KUCHING: Aspiring journalists must nurture a deep passion for their profession and be proactive in seeking unique stories, said veteran journalist, Datuk Chamil Wariya during an editorial sharing session with Sarawak Tribune/Suara Sarawak (STSS) editors, subeditors and reporters.
Chamil emphasised that a true passion for journalism helps journalists from viewing their work as a burden.
“If you have that passion, it should be the kind where you don’t see the work of a journalist as a burden or something difficult,” he shared during the session held at STSS meeting room here today.
“When my boss would tell me about a last-minute assignment, I would go. I wouldn’t say I couldn’t do it. But I know the current generation is a bit different.”
Reflecting on his own experiences, Chamil said he used to handle up to three assignments daily, which was standard. Beyond the expected KPI (Key Performance Indicator) , he encouraged journalists to pursue additional stories on their own initiative, as these contributions were often considered in monthly evaluations and salary increments.
For Chamil, networking has been essential to his journalistic journey, as he regularly attends social events to build relationships and gain insights.
“When I attend functions, I always look for what we call a ‘side story’—those additional stories about the personalities attending or certain attendees’ circumstances, which I would typically write as soft news, something more feature-like,” he said.
He also encouraged journalists to go beyond event transcripts, seeking side stories to provide the community with enriched information and perspectives.
