalist is under threat. He humorously admits that if his two sons ever expressed interest in becoming journalists, he would try to talk them out of it. Luckily for him, they have zero interest in following in his footsteps.
That said, Justin remains committed to the craft and plans to continue his work for years to come. He finds fulfillment not just in writing but also in mentoring young journalists, hoping that those he has trained will one day carve out successful careers of their own. His ultimate wish? That they remember him as a mentor who inspired them rather than someone who “bored them or acted like their dad.”
A Legacy of Storytelling
Justin Harper’s journey is a testament to the evolving nature of journalism and the resilience required to stay relevant in an ever-changing industry. From covering local news in Essex to writing for global media giants, from print to podcasts, he has navigated the shifting landscape with agility and expertise. His story serves as both an inspiration and a reality check for aspiring journalists—passion is essential, but so is adaptability.
As he continues to explore new opportunities in media, one thing remains constant: his commitment to telling compelling, fact-driven stories that make an impact. Whether through written articles, podcasts, or digital scripts, Justin Harper is proof that good journalism will always have a place in the world, no matter how much the industry evolves.
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