Nessan Cleary · Journalist · INKISH Honoree 26
In this thoughtful and candid conversation, Nessan Cleary reflects on recognition, journalistic integrity, independence, and the evolving media landscape in the printing industry.
When asked about being selected as an honoree at the NON-EVENT, Cleary admits he was genuinely surprised. Known for his humility and relative privacy, he did not expect the recognition. While he appreciates being noticed, he remains pragmatic about awards, viewing them as a pleasant acknowledgment rather than a defining milestone. For him, professional validation has always been secondary to doing the work properly.
Trained in newspaper journalism with a postgraduate qualification, Cleary explains that his unbiased, methodical approach is not something he developed over time but simply the craft he was taught. He draws a clear line between journalism and marketing, emphasizing that he deliberately chose to fund his work independently rather than accept sponsorship or funding from the companies he covers. That decision, while financially challenging, gives him complete editorial freedom — something he considers far more valuable than commercial security.
The conversation explores how journalism has changed, particularly in terms of speed, global publishing cycles, and audience expectations. While publishing is faster today, Cleary believes depth still matters more than immediacy. He does not rely heavily on analytics; instead, he judges impact by direct reader feedback. Some stories that require significant effort generate little response, while others unexpectedly resonate widely — a reminder that audience engagement is often unpredictable.
He also reflects on major investigative work, including coverage of controversial business dealings in the industry. Those stories highlighted both the limitations of working independently and the importance of due diligence, following the money, and maintaining journalistic standards even when navigating legally sensitive territory. Collaboration with other journalists during those investigations proved both unusual and valuable in an industry where competition is often the norm.
Beyond journalism, Cleary shares insights into his personal life — his love of cooking, his diverse musical tastes ranging from classical and jazz to punk and rock, and how he uses rhythmic elements in music to shape his writing process. A former music journalist before moving into print technology, he approaches both fields with curiosity and technical interest. Printing, he notes, uniquely combines mechanical engineering with advanced digital systems — a blend that continues to fascinate him.
Despite decades in the industry, he remains driven by the core principle that people need reliable, in-depth information. Technologies evolve, publishing platforms change, and reading habits shift from print to desktop to mobile, but the need for accurate, independent reporting remains. In his view, version “2.0” of journalism is not about reinvention — it is about maintaining integrity while adapting to new formats.
The discussion concludes with reflections on industry events, collaboration, and the value of creating spaces where people can exchange ideas openly. For Cleary, the most important thing remains clear: follow the money, maintain independence, and provide readers with information they can trust.
