We speak to Katy Pagan, Senior Online News Reporter at The Scottish Sun about the importance and benefits of integration, why it’s not old until it’s told, and fortune-telling goats.

In a sentence: tell us what you do at News UK?

I write up Scottish news and real-life stories to deliver the best content for our Scottish Sun Online readers.

Lay a bit more detail on that – what’s a typical day?

I’m responsible for sourcing breaking and exclusive stories for all aspects of the website – news, crime, Fabulous, showbiz and money. You’ll find me scouring social media, speaking to contacts, conducting interviews and putting in God knows how many calls a day to cops for articles before writing them up in our typical Sun style. I see a story through from the initial tip to building the article and writing the most eye-catching headlines for our readers.

What’s the most interesting part of your job?

The people I get to speak to. From the brave to the bonkers (including a fortune-telling goat) and all of the interesting ones in between.

Without blushing – tell us what makes you passionate and purposeful in doing what you do?

Knowing that what I write can make a difference and helping people realise that their stories matter.

Last book, film, series, and music you consumed?

Book – The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo by Taylor Jenkins Reid.

Film – The Hating Game

Series – Queen of the South

Music – Gerry Cinnamon

Last holiday destination? And why?

Staycation to Moffat, Dumfriesshire, last year with friends for our belated 30th celebrations (big change from the villa in Portugal cancelled the previous year due to the pandemic, but still amazing)

Abroad – Adeje, Tenerife with partner for some much needed sunshine.

You’ve won ten million on the Lottery – what do you do?

Buy golden retrievers, lots and lots of golden retrievers. And an estate big enough for us all. The Fabulous team can have my first-person STRUCK GOLD excl… Any leftover cash that hasn’t been popped into savings or given to family and friends can fund my designer handbag addiction.

What was the last gift you gave to someone – and why?

A bottle of ‘Nosecco’ and personalised print for my pregnant best friend to celebrate her engagement.

What are the biggest challenges you have faced in your role?

Making the move from print to digital. At the time it was terrifying, as I had to completely change my sense of ‘what is news?’ to suit online readers. But now I can do a five-minute breaking news story with my eyes closed, and TikTok is my best friend for the Fabulous tales. It makes me realise the importance and benefits of integration.

Who inspires you the most within and outside of News UK?

Within News UK it has to be our Scottish Sun editor-in-chief Gill Smith. It’s an exciting time to be working under our first female editor. She inspires me to be the best reporter I can, and makes me eager to progress within the company.

Beyond the workplace, my mum. 5ft 1in of compassion, fierceness and love – she worked herself into the ground for the NHS during the pandemic, and rarely complained (I’d be lying if I said didn’t.)

What advice would you give to someone who wants to follow in your footsteps?

Make sure you’re constantly reading newspapers and online articles to get a feel for the tone and style of The Sun – and don’t be afraid to pick up the phone and talk to people.

Who is your role model? And why?

Emma Watson. Away from the big screen, her humanitarian work and everything she does for the feminist movement is incredible. She uses her platform to encourage girls to speak their minds and try to make a difference. Growing up, Hermione Granger was my idol so I suppose it’s just transferred. And I’m still a complete Harry Potter nerd…

But throw in a bit of Lizzo as well, because I live for what she does for body positivity.

What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever been given?

It’s not old until it’s told. In digital journalism we’re always aiming to be the first to break big news, and we do it very well. But for some stories, especially Fabulous and Health tales, don’t let the date put you off – if it’s not been covered before and it’s a worthy piece, you can make it work.