Oluwatomisin Amokeoja writes on the options opened to journalists laid off in media organisations due to the COVID-19 pandemic and other economic reasons.
It is no longer news that professionals in the media industry are getting laid-off or furloughed like in any other industry all over the world.
The harsh economic effect of COVID-19 among other factors has left media organizations with no other option but to downsize.
Despite the inconvenient reality, there are ways out for affected media professionals willing to adjust with the times and get back on track while fitting into the requirements for today’s journalism.
The experience of yesteryears is no longer sufficient for today which necessitates the need to study the trends, take up courses, ultimately leading to being suitable for current media-related jobs.
Gone are the days when the ability to gather and write news was enough to kick-off a media career. We are in the era of backpack journalism in which a media professional must be able to combine all forms of reportorial skills to give a wholesome reportage. It is expected that a present-day journalist, with knowledge of digital tools, is able to gather news supported by audios and visuals to lay credence to the story.
Everything is going digital — from the way we present and market ourselves to potential recruiters, to where we find vacancies, even the way we approach employers.
READ ALSO: 17 THIGHS DISPLACED JOURNALISTS SHOULD KNOW AND ACT ON
Acquiring digital skills like the one provided by Google Digital Skills for Africa will give you an edge over others and go a long way to boost your curriculum vitae (CV).
There is also the Google News Initiative Training Center where over 40 lessons on Google products and tools have been specifically designed for journalists in order to assist with thriving in the digital age. Through the initiative, journalists are imparted with skills and knowledge on fundamentals of digital journalism, podcasting, going live, basics of machine learning, (multimedia) storytelling, environmental journalism, verification, safety and security, data journalism, investigative reporting and publishing and monetization.
Journalists who are inactive on online platforms like Muck Rack, LinkedIn and Twitter miss out on a lot of opportunities. Presence on those platforms is a way to showcase your contents and connect with colleagues and organizations around the globe. Ensure that your online activities reflect your profession.
Following relevant individuals and bodies related to the media industry on social media is another way to be kept abreast of opportunities and trends.
Even while waiting for another job opportunity, endeavour to continue doing something related to the media like volunteering or contributing contents. Running your own blog is also a great idea.
An updated CV showing your most recent experience, achievements and certifications will assist you to present yourself for the next opportunity.
Come up with good contents in line with global best practices and never doubt the power of networking online and offline.
