Journalism Pakistan
Journalism Pakistan
India expands crackdown on Pakistani media, bans Rana Mubashir’s YouTube channel ہندوستان نے نامور صحافی رانا مبشر کا یوٹیوب چینل بلاک کر دیا، پاکستانی میڈیا پر پابندیوں میں اضافہ NCHR and MMfD launch Fellowship to Empower Journalists on Digital Rights & Gender Inclusion این سی ایچ آر اور ایم ایم ایف ڈی نے صحافیوں کو ڈیجیٹل حقوق اور صنفی شمولیت پر بااختیار بنانے کے لیے فیلوشپ کا اعلان کر دیاPFUJ condemns 'black laws' and harassment on World Press Freedom Day پی ایف یو جے کا "سیاہ قوانین" اور ہراساں کرنے کی مذمت عالمی یوم آزادی صحافت پرDawn refutes fake report claiming TTP stole PAF F-16 jet ڈان نے ٹی ٹی پی کے ایف-16 چوری کرنے کی جھوٹی خبر کی تردید کر دیFreedom of expression shrinks in Pakistan as PECA Amendments take toll: report اظہارِ رائے کی آزادی محدود، پیکا میں ترامیم سے میڈیا کو شدید دھچکا: رپورٹDawn urges Indian media to abandon war rhetoric ڈان کی بھارتی میڈیا سے جنگی بیانیہ ترک کرنے کی اپیلIndia bans 16 Pakistani YouTube channels following Pahalgan attack پہلگام حملے کے بعد بھارت نے پاکستان کے 16 یوٹیوب چینلز پر پابندی لگا دی'In A Different Realm' offers a philosophical take on cricket's greatest innings ان اے ڈیفرنٹ ریلم کرکٹ کی عظیم ترین اننگز پر ایک فکری نقطۂ نظر پیش کرتی ہےCoordinated or coincidence? Identical tweets by Pakistani journalists raise eyebrows ہم آہنگی یا محض اتفاق؟ پاکستانی صحافیوں کے ایک جیسے ٹویٹس نے سوالات اٹھا دیےThe PSL paradox: pageantry or progress? پی ایس ایل کا تضاد: دکھاوا یا ترقی؟Sher Afzal Marwat launches personal attacks on journalists after PTI expulsion پی ٹی آئی سے نکالے جانے کے بعد شیر افضل مروت کے صحافیوں پر ذاتی حملےJournalist Sanaullah Khan alleges FIA blocking accounts of YouTubers and families صحافی ثناء اللہ خان کا انکشاف: ایف آئی اے یوٹیوبرز اور ان کے خاندانوں کے اکاؤنٹس بلاک کر رہی ہے

The path to journalism: What you need to know

 JournalismPakistan.com
 Steve Manuel

The path to journalism: What you need to know

At JournalismPakistan.com, we frequently get requests from students and other individuals interested in knowing how to get started in journalism, the basics of journalism, and the skills needed to become a journalist. Although we try our best to patiently explain the requisites, we usually end up frustrated because journalism is not something you get the hang of overnight. There are no shortcuts, no quick fixes, and, most importantly, as in all professions, either you have it or you don’t; you can’t force it.

Misconceptions About Journalism

Also, there is this bizarre myth that journalism is an action-filled job. Well, most of the time it isn’t. Rather, it’s just plain hard, repetitious work.

Does it Pay Well?

Of course, it does, but for that, you have to be in that 0.005 percent of iconic journalists who reel in the big bucks. It has as much to do with personality, lucky breaks, being exceptionally enterprising, and knowing your job well as anything else. Otherwise, think moderate to comfortable.

One young fellow informed me he wanted to be an anchor because he wanted to be famous. I wished him all the luck. After three years of struggling in a news channel, he now works at a hotel reception. That’s the way it is.

The Reality of Journalism

Journalism is not an easy profession. However, the more you know about what makes it click, the better you are likely to be at it. One has to be dedicated, disciplined, patient, sharp, and enterprising and have a passion for the profession to make the cut. Otherwise, resign yourself to be confined forever to some desk in the newsroom if you’re lucky.

Respect and Recognition

The financial remuneration might not be what you imagined, but you can get plenty of respect and recognition. Indeed that is the fuel that most real journalists run on. But in journalism, as in everything else, there is a starting point.

Ways to Enter Journalism in Pakistan

In Pakistan, there are five ways of ending up in journalism or ‘the media’ as they prefer to call it now:

Apprenticeship: You learn the job on-hand as an apprentice sub or cub reporter.
Education: You get a Master's degree from one of the few local universities that do offer programs in Journalism or Mass Communication and cash in on it.
Family Connections: Your father, uncle, brother, sister, or cousin are already in the business and put in a word for you with the editor/CEO, and you want to follow in their footsteps.
Government Appointment: You are a direct government/political appointee aiming at a quick rise to the top.
Embedded Journalist: You have been planted/embedded by the government, state/military intelligence agencies to promote their agenda and keep an eye on those individuals likely to cause a ripple or don’t agree with those aforementioned agendas.

Learning the Ropes

One way or the other, when an individual enters the newsroom of any newspaper or news channel, he has much to learn. Usually, despite all the degrees, political clout, or directives, newcomers to the newsroom will feel like a fish out of water. They have no firsthand experience and, quite bluntly, know nothing about nothing.

