One of the attributes required to be a good journalist is to be a sceptic. Who else but a journalist requires evidence for claims as sceptics do? In the course of our work, we regularly find claims which we have to verify to properly inform and educate our audience. A sceptical mind that is based […]
Sceptical or cynical journalist? Read More »
Not many professions compare with journalism in terms of being intensive and requiring so much time to the detriment of other important aspects of one’s life. Meeting deadlines, not missing stories, generating story ideas, editing copies, getting exclusives and many other tasks require so much time that you are constantly thinking about work, on and
Journalism or your life, family? Read More »
Nobel laureate, Professor Wole Soyinka once told the story of how he was not employed at the defunct Daily Times Newspaper as a reporter for writing a short story instead of a news story during an employment test. He ended the story of the career path he opted for with the statement, “thank God
Marquez: Journalist, Literature Nobel Laureate Read More »
In this article, I run the risk of indulging in self-praise. I plead in advance that it is deliberate for a good purpose. My approach to writing on media career development issues is to cite personal examples of what I have been privileged to experience and what has worked for me. I usually want to
Journalism without bothers Read More »
One of the most profound comments I have heard about the importance of thejournalism profession is one by Tetee Karnel, a Liberian female journalist. She spoke at a conference organized by The Media Project in Ghana for journalists from West Africa on the theme: “Journalism, Ethics and Religion” in 2011. “Journalism is not just a
Before you quit journalism Read More »
At a recent communication conference, I listened for the first time, to Jimi Tewe, CEO of Inspiro Consulting and was intrigued by some thoughts he shared on career advancement. I later bought four CDs of his past conferences which I have listened to thrice and have been meditating on some of the very inspiring
Stop wishing, have a clear media career vision. Read More »
One career development lesson I have imbibed is not to miss any opportunity to participate in any media related seminar if my schedule permits. I usually try hard to accommodate such opportunities knowing well that there will always be something to learn however minor. At any training, two things happen to you. You either hear
Life and Career inspiring quotes from Communication Summit Read More »
In the past one month, International Communications consultant and former CNN correspondent, Gina London has been in Lagos as part of the Find Your Edge Leadership and Communication program. During her stay, Gina has conducted series of communications training sessions for leading businesses and other organizations, including the media. I participated in the first general
Journalism career lessons from Gina London Read More »
One definition of Public Relations I like most is the one by Frank Jefkins which says PR is deliberate, planned and sustained efforts to establish and maintain understanding between an organization and its publics. The words deliberate, planned and sustained strike me as a key to the success for any endeavour. For anyone who wants
Three career strategies for journalists Read More »
In the first two parts of this article, I wrote about the need for specialized knowledge and tools for the job as major requirement to be a professional journalist. In this final part, my emphasis is on comportment which is defined as a dignified manner or conduct. Professional comportment is critical to succeeding as a journalist.
What you need to be a professional journalist (3) (comportment) Read More »