5 more media career lessons journalists should not ignore

By Lekan Otufodunrin

This is the concluding second part of the report of the media career development clinic hosted by Journalists for Christ, a faith based media organization on August 15,in Lagos.

The first part was titled 10 media career lessons from #mediacareerclinic (1)

The programme was attended by media professionals, student journalists along with participants online. Your feedback and perspective on the discussion at the clinic is welcomed.

6. Allow yourself to be used, but learn as much as you can.

When he introduced himself as working for about four organizations, a participant was told he must be earning some good money. His response was “not really”.

Not really how? The moderator asked. “I am not really paid for all the work. Many of the assignments I do for free.

"Some of the people I work for think they are using me, but I am learning a lot which will be useful for me in future,” he explained.

The lesson of the explanation is that even when you are not adequately compensated for whatever work you are doing for an organization or individual, don’t miss out on the opportunity to learn and enhance your media skill.

7. Work hard at what you are doing online today to become a reference point in future.

The journey of a thousand miles, they say starts with a step.

However  small whatever online publishing you are doing today, keep at it like the celebrated online publishers of today did when they started.

Online publishing is no less work than traditional print or broadcast. The competition online  is fierce and it is a matter of the survival of the fittest.

“I work almost twenty four hours. You have to be on the lookout for breaking news; you have to get trending stories, read, rewrite them, get pictures, write captions, attend various programmes and much more,” a participant stated.

You have to be consistent, innovative and keep building your brand. Sooner or later you will be glad you kept at instead of getting discouraged by the little or no attention you are getting for what you are doing today.

8. It doesn’t matter where you publish, print or online, good journalism is good journalism.

Those who complain about the quality of journalism practice online have a point.

Standards and adherence to the ethics of the profession should not be lowered when publishing online.

While non-professional journalists may not bother about their image, professional journalists should know that their reputation is at stake if your byline is associated with substandard reports.

Good journalism requires paying attention to details, being objective, fair to all parties and a lot more.

Organizers of media awards now accept online only publication for consideration but it must meet the requirements of good journalism.

9.Be ready to take on new assignments

 When you are reassigned from your preferred beat, you can choose to make the best of your new assignment. When a participant at the clinic was reassigned from his top editorial desk to a relatively new and  unknown one, he chose not to walk away like many usually do.

He accepted his new posting as a challenge to provide editorial leadership for the digital operations of his company instead of indulging in self pity.

Less than four years after, the online department has become a force to reckon with, not only in the company, but in the industry.

Beyond the company, his leadership of the online department has opened lots of professional rewarding opportunities for him. Just when it appeared that his stay in top editorial level of his company was about to end, willingness to give his best shot for the new assignment has earned him new relevance and leadership position for digital transition.

10. Be an expert in the field you cover.

How many journalists really understand the issues they cover?

How many journalists get invited as experts to speak on issues they cover?

The above questions were among some of the issues raised and addressed at the Media Career clinic.

“That has been my concern over time” wrote Bankole Oritisan in his response to the question on facebook.

Other comments on the questions include:

Authority matters – Taiwo Obe

Knowledge is power – Muyiwa Akintunde

Authority! Knowledge! Yes. I think most of our reporters write a report of what he/she witnessed – rather than going detailed – Olatunde Dolly Adenuga

After covering a beat for some years, journalists should become expert on the issues in the sectors.

He or she should become an authority that can be quoted or invited to speak at seminars.

This will be possible when you constantly seek additional knowledge beyond what is contained in the press statements and briefings by the Chief Executives and Media officers