As the aspiring journalists enter the new era of news distribution. Gone are the days of simple copy and newspaper delivery and hello to a world of opportunity and infinite skills. The internet has completely changed the ball game, providing anyone the chance to create content for little to no cost or experience for that matter. Despite, a shift in the industry’s focus and pressures, the core values a journalist should hold go way back. These values include practicing integrity, accuracy and passion for the job. Unlike many, journalism is not a job left at the office, with rolling deadlines and a national interest for global news, it’s safe to say they live and breathe the news cycle. In such a competitive industry timeliness is crucial, whether that is delivering breaking news or live blogging a sporting event, it is fundamental a journalist reports with as much accuracy and integrity as possible, providing content readers will respect and want to follow. This career path isn’t for everyone, which is why passion is an integral value a journalist should hold towards their career. But don’t be mistaken, this profession requires multiple skill sets and provides opportunities on multiple platforms, catering for everyone’s style and needs.
The above values are useful when distributing content, especially when we consider the ever so popular blogs and podcasts. Employers nowadays are looking beyond one’s knowledge and reporting skills to what they can bring to the business. Having amassed a personal readership through blogging or podcasting, gives you the ability to transport your followers from one job to another, undoubtedly a great asset to any young journalist. But the bottom line is, without reporting accurately, passionately or sincerely it is unlikely people will want to follow your content. Nowadays, it only takes a passionate writer to find their niche market sending them on their way to a successful writing career. There really is no excuse for lazy journalism with the vastly accessible digital tools available to journalist’s today. Being passionate about what you are writing will encourage the upmost accuracy and integrity to do the story justice.
(Photo: Laura Hingston)
