As a child, I liked to catch dragonflies, with my hands as tools. Although not impossible to catch, they could be very elusive. This is very much like the process of writing a piece of journalism. Finding a common news idea is as easy as finding a dragonfly in a field because they are everywhere. But trying to think of a more exclusive news story is like trying to spot a rarer species dragonfly in a field full of them. One would think that it’s easier to spot given its differences in appearance, but no, it’s very good at hiding and even harder to catch. And when I almost got the story done, when I could feel the flutter of the dragonfly’s wings on my fingertips, they flew from my grasps. The frustrations both elusions presented were similar. But once caught, the feeling of achievement is, indubitably, much more rewarding.
According to this semester’s experience, the difficulty of finding the interviewees and the interviewing process depend on the story I wrote and the connections I have. This emphasised the importance of networking in journalism. As the stories I wrote cater to my level of expertise and the interviewees needed are somewhere in my network sphere, I didn’t have that much problems finding them. Nevertheless, it was still very nerve-wracking every time I approached someone to interview, be they strangers or personally known to me.
The interview process was not that hard other than the presence of some ethical issues. Gus once said to be wary of being manipulated by an experienced interviewee. This warning came to light when I interviewed Prof. McPhee. He skilfully managed challenges after challenges which I very politely threw at him. At this point, I also realised that my Asian upbringing incapacitated me. I couldn’t get rid of the ‘polite to elderly, reverence to academics’ attitude nurtured in me since young. Ironically, I was shot on AsiaLink video by another reporter, while interviewing the Professor. Talked about being an impromptu reporter or being in the spotlight.
After having gone through all interviews, I have to accept that the arrogant presumption a journalist have to have (“that it’s my right to question and to demand answers” as Gus said), will never be present in me. Tracie also said not to be friendly with or to nod at the interviewees. These rules were the hardest to follow because both are reflexes. Furthermore, I find it easier to dig information with a friendlier attitude and I can still maintain my professionalism to some degree. An alarming tendency I had while interviewing was me trying to ‘force-feed’ my opinion on the interviewees by phrasing questions in certain ways. I don’t think this is ethical, as it’s not a fair view, but I managed to leave out those ‘forced’ opinions from my article, unless if the person really had similar views.
The most galling thing about having to interview someone is the fact that I can only include certain information based on my writing angles and the rest has to be discarded. And some interviews I went to great trouble to obtain were completely useless. Plus, I’d feel guilty about wasting those interviewees’ time.
To me, writing journalism differs greatly from PR, creative and other professional writing (travel, op-eds, etc). Firstly, writing journalism is harder because I have to write cold, hard facts without getting emotionally involved. Otherwise, I would be deemed subjective, which is a big ethical mistake. And those news written with over-the-top vocabularies in the tabloids are usually seen as trash. Having to grow up in different countries with different national languages, which sometimes create verbal difficulties, I have always used writing as a means of expressions. Thus I usually write with personal feelings and always with the intention to put my thoughts across the words. Therefore, the restrains and guidelines can be suffocating.
Secondly, writing soft news and features present even greater hurdles because, as I said once in class, we have to be creative and rigidly factual at the same time. This is such a contradiction that the planning have to be even more meticulous. One wrong step and I’m finished.
Thirdly, aside from all these creative inhibitions, I have to pursue interviewees and integrate their views in the piece as well. And I think this is where most of the ethical problems emerge. The urge to fabricate information, I think, comes mainly from the inability to get a source we want.
In my opinion, the ethics in journalism is something that can only be defined in a specific situation. And as cliché as it sounds, the question of being ethical is as grey as the question of what is right and wrong. However, in a common situation, I agree with the most basic code of ethics stated in the reader—“honesty, objectivity, independence and respect for the rights of others”. I think, ethical journalism is not being ruthless in getting a story. Also, a journalist can empathise with something but not nauseatingly subjective. These ethics are important to prevent journalists from getting too carried away in their quest to reveal the truth, to so-called chained them to earth and see reasons. Having said that, however, there’ll be times when it is ethical to be ruthless, especially when it involves the public’s safety and lives. For example, exposing quack doctors who endanger patients’ lives. That is one situation where I applaud Today Tonight’s methods. Sometimes, evil has to be dealt with evil.
Back to the dragonfly analogy: after catching one, I’d admire it, inspecting every part of its body just like I’d read through my final piece again and again, marvelling at my ‘brilliance’. Then I’d want others to see my achievement too and put the dragonfly in a clear jar, publishing my writing somewhere. But this kind of joy is fleeting because; one, captured dragonflies have short lifespan, so it has to be admired hastily. Likewise, news fade quickly and have to be published as soon as possible; two, the beauty and worth of things like news and dragonflies are in the eyes of the beholder. My intended audience may not like what I appreciate, which may disappoint me.
In conclusion, journalism is an irony because it has to be objective, yet it’s always viewed subjectively.
So. Yeap. Anyway, i've finally booked a plane back home! After 2 years of not going back.And it's the first I'm flying by Jetstar. Hope it's gonna be good. The first time I actually paid something online! And I must say that the experience has been terrifying. I don't know how those people who do online shopping can stand doing that constantly. Although I must admit that it's very convenient.
Ok, as you may know from my previous post, I'm a person who likes to pay things with cash as I don't like credit cards and debt because it's like there's something hanging over you, if you get my meaning. Oh wow, I actually just realise that it also means that I like having control of a situation. But, I'm no control freak. it's just that I like knowing things which = being certain of something which = a kind of security. So doing things online, which include money, be it a small or big amount, is like letting go of that security. Now, I don't mean that money always equals security, but having come from a humble background, I see money as a mean of survival, a way to a better future and I'm more careful with it. Doesn't everybody? But it's by no means happiness. I know so. I've seen too many proofs. Waitaminute, I'm veering off course here.
Oh, another realisation. Does that mean I don't like to take risk? I don't think so. People who knew me know that I can be eccentric( as in my opinions and my resistance to being pressurised into doing or having something mainstream,etc) , like 'weird' things (food, foreign movies..this is according to my friends,etc) and have been called that to face. But I don't mind that. In fact, i relish that in a way. And I believe that to dare being different is to take the greatest risk in life. I admit to being mainstream too in some aspects.( We can't completely avoid that.) Plus, I dare to try different things and experiences in life. So there. But, taking risk with money is different. Ok, how do I get back to the subject of money? urgh, i think it's gotten out of hand and I've no idea how to get back on track. Basically, after I paid online and didn't get the confirmation w/in 24 hours I freaked out, thinking of the worst case scenarios. But I finally got the confirmation today and felt so relieved. I guess I just don't trust technology that much. Quite ironic and unusual seeing as how I like emails(although letters are the best!) and internet very much, and that I'm a GEN Yer.
Other things happening, I may be joining a Japanese speech contest.(no, that's not the big news I mentioned) Lol. And there's been a few upcoming events lined up. I'm very excited! And I think I finally find happiness to a certain extent. I thank GOD for that, even though I'm not a very devout Christian. And now I know why those people who are happy and content are those who have lived life to the fullest.
Love,the colour purple
