3 Qualities That Make a Good Journalist
Good journalism is a gray area. Who can define how you tell which part to know of a story? Keeping all controversy aside, let’s just focus on the profession of journalism. Journalism is one of the oldest professions and, for good reasons, the pillar of democracy. The ordinary people need representation. Someone who will ask questions on behalf of them. And that is precisely the job of a news reporter. Journalists, therefore, have a direct equation with the common man. So, let’s consider the peoples’ perspectives here. Let’s find out what, according to them, makes a trustworthy journalist.
1. Confidence and communication
When you are presenting a story or a news article or a feature, your confidence is your asset. No one wants to see a journalist who is fumbling, unsure of their words or who has lost their thoughts. You need to be confident. On television, you must maintain the right posture and be aware of your facial expressions and body language. When people are listening to you or watching you, they are not just listening or watching the stories, they are seeing and hearing YOU. As a media representative, you need to be aware of that.
Your communication skills also need to be on the point. It’s all about good storytelling. No one wants to hear a flat note mechanically reading out news. You need to modify your voice accordingly and, most importantly, not show any biased emotion on your face. If you are reporting the news of your favorite team or player getting eliminated from a tournament, you may be deeply affected, but your viewers should not be aware of that.
2. In-depth knowledge
It seems a little far-fetched, but it’s true. No matter which topic you are writing or reporting on, it will be very evident if you do not have in-depth knowledge of it. Even if it’s out of your comfort zone, you should do your research, learn about it and then decide on a view on it. As a journalist, you are writing about the events happening around you. And to understand what is happening, you need to learn about the incidents preceding it and factors that may have contributed to it.
If it’s necessary, do a survey and ask people what they think about something. Report or present it from a narrator’s point of view. Remember, viewers and readers rely on you to present a neutral piece of incident with evidence, backup, and relevant comments. Once you’ve done your part, they will be able to shape their own viewpoint. And trust me, this viewpoint has the power to influence a lot, from how a government comes into play to embracing a fresh way of life.
3. Empathy
Empathy is the emotional intelligence quotient that enables journalists to connect with their subjects and understand the human impact of their stories. Great journalists recognize that there are real people with their struggles, joys, and aspirations behind every headline, statistic, or political event. Journalists can approach their work with sensitivity, respect, and compassion by cultivating empathy.
Empathy allows journalists to bridge divides, break down barriers, and deeply relate to their sources. It helps them gain the trust of those they interview, which is essential for eliciting honest responses. When journalists can truly understand and convey the human experience, their stories become more relatable and impactful, resonating with their audience profoundly.
The profession of journalism has been promoted as glamorous. However, you need to have characteristics that make you a good journalist. Just because you can put words on paper or speak well on camera doesn’t automatically label you as a journalist. It’s a bit more intricate than that. You should have the zeal to go into a story as far as possible, to present the news with integrity without clouding your judgment. You need to be aware of the line that you shouldn’t cross when it comes to sharing stuff with the public. There’s a certain boundary you should respect. You make the final call. That kind of power calls for that kind of responsibility, which you should be willing to fulfill.
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