What does it mean to be a journalist? What does it take to cover the tragedies, the heartfelt moments, or even the “fluff” pieces? When you think of the field, images of reporters up at three in the morning to share their segment or visions of chaotic newsrooms come to mind. Yet, many do not see the reality behind a journalist’s work.
When the 2024 Alumni Panel for Journalism came together on December 17th, they discussed the journalistic process and how to build a successful career.
Much was discussed, but here are the Sparknotes:
Internships
Internships hold value in securing real-world experience while jumpstarting your career. The bottom line is that employers are not looking for a degree, but rather for hands-on experience. Obtaining an internship is just as important as focusing on your studies and presents you with several connections.
Remaining unbiased
Inserting your own, unique writing style into prose is incredibly important; however, doing so can be difficult when you need to remain unbiased, honest, and accurate. The panelists agree that separating yourself from the work, while upholding a dedication to delivering facts, is the best way to accomplish this. Helpful resources can come in the form of your editors, peers, or coworkers, and considering a new way to approach a story is another strategy to tackle the issue.
Writers’ block
If you find yourself subject to the infamous “writers’ block”, or in a shortage of what can be written about, an evergreen story — that is not dependable on current events and remains relevant throughout time — is a viable solution. The panelists also shared that what may seem like a standstill can blossom into an opportunity to address an impactful story that resonates with your audience and evokes thought.
Further, the panel discussed what the future of journalism holds and how to adapt.
Artificial Intelligence
AI is becoming increasingly prominent, and this reality may strike fear into the journalism community. However, the panelists provided an approach to utilize such technology to their benefit. Specifically, the value of AI when it is used ethically. It can be useful in identifying a different angle, proofreading, verifying information, or brainstorming stories that have not previously been done. However, they emphasized that such advances will not replace the authentic human touch and that technology does contain its flaws. Moreover, the panelists emphasized the importance of equipping yourself with a set of valuable skills that will prove your necessity to an employer. In the world of broadcast journalism, they discussed how many write, shoot, and edit their own segments.
The future of journalism
It appeared that this question did not have a definite answer. Yet, the panelists emitted a sense of hope for the future. They expressed how as journalism expands into social media, it is not as rigid as it once was. Thus, it is important to stay relevant while adapting to the times, and that’s all they can hope to learn from and be a part of.
