TwoCents | Difficulties Journalists Encounter

We already have a slight idea of who a journalist or news reporter is, thanks to my previous write up. It is good to note that there is no profession on earth that does not have any challenge or constraint. A journalist faces numerous challenges when reporting, including: 1. Time constraints: Journalists often have tight deadlines to meet, which can make it difficult to gather all the necessary information and write a comprehensive report. 2. Accuracy and truthfulness: Journalists must ensure that their stories are accurate, reliable, and free from bias. This can be challenging when dealing with conflicting information or sources. 3. Balance and objectivity: Journalists are expected to maintain a neutral stance and present all sides of a story. This can be difficult when dealing with emotionally charged or controversial topics. 4. Access to information: Journalists may face difficulties in obtaining access to information, especially if it is being withheld by individuals or organizations. 5. Safety and security: Journalists working in conflict zones or reporting on sensitive topics may face risks to their personal safety and well-being. 6. Ethical dilemmas: Journalists may face ethical dilemmas when deciding what information to include or exclude from a story, how to handle confidential sources, or how to report on sensitive topics without causing harm. 7. Public opinion and backlash: Journalists may face public backlash or criticism for their reporting, which can be emotionally challenging and may impact their credibility. 8. Competition: Journalists often compete with their peers for stories, sources, and exclusive information, which can be stressful and lead to high levels of pressure. 9. Adapting to new technologies: As the media landscape evolves, journalists must continually adapt to new technologies, platforms, and ways of reporting. 10. Maintaining professionalism: Journalists must maintain a high level of professionalism, even when dealing with challenging situations or difficult sources. Due to these numerous challenges, the journalist has to act within a short period of time, given that news must be provided at the expected time, it should be verified and be of quality. This, to some extent, explains why there are so many news outlets that broadcast the same information within a short time frame, mostly because they want to be the first to do so. Among these challenges, one can make out points to consider when choosing a particular media outlet to follow, in order to have verified, concrete and followed-up news. What are your thoughts about this? Let me know in the comment section.

Other insights from Suzanne Nanyonge