The lead reporter on the Rob Ford story, Robyn Doolittle, returned to her alma mater Ryerson Feb. 13 to talk to journalism students.
Doolittle, now a Toronto Star reporter well-known for her coverage of the Ford family, shared the story behind the story on the city’s mayor and answered a few questions.
One of three reporters to view the video of the mayor allegedly smoking crack, she recently released her book Crazy Town: The Rob Ford Story. A graduate of 2006, Doolittle said that she is still very much involved with the Ryerson community.
“I feel like I never really left Ryerson,” she said. “I spent a lot of late nights at school – Salad King and studying at Tim Horton’s on Victoria Street.”
While admitting that she often gets asked what the secret to her success is, Doolittle told students that it can often be that extra phone-call or being endlessly persistent when chasing sources.
Doolittle’s story was inspiring to some in the audience.
Vanessa Francone, a second-year journalism student, said that listening to Doolittle was an opportunity to learn from an industry professional she’s always admired.
“I’m planning on reading the book very soon. I always hear about her in the news and so I really wanted to see her in person,” she said. “Listening to her, I realize how important it is to work hard before you graduate, even if it’s for free.”
Leena graduated from the Ryerson School of Journalism in 2014.