Hi Blog world,
Today, I got an exciting opportunity. A prize-winning journalist, David Barstow, came to our Media Convergence class. I was a little nervous about what notes to take, however, once he started talking, I took these notes and I felt like these topics were important.
The journalism trade in general:
1. The journalism trade is changing, but we are in dire need more than ever. He told us that we need to find out what kind of journalism skill we can do the best and stick to it. (Mine I believe is doing audio slide shows), he told us that it’s all about being a great story-teller and how to get the point across in the correct manner. Also he told us to hold the values of journalism, to be fair, and tell the truth.
2. I also learned, and this has been a struggle for me, that everyone has to start at the bottom of the job field and they must work hard to get their way up to the head of the line. It’s about proving what you can do and it’s about getting the trust of your boss: the editor.
3. It’s OK to learn from your mistakes, find an editor that will work with you and that they can help make you a better writer.
Being organized is important:
1. In the world of writing and journalism, a writer must be organized in every way possible. From gathering the facts, to being able to find a certain e-mail on a certain topic, being organized will help the story flow and help with your peace of mind.
2. “You must be committed to your work and get the editors on board with you.” Being in the paper and not being in the paper can affect you personally, but when you give it your all and know at the end of the day that you did just that you will feel stronger than the day before.
3. Start your writing early, and keep an outline.
4.” Work your ways through your writing don’t get stuck, you can always come back to the problem spot latter.”
On finding the right job for you:
1.” Interview the editor of the paper that you want to work for while they are interviewing you.” (it’s OK to ask questions)
2. “be careful about your networking, it’s not about how many followers you have but who you know.”
3. ” it’s about getting the trust of your editor and producing great work, from there you will get noticed.”
Blog soon,
Amanda Gene
It sounds like you gained some valuable tools for succeeding in the field of journalism.
I wish I was good enough to be a professional write and journalist, I just can’t structure my writings well enough
Keep writing. It takes work to get that well.