Chasing Dreams: Journalism (Interviews)
Apr 7, 2009 Featured, Journalism, Travels
I chose this major knowing close to nothing about what it is really about. After one semester of covering events and interviewing people, I think it’s safe to say that I’m even more unsure now.
Yes. I’m even more unsure. “Why? You’ve been doing it for a semester now!” You may be thinking. Well, I’ll explain all of it in due time. Just be a little bit patient and bare with me for now.
What I do know is that journalism isn’t about writing.
Journalism, is about reporting. Journalism is about delivering as much content as possible in the shortest, easiest manner possible. Short paragraphs, short direct sentences and facts is what journalism is about. Flowery proses and long descriptions have little place in the journalism world. Occasionally, a journalist may have the opportunity to add a little bit of spice into the stories if he/she is writing a feature story. However, most of the time the only spice a journalist can add into stories is the human dimension, a.k.a. interviews.
Interviews play a huge role in journalism. It plays a huge role in reporting. It isn’t just about getting facts and information, because that can be done without resorting to interviews. Interviews add life into the news article. It makes it easier for the reader to relate. You’re less likely to feel that emotional pull if you read about Mr A’s death, than you would be if you read direct quotes of sadness from his immediate family.
Why did I say I know even less about what being a journalist means? I used to think it was about writing. I found out that wasn’t true. I used to think it was about newspapers, I found out that wasn’t true. Here I am shooting videos and learning how to add audio into my stories through flash-based websites. I thought it was about interviewing people, I found out it was about lending a shoulder and telling their stories. I thought it was about finding out about news and letting others know about it, instead I realized they already know news, they want “beyond-news”.
The most important thing a journalist can have is his/her own integrity and the trust that others have in him/her. As simple and corny as it may sound, it is without a doubt these two aspects that make certain journalists successful.
Not too long ago, I interviewed a number of individuals regarding issues related to the GLBT movement.
My first interview went on wonderfully. The person I met was very willing to share his/her opinions and answered my questions very enthusiastically. But at the end of the interview, I was informed that he/she does not want his/her name published on the paper. That person wished to remain anonymous. Here is where an ethical issue arose.
He trusted me, that’s why he was willing to be interviewed by me. Newspapers usually do not take anonymous sources, because where is the credibility in a person that hides behind a mask? I was lucky because I had other interviews to fall back on, and that the event was going on throughout the week. But what if it had been a vital interview? What if it was THE interview I needed?
It may sound like a simple choice to make. I thought so too. But when I was the one conducting the interview, and this person just poured his heart and soul out to me and then told me to keep it to myself… That person had a story to tell. He/She wanted the world to know his/her story. That is why the person was willing to be interviewed and was so enthusiastic. But worried about repercussions, that person decides to hide his/her name. I can’t tell his story anymore. It can sometimes be… very personal.
I interviewed another person later on. She felt strongly about that issue, and had was very direct with what she thought. I informed her that I will be quoting her on it, and so she might want to be more aware of what she says. I told her I will not be held liable for what she says. She said she was aware of it, and we continued our interview in the same manner.
What should a journalist do? Should I include her quotes and risk getting her and the newspaper I work for into trouble? But she said she was aware of it and is willing to be quoted. And of course, these quotes do not represent the journalist or the papers’ opinion.
I cannot ensure that everyone I interview is politically correct or sensitive. Neither should I, because as a reporter I should be reporting and not picking what to report. A reporter is to be unbiased. So… where is the line drawn?
To me, the beauty about journalism is that every day it is different. I talk to someone different, I attend a different event, I learn something I wouldn’t have learned otherwise.
To me, the hardest challenge or horror is also that every day is different. When everything is different everyday, it can get pretty intimidating. I can get assigned onto a story I feel uncomfortable about, interview a person I do not like, tell the story of an issue I am against and who knows what else?
I have yet to receive any hate-mail. Thankfully.
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Tags: Journalism, Travels
April 8th, 2009 at 2:18 am
are u still unsure about your major?
but i still think u are more to an author than a reporter.
maybe, in the future u could be a columnist.
by reading your blog and article.
its like reading a story of a someone.
which u like to share with the public.
go what you dream for and stop worrying dude.
peace out ;P
April 8th, 2009 at 10:04 am
hey! nice website.
okay, i think i get what you mean by getting the wrong idea about journalism. And yea, this post helped me understand that fact. I have not tried anything that you did. Interviewing and stuff like that. I think I might like it.
Anyway, keep up with your dreams.
