Des Houghton is a journalist at Sky News Australia, specializing in religion, food, and travel. With a career spanning regional reporting to national commentary, he combines investigative depth with narrative elegance to explore how cultural and policy shifts shape Australian society.
Des Houghton’s career spans decades, marked by a relentless pursuit of stories that resonate with Australian audiences. Starting as a regional reporter, Houghton honed his craft by covering local politics and community issues, developing a sharp eye for narratives that bridge personal and societal stakes. His transition to national media saw him tackle broader themes, from cultural shifts to legislative debates, always with a focus on how policies and trends impact everyday lives.
“Journalism isn’t just about reporting facts—it’s about weaving those facts into stories that matter to people.”
This piece explores how Margot Robbie’s early experiences in Australia’s nightlife inspired her entrepreneurial venture into the gin industry. Houghton delves into the cultural significance of local distilleries, tying Robbie’s personal story to broader trends in artisanal beverage markets. The article underscores his ability to connect celebrity narratives with economic and cultural shifts, offering readers a multifaceted view of industry innovation.
Houghton examines shifting tourist preferences away from traditional French cuisine toward global culinary competitors. Through interviews with chefs and industry analysts, he highlights how globalization and changing palates are reshaping gastronomic tourism. The article exemplifies his knack for blending travel writing with economic analysis, providing actionable insights for hospitality stakeholders.
In this op-ed, Houghton critiques the Australian Broadcasting Corporation’s growing disconnect from mainstream audiences. He argues that the broadcaster’s shift toward niche interests has alienated everyday Australians, using viewer statistics and public sentiment surveys to bolster his case. The piece showcases his expertise in media criticism and his commitment to holding institutions accountable.
Houghton thrives on stories that intersect religion, food, and societal trends. For example, a pitch about how religious dietary laws influence modern food industries would align with his coverage of gin’s cultural roots [1]. Proposals should emphasize unique angles, such as the economic impact of faith-based consumer choices.
He prioritizes Australian-centric narratives, particularly those showcasing local ingenuity. A story on a regional vineyard adopting sustainable practices would resonate, given his frequent coverage of wine industry evolution [2]. Include data on community impact or export potential.
While Houghton covers travel, he avoids superficial destination guides. Instead, pitch deep dives into how tourism policies affect local economies, akin to his analysis of France’s culinary decline [2]. Proposals should include interviews with policymakers or grassroots organizers.
Houghton’s investigative series on public sector accountability earned a Walkley nomination, journalism’s highest honor in Australia. The series exposed mismanagement in Queensland’s health system, prompting legislative reforms.
Recognized for his 2024 feature on Indigenous media representation, this award highlights his commitment to amplifying marginalized voices. The piece combined historical context with contemporary debates, setting a benchmark for ethical storytelling.
Margot Robbie reveals bizarre habit from her pre-fame clubbing days
French gastronomy is in decline, with tourists now favouring the culinary offerings from some of its biggest rivals
Des Houghton: ABC has fallen out of favour with everyday Australians
At PressContact, we aim to help you discover the most relevant journalists for your PR efforts. If you're looking to pitch to more journalists who write on Religion, here are some other real estate journalist profiles you may find relevant:
