Three more attributes for journalists
In Are You Journalist Material? Part One and Part Two, I’ve talked about the attributes you require to be a good journalist. I listed the eight attributes you should already have or strive to have.
I recommend you read the 8 attributes to self-asses your potential as a journalist.
Here are other personal attributes journalists should embrace when they’re doing their job. Again, remember that it’s important you feel comfortable with them and working on them in your daily life.
1. Responsability
A journalist takes personal responsability for what he/she reports. People may disagree with the angle you gave your story, or think your report is biased. It’s common to take a position in the story because of the judgements, and opinions you make when researching. Many people say journalism and objectivity are mutually exclusive.
That’s why it’s important to ask about your own motivations to the story and report fairly on your case and interviewees.
2. Fairness
A journalist strives to report responsibly and fair on their stories. Failing to do so can lead to poor reputation. Another issue confronting journalists in different industries is distancing from advertsing. Editorial and advertising work closely together, after all, most media outlets (magazines, newspapers, etc) main revenue depend on it. For example, magazines will give advice on certain services the reader/audience should take, videos to rent, books to read or products to use.
The key here, is to be a fair as possible, in every media organisation there will be a certain procedure or limitations, but your aim should always try to cover several people and products so that you’re not showing any bias to anyone or anything.
Another situation where you must remain fair and objective as possible is when different people or organisations push their own agenda to get their message accross to the community.
3. Competitiveness
Aside from determination to acheive your goals, whether getting a job or a story, you must also be prepared to compete. Journalism has fewer jobs than other industries, so it’s essential you start abiding and start incorporating these attributes to your daily life. Your persistance in getting a story, will pay off when getting a job in journalism, or viceversa.
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
