Welcome to Quick Q – Monday Media’s weekly Q&A series dedicated to finding out more about the personalities that matter most in the Australian media landscape.
Every week The Sydney Morning Herald and The Age asks key figures across corporate media, business, sport, federal politics, radio, television and culture to answer a series of questions about their lives, careers, hobbies and news habits.
This week’s conversation is with Beverley McGarvey, executive vice president and chief content officer at Paramount Australia and New Zealand. Paramount is the owner of Network 10.
Network Ten’s Beverley McGarvey.Credit:Rhett Wyman
How did you get your big break?
When I was in my late 20s, I had ambition and confidence beyond my experience level. I was tormenting my CEO in Dublin when I was head of programming for a director of programming role. He gave me one, but it was in New Zealand which was obviously quite far from Dublin. But it was a brilliant experience. I worked with talented and creative people. I also met some lovely Australians which ultimately led me to where I am now.
What are daily news media habits?
They are not ideal! I wake up and get the news on my phone from a range of sources. I keep across what is going on all day in the same manner but with my TV on as well. I watch our news and The Project offerings on 10 Play at the end of the workday before getting updates again on my phone.
Your guilty streaming pleasure?
Guilded Age on Paramount+.
What did you want to do when you grew up?
I wanted to be a TV researcher as I read an article about them in a BBC magazine and it sounded extremely interesting.
What was your first job?
I worked in a fruit and vegetable shop when I was 14, but my first media job was as a runner in the newsroom in UTV (ITV) in Belfast.
Facebook or Instagram?
Neither, really, but if I had to choose one, then it would be Instagram.
Recommend a podcast...
I listen to audiobooks. I like the longer narrative arcs in books compared to podcasts. I listen to audiobooks every evening and am currently listening to The Ride of a Lifetime by Bob Iger. My podcasting listening tends to be news-based and topical.
What’s one vice you wish you could give up?
Scrolling!
The song that’s always on high rotation?
Currently, the soundtrack to Encanto.
What are you reading?
James Cordon’s autobiography May I Have Your Attention Please.
Favourite movie of the past decade?
LaLa Land but I also love a Bond movie of any kind!
Top of your sporting bucket list?
Superbowl, for the sheer scale and spectacle.
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?
You have two ears and one mouth so listen twice as much as you talk. I wouldn’t say I am completely competent acting on this advice yet, but I do think it is very valuable advice. I say it to my children often.
What are the three things you couldn’t live without?
Because you’ve asked me about things not people: my phone, a decent coffee first thing in the morning and my Dyson Airwrap. I could, of course, live without all these things, but life would be a little less pleasant.