by Kayode Awojobi
https://www.digital.zenithbank.com/ZEQ/ZEQ-jan-2026/index.html#p=1It was during one of our postgraduate classes that Prof. Dele Odunlami a well reverred Professor of Broadcast Journalism shared a story, of how he gave a former student the honour to address the class he was teaching on a particular day and unfortunately, the alumnus started singing praises of a well known media personality and encouraging the undergrads to be like him, Prof told me he regretted giving that honour to the alumnus and consequently debriefed the students for the reasons I know and which other core professionals are aware of. Today, journalism is under siege; not due to a lack of guiding principles and rules, but because many no longer regard it as a grounded, professional field. Everyone wants to be called a journalist. Even those who simply post content on social media assume the title. Perhaps this is where the “Status Conferral Theory” comes into play.
To illustrate the sacredness of the journalism profession, I recall a scenario painted by one of my undergraduate lecturers while teaching a course in news writing and reporting. He asked us to imagine the consequence if a journalist were to report that a fracas had erupted in a part of the country between two tribes, and that one tribe had suffered massive casualties. Wouldn’t there likely be a reprisal in other regions dominated by the affected tribe? Today, you and I can attest to the relevance of that warning, given the current realities in our dear country.
The scenarios I have given above is to tell us how sacred the profession- journalism is and why we must hold it in high esteem. I wouldn’t want to bore you with what the constitution of Nigerian Union of Journalism (NUJ) states on whom can be referred to as journalist but, focusing on the real ethics that guides the profession. Sadly, journalism today is riddled with shenanigans. It’s unfortunate that some individuals, who lack the foundational understanding of journalism, are now being celebrated as heroes of the field. Many do not possess the core attributes of a trained journalist, yet they dominate headlines and airtime. While gifts and natural talents have their place in most professions, they cannot replace the importance of formal education, rigorous training, and a commitment to professionalism.
Unlike other revered professions, journalism seems to have become a free-for-all. This often leaves me questioning the value of my undergraduate and postgraduate years in Mass Communication, especially when individuals who cannot define what news is are being elevated as the face of the profession.
In as much as I value what gift is, a career in journalism is not for the faint hearted. It demands a unique blend of skills, knowledge, and personal qualities that enable individuals to navigate the complexities of the profession. While experience and training are essential components of a successful journalism career, some individuals may possess natural gifts that make them well-suited to this field.
One such gift is curiosity. A strong desire to learn and ask questions is the foundation upon which good journalism is built. Individuals with insatiable curiosity are driven to uncover the truth, to dig deeper, and to shed light on the stories that matter. They are not satisfied with surface-level information and are willing to probe further, often uncovering insights and perspectives that might otherwise remain hidden. This innate curiosity serves as a catalyst for investigative journalism, fueling the pursuit of knowledge and understanding that is essential to the profession.
Effective communication skill is another natural gift that can serve individuals who wants to practice journalism well. The ability to convey complex ideas in a clear and concise manner is crucial in journalism, where the goal is to inform and engage audiences. Journalists with strong communication skills can distill intricate concepts into accessible language, making them more relatable and understandable to a wider audience. This gift enables journalists to craft compelling narratives that capture the reader’s attention and convey the essence of the story.
Observational skills are also an asset for anyone that loves to practice journalism in a professional manner. The ability to notice and record details that others might miss is a valuable trait in a profession where accuracy and attention to detail are paramount. Journalists with keen observational skills can pick up on subtle cues, notice patterns, and identify inconsistencies that might otherwise go unnoticed. This gift enables them to build a more comprehensive understanding of the story, to identify potential leads, and to craft more nuanced and accurate reporting.
Analytical thinking is another natural gift that can serve anyone that wants to venture into proper journalism well. The ability to critically evaluate information, identify patterns or trends, and connect the dots between seemingly unrelated pieces of information is essential in journalism. Journalists with strong analytical skills can sift through complex data, identify key themes and insights, and craft reporting that is both informative and thought-provoking. This gift enables them to provide context, analysis, and interpretation of the news, helping audiences to better understand the issues and events that shape their world.
While these natural gifts can provide a strong foundation for a successful journalism career, they must be honed and developed through education, training, and experience. Formal education in journalism can provide a solid grounding in the principles and practices of the profession, while training and experience can help journalists refine their skills and develop their unique voice and style. Through dedication and hard work, journalists can cultivate their natural gifts, developing the skills and expertise necessary to excel in this demanding and rewarding profession.
In like manner, we have individuals that are blessed with crafts and they do this convincingly, either through speaking, writing and other crafts, however, I believe that is not enough in as much as it’s a blessing in disguise for anyone that wants to venture into core professionalism in journalism.
Writing is a fundamental craft in journalism, and it requires a high level of skill and technique. A well-written article can engage readers, convey complex information, and tell a compelling story. However, writing is not just about putting words on paper; it involves a deep understanding of structure, style, and tone. Formal education in journalism provides interested parties in journalism with the opportunity to develop their writing skills, learn about different styles and formats, and practice writing for various audiences.
