You want to be a journalist? What does it take? Last week we reviewed some of the general qualities, such as being a good listener and a lover of words. This week we add to the list.
A journalist adheres to deadlines, yet must often patiently await for phone calls to be returned or for interviewees to complete their speeches, meetings, etc. A journalist is expected to be objective, yet be human; interrogative, yet humane; cynical, yet trustworthy.
Being a journalist means being full of contradictions.
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Journalists are often criticized as being skeptics and cynics. They have reason to be that way.
Newspapers, radios and TVs can be powerful ways to get a message to an audience. There will always be people, special interest groups and organizations fighting for media attention.
The journalist is the information gatekeeper: The journalist decides if the message will get out and what the message will be. It is not a role to take lightly.
While ideally journalists should serve only as the medium of communicating information quickly and correctly, being a journalist means always being used.
People will always try to encourage the journalist to help them or their slanted views reach the public. Thus the cynicism. Every professional and social relationship is approached more cautiously by the professional journalist.
Meanwhile the same journalist must be seen as honest and objective, and will gain information needed only if people trust the journalist. Would-be journalists should consider if they can handle this from society – and also consider why they are approaching this career.
Reporters who wish to take advantage of their positions to present their personal views or who have their own personal agendas (outside the realm of properly identified analytical or editorial pieces) should seek another profession.
