[intro]In the cut and thrust of the deadline dominated media world senior journalists take for granted events that are often puzzling for their less experienced colleagues. And, because young people lack the confidence to bring the whole process to a halt by asking too many questions, they fumble around in the dark. The Journalist is committed to training and mentorship as well as telling the South African story with fresh eyes. And so we encourage the questions and spend more time on the answers. [/intro]
During our story meetings and on-the-job training sessions many incidents have come up for vigorous discussion. There is the time someone wanted to pay tribute to a popular TV personality who died tragically. Then there was a story that resulted in glowing praise for those who compiled it. And the uproar over the UFS SRC President’s interview will not be easily forgotten.
We rejected the obituary idea and it was spiked. Sounds callous?
When some of our young journalists got a pat on the back for a story well done, we did not allow them to bask in the glow of that warm feeling for too long. Sounds cruel?
We did nothing to defuse the tensions that erupted from an interview with the University of the Free State (UFS) SRC President. Sounds right!
Tribute?
Let’s start with the obituary because it was a valuable on-the-job lesson that came about in an unassuming way. Early in February almost every major news outlet carried the story of the Top Billing presenter Simba Mbhere who died in a car crash. Here and there the name of his friend, Kady-Shay O’Bryan the mother of a four-year-old girl, was mentioned. She was with Simba in the car and was also killed. But she was soon lost in the outpouring of grief for the 26-year-old TV presenter.
The many tributes for the young Simba were fitting. But when one of our young journalists, let’s call him Sam, asked if he too could write a piece we sat him down and asked why. After all the eulogies had been said what was it that he wanted to add?
We told Sam he was free to write about the Simba legacy to South Africa. What was it that Simba had done for society other than anchor a lifestyle magazine show? We suggested he could write a piece about how we value people differently. About how Kady-Shay O’Bryan had left a little girl who would grow up without her mother.
After a while Sam saw the point and turned his attention to other stories. He understood that when good storytellers climb on the bandwagon it is not to add to the cacophony but to bring some sanity and clarity.
Lobola
Then last week we ran a story on Lobola in our Kau Kauru Voices section. A wonderful team effort that focused on the various ways in which we honour this ancient tradition. At the tail end the piece examined a new online app that helped couples calculate, a bit tongue in cheek, the bride price.
“What a great article! Wow the best I’ve read regarding this topic,” stated a response from a reader.
The article was written by Thapelo Mokoatsi with assistance from Linda Fekisi, Palesa Morei and Lerato Molisana. They were obviously proud of the feedback and forwarded it to me.
The congratulatory message was sent to Linda by the Lobola app developer, Robert Matsaneng. Feeling a bit bad about raining on their parade I told Linda that the praise should be seen in the light of the fact that they had just given Matsaneng a massive plug for his product.
“I had not been comfortable with this part of the story but then I thought he’s a young guy, it’s not a huge commercial venture and it was a lighthearted end to the story. So I let it go,” I told Linda.
After a brief hesitation she said; “You have such a different way of looking at things.”
That took me by surprise. I can still hear the Argus Journalism Cadet School principal Les Dunn droning on about avoiding stories that end up being free advertising for commercial ventures.
PR Puff & Ethics
But I guess in the modern media training process there are so many things young people have to learn – things Les Dunn & Co would not have dreamed of in the 70s – that a lesson about free plugs could easily fall by the wayside. Or is it that we have not only become accustomed to using media releases from PR companies (verbatim sometimes) but we have also become reliant on these spin doctors for stories. When we’re overwhelmed with a laissez-faire situation that accepts puff pieces as journalistic content, I guess we don’t ask the ethical questions anymore.
Since the launch of the project in the second half of last year the learning opportunities have been coming thick and fast. But one that stands out for me above all others was an interview by Lerato Molisana.
The University of the Free State SRC had just chosen its very first black female President, Mosa Leteane. Lerato spent a long time doing her research and crafting her questions. She made good use of a two-part Master Class in The Craft section on Anima Interviewing.
And after a rigorous and extremely professional interview she sat down to write. As always happens with well-prepared, finely crafted stories, the interviewee had said some things she did not intend to disclose. Lerato managed to paint a well-rounded picture of Mosa Leteane in all her vulnerability and strengths. We gained intelligent insight into the complexity of her character.
Second Thoughts
Mosa had second thoughts about how she wanted to be seen. We decided to cut her much more slack than we normally would. So we made a few cuts on her recommendation. We thought at the time that a young woman in her position was bound to face enough adversity during her term. We did not want to add unnecessarily to the uphill that lay ahead for Mosa.
Then came the day of publication. And on the UFS campus all hell broke loose. Despite the changes, Mosa and her camp were still not happy. She felt exposed. Her supporters shouted loudly about how she had been wronged. Mosa’s critics homed in on her perceived weaknesses and called for tougher leadership. A few calm voices, always overshadowed by the chattering classes, congratulated Lerato on a job well done and admired Mosa for being courageous.
I was torn. My heart went out to the young woman who had just helped the UFS take a huge historic leap forward. She had learnt a very tough lesson about politics and had a shaky support structure to help her cope.
