Video Profesi - Najwa Shihab (Jurnalis)

Summary

In this video, a journalist reflects on their journey into the world of journalism, highlighting the importance of curiosity, critical thinking, and continuous learning. Despite not having formal training in journalism, they emphasize that anyone with a passion and foundational skills can become a journalist. The speaker shares experiences from their work in broadcasting, political reporting, and coverage of major events, underscoring the value of networking, credibility, and thorough research. They also recommend Peter Hchel and David Ingram’s book for those aspiring to understand the fundamentals of journalism, particularly in television broadcasting.

Takeaways

• 😀 A journalist's role is to research, collect, verify, and deliver news to the public, depending on the medium used (TV, online, etc.).
• 😀 You don’t need a formal journalism education to become a journalist; anyone with curiosity and basic skills can pursue this career.
• 😀 Curiosity and critical thinking are essential traits for a journalist. Journalists should always question the information they receive and strive to learn more.
• 😀 A journalist's education and background don't have to be in journalism, but curiosity, communication skills, and a willingness to learn are crucial.
• 😀 Networking is crucial in journalism; knowing many people increases access to more stories and opportunities for interviews.
• 😀 A good journalist is constantly learning, reading, and questioning information to ensure they understand the full story.
• 😀 Journalists must ensure the credibility of the information they present, as misinformation can damage their credibility and public trust.
• 😀 In broadcast journalism, visuals are just as important as the story itself. It's about conveying the story through images and video.
• 😀 Good journalists are often required to cover a wide range of topics and events, from politics to natural disasters, requiring them to have broad knowledge and adaptability.
• 😀 Journalism is about telling a story, and the ability to write and report clearly and compellingly is a key skill for success.
• 😀 A suggested book for aspiring journalists is *'Becoming a Journalist'* by Peter Hchel and David Ingram, which provides foundational knowledge for those new to the field.

Q & A

What are the key roles and responsibilities of a journalist, as explained in the transcript?

A journalist's key roles are to seek, collect, verify, and deliver news. The process includes gathering information, verifying its accuracy, and sharing it with the public, primarily through various media platforms such as television.

Did the speaker formally study journalism? How did they get into the field?

No, the speaker did not study journalism formally. They studied law and encountered journalism during their final semester in law school, when they interned as a reporter at RCTI, a television network. This experience introduced them to the world of broadcasting journalism.

What are the essential qualities a person needs to become a journalist?

The speaker emphasizes the importance of curiosity and critical thinking. A good journalist should have a strong desire to learn, a keen sense of curiosity, and the ability to question and investigate events thoroughly to uncover the truth.

What role does formal education play in becoming a journalist, according to the speaker?

Formal education is not a strict requirement to become a journalist. The speaker suggests that anyone can pursue a career in journalism if they have the desire to learn and possess basic journalistic skills. However, they mention that there are specialized universities and training programs available for those interested in broadcasting journalism.

Why is it important for journalists to have broad knowledge and be familiar with different topics?

Journalists are often tasked with covering a wide range of topics, including politics, sports, natural disasters, and international events. Having broad knowledge allows journalists to be prepared for unexpected assignments and provide informed, accurate coverage of diverse subjects.

What personal experiences did the speaker share from their career as a journalist?

The speaker shared several significant experiences, such as covering major political events, including the 2004 presidential election, and reporting on natural disasters like the 2004 tsunami in Aceh and the 2006 earthquake in Yogyakarta. They also recalled covering high-profile events like the Bali bombings and political conflicts between Indonesia and Malaysia.

What is the speaker's advice regarding skepticism and critical thinking in journalism?

The speaker advises aspiring journalists to remain skeptical and critical of the information they encounter. They believe that if journalists are satisfied with surface-level information, they may miss important details and fail to uncover the true essence of a story. Constant questioning and critical thinking are vital for in-depth reporting.

Why is networking considered an essential skill for journalists?

Networking is crucial for journalists because it allows them to connect with a variety of people, which in turn helps them gather information and conduct interviews. The speaker notes that a journalist's network is one of their most valuable resources, as it provides access to diverse viewpoints and sources of information.

What does the speaker say about the importance of verifying the information a journalist reports?

The speaker stresses that journalists must always ensure the information they report is credible and accurate. If journalists fail to verify the truth, they risk spreading false information, which can harm their reputation and the credibility of their work.

How does television journalism differ from print journalism, according to the speaker?

In television journalism, visuals play a central role in storytelling. The speaker explains that in TV journalism, the image captured by the camera is crucial because the audience receives the story primarily through audiovisual content. This differs from print journalism, where the written word is the primary medium of communication.