Journalism is a skill that can be learnt by subjecting oneself to adequate mentoring, hard work, determination and obedience to superiors.
Renowned Journalist and Writer, Mr Dare Babarinsa stated this last Wednesday on the Live Instagram Chat with Publisher / Editor In Chief Yes International Magazine, Mr Azuh Arinze on the topic: Becoming A Better Journalist.
According to Mr Babarinsa, Journalists tell stories and to hone this craft, they must be observant and possess the capacity to empathise with anyone whose story is being told.
“A story is considered good when it answers questions of “what, who, where, when and how”. It must also be accessible and comprehensive to readers,” he said.
The renowned writer who was a founding director of Tell Magazine said Ignorance is a red flag and a pointer to lazy journalism.
Storytellers, he noted broaden their intellectual horizon by reading and writing extensively.
“ The news must be based on facts, not assumptions and generalised statements. However, when the veracity of a fact is shrouded in doubt, it must be excluded.
“In addition, neutrality must be utilized when gathering and reporting the news. A reporter can be sceptical, thereby making him go the extra mile to verify facts, but not overly critical,” Babarinsa said.
According to him, a journalist is a good interviewer when he gets his guest to tell an untold story, adding that the truth is the standard for journalism for good and of conscience.
“ In no circumstance must a journalist deliberately use his platform to peddle falsehoods,” he stated.
