The qualities of a journalist

A journalist’s craft demands a blend of curiosity, linguistic prowess, and a keen understanding of the world.

They are driven by a desire to uncover and share stories, recognising that impactful journalism lies not just in the facts themselves, but in the compelling way those facts are presented.

A journalist’s love of language, both written and spoken, allows them to craft narratives that resonate with their audience.

Mastery of language is paramount. Journalists must possess a strong command of grammar and spelling, continually refining their vocabulary.

While a simple, uncluttered writing style is essential for news stories, achieving this clarity can be more challenging than verbose prose.

Those new to journalism should focus on mastering the basic news story format before developing their own unique style.

Beyond language, a journalist needs an organised and discerning mind. They are entrusted with conveying accurate information, and any lapse in accuracy erodes trust and diminishes their audience.

This commitment to accuracy necessitates meticulous note-taking, ideally with a notebook or recording device at hand, capturing details contemporaneously.

Journalists must cultivate the ability to visualise the stories they are told, constructing a mental image of events and personalities.

News sense is a crucial skill developed through experience. It’s the instinct to identify information that will captivate an audience or hint at broader narratives.

It’s the ability to sift through a multitude of facts and opinions, discerning what truly matters.

A healthy skepticism is vital. Journalists are privy to information from various sources, each with their own motivations.

They must be adept at recognising deception and questioning the veracity of information presented to them. This skepticism fuels a dogged determination to pursue a story to its fullest, akin to a dog with a bone.

This often involves asking difficult questions, even at the risk of upsetting individuals, balancing politeness with persistence.

Building rapport with a diverse range of people is essential. Journalists cannot be selective in their interactions; they must engage respectfully with everyone, regardless of personal feelings.

Reliability is highly valued, as both employers and audiences depend on the journalist’s professionalism and timeliness. Missing an interview, for example, has a ripple effect, impacting the interviewee, the editor, and ultimately, the audience.

Journalism thrives on deadlines. News organisations expect timely, accurate, and attributed information, often seeking exclusive content. Punctuality is not just a virtue; it’s a necessity for a smooth-functioning newsroom. Efficiency and effectiveness are paramount in delivering the news.

Note: This article is based on a piece first published by The News Manual.

The landscape of journalism is dynamic, demanding a diverse set of qualities and skills. In an age of rapid information dissemination, the role of a journalist has become more crucial than ever, requiring a blend of traditional values and modern competencies. Here’s a breakdown of the main attributes:

Essential qualities

• Integrity and ethics
  • A journalist’s credibility hinges on their commitment to truth and accuracy. Maintaining ethical standards is paramount, especially in the face of pressure or bias.
• Curiosity and skepticism
  • A natural curiosity drives journalists to seek out stories and ask probing questions. A healthy dose of skepticism ensures that information is thoroughly vetted.
• Objectivity and fairness
  • While complete objectivity can be elusive, journalists must strive to present information in a fair and unbiased manner, giving voice to diverse perspectives.
• Resilience and determination
  • Journalism can be a demanding profession, with tight deadlines and challenging situations. Resilience and determination are essential for overcoming obstacles and pursuing stories.

Required skills

• Strong communication skills
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills are fundamental. Journalists must be able to articulate complex information clearly and concisely.
• Research and fact-checking
  • The ability to conduct thorough research and verify information is crucial. In the age of misinformation, fact-checking skills are more important than ever.
• Interviewing skills
  • Conducting effective interviews is essential for gathering information and capturing compelling narratives. This requires active listening, empathy, and the ability to ask insightful questions.
• Digital literacy
  • In today’s digital age, journalists must be proficient in using various digital tools and platforms. This includes social media, online research, and multimedia production.
• Adaptability
  • The journalism field is ever changing, so the ability to adapt to new technology, and new ways of reporting news is very important.
• Understanding media law and ethics
  • Journalists must have a strong understanding of legal and ethical guidelines, including defamation, privacy, and copyright laws.

In essence, a successful journalist is a skilled communicator, a meticulous researcher, and a dedicated seeker of truth. They are adaptable, ethical, and driven by a passion for informing the public.

Questions

1. What are some essential qualities a journalist must possess

2. Describe the difference between an ordinary news story and a great one?

3. Why is simplicity in writing style important for journalists, and what challenge does it present?

4. Explain the concept of “news sense”.

5. How does the text illustrate the importance of accuracy in journalism?

6. What role does skepticism play in a journalist’s work?

7. Describe the relationship between determination and respect in journalism.

8. How should journalists handle interactions with people they may dislike?

9. What are the consequences of a journalist failing to meet deadlines?

10. Discuss the importance of punctuality in a busy news organisation.

Answers

1. Essential qualities include a broad interest in the world, love of language, accuracy, skepticism, determination, and reliability.

2. The difference often lies in not just the facts included, but the way those facts are presented.

3. Simplicity is important because it makes the news accessible, but it can be more challenging to write simply than to be wordy.

4. “News sense” is the ability to recognise information that will interest the audience and to identify the most important or interesting facts.

5. Accuracy is crucial because it builds trust with the audience; without it, trust and audience will be lost.

6. Skepticism helps journalists recognise when they are being given false information and ensures they verify facts.

7. Determination allows journalists to pursue a story fully, and this persistence can lead to gaining respect, even if it involves asking hard questions.

8. Journalists should be friendly to all, regardless of personal feelings, to maintain professionalism and gather information.

9. Failing to meet deadlines can offend interviewees, editors, and the audience, as it disrupts the news process.

10. Punctuality is essential to prevent chaos and ensure the efficient operation of a news organisation.

In our next lesson we look at ‘What is news?’.

This training module uses material from The News Manual with permission. The image at the top is by David Brewer and released via Creative Commons BY-NC-SA 4.0.