Also, interviewing is another crucial craft in journalism, and it requires a combination of preparation, skill, and instinct. Effective interviewing involves more than just asking questions; it requires a deep understanding of the subject matter, the ability to build rapport with sources, and the skill to extract valuable information. Formal education in journalism teaches learners how to prepare for interviews, how to ask the right questions, and how to use the information gathered to craft compelling stories.
Research is also a vital craft in journalism, and it requires a high level of skill and attention to detail. Journalists need to be able to locate and verify information from a variety of sources, including documents, data, and interviews. Formal education in journalism provides people with the opportunity to learn about research methods, including how to find and evaluate sources, how to verify information, and how to use data to tell stories.
Storytelling is perhaps the most important craft in journalism, as it involves the ability to craft compelling narratives that capture the reader’s attention. Effective storytelling requires a deep understanding of the subject matter, the ability to identify key themes and insights, and the skill to convey complex information in a clear and concise manner. Formal education in journalism teaches how to craft engaging stories, how to use narrative techniques, and how to convey complex information in a way that resonates with audiences.
In addition to these crafts, formal education in journalism provides a broad understanding of the field, including its history, ethics, and principles. It teaches the importance of accuracy, fairness, and transparency, and how to navigate complex ethical dilemmas. Formal education in journalism also provides the opportunity to develop critical thinking skills, learn about media law and regulation, and understand the role of journalism in society.
Proper training and formal education in journalism are essential for several reasons. Firstly, they provide the skills and knowledge necessary to excel in the field. Secondly, they help to ensure that journalists are equipped to handle the challenges and complexities of the profession. Thirdly, they promote a deep understanding of the principles and ethics of journalism, which is essential for maintaining the trust and credibility of audiences.
As a graduate with a master’s degree in Mass Communication, I understand the rigors of academic training. I salute my tutors and lecturers who instilled in us the true essence of journalism. Courses like Introduction to Nigerian Mass Media, News Writing and Reporting, Investigative and Interpretative Journalism, Media Law and Ethics, Editorial Writing, Announcing and Performance and Research Methodology are rigorous and transformational. One cannot go through such courses without grasping what true journalism entails, even if one does not practice afterward.
At the heart of journalism lies a commitment to ethical standards. Journalists must adhere to a code of ethics that prioritizes truth, accuracy, and fairness. This means seeking out the facts, verifying information, and presenting a balanced view of the story. By upholding ethical standards, journalists demonstrate their commitment to serving the public interest and maintaining the trust of their audience.
Objectivity is a crucial aspect of core professionalism in journalism. Journalists must strive to report on events and issues in an objective and impartial manner, avoiding bias and partiality. This requires a deep understanding of the subject matter, as well as the ability to separate fact from opinion. By reporting objectively, journalists provide their audience with a clear and accurate understanding of the world around them.
Accountability as well is essential to core professionalism in journalism. Journalists must be accountable for the accuracy and fairness of their reporting. This means taking responsibility for any mistakes that may be made, correcting them promptly, and being transparent about the correction process. By being accountable, journalists demonstrate their commitment to accuracy and fairness, and maintain the trust of their audience.
Finally, transparency is a vital component of core professionalism in journalism. Journalists must be transparent about their methods and sources, providing their audience with a clear understanding of how they gather and verify information. This includes disclosing conflicts of interest, identifying sources, and being open about the research process. By being transparent, journalists demonstrate their commitment to honesty and integrity, and provide their audience with the information they need to make informed decisions.
Prof. Odunlami recently wrote on his Facebook: “Mewa n sele ni broadcasting“(translated as “a lot is happening in broadcasting”). Indeed, the issues he referenced are not limited to broadcasting, they permeate the entire field of journalism. This is a clarion call to veterans and elders in the profession: it’s time to rise and rescue journalism from ridicule and collapse.
Interviewing, for instance, is not meant to be confrontational or intimidating. It’s not a cross-examination session. Yes, journalists must be in control, but not through arrogance or aggression. Ethical interviewing respects both the guest and the audience. Mutual respect is key.
To those who aspire to be called journalists: seek proper training. Many institutions in and outside Nigeria offer Mass Communication and Journalism programs. Enroll in one. Equip yourself with the principles and discipline that journalism requires. That way, we can begin to separate the true professionals from the mere performers.
Journalism is not about baritone voices, polished phonetics, or flamboyant vocabularies. It is not about shouting down interview guests or turning media platforms into personal playgrounds. It is about truth, duty, service, and integrity.
Let us bring back professionalism. Let us restore respect. Let us protect this noble calling.
If it is to be, it is up to all of us.
‘Kayode Awojobi is a multiple award-winning broadcast journalist, political and social commentator. He holds both a first and second degree in Mass Communication.
