About Me
I’m a Belfast-based journalist focusing on local democracy, healthcare, children and young people’s issues, and community reporting. I focus on clear, evidence-based coverage of how councils, public agencies, and elected officials make decisions that affect everyday life.
I graduated with First Class Honours in Journalism from Ulster University and am currently working towards my Master’s degree and NCTJ Diploma. My training emphasises verification, media law, court reporting standards, investigations, and ethical decision-making.
Before retraining in journalism, I spent fifteen years working in pre-hospital healthcare, event management, and private security across Northern Ireland. This experience informs my reporting on incidents, safeguarding, and complex or sensitive issues.
Public service is at the heart of my journalism. I aim to ensure that everything I investigate, write, and publish contributes to accountability, transparency, and a better understanding of how decisions shape everyday life.
My Approach
I aim to report clearly, accurately, and fairly, with a focus on evidence-based journalism that explains complex issues in an accessible way. Whether covering council budgets, planning decisions, or community initiatives, my priority is to ensure readers are properly informed about how decisions are made and who they affect.
My work is guided by three principles:
Transparency — Facts before opinion.
Integrity — Verification and accuracy at every stage.
Context — Reflecting lived experience alongside policy and process.
Background
I grew up in South Belfast but moved around, including time in South London, Finaghy, Lisburn, and Carryduff. I’m now based in East Belfast. I studied for my undergraduate and master’s degrees at Ulster University, Coleraine. My interest in journalism grew from a rise in mis- and disinformation over the last decade and my own desire to be a grounded and reliable source of information.
Logistics & Travel-Ready
I hold a full, clean UK manual driving licence and have my own insured vehicle for travel when needed.
Contact
For news or story tips:
📧 info@craigkirkwood.co.uk
Professional Platforms
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/craig-kirkwood