Early Journalism Education

That is why for the media to improve in Pakistan it is essential that journalism is taught at a much earlier stage than the university. High school would be a good start. In Europe and the United States, there are some middle and high schools that have included journalism and mass communication in their curriculum. The result of this has been that students have shown maturity, understanding, and capability far beyond what had been expected.

Student Journalism in the West

Some schools not only have a bi-weekly or monthly newspaper but also weekly live news broadcasts. To say I was surprised by the quality of work from 14-18-year-olds would be putting it mildly. I was impressed, really impressed by their output.

Impressive Student Programs

At one of the schools I visited, Gunderson High School in San Jose, I was amazed to discover that some 30 students had registered for journalism classes. Not only were they learning the basics, history, and associated technology and equipment, but they were independently producing a weekly news bulletin and a newspaper called Paw Print, named after the school mascot, a grizzly.

Learning by Doing

The students get the bulk of their journalistic knowledge from Miss Allana Callaway, who pointed out that many of their students did their research and independently came up with story ideas for the newspaper and broadcasts. The news bulletins are completely directed, edited, and broadcast by students as well.

Firsthand Experience

"What we are doing is learning firsthand all the skills that we will have to put to use when we do enter the real world of journalism, and if not, at least we will have a perfect idea of how the media functions," one journalism student said. Another was quick to add: "Not only is it fun but we learn something new every time we film, edit, and broadcast."

A Wish for Pakistani Schools

I wish we had something like this in Pakistan.

Media and journalism: What's the difference?

Media and journalism: What's the difference?

 In Pakistan, the terms "media" and "journalism" often blend into a single narrative, yet they encapsulate distinct roles and responsibilities within the realm of information dissemination and societal influence. While "media" encompasses the broader spectrum of communication platforms and content delivery, "journalism" embodies the principles of truth-seeking, factual reporting, and ethical storytelling.

Embracing the future: Why digital journalism is essential for success

Embracing the future: Why digital journalism is essential for success

 Explore why digital journalism is the future of news reporting. Learn about the importance of digital storytelling, multimedia platforms, and innovative technologies in shaping the evolving media landscape.

Leading journalism schools in Pakistan: Your path to a media career

Leading journalism schools in Pakistan: Your path to a media career

 Explore the top journalism schools in Pakistan that are shaping the future of media. Learn about the best programs, universities, and opportunities for aspiring journalists.

Why every reporter needs a backup story

Why every reporter needs a backup story

 Find out about the fundamental responsibility of reporters to consistently produce stories in journalism, reflecting on the necessity of resourcefulness, network building, and dedication amidst the challenges of modern media.

Networking in media: Strategies for success

Networking in media: Strategies for success

 Discover essential strategies to build a strong network in the media industry. Learn how to create valuable connections, leverage social media, attend industry events, and more to advance your media career.

How to combat misinformation on social media

How to combat misinformation on social media

 Learn how to combat misinformation on social media with these essential guidelines and tools. Discover how to identify fake news and ensure the accuracy of the information you share.

Defining journalism in the digital age: Who qualifies as a journalist?

Defining journalism in the digital age: Who qualifies as a journalist?

 Explore the evolving definition of journalism in the digital era, where technology has given rise to citizen journalism and blurred the lines between professional and amateur journalists.

Top five mistakes new journalists make and how to avoid them

Top five mistakes new journalists make and how to avoid them

 New journalists often make common mistakes that can hinder their careers. Learn about the top five mistakes new journalists make and how to avoid them to succeed in the field.

Digital Connections
Exploring the impact of social media on mental health

Exploring the impact of social media on mental health

Explore the impact of social media on mental health through recent studies and expert opinions. This comprehensive article reviews how social media use affects psychological well-being and mental health.

The ethics of transparency in influencer marketing

The ethics of transparency in influencer marketing

Explore the ethical considerations in influencer marketing, emphasizing the importance of transparency and maintaining audience trust. This article delves into the challenges and best practices for influencers to ensure ethical and honest endorsements.

Elevate your career with LinkedIn: Networking and branding essentials

Elevate your career with LinkedIn: Networking and branding essentials

Discover essential strategies for leveraging LinkedIn effectively to build robust professional networks and enhance personal branding. Learn how to optimize your profile, engage authentically, and utilize LinkedIn features for career advancement.

The hidden hand: The impact of social media algorithms on content visibility

The hidden hand: The impact of social media algorithms on content visibility

Discover how social media algorithms affect content visibility and learn strategies for content creators to adapt and thrive in the ever-changing digital landscape.

How to combat misinformation on social media

How to combat misinformation on social media

Learn how to combat misinformation on social media with these essential guidelines and tools. Discover how to identify fake news and ensure the accuracy of the information you share.

BBC Urdu launches daily news bulletins on TikTok

BBC Urdu launches daily news bulletins on TikTok

BBC Urdu has launched daily news bulletins on TikTok to keep young viewers informed about global and regional developments. Editor Asif Farooqui emphasizes providing unbiased and balanced news, expanding BBC Urdu's presence on social media platforms like Instagram, Facebook, X, and YouTube.