Journalist's Adventure

Lowongan reporter majalah SWA

2011-06-17T20:02:00.000+01:00

Sebuah kesempatan yang langka untuk bergabung dengan majalah bisnis SWA. Kelompok Media Majalah SWA mengundang anda para professional muda yang menyukai tantangan, untuk bergabung bersama kami sebagai :

Reporter (REP)
(Jakarta Raya)

Responsibilities:

Deskripsi pekerjaan :
Melakukan aktifitas Peliputan (usulan peliputan, menghubungi narasumber, wawancara narasumber, penulisan hasil peliputan)
Membina jaringan dan komunitas
Requirements:

Kualifikasi :
Pendidikan S1
Memiliki minat yang tinggi dalam bidang jurnalistik
Memiliki pengetahuan dan minat terkait dengan ekonomi dan bisnis
Menguasai Bahasa Inggris (lisan & tulisan)
Lebih disukai berpengalaman di Media Cetak / Media Online
Fresh graduate diperkenankan untuk melamar
Menyertakan contoh tulisan / artikel mengenai ekonomi dan bisnis (5000 karakter)
Kirimkan surat lamaran dilengkapi CV, fotokopi KTP, fotokopi ijazah, transkrip nilai & pasfoto terbaru Anda ke alamat :

Kelompok Media Majalah SWA
Jl. Taman Tanah Abang III No. 23
Jakarta Pusat 10160

Or email to:atau ke alamat email :
hrd@swamail.com

Dimuat di Jobstreet.com dengan batas waktu aplikasi Anda diterima tanggal 13 Juli 2011. Silahkan langsung mendaftar ke jobstreet.com untuk korespondensi yang lebih mudah.

Broadcast News Producing

2011-02-27T16:29:00.002Z

Broadcast News Producing is one of the first comprehensive texts in its field. While until now most broadcast journalism textbooks have been geared toward students who want careers on-camera, Broadcast News Producing goes behind the camera to teach students the hows and whys of putting together compelling news programs for television, radio, and the Internet.

This text lays the groundwork for good producing, giving the reader an insider's perspective on newsroom structure and the producer's role. It takes students step-by-step through the producing process, providing a guide to putting together a successful newscast. The book also addresses critical issues that face today's producers, including ethics, newsroom leadership, staff management, resource management, newsroom relationships, and career planning.

Key Features

* Combines the practical skills and techniques needed in today's broadcast news production with timely theoretical and ethical issues facing producers.
* Serves as a guide to running campus radio and television programs, complete with step-by-step instructions and examples on how to run a news program from start to finish.
* Reinforces teaching points through graphics, tables, charts, and photos.
* Gives readers an insider’s view of broadcast production through question-and-answer interviews with current and former broadcast news producers.
* Focuses separate sections on producing news programs for television, radio, and the Internet; and on producing specialized broadcast news segments such as sports, weather, live reports, debates, roundtable discussions, and call-in shows.

Broadcast News Producing is an ideal textbook for undergraduate journalism courses in broadcast news and mass communications. It is also recommended as a reference for secondary school and college newsrooms, where it can be used as a guide to running a campus news program.

Chapter 1- What is a Producer?
Newsroom Structure
What Else Does a Producer Do?
The Producer's Role in the Newsroom
Thinking More About It
Chapter 2- Producing Today's News
The Evolution of News Producing
Network News
Implications for Local Producers
Thinking More About It
Chapter 3- The Producing Process
Story Ideas and Value
Rundowns
Skeleton Rundowns
Blocks and Stacking
Finishing Strong
Scripting
In the Control Room
Thinking More About It
Chapter 4- Writing
Overview
Summary
Thinking More About It
Chapter 5- Producing for Television
Alternative News Formats
Alternative News Strategies
Breaking News
Summary
Thinking More About It
Chapter 6- Weather and Sports
Weather
Sports
Thinking More About It
Chapter 7- Producing for Radio and the Internet
Radio
The Internet
Thinking More About It
Chapter 8- Surviving the Newsroom
Theories X, Y and Z
Newsroom Relationships
Personal Relationships
Thinking More About It
Chapter 9- Issues in Producing
Quality vs. Ratings
Live Reporting
News Cutbacks
Market Size
Ethics
Consultants
Thinking More About It
Chapter 10- The Job Market
Finding a Producing Job
The Job Search Process
Summary
Thinking More About It

