Always follow the 5W 1H Scheme

The first thing taught in all journalism schools is the importance of the 5W and 1H. Any event, occurrence, and news should be analyzed and studied under these criteria. It means finding the answers to What, When, Why, Who, Where, and How.

Seek Answers, Be Inquisitive

A journalist is not a mediator of news or events. You do not present information as it comes. You have to find out the Why behind all. Always be on the run to find answers to your queries, unanswered questions, and the reason behind all occurrences. And you have to be inquisitive to find out new things, discover and research. An idle journalist is of significantly no value to either himself, the organization, or the nation.

Fearlessness

Courage is synonymous with this profession. Do you have the guts to question the authorities, the government, the hierarchy? Can you stand up for the right? Can you present all news, no matter how ugly or against the ruling class it is? Are you scared of influence, of the mafia, of the authorities? If your answer supports fearlessness, and the risk to life and career does not daunt you, only then should you get into this field. Truth is bitter and always up in arms against the wrong. Accept this fact and then decide what it is that you want to do.

Observation

Keen observations skills help in identifying even the minutest details that can make you a good journalist. Observation on your part is important to create news items, features, and stories.

Communication

Excellent written and oral communication skills are essential in this field. You have to converse, conduct interviews, extract answers from people on the streets as well as high officials, also from witnesses, criminals, and every individual who can provide information.

Listening Skills

As important as the ability to talk, so is the ability to listen. An effective listener grasps information that is missed by others. You need an empathetic ear.

Persistence and Hard Work

Hard work, long hours, different locales; you have to be prepared for all if you want to jump into this profession. You have to be willing to work irregular hours against tight deadlines, and in a highly competitive environment. And persistently follow your goal.

Point of View with Objectivity

You should have an individualistic point of view that is not influenced by others’ actions speech or beliefs. But again, your point of view belongs to you, so when you are dealing with people or disseminating information, you have to be objective. The valuation of the newsworthiness of information depends on your impartial outlook. A thin almost invisible line separates objectivity from partiality.

Initiative

Take the initiative. Be the first to air the news, the first to document a cause or event, and the first to support and speak against. Take the initiative and the rest will follow you.

Strength

The strength to work under odds, to face the consequences of your action and belief, and to keep afloat when all around you is sinking.