Ignorance about journalism

Sorry to everyone who has been checking this website and not finding any new posting. It was a grave slip that I didn't put up a notice informing visitors when I'd be back here again. Lesson learnt: whenever I've to be away, I shall keep you posted.

I have been facing many questions regarding journalism. Most of them indicate how the layperson, even a journalism student, is quite ignorant about what journalism is all about. Let me tell you, journalism is just like any other profession. It has many good and bad people in it like any other profession. It's very important for journalism students to get this point correct so that they enter the career with the correct idea in mind.

I have seen many youth come to media with the hope that they can wield the power of the pen -- or the power of information -- and change the world. It'sn't so easy, more accurately that'sn't the way journalism works anywhere. A journalist's power is nothing more or less than the power of a teacher to change a student.

A journalist is reporter, is an interpreter, is a facilitator.

One reason for this hyped up glamorous image is because the reporter is seen entering places where the ordinary mortal does usually get to go, or is seen rubbing shoulders with the powers that be. Remember, this in itself does not give him or her any great power. So, you should not have a wrong impression that a journalist is "very powerful"; though I'd agree that she does get some privileges by virtue of her job on hand.

We shall discuss this as we go ahead. Meanwhile, keep your questions coming in. I'd love to clear all your doubts.