Latest update April 17th, 2024 12:59 AM
Sep 06, 2010 News
By Sharmaine Gift
Ever since school days I have had a passion for writing, so when I noticed an advertisement in the Kaieteur Newspaper requesting anyone with such traits to apply for the position of a journalist, I immediately jumped to the challenge.
Much to my astonishment, I discovered that writing for newspaper and writing for fun were two diverse concepts. It was a brand new learning experience for me and even though my tenure at Kaieteur News has been very brief, I have garnered a different perspective of news gathering and journalism in general.
My first impression was that writing for the press was no cakewalk. There were certain statutes that had to be observed; certain ethical criteria that ought not to be ignored. Writing took on a new perspective.
Ethical considerations are of paramount importance and one of the fundamental lessons that I have learnt was that while delivering the truth to the readership is a primary objective of an article, the ability to portray the truth through evidence is of far more importance.
Journalism is the fourth estate and I have learnt that journalists are required to represent the interests of society without bias. Journalists are society’s gatekeepers and they should be wary of their responsibilities even as they dispense the news. Of importance also is the fact that we live in a heterogeneous society and the readership may consist of different classes, religions, categories and characteristics.
It is, therefore, important that in presenting news reports, journalists ought to exercise extreme caution since one false word may distort a news story and present an unfavorable twist.
The journalist must deliver the news in such a way as to serve a common purpose and fulfillment of major interests as well. Any presentation or writing of a journalist should reflect society’s interest regarding its belief, ideas, religion and rituals. The writing of a journalist should be inspiring not only in keeping with social harmony but also in achieving social development at the same time.
Journalism exposed me to aspects of the judiciary; such knowledge taught me to exercise caution when dealing with judicial matters. I now have a totally different perspective of the judicial processes. Libelous or defamatory presentation, talking with someone, any organization or group involved in litigation is not permitted and should be avoided by the journalist. Slanderous and derogatory writings or pictures may instantly affect the persons involved once they are released into the public domain.
A journalist should have sincerity and commitment towards the profession. Investigating issues are important if one is to demonstrate the traits of a good journalist. The presentation must be truthful and unbiased while demonstrating fairness in the dispensation of the news.
I was extremely astonished to discover that with all of this knowledge, I had merely touched the tip of the iceberg. There is much to be learnt and I have only just settled down with notebook and pencil, determined to acquire much more in service to society.
JAGDEO ADDING MORE DANGER TO GUYANA AND THE REGION
Apr 17, 2024
2024 CWI Regional 4-Day Championships Round 7…GHE vs. CCC Kaieteur Sports – After a highly-successful round 6, Guyana Harpy Eagles will look to take full advantage of the out-of-sorts...Kaieteur News – Every school teacher should take a close look at the students in his or her classroom. The probability... more
By Sir Ronald Sanders Waterfalls Magazine – On April 10, the Permanent Council of the Organization of American States... more
Freedom of speech is our core value at Kaieteur News. If the letter/e-mail you sent was not published, and you believe that its contents were not libellous, let us know, please contact us by phone or email.
Feel free to send us your comments and/or criticisms.
Contact: 624-6456; 225-8452; 225-8458; 225-8463; 225-8465; 225-8473 or 225-8491.
Or by Email: [email protected] / [email protected]