April 8th, 2009 at 10:10 am
@Angeline: I’m glad that this post has somewhat helped you. The best way to learn about Journalism is to jump in and just try it. Taking all the classes won’t prepare you for much, it’s really a field where the experience matters a lot.
@Han Lim: I feel no one can be “sure” about their major. Because the more we learn about it the more we learn that what we used to think we know about it is inaccurate. I’m not “unsure” but neither am I overly confident at it. It keeps me humble and passionate I believe.
My dream is still being an author, which is why I’m in Journalism. It offers a lot of exposure. I’m also currently working on a mini-project somewhere along the lines of being an author.
I have the opportunity to write opinion articles for a few columns in the University Chronicle, but truth be told I don’t think I’m ready for it yet. Writing an opinion article requires you to know what you’re talking about, and I’m still new here. Not to mention… Chances of getting hate-mail and possible harassment is there.
April 8th, 2009 at 10:34 am
hahah. Like you said, experience matters a lot. I guess time will help you pass this ‘bump’. It shouldn’t matter to you that much if you know what you’re doing.
Oh right. who am I now to advice you. haha. Oh well, good luck with everything.
April 8th, 2009 at 10:40 am
Haha. Advice freely given is worth more than advice asked for.
Who am I to reject such a gift?
That being said, I enjoy being a journalist. Its challenges are its perks as well. Oh! One thing I forgot to mention! Journalists earn peanuts. So you might not want to consider this field if you wish to live in a posh house within a gated community and drive Bentleys around.
April 8th, 2009 at 11:54 am
yea…i kinda agree with you. especially, the “I feel no one can be “sure” about their major” part. haha, i shall quote this…..by Ben teoh.
i keep forgetting you name now. please remind me, in my mind, you’re always kai. and….
u sounded so positive now. i’m glad that you have found something you love to do.
while, i’m still looking for what makes me happy doing.and its definitely not business….i mean, i dun mind earning peanuts, as long as i’m happy with what i’m doing or confident in what i’m doing. i’ll survive. experience always play an important role in our lives….i shall not deny. XP
anyway, how u guys knew each other? have u guys met? i mean angeline and u (kai)? its nice to see two journalism major people talking XD.
and good luck in what u do dude, i wish all the best and take care.
April 8th, 2009 at 12:05 pm
@Han lim: Hahah I met her through your blog. Your watch list? Yeah she spoke of journalism and I felt that I could probably be of some help to her.
Me? Positive? Haha. I balance myself out by being a big worrier.
Dude, you don’t need to remember my “name”. Just remember me as who I am. If that makes sense to you.
I’ve always supported both Noelle and you to be art majors…. *hint hint* you can still be an art major!
April 9th, 2009 at 2:22 am
Mass communication is such a wide field. And is something that I stumbled upon, not a course that I initially wanted. I’m still in the midst of discovering my life. Journalism is just an acquaintance.
So i can’t be sure if i would further venture in that field. Like Hanlim said, as long as we’re happy in what we’re doing, earning peanuts is always better than nothing. 
hahah.
April 10th, 2009 at 9:12 pm
@Angeline: Well, in my past I’ve met some people where they believe contentment can be gained through monetary wealth. So it’s just a different point of view and I just wanted to stay on the safe side. Lol.
Mind if I ask what are your current choices?
May 9th, 2009 at 9:44 pm
Well in my experience last semester, i had lots of fun with journalism, but i also met some horrid people who were rude and refused to comment. It’s all part of the game, and you gotta have thick skin and passion for Journalism i think.
I like that you can learn so much from these people you interview, and sometimes come out of it with new friends.
May 12th, 2009 at 6:08 pm
A nut job is what you need to be to be a journalist.
Nah I’m kidding. But it’s definitely not a field for the fainthearted.
May 15th, 2009 at 8:50 am
we practically majored in nut-joberry in school anyway. might as well put it to good use, if anything else.
May 16th, 2009 at 12:27 pm
High school high school… Those were the days eh?
May 23rd, 2009 at 7:48 pm
If you desire to be a writer, why not take Creative Writing directly? That said, a lot of best-sellers started off as journalists and gather their stories from everyday events.
Gambate
May 23rd, 2009 at 7:53 pm
Hahaha! Reason simply because I feel an exposure would be good.
I’ve always felt that journalists are those that have to know a little of everything, and to know who to contact for everything else.
In my opinion, a good author is one who knows what the world is like and can create a convincing alternate reality.
That being said, I do plan to take some writing class.