FROM THE PUBLIC EDITOR'S DESK : This is how to become a journalist

New media has so far not succeeded in “killing” interest in “newspaper journalism;” at least not in Tanzania. This is an assertion; call it a mere claim; and an abstract.

But here is what can serve as the concrete. There are requests for information on how one can become a journalist. Requests are on how and where to start in order to be journalists and work for newspapers.

One of them writes, “I have been writing in my blog; debating a number of issues with other bloggers. I have published articles on my blog but my thirst has not been quenched; at least not until I get an opportunity to work as a journalist in a newspaper firm.”

Another information seeker writes, “I blame it all on newspaper editors and owners. It also applies to bosses of other big media houses. They don’t read blogs and other twitters. If they did, they would have discovered that there are good pieces there; and others better than what they publish.

“Believe it or not, I would be working with you at MCL outlets,” wrote one of the information seekers who sound and looks like a “job seeker;” and which he is.

In one of the info-charts in the Public Editor’s Report to the Editorial Board of Mwananchi Communications Limited (MCL) for the months of June, July, August (2017), Column 5 is about “Readers’ Requests for Information.”

In July, out of 20 information seekers, four were requesting for details on “how to be a journalist.” In August, out of 21 information seekers, nine wanted to know how to become journalists and work in newsrooms.

According to the Tanzania Communications Regulatory Authority (TCRA) records, as of March 2016 the country had 40 million mobile subscribers. This however, may not mean 40 million people as there are individuals with as many gadgets as subscriber companies.

It is among these subscribers you have blog operators and bloggers who long to work in newsrooms or even outside newsrooms but doing journalistic work.

This reminds me of the debate that has been going on: Is blogging journalism or are bloggers journalists? It also brings to memory another debate: Is a reporter a journalist?

This and the former debate are unceasing. This is because none of them suffers from poor muscle. For us, and today, the quest for information on how to become a journalist, nourishes the debates on the methods and styles of content distribution.

It also brings to the attention of all in media houses and the “blog industry,” the need for examination of accuracy, speed and effectiveness in information delivery.

Answers to the 13 readers who happen to be bloggers need not come from the Public Editor alone. This country is rich with reporters, editors, correspondents and others in the print and electronic outlets; and who have been working for a long time.

They know how they got where they are today. They also remember what qualifications were demanded of them before they were employed. Where are the better placed people to answer the question than these experts!

The Public Editor’s Desk invites all working in newspapers, radio and television stations to take part in giving answers to the questions raised by our readers: How and where to start in order to be a journalist.

Let it be clear that you are not limited to matters of passion, honesty, trustworthiness, curiosity and others. While you may wish to include all those, tell the qualities that you possessed and that you think made you a choice of the employer.

Responses will not only be published on this newspaper, but also sent to the 13 bloggers who have reasoned out that blogging is another form of content distribution but not journalism; hence the quest for entry into journalism.

(In last week’s column, Uhuru Kenyatta’s party was inadvertently referred to as “Alliance” instead of Jubilee. The error is regretted)