Budding journalists

Professionals from the print media talk to students about the codes and ethics that are the backbone of a newspaper. Manal Ismail reports

What is it like to be a journalist in today's world of endless opportunities? How can a young reporter separate fact from fiction in this power thirsty, competitive world?

Young writers need guidance - guidance in terms of how to gather news, where to gather it and how to spot flawed or biased information.

Students had the opportunity to learn some valuable tips and pointers from the Editor at Large of Gulf News, Francis Mathew, in a seminar at the Dubai Men's College (DMC).

The session, which aimed to teach students how to tackle the difficulties of modern reporting, is part of the many activities organised by the journalism department of the college.

These events often invite guest speakers, journalists and producers to explain to students first-hand what the industry is all about.

"At first I thought the session would be the usual," said applied communications student Ahmad Al Tamimi. "But it was actually very engaging. Mathew made his presentation interesting, focusing on several important issues."

A passion for writing
Among the topics discussed was the status of journalists and the media in the UAE. Mathew emphasised the industry's constant development in the region, highlighting that UAE nationals are greatly sought in the field.

"Newspapers, radio networks and television channels are spreading and this growth has increased the demand for journalists," he said.

"Gulf News, which has completed 30 years of publication in the UAE, is particularly interested in having more nationals as reporters, editors and designers."

Students found Mathew's words encouraging and his visit a good opportunity to familiarise themselves with the print industry. They expressed their interest in the field for a variety of reasons, including its drastic growth in the region and a passion for writing and seeking the truth.

"I've always enjoyed writing as a hobby since I was young,"
said Marwan Al Zarouni, a student at DMC. "I've also always been interested in the latest news and happenings."

Social responsibility
However, these young aspiring journalists realised that writers must have tact in the way they report news, with ethics being of the utmost importance.

"As journalists we are responsible to the public, to our profession and the law," Mathew said. "We have to be trustworthy, honest and accurate. It is important to verify facts and try to check things from more than one source."

Illustrating numerous examples of day-to-day operations at the newspaper, students responded with great interest to Mathew's experiences. They learned crucial bits of information related to reporting in the UAE.

"I learned that there is an issue of sensitivity that has a very low tolerance level," Al Tamimi said. "If something too controversial, that is not in the public interest is mentioned, the police can interfere."

Nevertheless students realised that the media in the UAE has evolved a lot. They also recognised the true meaning behind being a journalist and that the field is not restricted only to publications.

"Journalism is not only about writing for newspapers," Mathew said. "It has a wider scope in radio, TV and online. You need to report and say things with clarity to be a successful communicator."

Being multi-skilled is a must
Precision and accuracy are only a few of the skills needed to be successful in the media industry.

According to Fazal Malik, faculty of journalism and media studies at the DMC, who worked as a broadcast journalist for the BBC prior to joining the college, the changes in technology pose new opportunities and challenges for those who want to join the field.

"New technologies have converged various media," he said.
"Newspaper, radio and TV are all available on the internet now. One has to be multi-skilled in the information age we are living in."

Finding the workshop intriguing, students said speaking to an editor of a prestigious newspaper has made the whole experience more "real" for them as it provided knowledge outside the boundaries of a classroom.

"I learned many things I wouldn't have been able to learn anywhere else," said Ali Abdullah, applied communications student at the DMC.

A thirst for knowledge
Students expressed a demand for similar seminars that enhance their skills and knowledge.

"I hope other Arab editors and newspaper editors provide us with such learning experiences," said Al Tamimi.

"Information coming directly from someone working in the field is different from when it comes from somewhere else."

Fazal Malik, faculty of journalism and media studies at the DMC said that the college and Gulf News are collaborating to organise more structured journalism workshops in Dubai, providing budding journalists an opportunity to learn hands-on about the profession.