After studying at the University of York from 1977 to 1980, Newman worked at the Liverpool Echo. Between 1981 and 1983, she lived in Italy and France to learn the languages, teaching English as a private tutor.
After graduating from the University of York in 1980, Newman started working at the Liverpool Echo. During the years 1981 to 1983, she lived in Italy and France to learn languages, offering private English tutoring.