A glimpse into journalism

Abstract

This study explores how journalists’ attitudes towards their occupation presents journalism to the rest of society. Predominantly looking, into whether such perception, is indicative of a foreseeable future for the journalistic field. Research was carried out with different entities in the field, including reporters, news coordinators, editors, media owners and former journalists. Considering the small size of the country and the limited amount of people working in the field, a qualitative methodology was adopted. Under such circumstances, the pool of people interviewed can still be regarded as representative of the entire local journalism population. Through this research, journalism was defined as a rewarding career which encompasses the use of multiple skills, attained from a combination of academic and professional experience. It is a profession in which interpersonal skills are key to success. Strong connections and contacts are critical contributors and enrich the quality of reporting. Journalism is a demanding career, depending a lot on flexibility, presence and personal availability. It requires determination, hunger for information and firm conviction in the liberty of expression. Self-motivation and aspiration mitigate the psychological and physical expense that comes with the job. It establishes a self-marketing platform for the most ambitious, opening doors for future endeavours. Despite the current feeling that traditional journalism may be a dying profession, the findings still predict a bright future for journalism. Though hidden in the fast-pace of life, people still demand accountable information of personal relevance, to which somebody will self-appoint themselves into a credible source, satisfying a sustainable supply.