Hello and welcome, I’m Eliza, a 22-year-old Romanian editor and freelance journalist, based in Leeds, UK. I am the founder and editor of literary publication Coffee Time Reviews, a regular contributor at The Indiependent, and a Europe Editor at The Meridian Magazine. I have experience producing content for print and digital media, as well as for TV and radio. My focus topics are breaking news, business, lifestyle, and politics.
Stories for The Meridian Magazine
I started freelancing part-time in early June, when I also got accepted for the editor position I now hold at The Meridian Magazine. The Meridian has offered me an ideal place to get more international exposure on my home country’s current affairs.
Romania’s next general election: What’s at stake and is it time to turn towards independent candidates?
Broken Identity: What the stigma against left-handedness means for Eastern European democracies
The ‘Better Days’ of Communism: Propaganda’s Long-Term Effects on Modern-Day Romania
Diaspora at Home: How Romanians in Europe continue to forge their country’s path
Stories for the Yorkshire Evening Post
In April 2021 I did a week of work experience with the Yorkshire Evening Post, as part of the Live News team. This allowed me to experience the pace of a busy newsroom, and my 9-5 shifts culminated with investigating and writing an environment story that made it on the front page of the print newspaper the next day.
Woodhouse Moor ‘a public health hazard’ after park is hit by hundreds using it as a toilet
The best beer garden Otley Run route you can take through Headingley right now
Leeds Quarry Hill site set for redevelopment after plans for 350 new apartments approved
Stories for Coffee Time Reviews
At the end of March 2021, I launched my literary publication, Coffee Time Reviews, where I am currently editor-in-chief, working with 16 writers. I’ve been experimenting with types of content and series of articles for my publication, culminating with our author interview series: Author Spotlight and our newest series, Behind the Scenes showcasing the good, the bad, and the ugly behind getting a book published.
THE PATRIARCHY IN THE POETRY SCENE STOLE MY BIGGEST PASSION
AUTHOR SPOTLIGHT: ‘YOUR LIFE IS A STORY’ SAYS JORDAN GROSS
THE ‘BROWN SISTERS’ SERIES BY TALIA HIBBERT SPOKE TO ALL MY PERSONAL QUIRKS
Stories for The Indiependent
In August 2020, The Indiependent took me on as a contributor and I have covered some great stories for them, from gaming and TV news to book reviews and recommendations.
Prince Of Persia: The Sands Of Time Remake Delayed Again
Book Review: Cesare // Jerome Charyn
Epic Games V Apple: US Judge Rules In Favour Of Fortnite Developer In Recent Court Hearing
September 2020 Book Releases: The Indiependent’s Recommendations
Stories for Leeds Now
As part of my Journalism course at university, I’ve been contributing news stories on our platform, Leeds Now, some of which are multimedia pieces or pieces which include material for radio. All of these stories have been heavily researched and produced during newsdays, which are industry simulations, so they are qualitative journalistic content, which I’m very proud of.
‘Aviation is changing’, says supporter of Bradford Airport expansion
Wedding suppliers hit back at Government for ‘unwillingness’ to provide support
Video games become ’empowering and relieving’ public spaces for people to better cope with self-isolation
Beauty treatments give clients ‘taste of normality’, says salon owner
‘More needs to be done’ to make Leeds more disability friendly
Broadcast Experience
My broadcast experience includes reporting, producing, and presenting, all of which I have done both in the studio and, more recently, remotely, as part of my university course. Presenting is by far my favourite role, especially for TV bulletins.
TV Content
Radio content
The Business Bulletin
In April 2020, I was the editor of The Business Bulletin, a one-off radio show about the new economic patterns unfolding under COVID-19, which at the time was an emerging issue. This is the radio work I’m proudest of, because it allowed me to manage a team of six reporters and a presenter to produce a 15-minute human-focused and thoroughly researched bulletin. As editor, I had to make sure our show hit the deadline without difficulty, which was challenging but equally rewarding.
Stories on Medium
I have started publishing on Medium two months ago. This gives me more creative freedom when choosing my topics. My focus topics are books and reading, fitness, self-improvement, and writing.
If you’re also on Medium, you can give me a follow @eliza-lita to see what new pieces I’m publishing. I’m currently aiming to have at least three articles published every week.
5 Reasons Not to Live in London – in Curious
Shameless Confidence Is The Key to Freelancing Success – in Freelancer’s Hub
Happiness Lies in Fixing Your Sleeping Pattern – in Mind Cafe
Weight Loss is The Worst Fitness Goal – in In Fitness and in Health
My Grandma Jumped out of a Moving Car at My Age. Why Should I Be Scared About Finding a Job? – in Curious
An Editor on The Most Common Mistakes A Writer Should Avoid – in The Brave Writer
5 Useful Practices to Help You Overcome Writer’s Block – in The Brave Writer
How I Use My Introversion to Be a Better Journalist – in The Ascent
7 Books That Got Me Through 2020’s Lowest Times – in Books Are Our Superpower
What ‘Lady in Waiting’ taught me about British aristocracy – in A Thousand Lives
Thank you for reading through my journalism portfolio! If my work strikes your fancy, check out my Work with me page for details on how to contact me for commissions or anything else (podcasts, events, panels, interviews).
Eliza Lita 