My name is Rohan Connolly, and I have been a professional journalist in print, television and radio for 38 years, beginning with The Sun News-Pictorial in 1983, spending 30 years at The Age until 2017, and working at various times on pay television, radio stations 3AW and 1116 SEN. More recently, I have spent the last four years running my own media company, Footyology Pty Ltd, which operates a website and multi-media platforms.

I am writing this in support of Harper Pestinger’s application for a scholarship. This is not something I do as a matter of course. But I think it is important that senior journalists like myself do what we can to encourage emerging journalistic talent, and Harper is definitely that. Indeed, I’d go as far as to say he is one of the most talented, driven and capable young men I have come across in any endeavour, let alone this particular field, which I think most of us would agree could certainly use bright and motivated newcomers.

I first encountered Harper when he approached me via email last year to be appear on his podcast “Where Do We Begin?” As a means of preparation, I had a listen to some other episodes of the series, and was immediately struck by Harper’s capacity to research, ask intelligent questions and to think on his feet. He also displayed a maturity in our dealings belying his age.

When I recorded my episode, I spent a very enjoyable time (so enjoyable I completely lost track of time in our chat) with Harper and his podcast partner Lachie talking not only about my journalistic career and specifically football journalism, but about the media in general, politics, and other areas of interest. Harper is a very engaged a knowledgeable interviewer, which is a critical skill for any journalist.

I have since kept an eye on his work, and have been very taken by his enthusiasm and his ability to keep generating ideas for content, such as his daily Olympic video podcast during the recent Tokyo games, which was able to acquire the services of some high profile journalistic and sporting talent. Again, that capacity to constantly think about other possibilities in terms of content is extremely valuable to a modern-day journalist, and I think will hold him in very good stead.

I have also subsequently asked Harper on several occasions to write articles for the Footyology website, and each time he has delivered on time a very well-structured and engaging article which I have been more than happy to publish and which has delivered very impressive website traffic. 

In short, this young man has a heap of talent, is mature, considerate and I think one of the brightest prospects I’ve seen attempt to enter the media industry. I’d love to see him given every opportunity to realise that talent and embark on a long and successful professional career. And I am more than happy to elaborate on my assessment should anyone seek any further recommendation from me.