From pulling old tapes to presenting major crime news on television, Gillian Lantouris’s career is a testament to determination, curiosity, and hard-earned success.
The 27-year-old Greek Australian journalist, who is now a crime reporter for Channel Nine, began her journey in 2016 as an assistant news librarian while studying a Bachelor of Arts at Monash University. Even in her early days as a student, her passion for journalism was unmistakable.
“I always knew I wanted to be a journalist, even though I was just doing library work I would always dress as a journalist and a reporter,” Lantouris tells Neos Kosmos.
Drawn to the television camera, Gillian was navigating a fast-paced newsroom environment at just 19 years old. She was working alongside media professionals with decades of experience. Despite being a beginner in the news industry, she was ambitious and knew exactly which career path she wanted to follow.
“I kept fighting and knocking on my boss’s door until he said he would give me a chance” Lantouris says.
Her determination is deeply rooted from the morals passed down by her Yiayia and Pappou who encouraged her strong work ethic.
“I used to run around, do all the interviews and research, then pass the story over which was hard for me, but I had to put the hard years in,” Lantoruis says.
Gillian remembers her first on screen experience during Covid, covering a story in Bendigo about the local pub that had been reopened after lockdowns eased. A modest assignment, but for her it sparked the beginning of her career on camera.
At 25 years old, Gillian stepped into the role as a crime reporter, a role she embraces with a strong sense of empathy and responsibility. She is passionate about giving a voice to victims and their families, with the aim of delivering justice through storytelling.
“I was always fascinated with crime and the investigation side of reporting, and with my role I love getting people justice and it is important for people who don’t have a voice are able to have a voice through me as a a journalist,” she tells Neos Kosmos.
Gillian’s commitment to her position was further demonstrated in her recent trip to Laos, where she reported on the tragic methanol poisoning case involving two young girls from Melbourne.
“Once I got to the hospital I cried, it was absolutely horrible,” Lantouris says.
Gillian’s dedication to sensitive and complex stories was also reflected during her time in Ballarat, where she covered the disappearance of Samantha Murphy. A case that struck the nation.
“In the early days of the investigation it was awful, so being able to provide that platform for him to speak the truth was important,” Lantouris says.
Gillian’s work was recognised with two Highly Commended Quill Awards – Scoop of the Year and TV/Videos News for her exclusive interview with Mick Murphy, the husband of Samantha.
Most recently, an intense reporting experience occurred when she covered the recent release of underworld figure Tony Mokbel which was her first live rolling coverage.
“This is the reason why we are reporters and journalists, and we love these exciting stories, it gives us the adrenaline rush,” Lantouris says.
After 18 years behind bars, Mokbel responded to a question Gillian had asked him, she described this as a surreal experience.
Beyond her role as a reporter, she remains a proud Greek Australian. Three of her grandparents are from the island of Limnos, while her Pappou is from the island of Samos. She treasures the relationships she shares with her family and looks forward to celebrating Greek Orthodox Easter and Christmas.
In her teenage high school years, surrounded by mostly Anglo Australian Girls, Gillian recalls wishing that she could also assimilate and become more Anglicised primarily so she could “fit in”.
“In this day and age, it doesn’t matter what ethnicity you are. Every day I speak to people from different nationalities, and I am proud to be an ethnic reporter,” Lantouris says.
Looking ahead, Gillian hopes to take her storytelling to a global level. She holds a deep connection to her Greek heritage, therefore becoming a Europe correspondent is on the horizon.
Now a respected voice in crime reporting, Gillian continues to pursue her role with the same passion that inspired her to become who she is today. Her tireless dedication from her very early days behind the scenes to currently becoming a familiar face on Melbourne’s Channel Nine covering some of the biggest crime stories yet is truly admirable.
