What Are the Qualities of a Good Journalist?

          Have you ever thought of the qualities of a perfect journalist? Of course, the opinions may differ from one person to another, since this is a very subjective issue. However, since I have always been interested in journalism ( I have also received homework related to this), I have decided to write about the qualities which, in my opinion, are essential if one wants to become a great journalist!

Photo: en.wikipedia.org

          1. A great journalist should have an enquiring mind.

     It is my firm belief that a good journalist should always be eager to learn new things, no matter whether it's about sports, art, literature or politics. There is a widely-held assumption that journalism is a constantly changing field, so the people working within this area should have an inner desire to keep up with the latest news, discoveries and advances.

          2. A great journalist should be alert.

     I strongly believe that being alert is of utmost importance when it comes to journalism. As a good journalist, it is essential to remain observant so as you can be the first one to write about a certain subject. This is important especially in online journalism, since nowadays it is easier to find out everything you need to know on the Internet. Therefore, if you are the first person to present a certain issue, you will become more famous through the medium of the Internet!

         3. A great journalist should be a specialist in at least one field.

     Ok, you have a hunger for news, you write very well and you have a lively mind and an inner desire to learn new things, but this may not be enough. In order to be an amazing journalist, you really and truly need some specialist knowledge in fields such as science and technology, where there is a huge demand for journalists, since many persons working in the journalism world are arts/humanities graduates.

         4. A great journalist should be impartial.

     I believe you will all agree with me as far as impartiality is concerned. You just cannot be a good journalist if you don't manage to provide a balanced view of a certain thing. It is true that, like every individual, each journalist mush have his/her own opinion about something, but it is his/her duty to present a wide range of opinions and avoid biases.

         5. A great journalist should be determined.

     Let's make things clear: by determined, I do not mean aggressive, but rather a combination of persistence and politeness, which will undoubtedly make you gain the people's respect and also their answers to some upsetting questions.

Photo: http://journal.innovationjournalism.org/

          So, if you want to be a great journalist, you need determination, impartiality, desire for knowledge, alertness and an enquiring mind! Do you have these qualities? Then you should consider a career in this field!