Published by participants in the  Certificate in Journalism program

of the African Virtual University-Indiana University of Pennsylvania Partnership.

The African Star

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Journalist speaks about his role

INTERVIEW WITH ASSISTANT EDITOR 

1. Please tell me about your job?

    My job entails all aspects informative public communicating ranging from simple      

reporting to educating and entertaining. The information service is a busy (full) life.

2. What kind of stories have you written?

The way you phrase your question is ambiguous. When 

you ask me of ‘stories’ whose kinds I have so far written is something not quite precise. 

Do you mean analytical, investigative, information, reportive or, others? Frankly I’ve 

dealt with both sensitive and explosive stories just as I have been dealing with precision 

analytical ones- call them critiques. I have done too, biographical ones- the 

magazines types-the features. 

(Instructor comment: What kind of stories generally refers to  stories on politics, social issues, health, education, business, agriculture, etc.)

3. How do you see your role as a Journalist? 

My perspective of ‘my role’ as a journalist is oddly two pronged. First I find it personally self-fulfilling, since I tend to feel relaxed, 

relieved and of course grateful, when I get the chance to explain to members of the 

public about a burning issue (that few of any would dare to); hence at the same time 

help show ways and means of resoluteness. On the other hand, in a second instance, I 

find my role as a most challenging job, despite cumbersome duress involved, yet with 

untold vulnerability lurking full time round-and around!

4. Do you enjoy the freedom of speech? 

On the question of freedom of the press it is so 

touted, I would be rather as bold as the ‘open’ secret is true about the media. Anywhere 

on earth, the freedom of press belongs to the owners of a particular media entity 

(whether electronic or print). This is the simple truth about the so called liberty in this 

industry. However basically always be true to your God, to yourself and to the people. 

Always, too, defend your liberty as concerns right whether basic-or higher! 

You say restrictions? Problems in Journalism? How laughable! Like workers in nuclear 

plants threatened with radiation, we have own occupational hazards too. Do I said 

earlier, full time round (and) always around you- the vulnerability strikes! Friends or foes 

alike, from all you will receive a love-hate relationship! These problems, I reckon, would only 

disappear when everyone all over the world is true to their own selves and their God! 

Tell me when would that be?