I often mention here [on this blog] and on Twitter how I wish I had more time on my hands, doing more of what I really want to do, read more of what I want to [and should] read and write more of what I want to [and should] write.
Again that became very obvious when I wrote about my experience with an Australian senior journalist assuming undercover reporting is something you would only find in fiction.
NYU’s Undercover Reporting database is one of many things that is on top of my list to sit down with, a cup of coffee, and read thoroughly.
The lack of time to do such things became apparent when it wast pointed out to me by an academic from NYU that Australia actually has some history of undercover reporting.
And at least one known recent event where this has been applied.
Which I feel strengthens my criticism of how journalism is often viewed, treated and taught in Australia – at least [so far] in my experience. Because I was being polite to only refer to the Australian journalist that I have talked with as a senior journalist, leaving out the fact that this person is also an academic.
This also raises the issue the quality of journalism degrees in Australia. Is it this bad across Australia in general, or is this just one-off incident, where someone responsible for future journalists not knowing the history of [undercover] journalism in Australia?
If you are an aspiring journalist reading this, trying to get into the field by freelancing or you have just started your journalism degree; what you must do is to read publications about journalism from around the world. Don’t rely only on information from within the country, or even the area, you are in. Read about journalism from different academic institutions, think-tanks and other journalists around the world.
As a journalist it is not only important for you, but for your readers, that you have a very broad knowledge of what is going on in the world, even if you are writing for a local paper. Not to mention, that you know the history of the field you are working in.
Knowledge is power!
