Welsh Affairs Editor Will Hayward Reflects on Most Memorable Articles During His Time at WalesOnline
Welsh Affairs Editor, Will Hayward, is preparing to bid farewell to WalesOnline after an eventful eight-year stint at the esteemed publication. In his retrospective piece, he delves into the significant roles he has held and the impactful articles he has penned during his tenure.
Hayward’s journey at WalesOnline commenced as a trainee nearly eight years ago, eventually progressing to roles such as senior reporter, social affairs correspondent, and political editor. Despite initial nervousness stemming from dyslexia, he found his footing and excelled in various investigative and feature writing endeavours.
Some of the standout pieces from his portfolio include “The Other Premier League,” offering a unique perspective on Carmarthen Town AFC, “The Last Worshipper,” a poignant narrative of a remarkable individual, and “The Iron Town of Tenby,” showcasing the essence of a place through immersive storytelling.
Transitioning into covering social affairs, Hayward tackled challenging subjects like violence against women, featuring compelling interviews with survivors such as Jodie Tague and Charlotte Rooks. His investigations into political matters, including uncovering financial irregularities and nepotism among Welsh politicians, led to impactful outcomes like the resignation of prominent figures.
In his later years, Hayward focused extensively on poverty in Wales, aiming to provide a balanced portrayal of affected communities. The onset of the Covid-19 pandemic brought a new level of significance to his journalism, notably through investigative pieces shedding light on governmental responses and failures.
Reflecting on his time at WalesOnline, Hayward commends the dedication and talent of his colleagues, emphasising the importance of constructive feedback and support for aspiring journalists in an ever-evolving media landscape. As he prepares to embark on a new chapter, his legacy of insightful reporting and unwavering commitment to storytelling remains ingrained in the fabric of WalesOnline.