Billi FitzSimons wants to be known as more than Lisa Wilkinson’s daughter

The appointment of Lisa Wilkinson and Peter FitzSimons’ daughter to a new job led to some unexpected backlash. But she’s not phased.

Billi FitzSimons may be the daughter of two big names in the Australian media industry – but she wants to make a name for herself separate from her parents.

“I want to be known for my work and not for my parents’ names – and I hope that the work I do warrants that,” the 24-year-old told news.com.au.

Billi was recently appointed the role of editor at youth news company The Daily Aus.

But when news broke that the daughter of TV presenter Lisa Wilkinson and columnist Peter FitzSimons had landed such a senior gig in her early 20s, there was plenty of discussion about whether it was right or fair.

Both parents hit back at critics on Twitter drawing attention to the fact the publication’s target audience was young people Billi’s age.

“Our daughter, @BilliFitzSimons is 24. The instagram platform she just became editor of is a brilliant new way to get your news. Targeted at young people, many of whom don’t trust MSM. I use it every day. If you’re not following @TheDailyAus on instagram you’re missing out,” Lisa wrote.

Our daughter, @BilliFitzSimons is 24. The instagram platform she just became editor of is a brilliant new way to get your news. Targeted at young people, many of whom don’t trust MSM. I use it every day. If you’re not following @TheDailyAus on instagram you’re missing out. 👏👏👏 https://t.co/tvFAN8aI6I

— Lisa Wilkinson (@Lisa_Wilkinson) March 22, 2022

While Peter said: “Her mother was made editor of Dolly at the age of 21, and went well. In Billi’s case she is Editor of a platform that is going after a mob her age, in their 20s, and getting them in droves. 330,000 followers in last couple of years or so. She works like a demon, and will go well.”

But while both her parents leapt to her defence, Billi stayed silent. The young journalist tells news.com.au she was more focused on launching her new podcast.

Her simple response to the criticism is: “I’m committed to doing a good job … the rest of it is out of my control.”

Billi FitzSimons is following in her mother’s footsteps taking on a new role as editor, but she wants to be known for more than just her parents’ names. Picture: Instagram

She said she takes her job as a “huge responsibility”, especially with the federal election approaching.

“I know there’s been a lot of discussion about my age, but I think it should also be recognised that in this role my age is an asset,” she said.

“We’re a team of young people, speaking to young people.”

Billi’s target audience is young people. Picture: Instagram

She views her role as a ‘huge responsibility’. Picture: Instagram

She has tried her hand at a range of tasks, from audio editing to graphic design (which she admits was a less successful venture) and is now ready to take the next step.

“Editing is something that I’ve always been hoping to do, and I’m lucky that in such a small team I was given the opportunity to step up and lead a team of young journalists,” she said.

Billi says she still has much to learn, but is following her gut instinct.

One piece of advice that has stuck with her from her parents is “doing your homework before you embark on anything”, but it is clear Billi is keen to forge her own path in the industry.

“When I told my parents I was considering working for The Daily Aus, the first step was explaining to them what it was – they had never heard of it,” she said.

“I’m still not sure my dad understands it – he clearly doesn’t spend as many hours on Instagram as he does on Twitter.”

She said she is proud of her parents’ achievements in their careers and that they taught her the importance of hard work. Picture: Instagram

Billi celebrating Christmas with her The Daily Aus colleagues. Picture: Instagram

The Daily Aus was founded by lawyer and journalist Sam Koslowski and former political staffer and journalist Zara Seidler.

Billi’s career began as an editorial assistant in 2018 at Mamamia, which was created by Mia Freedman, who Lisa famously hired as an intern at Dolly magazine 30 years earlier.

Lisa herself was made the editor of Dolly magazine at the young age of 21.

Billi secured a role as a news writer 18 months after joining Mamamia. Five months later, she was promoted to senior news writer.

She joined The Daily Aus as a political journalist last year.

Originally published as Billi FitzSimons wants to be known as more than Lisa Wilkinson’s daughter