Lerato Molisana was reeling from equal amounts of praise and anger coming her way.
Dynamic Debate
For a while a dynamic debate spilled over onto the social networks, especially The Journalist’s Facebook page. According to Google analytics, the story attracted our largest audience to date.
Mosa did not take up our offer to write a response to the frenzy that Lerato’s interview unleashed.
I have never really believed that journalists should be objective. It’s just not possible. But we have to be ethical and aim for fairness, accuracy and balance among other values. The Mosa story taught us how important basic humanity is when delivering on those values. The Lobola piece as well as the Simba Obituary idea reminded us that our ethical checklist is not confined to the big issues only.
If you are a young journalist and you need advice on a tricky situation or a problem you’ve encountered, use the form on our About Us page and let us know.
https://new-software.download/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/league-of-legends-2.jpghttps://new-software.download/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/twitch-tv-4.jpg
청도페이스라인출장
거제출장안마
https://download.beer/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/kakaotalk-image-2.jpg
https://itshareit.tistory.com/tag/고창군20재난지원금20신청
https://nogaren.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/워크넷-1.jpg
https://new-software.download/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/google-classroom-logo.png
https://findjop.nogrin.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/부산-벼룩시장-구인구직-03-2.jpg
안성출장마사지
https://img1.daumcdn.net/thumb/R1280x0/?scode=mtistory2
https://itshareit.tistory.com/tag/KBS20편성표
https://chotiple.tistory.com/entry/2020-EC9CA0EB8B88ED81B4EBA19C-EC84B8EC9DBCEAB8B0EAB084-EBB08F-ED95B4ED94BCEC9C84ED81AC?category=704614
https://nogrin.com/tag/eb8c80ecb69cec9db4ec9e90/
안성출장마사지
충무로출장업소
http://baekis.egloos.com/archives/2021/01
https://pws1999.tistory.com/168
영등포안마살롱
https://chotiple.tistory.com/tag/UXN바로가기
https://itshareit.tistory.com/230?category=812524
https://itshareit.tistory.com/tag/sbs20온에어20무료
울산콜걸
강남안마시술소중계업체
수원출장샵
[url=http://tamoxifen2023.online/]where can i buy nolvadex in canada[/url]
Everything is very open with a clear description of the challenges.
It was definitely informative. Your site is very helpful.
Thanks for sharing!
Also visit my web-site … 카지노사이트
Quality content is the main to be a focus for the
people to go to see the web page, that’s what this
web site is providing.
Also visit my webpage – 코인선물
Your method of explaining everything in this paragraph is truly pleasant, all can without difficulty be aware of it, Thanks a lot.
my page – fx마진거래
Wonderful goods from you, man. I have understand your stuff previous to and you’re just extremely magnificent.
I actually like what you’ve acquired here, really like what you’re saying and the way in which you say
it. You make it enjoyable and you still care
for to keep it wise. I can’t wait to read far more from you.
This is actually a wonderful website.
Have a look at my web site :: 먹튀검증업체
can you buy robaxin over the counter uk [url=https://robaxin.charity/]robaxin prescription[/url] over the counter robaxin
provigil prescription cost [url=https://provigil.charity/]modafinil 50 mg tablet[/url] buy modafinil online cheap
Why does the [url=http://allopurinol.download/]cost of allopurinol[/url] keep going up every year?
Hi there it’s me, I am also visiting this site regularly, this web
site is actually fastidious and the people are really sharing
pleasant thoughts.
My blog post :: 먹튀검증업체
of course like your website but you have to take a look at the spelling
on quite a few of your posts. A number of them are
rife with spelling problems and I to find it very bothersome to inform the
truth however I’ll surely come again again.
Here is my webpage: 메이저사이트
Thank you a lot for sharing this with all people you actually realize what you’re talking approximately!
Bookmarked. Please also seek advice from my web site =). We will have a
hyperlink alternate agreement between us
Check out my page … 사설토토 (Erin)
Wonderful post! We will be linking to this
particularly great content on our website. Keep up the good writing.
Feel free to surf to my blog; 상품권현금화 (Charla)
What’s Taking place i am new to this, I stumbled upon this I’ve
discovered It absolutely helpful and it has aided me out
loads. I’m hoping to contribute & aid different customers like its helped me.
Great job.
Feel free to surf to my web-site … 비트코인마진거래
Genuinely when someone doesn’t be aware of then its up to other
visitors that they will assist, so here it takes place.
My site :: 먹튀사이트
Thank you for some other informative website. Where else may just
I get that kind of information written in such a perfect method?
I’ve a challenge that I’m just now running
on, and I’ve been on the look out for such info.
Here is my webpage … 메이저놀이터
Saved as a favorite, I really like your website!
Feel free to surf to my website 메이저놀이터
Hello mates, its enormous post about cultureand fully defined, keep it up all the
time.
my site … 코인선물거래
Have you ever thought about publishing an ebook or guest authoring on other sites?
I have a blog centered on the same ideas you discuss and would love to have you
share some stories/information. I know my visitors would enjoy your
work. If you’re even remotely interested, feel free to shoot me an email.
Also visit my web page … 먹튀다자바
I think that what you posted made a bunch of sense.
