Ammar Yakubu Sani
@ammaryakubusani687492
1 year ago

Challenges I Faced as a Journalist: Navigating a Treacherous Terrain

Introduction:

Journalism, often regarded as the fourth estate, plays a pivotal role in upholding democracy, ensuring transparency, and providing citizens with unbiased information. However, journalists face an array of challenges that threaten their ability to perform this crucial role effectively. In this article, I will delve into the obstacles I faced as a journalist, including threats from authorities, lack of public cooperation, limited online access, and the absence of proper training and certification.

1. Fear of Threats from Authorities:

One of the most significant challenges I faced is the constant fear of reprisals from authorities, governments, and politicians. Journalists who expose corruption or criticize the government's policies often become targets. Threats to personal safety and well-being can lead to self-censorship, hindering the pursuit of truth and impartial reporting.

2. Lack of Public Cooperation on Social Media:

In the age of digital media, social platforms serve as battlegrounds for information dissemination. However, the lack of public cooperation, manifested through limited commenting or sharing of credible information, undermines the impact of journalistic efforts. Misinformation often spreads faster than the truth, making it difficult for journalists to combat falsehoods and provide accurate news to the public.

3. Limited Access to Online Publishers:

While the internet has democratized information, I often face challenges in accessing online publishers due to paywalls and restricted content. This may be due to Limited access to reliable sources hampers their ability to cross-verify information and impedes the depth and accuracy of their reporting.

4. Absence of Access to Human Rights Activists:

Journalists, particularly investigative reporters, rely on insights from human rights activists to uncover societal injustices. However, the lack of access to these activists hampers the depth of journalistic investigations. Without their perspectives and expertise, many human rights violations might go unnoticed, depriving the public of vital information.

5. Lack of Training and Certification:

I lack journalism standardized training and certification. While passion and dedication drive me to the the occupation , the absence of formal training lead to gaps in my skills and knowledge. Proper training not only equips journalism with essential tools but also enhances my credibility, ensuring I adhere to ethical reporting standards.

Conclusion:

The challenges I faced , ranging from threats from authorities to limited public cooperation and lack of training, highlight the pressing need for support and advocacy for the journalistic community. Addressing these issues requires collaborative efforts from governments, media organizations, and the public to ensure the continued existence of a free and independent press. Only by recognizing these challenges and working together can society empower journalists to fulfill their crucial role in upholding democracy and fostering an informed citizenry.
Yakubu Ammar Sani,
Wambai Salihu Street,
Dabar Makaho,
Azare,
Bauchi State.