BY NAZRINZULAIQA HASBI
KUCHING: Persistence and an unwavering motivation to deliver impactful information are among attributes that journalists must inculcate in order to become effective disseminators of information.
Former editor-in-chief and chairman of the Malaysian National News Agency (Bernama), Datuk Seri Azman Ujang, said along with interest and talent for writing, persistence and motivation were very crucial for media personnel to become effective communicators and disseminators of information.
He said this during a virtual workshop on ‘Effective News Writing: An Expert Guide’, held via Zoom for journalists from New Sarawak Tribune and Suara Sarawak today (Sept 1).
“As a media practitioner or journalist, there is simply no room to give less than your best. You must always give your best in reporting an event,” he explained.
He urged journalists not to be satisfied with a report from a press conference or a press release because the news information was already there for it to be turned into a news item.
Thus, he advised journalists to research on current issues as this would allow them to come up in-depth reports on an event or press conference they attended.
“Journalists can get extraordinary stories even out of press conferences or press releases. They must remember that the best story will add value to the newspaper,” he said.
Reflecting on his own personal experience, in addition to covering the major topic that other media also cover, he would often go out to look for exclusive stories.
“This is because when the newspaper is full of exclusive stories, people are more likely to buy it,” he said.
Azman also stressed on the importance of asking provocative and daring questions.
During the session, he shared numerous accounts of his own experiences and provided tips on news angling as well as headlining with the participants during the question-and-answer session.
The virtual workshop was attended by a total of 77 people comprising news editors, sub-editors, journalists and trainee reporters.
