Fatoumatta: Journalism, like any other profession, requires the necessary education and qualifications. Typically, this field demands a certain level of formal education and practical experience to prepare professionals for their job responsibilities.
Most journalists usually obtain a bachelor’s degree in journalism or a related field, such as communications or English. Some may even pursue a master’s degree in journalism or specialize in a particular reporting area. In addition to formal education, practical experience gained through internships, freelance work, and on-the-job training is vital for skill development in journalism.
The educational and training prerequisites equip journalists with the skills to investigate, write, and report news stories effectively, which is crucial for upholding the integrity of the information disseminated to the public. Exceptional communication abilities, proficiency in various media tools, and a solid grasp of ethical reporting are integral to becoming a journalist.
In The Gambia, individuals teaching journalism possess various qualifications and experiences. While a Master’s degree may be a common requirement for leadership roles, it is not the sole criterion. These educators often have backgrounds in journalism, media studies, and communication. For beginners, a Master’s degree is appropriate, but journalism, being a practical field, benefits from a mix of academic scholars and experienced media professionals who contribute to media development and audience engagement. Journalism schools are encouraged to broaden their students’ expertise by promoting multidisciplinary studies, which can establish them as experts in specific areas. Beyond performance, a comprehensive understanding of one’s work, encompassing expertise, theoretical knowledge, and leadership skills, is crucial. These attributes stem from a well-rounded education, not just formal schooling. In the Gambia, there is a noted undervaluation of specialized training and finesse in education, with a focus on obtaining certificates rather than achieving excellence. This issue is evident in both local journalism and among Gambians in the diaspora. The prevalent practice of non-journalists undertaking journalistic tasks underscores the need for proper training in the media sector. The situation becomes problematic when individuals without the necessary journalism training attempt to fill these roles, indicating a significant challenge within the Gambian journalism landscape.
Typically, a career in journalism involves formal education and extensive on-the-job training. While a degree in journalism is not always necessary, it can be beneficial for developing essential writing and interviewing skills and establishing early industry connections. Being certified with a diploma or degree in journalism, possibly with a specialized focus, is advantageous; however, not all successful journalists have formal university education, but in today’s digital era, education and training are valuable.
Education and training are crucial for aspiring journalists. They equip individuals with the necessary skills and knowledge to thrive in the intricate world of media. Training provides practical experience in writing, editing, interviewing, and multimedia production, fostering a robust ethical framework for reporting with accuracy, fairness, and impartiality. Journalists are also taught to embrace new technologies and platforms, ensuring they remain pertinent in a constantly changing field.
Furthermore, education and training offer an in-depth comprehension of ethics, media law, deontology, history, English proficiency, and journalism’s societal impact. They promote critical thinking and thorough scrutiny of sources and narratives, which are vital for investigative journalism. Academic institutions often facilitate networking with industry professionals and alumni. Overall, training and education lay a solid groundwork for journalists, preparing them to report with efficacy and integrity.
One of the most commendable traits of American journalism is its profound analytical approach to issues. I am particularly impressed by female commentators, whose deep understanding of economic and political matters is so thorough and commanding that it leaves one wanting more. Currently, female columnists are my preferred reading material. Moreover, in America, and indeed in the West, perspectives are often seen through the lens of left or right ideologies to which individuals adhere.
Upon joining the esteemed Nieman Fellowship at the Harvard Foundation for Journalism in the class of 2007, I was greatly impressed by the young fellows during our first gathering at the bar. I recall the colleagues from Asia and Europe discussing how newspapers ideologically position themselves in a similar manner. I harbor the same hope for the Gambia, yet it remains just that: a hope.
Ideal journalists are indeed a unique group. They view the world as their canvas, to shape in the image of what they deem suitable and desirable. They are both vulnerable and invincible. They do not bow at the altars of deities that oppress the defenseless. They are the protectors of what is deemed the public good. A seasoned journalist once boldly claimed that journalism is the best job in the world. Yet, a journalist has few friends. He is no fool; he is aware. He recognizes that the welcoming smiles he receives are often insincere. He understands that his profession opens some doors for him while simultaneously closing others. He is aware that society merely tolerates him, wishing he would disappear into the night’s darkness.
Fatoumatta: In journalism, it is crucial for a country and its journalists to be ideologically aware and aligned with their interests, ensuring that both media and citizens disseminate and interpret information accordingly. It is time for our journalism schools and training centers to introduce a pan-African studies minor, with courses in social sciences, particularly anthropology, history, sociology, and the writing and reporting on Africa.