Source: http://www.sagepub.com/

Characteristics of online news

2011-02-19T15:04:00.001Z

A number of print papers now have online news sites also.
Visitors, called "traffic", to online sites have become an important metric for publishers.
Fewer news services actually gather news. "New actors are i) news organisations which only provide news online (so-called pure-players), ii) search engines which are often also a form of news aggregation, iii) Internet portals with news services, iv) social networks or communication services such as Twitter, v) other news aggregators, vi) providers focused on mobile news alone, vii) new online advertising groups, viii) hardware and services providers."
"In the online context, the production and dissemination of news is much more interactive and multi-directional, rather than linear. News is constantly updated, with journalists and other news contributors monitoring, distilling and repackaging information."
News wires, freelance journalists, photographers, or camera-teams, who do gather news, may cut out "middlemen" - publishers, print newspapers - and go directly to online services willing to pay.
"Device or network service providers, which did not play any role in the past, also control access to end consumers and have a large degree of bargaining power with content providers. Similarly to other digital content industries, new types of intermediaries and standards are emerging. Users may also increasingly become diffusers, commentators and creators of news."
Revenues online may be small, but there are few fixed costs. Direct reader subscriptions and pay-per-item attempts have not been widely successful. Some news sites are using donor or trustee support.

Internet and News

25 things journalists can do to future-proof their careers

2011-02-18T22:28:00.000Z

So here, in no particular order, are some suggestions that I often pass on to journalists who want to learn practical new skills and expand their horizons:

Start a blog. Publishing anything on the internet used to be difficult, due to content management systems that were about as user friendly as Satan. They left a bad taste, but it's all change nowadays. It has never been easier to publish all kinds of content online. You don’t believe me? Try Posterous, which allows you to post articles online via email. Start your own personal blog today. Or better still, start a subject-themed blog. This will be very empowering if you haven’t done it before. Posterous will have you blogging within five minutes, and you don't even need to register and sign in to start publishing.
Collaborate. If you’re worried about not having enough time to maintain a blog, then why not collaborate with some other people, or join an existing blog or some other publication? It will help broaden your experience, your CV, and is especially useful for offline writers looking to accumulate some online skills. People can achieve so much more when they work together.
Big up yourself. You may choose not to blog, but you should definitely have a portfolio site. Show off your skills and experience, and link to your work via your own online portfolio. There’s no reason not to.
Write about your passion. And we’re back to the first point, about starting a blog. I know a number of offline journalists who are stuck in rut, writing news stories that they’re not remotely interested in. People rarely become journalists unless they like to write, so why not start enjoying it again? What’s stopping you from writing about something that you love? Try to write about a passion at least once a week. It will help build out your portfolio. You’ll feel happier about your work. You’ll be able to express your opinions. And you may engineer a way out of a dead end job.

Read more here

Handbook for the Radio Journalism Course in Political Reporting

2011-02-18T15:33:00.000Z

Author
Ivor Gaber
Paul Kavuma
Stephen Eriaku
Publication Date
January 1, 2005
Summary
This handbook was produced by the Institute for War & Peace Reporting (IWPR) to accompany the Uganda Radio Network Advanced Radio Journalism Course, which was run throughout Uganda for freelance radio journalists. The handbook, which follows the day-by-day course programme, contains transcripts of PowerPoint presentations plus additional supporting material.

The handbook has three chapters:

Section One: Radio Journalism

* Radio, journalists and the audience
* News reporting
* Radio interviews and press conferences
* Writing for radio and voicework
* From journalism to radio: production
* Uganda radio network and internet

Section Two: Politics, Elections and The Media

* Covering elections
* Surviving the election
* The Africa experience

Section Three: Radio Production

* Field recording
* The I-River
* Editing for radio
* Digital editing

read here

The Changing Business of Journalism and its Implications for Democracy

2011-02-18T14:29:00.000Z

The business of journalism is widely held to be in a terminal crisis today, in particular because the rise of the internet has drained audience attention and advertising revenue away from existing media platforms. This book, the first systematic international overview of how the news industry is dealing with current changes, counters such simplistic predictions of the supposedly technologically determined death of the news industry. It offers instead nuanced scrutiny of the threats and opportunities facing legacy news organisations across the world in countries as diverse as the United States, the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Finland, Brazil, and India as they transition to an
increasingly convergent media landscape.

