Are you journalist material? Part 2
Here are 8 attributes journalists should have:
1. Inquisitiveness
A good journalist should be nosey about what’s going on in the world around them. A journalist knows stories don’t fall into their lap, instead he/she shows interest in getting one by inquring around and talking to people. Who bought those construction tools and why? What’s going on with the Sydney Buses that they’re always running late? When is the new highway going to completed? You have to be curious and have a ‘nose for news’.
2. Sceptisism
Journalists have to be sceptic about the information they receive, especially as most come from press releases, or from people or organisations pushing their own agenda. Journalists can’t take things at face value. You must dig around to get all the facts for the story.
3. Determination
You must be determined to get a story. Journalists have eagerness and motivation to pursue what’s required to produce a fair and balanced story. Many people won’t agree to be interviewed, or information may be withheld. Journalists are willing to put extra effort and hard work to meet their ends needs.
4. Good News and General Knowledge
Journalists are well informed and have great cultural knowledge. You will need to be well-informed about issues in your country and around the world, including past historical events. You should at least have good grips of news and current affairs.
5. Integrity and Trusworthiness
It’s important that journalists make instant judgements on what’s okay to ask, report, and repeat. The best journalists report with a strong moral and ethical base which allows them to decide how stories are written and delivered, and not publicize information given off the record.
6. Passion for Accuracy
Good journalists check and check again they have the facts right, names and places spelled correctly. They’re willing to double check with other sources to cofirm facts, and ask repeatedly questions until they understand the answer.
7. Motivation and Enthusiasm
Journalists don’t give up easy on finding new stories or getting people to talk to them. They put up fight and are don’t quit on tasks that easily.
8. Writing Skills
Good journalists write in a clear and interesting way under pressure and strict deadlines. You must write enganginly and quickly with impeccable grammar and spelling.
Also, check out the three more attributes you should have to be a journalist.
For more information about how to get a job in journalism and insights on the journalism industry, check out the book Careers in Journalism by Fran Molloy and Helena Janson.
Read Part One of Are you journalist material?
