Eight takeaways from our first four How to be a Journalist podcast episodes

How to be a Journalist is a News Associates podcast, hosted by our very own Plamedi Mbungu.

Plamedi has interviewed several journalists about their pathways into the industry, seeking answers to all the questions early-career journalists have.

Here are the top takeaways from our first four podcast episodes.

A black graphic with an image of Plamedi Mbungu dressed smartly in a tie smiling for the camera and talking into a podcast microphone. Written in yellow in the top right hand side is the name of our podcast 'How to be a journalist'.

You can listen to and watch our How to be a Journalist podcast on Spotify and YouTube.

“Know a little about a lot.”

Daily Mail political correspondent Kumail Jaffer knows that a great journalist should never say no to learning more about the world around them – and we couldn’t agree more.

Taking an interest in topics outside of your scope keeps you well-informed and current.

This means you are bringing more perspective, opinion and knowledge to the newsroom. 

 

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“There will be a reward, even if it’s not seen by millions of people.”

Feature Story News broadcast journalist Sally Patterson knows how important the small wins are. Just because you aren’t writing for a huge publication doesn’t mean your work isn’t important. You have to start somewhere in your early career.

Find out about publications that publish freelance journalists here.

“If you’re unsure, always get someone to have a second look.”

Sky Sports News reporter Chris Reidy stresses the importance of asking questions. As a journalist, the right question can go a long way and this isn’t just the case for your interviewing skills, if there is anything you feel unsure about, ask. It is a lot easier than going through a law suit.

@newsassociates_ Get an insight into working as a sports journalist at Sky Sports with special guest of the ‘How to be a Journalist’ podcast Chris Reidy ⚽️ Dropping at 1pm December 30 ‼️ #TeamNA #StartedHere #SkySports #SportsJournalist #SportsCareer ♬ Ok I Like It – Milky Chance

“Don’t be afraid about getting those ideas rejected.”

PoliticsHome reporter Zoë Crowther reminds young journalists that it is fine that not every pitch will be written.

In your early career, you shouldn’t feel discouraged by this – it happens to everyone. It is an opportunity for constructive feedback, so you will be even better the next time you pitch. 

 

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“A lot of good stories come from being in the right place, at the right time.”

Kumail revealed one of the challenges in journalism is that sometimes it can feel like you’re not writing anything good because you aren’t getting anything published. He assured us that it doesn’t mean you will never write a great story again, it just means you might have to try something different. 

“You have to always be adapting.”

Journalism today looks very different to how it did even 20 years ago. Zoë shared some advice about how journalists need to adapt to social media and navigating different platforms.

Read our post on how to use social media to your advantage as a journalist. 

“When you understand something, and why it’s done, you do it better.”

Sally spoke about the importance of accuracy in journalism. Doing things by the book is a big yes, so take as much time as you need to really understand media law before jumping into a story and doing something wrong. 

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“You don’t have to be the loudest there to be noticed.”

When Chris started at Sky Sports News, he said he felt a little intimidated by the big characters in the newsroom. He stressed that being quiet doesn’t mean you aren’t going to be noticed.

Creating good journalism is enough to be recognised for your journalistic ability.

You can listen to and watch our How to be a Journalist podcast on Spotify and YouTube.