Daniella Atkinson is Vancouver’s News Reporter, a woman about town, who, armed with a tiny microphone, interviews people from all walks of life. You’ve likely seen her street interviews where she asks people what they do for a living on TikTok or Instagram, that is, if you haven’t been stopped by her yourself. Atkinson is as comfortable on the red carpet as she is on the sidewalk, and now, she’s venturing beyond just Vancouver. We chatted with Atkinson to learn more about how she went from interviewing drunk college students to working for herself full-time, making content with millions of views.
What is your channel called and what is it about?
I’m Daniella Atkinson, a presenter and reporter, though most people online know me as “Vancouver’s News Reporter” or @daniella_atk on Instagram and TikTok. My content spans a few genres, but I’m best known for my street interviews, especially my “What do you do for a living?” series, along with my work as a sports reporter and red carpet interviewer.
When did you start it? What motivated you at the beginning?
I have a Bachelor of Arts Honours Degree in Media and Performance Production from Queen’s University. I actually started street reporting back in school, interviewing drunk students at Homecoming, covering weekly campus news, and showing up at events and rallies with a mic in hand.
When I moved to Vancouver and started my on-air career, I kept doing street interviews on the side as a creative outlet. I quickly realized Vancouver had an untapped market for this kind of content. Things started taking off in the summer of 2022, and by January 2023, I jumped in full-time.
Who were you inspired by? Any influences?
Career-wise, I’ve always looked up to people like Sir David Attenborough, Christiane Amanpour, Graham Norton, and Julie Chen. Creators who inspire my own style include Alex Cooper, Caleb Simpson, Lizzie McIntosh, and Daniel Mac.
How would you describe your audience?
They’re global, curious, and just like me, delightfully nosey. My videos tend to find the exact crowd they’re meant for. Sometimes it’s Vancouver locals sharing an interview because they recognize someone. Sometimes it’s fans of a celebrity or athlete I talk to. And often it’s everyday people with really fascinating careers, those stories are usually the ones my community connects with the most.
What is your creative process? Do you have people who work with you?
My work is people-driven. I’m inspired by who I meet. I’m thankful to be able to bring on videographers for shoots, but otherwise it’s a one-woman show. I don’t have a rigid creative process, but I’m a very type-A Virgo, so preparation is my love language. For interviews, especially with clients or public figures, I research thoroughly and use my journalism background to ask the questions I know my audience actually cares about.
How do you monetize your content? Do you also have another job?
This has been my full-time job for three years. I monetize strictly through brand partnerships since Canada doesn’t have a creator fund. That means my income fluctuates, and everything depends on my own drive. It can be intimidating, but I’ve always been independent (I don’t have family in North America to lean on), so building something on my own terms feels right for me.
What is your favourite piece of content you have created?
I wish I could narrow it down to one. I’ve had videos hit millions of views, interviewed incredible public figures, and chatted with everyday people doing extraordinary things.
One piece I was especially excited about, as it’s a personal passion of mine, was my video with the local Marine Mammal Rescue Centre.
What is the best part about what you do? What is the worst part?
The best part is being my own boss and creating opportunities I once only dreamed about. The hardest part is the loneliness. Content creation, especially in Vancouver, can be very isolating, and the pressure of relying solely on yourself for everything can become all-consuming.
What are your future plans for your channel?
This year is looking huge. I’m diving deeper into sports reporting, which I’m excited to expand on. I also want to continue to travel more and take my interviews worldwide. Expect new series, more personality, and a side of me my audience hasn’t really seen yet.
Where can we follow you?
PAY IT FORWARD: What is another Canadian content creator that you love?
Another Canadian Content Creator I love is “Inspired by her travels,” Kristen Wendlandt. She creates the most stunning videos showcasing the beauty of Canada, and it’s made me re fall in love with the country. She creates content I could only dream of being able to create myself, but I’m not nearly that aesthetic, haha.
