An Inquiry-Based Story

By: Ingrid Gätjens

Mark Lee Hunter is a master storyteller in investigative journalism, where the search for truth is the ultimate goal. Having covered stories across different continents and cultures, Hunter’s narrative is diverse and captivating, just like the stories he uncovers. His career is a testament to the power of curiosity, resilience, and unwavering dedication towards finding the truth.

Mark Lee Hunter could never be confined to a simple word. He is a complex character in the best possible way: a skilled storyteller, an awarded researcher and consultant, and an amateur electric guitar player. Hunter’s complexity goes beyond that, though, as, by his own admission, he inadvertently took advantage of his “very, very funny American accent when speaking French” to act in a Jean-Luc Godard movie. At least, that’s why he thinks he got the role…

Although born and raised in the United States, Hunter moved to France in the early 1980s. Despite an enormous adjustment from American life, he did not find it difficult to decide to move, as he believed he needed a change. Hunter’s vast worldview is perhaps why he has such an acute perception of human interaction. He has dealt with people from all over the world and has worked in over 40 countries. Thus, Hunter admits that he has learned by making mistakes and now knows what to avoid.

“You don’t just assume that people have the same frame you do; you learn to deal with that. Hopefully, the experience makes you more sopgisticated and more understanding. In my case, it made me a lot more formal and direct”

When conversing with Hunter, he seems to have infinite fascinating stories about entirely different topics. His diverse circle of friends from all over the world, as well as his anecdotes, reflect the richness of his experiences. He expresses his gratitude for meeting such interesting people while working and thus stems his main criticism of journalism schools today: he thinks it tragic that the working-class component of the profession has largely disappeared thanks to the standardization of journalism degrees. That’s another thing about him; he found places that accepted his independence as an asset, as he has always wanted to work on what he thought mattered whenever he thought it did. Hunter also explains that his career was never stable but that he could meet and work with people he deeply admired, which he has always held in high regard.

“Most people don’t like what they do, and regardless of how much they’re paid, they’re not having a particularly meaningful time doing it, so why would you do that?”

Reflecting on the most significant achievement of his career, Mark Lee Hunter has an easier time than most pinpointing it, “Story-Based Inquiry,” he shares matter-of-factly. He explains that the manual established his reputation in the industry and with his peers, thus opening many doors. “I became the guy who was training the troops, like the drill sergeant in the army, minus the abuse.” Hunter’s words encapsulate the profound impact of Story-Based Inquiry, not just as a professional milestone but as a testament to his dedication to shaping the next generation of journalists. Through his pioneering work, he has solidified his reputation as a mentor and guide, empowering others to uncover truths and tell stories that matter.

Today, Mark Lee Hunter lives in rural France in a house his late architect wife built for them. He says that he is surrounded by friends and gets to travel while working on what he’s passionate about, and people appreciate it. All his life, Hunter sought an interesting and independent life. He thinks that’s what his life turned out to be.

In the end, I asked Mark Lee Hunter to share some parting advice, and he quickly responded: “Do what you love with people you admire. Otherwise, you won’t be happy.”

Source: Community-powered journalism