The Changing Business of Journalism and its Implications for Democracy establishes that this is no time for fatalism, but for a renewed commitment to journalism and its role in democracy – from journalists themselves and from media managers and policy-makers, all of whom can learn from professional, commercial, and policy developments beyond their own countries, developments such as those analysed here.

The Changing Business of Journalism and its Implications for Democracy, as the only rigorous global survey of a situation usually discussed on the basis of anecdote and unproved assertion, is an indispensable and necessary work. It ought to open the way for real progress in reinventing journalism.

Nicholas Lemann, Dean and Henry R. Luce Professor at the Columbia University Graduate School of Journalism

This is a very detailed and rich analysis of the structural changes in today’s business of journalism: the media in many countries face a deep crisis caused both by new technologies and more general economic circumstances while in others they are experiencing rapid growth. In both cases the entire structure of the field is undergoing a dramatic change in terms of professional practice and in how media are organized and run. This book represents an indispensable tool for all those who want to understand where journalism and democracy are going today.

Paolo Mancini, Professor at Università di Perugia and co-author of Comparing Media Systems (Cambridge, 2004)

Read more

13 Simple Journalist Techniques For Effective Interviews

2011-02-18T00:17:00.000Z

The interview is a staple of the travel journalists’ repertoire.

Journalism is a creative job. Despite all the professors who told me articles were a fixed formula plugged up with simple facts and despite the avalanche of clichéd crap that passes for most mainstream journalism, I stand by that statement.
The finished product may be a piece of writing that you craft, but the material a result of the interviews you conduct.

Like any creative profession, you use your perception to re-interpret the world around you. You try to engage an audience with ideas and issues-you create something meaningful from all the incoherent information and noise out there.

But here’s the catch: good journalism is dependent on a total stranger’s cooperation and participation.

At the heart of this issue is the interview. The finished product may be a piece of writing that you craft, but the material a result of the interviews you conduct.

And while sources vary-some people know exactly what they want to say while others love to make you sweat for a basic quote-how you conduct the interview has more to do with the outcome than anything.

It’s odd that so much emphasis is put on teaching journalists how to write an article when that skill is useless without also teaching journalists how to develop strong interview techniques.

In an effort to help other aspiring reporters develop this crucial skill-I brought together some of my colleagues and journalist friends to ask them what interview tips they think are most helpful:

#1 – Find a good location

Avoid Starbucks! It’s often easiest to suggest a centrally located corporate coffee shop but if there is any way you can interview in a place that has some relevance to the story or your subject you’ll have much greater success.

Not only because you’ll gain a further sense of context, people are often more comfortable (and open) when they’re in a familiar place or what feels like “their territory.”

Ask to meet at your subject’s house, work, or the location of an incident relevant to the story. Even meeting at the interviewee’s favorite restaurant is more interesting than a Starbucks.

#2 – Prepare Your Goals Ahead

Know what questions you’re going to ask and why you’re going to ask them.

Heading to an interview with a sense of what you want to get out of it (a colorful re-enactment of an event, an on-the-record opinion on the issue you’re covering, general background, etc.) is critical to conducting a successful interview.

You should already be thinking about what you want your piece to look like and what you need from this interview to get your article closer to that end result.

#3 – Write down your questions

Be sure and bring prepared questions with you. I usually go into an interview with twice as many questions than I expect to ask. The security of knowing that I’m not going to get stuck helps my confidence and you never know what question will get you the information you’re really looking for.

#4 – Work on your flow

portrait of african womanThis is probably the most challenging, but also the most important interview skill you can develop.

You want to strike a balance between a conversation (which helps make your subject feel comfortable and aids candor) and getting the job done. As your subject is answering your question, be thinking about what you’ll ask next and why.