However, what about this? what if you added a little
content? I ain’t suggesting your information is not good.,
however what if you added something to maybe grab folk’s attention? I mean On the job Training |
The Journalist is kinda plain. You might glance at Yahoo’s
front page and note how they write article titles to get viewers to click.
You might add a related video or a picture or two to grab people excited about what you’ve written. Just my opinion, it might bring your website a little livelier.
Also visit my web page: 메이저사이트
I am genuinely pleased to read this web site posts which includes lots of
helpful information, thanks for providing these kinds of data.
Hey this is kinda of off topic but I was wondering if blogs use WYSIWYG editors or if you have to manually
code with HTML. I’m starting a blog soon but have
no coding knowledge so I wanted to get guidance
from someone with experience. Any help would be enormously appreciated!
Actually no matter if someone doesn’t know then its up to other
users that they will assist, so here it happens.
I was more than happy to find this site. I need to to thank you for ones
time for this fantastic read!! I definitely enjoyed every part
of it and i also have you book marked to look at new things in your site.
Hi there! I know this is kind of off topic but I was wondering if you knew where I could
get a captcha plugin for my comment form? I’m using the same blog platform as yours and I’m having problems finding one?
Thanks a lot!
What’s up i am kavin, its my first time to commenting
anyplace, when i read this post i thought i could also create comment due to this sensible
article.
Thanks designed for sharing such a nice thinking, article is fastidious,
thats why i have read it completely
Hi there! This post could not be written any better! Reading this post reminds me of my good old room mate!
He always kept chatting about this. I will forward this post to him.
Fairly certain he will have a good read. Thank you for sharing!
Good day! This is my first comment here so I just wanted to give a quick shout out and
say I genuinely enjoy reading through your articles. Can you recommend any other
blogs/websites/forums that cover the same topics? Appreciate
it!
Everything is very open with a precise description of the issues.
It was truly informative. Your site is very useful. Thanks for sharing!
After study a couple of of the blog posts in your website now, and I truly like your approach of blogging. I bookmarked it to my bookmark web site record and shall be checking back soon. Pls check out my site as properly and let me know what you think.
fantastic points altogether, you simply received a new reader.
What would you recommend in regards to your submit that you just made a few days in the past?
Any certain?
I’m not sure where you’re getting your info, but great topic.
I needs to spend some time learning much more or understanding more.
Thanks for great info I was looking for this info for my mission.
Hmm it appears like your website ate my first comment (it was super long) so I guess I’ll just sum it
up what I submitted and say, I’m thoroughly enjoying
your blog. I too am an aspiring blog blogger but I’m still new to everything.
Do you have any helpful hints for rookie blog writers? I’d certainly appreciate
it.
Attractive section of content. I just stumbled upon your website
and in accession capital to assert that I get actually enjoyed account your blog posts.
Any way I will be subscribing to your augment and even I achievement you access consistently quickly.
Wow, fantastic blog layout! How long have you been blogging for? you made blogging look easy. The overall look of your website is great, let alone the content!
Wow that was strange. I just wrote an really long comment but after I clicked submit my comment didn’t show up.
Grrrr… well I’m not writing all that over again. Regardless, just wanted to say
great blog!
Hi there, after reading this amazing paragraph i am too happy to share my knowledge here with friends.
It’s awesome to go to see this website and reading the views of all mates concerning this piece of writing,
while I am also zealous of getting experience.
It’s in point of fact a great and useful piece of information. I’m happy that you shared this useful
info with us. Please keep us informed like this.
Thank you for sharing.
Good day! Do you know if they make any plugins to assist with SEO?
I’m trying to get my blog to rank for some targeted
keywords but I’m not seeing very good results. If you know of any please share.
Thanks!
you are actually a good webmaster. The website loading velocity
is incredible. It kind of feels that you are doing any unique trick.
In addition, The contents are masterpiece. you have done a magnificent
activity on this topic!
I appreciate reading through your web sites. With thanks! [url=http://blueheart.or.kr/bbs/board.php?bo_table=free&wr_id=16319]Erfahrungen mit dem Online-Kauf von metoclopramide ohne Rezept in Bonn[/url]
Maintain the excellent job !! Lovin’ it! [url=https://krei.kr/bbs/board.php?bo_table=free&wr_id=121427]indicación de fludrocortisone en venta en Quito[/url]
Thanks a lot for sharing this with all people you actually realize what you are speaking
about! Bookmarked. Kindly additionally seek advice from my web site =).
We will have a hyperlink change arrangement between us
Nice post. I learn something totally new and challenging on blogs I stumbleupon everyday.
It will always be exciting to read articles from other writers
and use a little something from their sites.
naturally like your web-site however you have to take a
look at the spelling on quite a few of your posts. Several of them are
rife with spelling issues and I to find it very
bothersome to inform the reality however I’ll definitely come again again.
Hi, I do think this is a great site. I stumbledupon it 😉 I may come back yet again since I
saved as a favorite it. Money and freedom is the best way
to change, may you be rich and continue to guide others.
You have remarked very interesting details! ps decent site.Expand blog
Very interesting points you have mentioned, thank you for posting.Raise range