Erik Jensen: A Journey Through Journalism, Biography, and Literature
Erik Jensen is a distinguished figure in Australian media, known for his versatility as a journalist, editor, biographer, and poet. From his early start as a teenage critic to his leadership roles in major publications, Jensen has consistently sought to bridge the gap between raw reporting and literary artistry.
Early Career and Rise at The Sydney Morning Herald
Jensen's professional trajectory began remarkably early. At age 15, he started writing for music magazines, and by 16, he was employed as a critic for The Sydney Morning Herald. Following high school, he transitioned into a news reporter role, which he held for five years. His rapid ascent within the organization culminated at age 23, when he was appointed as the paper's summer editor.
His contributions to print journalism were formally recognized in 2010, when he won a Walkley Award—Australia's most prestigious journalism prize—for Young Print Journalist of the Year.
[ไม่มีภาพประกอบ]The Intense Biography of Adam Cullen
In 2008, Jensen embarked on one of the most challenging projects of his career. Adam Cullen, an Archibald Prize-winning artist, invited Jensen to live with him to document his life for a biography. For approximately four years, Jensen acted as an observer, witnessing Cullen's struggles with drug use and legal issues regarding weapons possession.
The commitment to the project was extreme; Jensen was even shot in the leg by Cullen as a testament to his dedication to the book. Following Cullen's death in 2012, Jensen published Acute Misfortune: The Life and Death of Adam Cullen. Reflecting on the experience, Jensen noted that he placed himself in traumatic settings, believing a professional response required a certain emotional detachment, and that completing the project was necessary for his own psychological extrication from the experience.
Leadership at The Saturday Paper and Schwartz Media
While working at the Herald, Jensen formed a professional relationship with publisher Morry Schwartz. This partnership led to the creation of The Saturday Paper. Jensen moved to Melbourne in 2013 to prepare for the launch of the weekly publication in February 2014.
Jensen envisioned the paper as a return to "old fashioned journalism," aiming to reconnect the act of writing with the act of reporting, rather than simply arranging facts by order of importance. He served as editor until June 2018, at which point Maddison Connaughton took over the role, and Jensen transitioned to editor-in-chief of Schwartz Media.
[ไม่มีภาพประกอบ]Literary Works and Multimedia Projects
Beyond his editorial leadership, Jensen has expanded his reach into various literary and cinematic forms:
- Essays: In 2017, he contributed to the Writers on Writing monograph series with an essay on the feminist novelist and poet Kate Jennings.
- Film and TV: He co-wrote the screenplay for the 2019 film Acute Misfortune with director Thomas M. Wright and has written for television.
- Political Analysis: In 2019, he released The Prosperity Gospel via Quarterly Essay, a report on the federal election described as "dazzling."
- Poetry: He ventured into verse with the 2021 collection I Said the Sea Was Folded.
- Political Writing: His 2024 release, Angry at Breakfast, is a collection of his political writings.
Key Facts
- Early Start: Began writing for music magazines at 15 and worked as a critic at 16.
- Major Award: Won the 2010 Walkley Award for Young Print Journalist of the Year.
- Notable Biography: Authored Acute Misfortune after living with artist Adam Cullen for four years.
- Editorial Role: Founding editor of The Saturday Paper (2014–2018).
- Current Standing: Editor-in-chief of Schwartz Media.
| Year | Title | Format |
|---|---|---|
| 2012 | Acute Misfortune: The Life and Death of Adam Cullen | Biography |
| 2017 | Erik Jensen on Kate Jennings | Essay |
| 2019 | The Prosperity Gospel | Quarterly Essay |
| 2021 | I Said the Sea Was Folded | Poetry Collection |
| 2024 | Angry at Breakfast | Political Writing Collection |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Erik Jensen's connection to The Saturday Paper?
Jensen was the founding editor of The Saturday Paper, launching it in February 2014 with the goal of returning to a more writing-centric, "old fashioned" style of journalism.
What happened during the writing of Acute Misfortune?
Jensen lived with artist Adam Cullen for four years to observe his life. During this time, he witnessed Cullen's drug use and legal troubles, and was even shot in the leg by Cullen.
Which prestigious award did Erik Jensen win in 2010?
He won the Walkley Award for Young Print Journalist of the Year while working at The Sydney Morning Herald.
Has Erik Jensen written for film or television?
Yes, he co-wrote the screenplay for the 2019 film Acute Misfortune and has also contributed writing to television.
What is the focus of his 2024 book?
His 2024 book, titled Angry at Breakfast, is a collection of his political writing.