Some thoughts on journalism

Although it is not the only significant part, training is an important aspect of every journalist. It is easy to say adequate training; it is unlikely that any individual will reach their full potential. It is through a higher level of teaching that we are able to learn and develop the sufficient techniques that transform […]

Although it is not the only significant part, training is an important aspect of every journalist. It is easy to say adequate training; it is unlikely that any individual will reach their full potential. It is through a higher level of teaching that we are able to learn and develop the sufficient techniques that transform us from being simply ‘good’ writers into successful, thriving journalists. Experience is a vital part of a journalist’s life, and those experiences should be savoured and used for good purpose.

Some journalists carry out their work without using enough facts. Who would be the best journalists? The one with an inquisitive mind, who chooses to do nothing with it? Or the other person who also possesses a wide range of experiences and an intent to share them with the world?

There have been many occasions when people showed their opposition towards this profession. The general perception is that journalists are rude, intrusive, and often biased cynics.

Some people contend that journalists invade privacy with little concern for the consequences and become arrogant and self righteous while citing the public’s ‘right to know’.

Time was when it used to be said that a journalist is born, not made, that you could not push a man through a journalism school and he would emerge at the other end a journalist. Yet there are some exceptional men who brought much honour to the profession. But those were different times, it was sufficient, then, for anyone with a sense of mission, to declare herself a journalist, buy or hire a printing press and bring out a journal. Today, however, things are quite different, more complicated. And while, no doubt, some are born journalists, they would be even better if they attended a course in journalism. Sure our society will benefit if people with a deep thought for this profession join in.

Dibal Pupwaya Timothy, Department of Mass Communicatuion,  University of Maiduguri.