Guarding Integrity - Journalism's Guide to Navigating Clickbait

Summary

In this episode of 'Human Ways', Maria Winva, an accomplished journalist and analyst, shares her journey in journalism, the challenges she faced as a female journalist, and the importance of maintaining integrity in the age of clickbait. Maria discusses the role of journalism in women's empowerment, the impact of gender on news coverage, and the future of journalism in the digital age. She emphasizes the need for quality journalism, the power of women's solidarity, and the importance of accurate representation in media.

Takeaways

• 🌐 Maria Winva is an accomplished journalist and analyst with a focus on European Affairs and international relations, currently working at the Polish Press Agency.
• 📰 Maria has contributed articles on China and Taiwan to Polish dailies and magazines, highlighting her experience as a freelance journalist.
• 🎓 Holding an impressive academic background in EU-Asia relations and Chinese studies, Maria's education has significantly influenced her career path in journalism.
• 📝 Maria's first article was published during the COVID-19 outbreak, inspired by her experiences and observations of everyday life in China during the pandemic.
• 💼 Maria advises aspiring journalists to build their portfolio gradually, emphasizing that a regular job in journalism requires experience and a strong body of work.
• 👩‍💼 Maria discusses the challenges faced by female journalists, including being underestimated due to youthful appearances, and the importance of not letting this discourage one's professional growth.
• 🔍 Maria believes that the hesitancy often seen in female journalists can lead to more critical insights and curiosity, which are essential qualities in journalism.
• 📉 Maria acknowledges the role of clickbait in media but suggests focusing on expanding the space for quality journalism to counterbalance its negative effects.
• 🌍 Maria's international experience has shaped her perspective on journalism, emphasizing the importance of understanding and accurately conveying the realities of different cultures.
• 📌 Maria shares an example of how she navigated a controversial topic by maintaining journalistic integrity while still creating an engaging and informative piece.
• 👭 Maria highlights the importance of women's solidarity and sharing experiences to build confidence and empower women in the journalism industry.

Q & A

Who is Maria Winva and what is her current occupation?

Maria Winva is an accomplished journalist and analyst with a background in European Affairs and international relations. She is currently working at the Polish Press Agency, Poland's national news agency, where she covers International Affairs.

What was Maria's initial career path before becoming a journalist?

Maria initially studied Chinese studies and had internships related to diplomacy, including one at the Polish Ministry of Foreign Affairs and UN migration in Beijing. It was during her time in Beijing that she started writing articles, which eventually led her to a career in journalism.

How did Maria Winva's first article come about?

Maria's first article was born out of the need to fill her free time during the COVID-19 outbreak in China. She decided to write about everyday life in China during the pandemic and successfully published her article in a Polish magazine.

What advice does Maria give to those wanting to start a career in journalism?

Maria advises building a portfolio slowly, gaining experience, and not expecting to get a full-time journalism job right away. She emphasizes the importance of persistence and gradually establishing oneself in the field.

What challenges does Maria face as a female journalist?

Maria mentions being perceived as less experienced due to her youthful appearance, which can lead to not being taken as seriously as her male colleagues. However, she encourages not being discouraged by this and focusing on the quality of work.

How does Maria view the difference in news coverage between male and female journalists?

Maria observes that female journalists tend to be more hesitant and questioning, which she believes can lead to a more critical and curious approach to journalism, compared to the overconfidence sometimes displayed by male colleagues.

What is Maria's perspective on the impact of clickbait on journalism?

Maria acknowledges that clickbait can be detrimental to the quality and trust in journalism. However, she also sees it as a part of the media landscape and suggests focusing on creating quality content as an alternative to counteract its effects.

How has Maria's experience working internationally influenced her approach to journalism?

Maria's international experience has broadened her horizons and taught her the importance of understanding and accurately conveying the perspectives of different cultures, rather than imposing her own beliefs and values.

Can you provide an example of Maria dealing with a controversial topic while maintaining journalistic integrity?

Maria shared an experience where she was asked to write about China's role in the fentanyl crisis in the United States. Instead of repeating narratives, she researched and presented a more nuanced view, highlighting the dual use of chemicals in both drugs and legitimate medications.

What is Maria's outlook on the future of journalism in the digital age?

Maria is cautiously optimistic about the future of journalism, recognizing the potential of new technologies like podcasts and newsletters for quality journalism, while also acknowledging the challenges posed by misinformation and the need for regulation.

What role does Maria see for journalism in empowering women, and how can more women be encouraged to join the industry?

Maria believes that women bring valuable qualities to journalism, such as critical thinking and curiosity. She suggests that women's solidarity and sharing experiences can help build confidence and encourage more women to participate in the industry.