Extracts from, Malaysiakini’s Eric Loo | Jun 12, 08,
‘Mission and service’ benchmarks in journalism
To help gauge these benchmarks, I list below the common referents of ‘best practices’ that non-Malaysian journalists alluded to in a survey I did in 2006 for a book on ‘best practices of journalism in Asia’.
The referents range from quixotic views of crusading journalism, one that represents the plights of the disenfranchised, to the realities of investigative journalism that exposes public corruption and social injustices. ‘Best practices’ in journalism evolve when certain attributes, albeit non-exhaustive, work together, such as:
- In-depth research and keen eye for statistical analyses.
- Dogged determination for field interviews.
- Penchant for the big picture ‘why’, ‘how’ and ‘what’ context of issues.
- Healthy skepticism balanced by optimism with the good in people.
- Understanding from experiencing the life of people in the stories.
- Acknowledged obligations as a citizen first, journalist second.
- Deep conviction that truthful stories can make a difference to society.
- Acute sense of right and wrong.
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