The flow of questions needs to seem natural and conversational, don’t spin your subject off on a completely different topic just because that’s the next question on your list-think about segue’s and transitions.

This way your subject doesn’t feel forced to give you sound bites and may open up a little (particularly important for anyone working on an audio piece where you may need blocks of the raw interview).

#5 – Think about the medium

Interviewing techniques defiantly vary for different mediums. If you’re interviewing for audio or video you want to ask two part questions which encourages subjects to talk for longer blocks of time.

Conversely, when you’re interviewing for print, try and break questions up so you can get shorter and more concise answers (easier for taking notes and for quoting later). You can be more conversational with interviews for print, you can say “yeah,” and “uh-huh,” etc.

Not doing this is one of the biggest challenges when you’re interviewing for audio. Nodding and smiling accomplishes the same sort of conversational encouragement and keeps your tape clean.

Another great trick for audio interviews is to have your subject re-enact the story. It makes for good sound and helps you avoid having too much of your own narration later on.

#6 – Bring a buddy

I find having a second person as a note taker and extra set of ears can be very useful.

If you don’t think another person will overwhelm or distract your subject (I find that is pretty rare) it can be a lifesaver to have that second set of notes to check your quotes and information.

#7 – Avoid Obsessing

portrait of a guyWhile good notes and recording are very important, you can do yourself a disservice by obsessing about recording every little detail of what your subject says.

As you’re interviewing you should be able to discern the gems from the chatter-focus on the quotes and info you know you’re going to use and make sure you get that right!

#8 – Be a little annoying

Don’t be afraid to relentlessly revisit a question or topic that you feel hasn’t been properly addressed by the interviewee. Sometimes people need time to warm up to you or a topic, or will respond better if your question is worded differently. Keep trying.

#9 – Be a little sneaky

Continue taking notes even after the interview is officially over. Sometimes people say the most revealing or intimate things when they feel that they’re out of the “hot seat.” If they don’t say “off the record,” it’s all game.

#10 – Empower them

A great question to ask if you don’t fully understand the perspective of your interviewee is “what is your ideal solution/resolution?” Obviously this only works in certain circumstances, but when appropriate it can help clarify a person’s point of view or opinion.

#11 – Work them up

portrait of bedouin manAnother great question is “Why do you care about this issue?” This can be an effective way to get a strong and emotional quote about why the topic you’re covering is so important.

You can also ask for the turning point in a story, the moment when everything changed or catalyzed. This can help you shape the narrative of your story as well.

#12 – Endure awkward silences

I know this is totally counterintuitive. My instinct is to keep chattering and asking questions to keep people feeling comfortable, but sometimes, especially when you’re dealing with sensitive subjects, you need to shut up and wait.

Ask your question, let them give you the rehearsed and generic answer, then sit there quietly and see what comes next. You’d be amazed how often this technique yields powerful results.

#13 – Ask for what you need

Seriously, sometimes interviewees are frustrating not because they’re trying to bust your chops but just don’t understand what you want from them.

I find that many interview subjects get a kick out of having you “pull back the curtain” a little and tell them about your process.

You can say, “Listen, I really need a quote from you encapsulating your feelings on this issue,” or “I really need you to walk me through the chronology of this,” or even, “I really need you to take me to a location that is relevant to this issue so I can set a scene.”

For the most part people want to be helpful and you just need to tell them how they can.

***

As you gain more experience interviewing, you’ll hone your own techniques. Your personality as an interviewer also plays a huge role in how you develop your approach.

In the meantime use these hints to help you mine the information you need to get down to the creative business of crafting a great piece of journalism.

Read more

24 tips for journalistic productivity

2011-02-17T14:19:00.001Z

1: Your foot soldiers and spys

Make friends with anyone who drives or walks around your patch every day

They will spot changes and notice the unusual. Those delivering mail, newspapers and milk are particularly useful contacts.
2: Window shopping

Always look carefully at all the adverts posted in local shops

Local meetings, lost and found items; in fact all the standard hand-written classified adverts could turn into a story. Many are rich pickings, but you may have to jot down the numbers and make a few calls before that becomes apparent.
3: Everyone has a story to tell

