Te Rito Journalism cadet William Sangster, 25, has spent the past year telling people's stories - many of them covering the disabilities community. Photo / Mihingarangi Satele
Te Rito Journalism cadet William Sangster, 25, has spent the past year telling people's stories - many of them covering the disabilities community. Photo / Mihingarangi Satele
After a year telling people’s stories, many of them covering the disabilities community, Te Rito Journalism cadet and Tongan-Kiwi William Sangster is due to graduate alongside his fellow journalism cadets this month. He shares about his experiences in the last year, as a reporter with cerebral palsy.
OPINION
I never considered journalism because I believed I wasn’t good enough to be in the field.
Cerebral palsy is a disability that affects my verbal communication, dribbling, walking and motor abilities. I have been underestimated all my life.
William Sangster, age 6, pictured with his mother Lonili Lauaki and father Karl Sangster after he was injected with botox. It was supposed to help him stop dribbling. Instead it stopped him from swallowing. Photo / Dean Purcell
The main reason I was drawn to journalism was the hope I could tell stories for disability communities and influence the tone - with more positive stories about people with disabilities.
My cerebral palsy can be a barrier to communication. How would I gather news? How would I tell stories? I knew there would be these questions and hurdles to overcome if I wanted to establish myself as a journalist.
In May 2023 I was offered a training cadetship with the Te Rito Journalism project, which trains diverse and bilingual journalists for newsrooms around Aotearoa.
I had been super nervous and excited about the opportunity to interview for it. Even after the offer, I continued to doubt if I deserved to take part.
They called me on the phone to tell me about the offer because they forgot I was non-verbal. So they then emailed me the details. I felt scared but my family supported me. My best friend motivated me and believed in me so I pursued it 100 percent.
Over the past year, I have learned a lot about journalism, the media industry and myself.
Meeting the other 11 cadets in the programme was wonderful. They have helped and supported me and I know they will change the industry landscape with their unique perspectives.
Challenges: ‘How can a journalist tell stories if he’s non-verbal’?
There were many barriers throughout this year - notably my communication, which was the main one.
How can a journalist tell stories if he’s non-verbal?
I had to come up with creative ways to interview people - sometimes it was email. Sometimes I would book a Zoom meeting and then use the chat box to ask my questions. Other times I would use face-to-face texting on my phone.
It frustrated me, at first. Some days you just want to pick up the phone and do a quick interview to improve or finish off your story.
Another challenge that I battle with is social anxiety. Being a journalist is social and talking to people that I had never met was scary and tested me at times.
Dealing with hate comments regarding my stories and my voice was pretty tough. I had some low points during the year and many days when I felt like I had imposter syndrome.
As each story developed, my confidence grew. I began to own my power - my disability - and I tried to tell each story carefully: addressing critical issues like employment shortages for people with disabilities, funding and accessibility.
Reporter Will Sangster, who has cerebral palsy, presents his first video story for Whakaata Māori. Photo / Grace Tinetali-Fiavaai
Sharing his journey was special to me - not only because going back to my old high school was a full-circle moment for me. But also seeing Tomislav’s smile light up and his gratitude towards me after the story ran made me feel emotional.
“Thank you, William, for sharing my story,” he said.
Marcellin College student Tomislav Jurisich, who has Down syndrome, shares a moment with reporter Will Sangster. Photo / Alex Burton
‘It has given me purpose’
Being on the Herald’sWhat the Actual social media team for two months was an incredible experience. I made more than 20 reels just being myself and got to showcase my presenting and editing skills.
Another favourite memory was covering the Polyfest, being at the Tongan stage and using my phone to interview students. It was an experience I will never forget.
If I can help one person this year tell their story authentically and accurately, then I feel my job is done. Breaking barriers in the industry feels pioneering. I hope others in the community will see my path and feel able to tell their stories too.
So, do I think I belong in this space, in journalism, after a year? I say hell yeah!
William Sangster is one of 12 cadets in the Te Rito journalism programme, which has a focus on training more culturally diverse reporters to ensure newsrooms reflect Aotearoa’s multicultural society. Will has a keen interest in sharing stories about the disabilities community.
