Gittins: A Life of Budgets, Bulldust and Bastardry

by Ross Gittins

A book about Ross Gittins' life and techniques as an economic journalist. This will draw on a wide range of a bit of autobiography/reminiscence about 30+ years at the SMH ; a bit on his conclusions about journalism (not flattering), and politics (ditto); about how Gittins operated as a columnist (how you pick topics; keep changing the subject; avoid the columnist's terminal sin, predictability; and keep searching for the "change of pace"); about writing for the reader, not to impress contacts or other journalists; about the techniques used to make economics interesting and accessible to the public; about how to lie with graphs and statistics, etc. This book is intended to be Gittins' legacy to the economic journalists of the future, but will be of interest to a much wider audience.

Genres: Biography, Business

352 pages, Paperback

First published June 1, 2015

Reviews

[Alex Rogers · Rating 2 out of 5]

Worthwhile, but not as enjoyable as I'd thought. Fairly lightweight biography, with a lot of interesting insight into his Fairfax career and behind the scenes working of journalism, which I enjoyed. I'd expected to get a lot more "hard" writing on economics, philosophy, etc, and a little less pontificating - while some of his more outrageously egotistic comments and views are tongue in cheek, I think they also serve to mask a giant ego. Still, I like Mr Gittins and rely on his insight and interpretation of the economic aspects and ramifications of daily events - and it was interesting to learn more about him.

[James · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting how this book moves from political recollections, to social/psychological commentary regarding media influence, finally to an analysis on how the embattled and outdated print journalism business might right its course toward greater profitability once more.

An enthralling piece for anyone interested in politics, the inner mechanisms of the economy, and puppetry of the media.

[Greg · Rating 5 out of 5]

The author has been working in newspapers for over 50 years. This book is part biography, part history of the Australian media, especially the newspaper business. Developments in the media industry are explained and put into context by a journalist who has seen it all.

[Julian Bu · Rating 4 out of 5]

Candid account of a journo’s life’s work.

[Rhonda · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have enjoyed reading Gittins' columns in the SMH since I picked the paper up from our front lawn as a child. He has done much to form my own values and views on economics through his commonsense approach to economics and clear writing. I like the way he has become more forthright in stating his own views on what is right and wrong as he ages. He does seem to have a lot of leeway - well-earned - from his editors.

This is a slightly strange mix of his thoughts on journalism, politics, column-writing and of course economics. Students of journalism and writing will appreciate his tips.

I didn't like the oft-repeated description of his proteges as "the boys", when a third are female, and his view that offspring of a pair of journalists should get a head start in the game doesn't sound quite right in this day and age.

Thanks Ross for all your thoughtful words in this book and all your columns. A true educator.

[Brendan · Rating 3 out of 5]

a bit uneven. certainly some interesting stuff