My peers, predominantly in their early 30s and 40s, align themselves with either the Republicans or Democrats (referring to the Democrats as the left and the Republicans as the right), with varying degrees of ideology from moderate to extreme. Bernie Sanders, for example, is far on the left and labeled a socialist. His ideas, once considered radical, are now gaining traction. Donald Trump defies traditional classification; he’s not a typical Republican, having held Democratic views in the past. As a New Yorker, he holds liberal stances on issues like LGBTQ rights and abortion, which traditionally separate liberals from conservatives. Despite his shifting positions, Senators Marco Rubio and Ted Cruz are seen as far-right extremists. To them, Barack Obama represents a monumental failure, an intolerable presence they wish to erase. The vitriol directed at Obama borders on racism.
Yet, this discussion centers on American journalism, a profession taken seriously here. The education we receive is comprehensive and detailed, making me question whether Gambia could ever achieve similar standards. The magic lies not in the teaching but in the resources: well-equipped schools and dedicated professors who are committed to their roles.
Sometimes, when I receive my scripts back, they’re covered in red marks from the professor’s relentless pen, which can be disheartening. The professors are seasoned; not even a comma or a space can be out of place on the page.
American journalism stands out because it is largely comprised of top students from premier journalism schools. Generally, journalism is held in high regard, not less than Law. In the liberal arts, journalism is esteemed and often pursued as a secondary degree. For instance, if you’re studying computer science, Law, or engineering and aspire to be an engineer, you can also study journalism. This equips you to enter the media and articulate complex engineering issues to the public with the expertise gained from journalism school.
Alternatively, pursuing a journalism degree alone requires choosing a specialization eventually. In America, any quantifiable field can become a specialization. Therefore, students may focus on Asian studies, Middle Eastern affairs, African affairs with in-depth coverage of countries like The Gambia, Senegal, and Ghana, terrorism, and more. Specialization classes may cover topics like China, Presidential campaigns, and Campaign funds.
Transferring this model to The Gambia, we could see Gambian journalists specializing in corruption scandals, African Affairs, DRC conflict resolution, Ethiopia as a rising power, South Sudan, Electricity, Health, the environment, etc. This would involve individuals either complementing their primary degree with journalism or those attending journalism school to select a particular focus in their third and fourth years.
Fatoumatta: The situation is starkly different from the Gambia, where FM stations are woefully lacking. Aside from idle chatter and selling airtime, Gambian radio offers little value. In contrast, even a brief session with BBC, VOA, NPR, Deutsche Welle, or France 24 can be enlightening.
Journalism and reporting demand that both a country and its journalists be ideologically informed and mindful of their interests, ensuring that the media and citizens share and understand information that aligns with those interests. It’s time for our journalism schools and training centers to introduce a pan-African studies minor, including a course on “Writing and Reporting on Africa.”
Additionally, journalists strive to impart new knowledge daily. Unfortunately, Gambian TV has lost its appeal. In the Gambia, reporters wield unchecked authority, often merely reporting without depth. This results in flat, tediously lengthy Gambian news. I’m not claiming Gambian journalists are ignorant of their craft; rather, they undervalue themselves. This includes me, now retired. I admit to my shortcomings; I’ve only tackled the easy topics. I’ve shied away from delving into complex economic stories, perhaps another day.
The root issue lies in training. A university in the Gambia should thoroughly prepare journalists to do more than just relay news. They should delve into analysis, investigative journalism, politics, economics, and the sociological and psychological aspects of events.
In the Gambia, such occurrences are rare. Moreover, when they do happen, they lack passion and conviction, both from the journalists and the experts. This concerns the journalism faculty at the University of the Gambia, which was the first public university to offer a dedicated journalism degree in collaboration with the Gambia Press Union. The University of the Gambia does offer a journalism degree, but it is often viewed as a cash cow—courses that the university uses to generate income from the public, regardless of whether they meet quality standards. Despite the high costs, the quality of the degree could be improved, as the university lacks essential tools and equipment, with little indication that these resources will be acquired. Consequently, a diploma holder from the School of Journalism may be better qualified than a university graduate with a degree. Graduates from the university should ideally be analytical, knowledgeable, and well-exposed. However, only those who take the initiative to carve their own path may be able to justify the two years spent at the university. To address the falling standards of journalism and other courses, the University and the Gambia Press Union must invest in modern equipment and well-equipped studios, uphold high academic standards during admissions, support those with talent but not equal opportunities, and impart the finest journalistic skills available.
Fatoumatta: An Information and Technology professional with a postgraduate qualification or diploma may be more equipped to manage ethics, information, and news writing and publications. Traditionally, journalism is both an art and a craft, emphasizing delivery over claims of capability. Over time, we may see a decline in the quality of reporting as newspaper circulations decrease and TV audiences dwindle. Not many media houses are adapting swiftly to new technologies to prevent a looming crisis, but it is possible.
