Student Journalism 101- The Crash Course

The life of a student journalist is one which involves both many challenges and many thrills. While it is highly exciting when in the process of chasing after a story, and enquiring about the what, who, when, why and how of it all, it is equally disappointing when your only source disappears or does not want to print the story anymore or when their information turns out to be bogus. So to make the entire experience less painful and frustrating, I have compiled a short list of guidelines on what to do and what to avoid in the wonderful world of student journalism.

 Firstly, while information held by the police station and other organs of the state is supposed to be open to the public, try as much as you can to have official documentation from someone with authority which entitles you to the access of state information.

Secondly, always make enquiries and get background information, even if you were there or you have an eye witness. Try to get more than just one account of what happened. Researching, or getting the story behind the story makes the story more accurate and reputable.

Thirdly, gossip is not journalism. Just because the people in the dining hall are talking about something, does not necessarily make it a good story. Stick to the readership of the publication for which you are a journalist.

Fourthly, always proof read your work or get someone to read it for you. Because journalism is an area which is ruled by pressure and deadlines, we are prone to errors in facts, names, spelling and grammar. Proof reading your work encourages a good result at the end.

Lastly, just be you. The reason why you are not working as Vuyani Green on SABC is because you are not Vuyani Green. While it is good to appreciate outstanding journalists, it is not advisable to mimic their style of writing. Be yourself, it adds a little something extra. If you stick to these guidelines, you are fast on your way to being, not just a student journalist, but an excellent one at that.