Interview people - anyone: Everyone has a story

Start with public figures, but expand to include everyone. Artists, retired academics, shop keepers, business leaders, union leaders, a cleaner, a road sweeper. Plan your interview strategy. Draw up a list. Create a diary. Do at least one interview a week. Some may be rubbish and may never be used. Others could be explosive.
4: Daily calls

Visit the emergency services regularly

It used to be called ‘doing the calls’ on my first newspaper. Every day one of us would be sent to call at the front desk of the local police, fire and ambulance station. We could have done it on the phone, but we wouldn’t have got half the tip offs had we not knocked on doors and discuss events over a cup of tea.
5: What’s on at the local court

Court listings are great sources for upcoming stories

Of course you have to be careful here in terms of legal issues. But if you know your patch you will know some of the names listed. This source of stories is more about being aware and alert. Always ensure you have the court listings.
6: Planning and development

Look closely at appeals, there is usually a good story

The local planning office is often a source of great stories. It will tell you what’s been approved, rejected and appealed. Check the names of the developers. Look through the records. Jot down the areas where there is an appeal underway. Go there and talk to local residents about why they think the original plans were turned down. Keep digging; you will find some great stories in the local planning department. Look out for new buildings and go through the records to track the planning process. Look for the unusual.
7: Original surveys

Don't be afraid to carry out your own survey on a local issue

Buy a cheap clipboard and write 10 questions on a current burning local issue. Then go out to shopping areas, railway stations etc and invite people to take part. Try to interview 100 people. Read it all back and think through what the survey is telling you. Think about who you should talk to next to make your research into a story.
8: Local concerns

Listen to your audience to find out what they want you to cover

Again, get out in the street and ask people what concerns them most, what they would like to see changed, what annoys them the most, what they would like to see happen in the town. What they like, what they don’t like.
9: A year ago today

Create your own, unique, forward planning diary

Recording recent history: Keep your own news diary each year and jot down all the stories you covered along with relevant contact details. Then always look back at what you were covering six months and a year ago. Check with the contacts you spoke to in the past. Ask them whether anything has changed. A responsible journalist will always follow up on important stories. Your follow up will probably present you with a new exclusive – and you will have some great archive material to support the news update.
10: Local statistics and trends

Statistics are stories, not just numbers

Turn numbers into stories. Think through how the town you are working in compares with neighbouring towns in key areas, such as whether it is growing, shrinking, has more or fewer people in work, has a younger or older average age, has more expensive or cheaper property etc. Talk to local politicians about what they are doing about it. Don’t just take the statistics at face value. Ask questions. Keep nagging like a small child until those with the information give you the sweets you want.

Read more here

Good journalists

2011-02-16T23:35:00.000Z

Intelligence: to be able to understand complex issues.

Knowledge: broad general knowledge and experience in order to understand a number of different areas and have the ability to go from one area to another easily.

Effective: the ability to get things done; work under pressure; work well with others under pressure; be well organized.

Curiosity: the need to be curious enough to go beyond the surface; look at things in a questioning manner; to seek information to find out about people, events, activities and to understand them; to be skeptical at times.

Comprehension: the ability to analyze information, sort the important from the unimportant; understand what you're writing about.

Judgment: gather information and learn to sort the important from the unimportant effectively; be able to weed out information, determining what readers need to know, what will make a complete, accurate article.

Persistent: knowing when to continue to seek or push for information, when to give up; the need to be energetic; not stopping just because someone says "no" (remember reporters Woodward and Bernstein and the obstacles they encountered unraveling the Watergate scandal, which forced the resignation of U.S. President Richard Nixon in 1974).

Literacy: grammatical skills; reading ability coupled with comprehension; acceptable writing skills.

Motivation: the drive to work beyond the normal 8-hour day; journalists must cover the story when it occurs; news is a perishable commodity.

Personal Stability: keeping your head when the world around seems to be falling apart; ability to remain professional and do the job even though you may be witnessing unpleasantness. One still-famous example is the radio reporter who was broadcasting when a large dirigible (blimp), the Hindenburg, exploded just before landing in 1937 in New Jersey. Although emotional, he kept reporting. In addition, the more stable you are, the more apt you are to treat people fairly and write objectively.

Read more

Broadcast Journalism: Techniques of Radio and Television News

2011-02-16T23:29:00.002Z

Covers the trends that have reshaped the world of journalism: convergence, multiskilling, citizen journalism, podcasting, online journalism, and more

An indispensible and comprehensive introduction to the field of broadcast journalism
The leading text in the broadcast journalism field

Fundamentals of Broadcast Journalism, such as news gathering, news writing, news reading, interviewing, making programmes

Up-to-date practical manual for beginning reporters hoping to enter the arenas of radio and television news

Description This newest edition of Broadcast Journalism continues its long tradition of covering the basics of broadcasting from gathering news sources, interviewing, putting together a programme, news writing, reporting, editing, working in the studio, conducting live reports, and more. Two new authors have joined forces in this new edition to present behind the scenes perspectives on multimedia broadcast news, where it is heading, and how you get there.

Technology is meshing global and local news. Constant interactivity between on-the-scene reporting and nearly instantaneous broadcasting to the world has changed the very nature of how broadcast journalists must think, act, write and report on a 24/7 basis. This new edition takes up this digital workflow and convergence. Students of broadcast journalism and professors alike will find that the sixth edition of Broadcast Journalism is completely up-to-date.

Includes new photos, quotations, and coverage of convergent journalism, podcasting, multimedia journalism, citizen journalism, and more!

Readership Aspiring radio and TV reporters and journalists; students on journalism and broadcasting courses.
Author Information By Andrew Boyd , Journalist in radio, TV and online. Reporting credits include Channel 4's Dispatches. He has taught and developed three award-winning courses in broadcast journalism and has trained many of today's top names in reporting.; Peter Stewart , Works in the BBC's newsroom for Radio Kent and South East Today.; and Ray Alexander , Manager & Lead Trainer for Television Journalism, BBC Training

Table of Contents
Preface

SECTION ONE: THE PRINCIPLES OF BROADCAST JOURNALISM

A CAREER IN BROADCAST JOURNALISM
Why bother'
Writing Skills
Qualities in the broadcast journalist
Getting A Foot Into The Door
The interview
Multi-tasking
Surviving Editorial Meetings
Formal and practical training for broadcast journalism

WHAT MAKES NEWS'
Audience: What Matters To Me'
News You Can Use
Where did it happen'
Relevance
Immediacy
Interest
Drama and Impact
Entertainment and Celebs
New, true and interesting
Different Types of News
Emergencies
Crime
Government
Planning and developments
Conflict and controversy
Pressure and lobby groups
Industry and business
Health and Medicine
Human interest
Sport
Seasonal news
Special local interest
Weather
Traffic
Animals
The Final Checklist

SECTION TWO: NEWSGATHERING

ETHICS AND RESPONSIBILITY
Regulation
The Law
Being Web Wise
The Myth Of Objectivity
Children
Ethics In Citizen Journalism
Reporting civil disorder
Camera bias
Sensationalism
Privacy and voyeurism

NEWS SOURCES
Reporters
Stories from Consumers
Hoaxes
Contacts and Sources
Newsroom Diary
Files
Check Calls
Emergency Services Radio
Politicians
Pressure Groups
Staged Events
News Releases
Syndicated recordings Freelances
Wire Services and News Agencies
The Network
Other News Media Cross-Platform Material

GETTING THE STORY
Newsroom Conference
Copytasting
Balance of News
Visuals and Actuality
The Brief
The Angle
Chasing the Contact
Staged News Conferences
Beating the Clock
Work to Sequence
Don't Panic

SECTION THREE: WRITING FOR BROADCAST

CONVERSATIONAL WRITING
Telling the Story
Writing for a Mass Audience
No Second Chance
Confusing Clauses
Inverted Sentences
Plain English
Familiar Words
Easy Listening
Accurate English
Keep It Concrete
Make It Interesting
Contractions

NEWSWRITING
The News Angle
Multi-Angled Stories
Hard News Formula
The Intro
Placing Key Words
Features Openers
Developing the Story
The WHAT formula Signposting
Last Line
Last Words
Accuracy

BROADCAST STYLE BOOK
Cliches
Journalese
Hyperbole
Adjectives
Quotations
Attribution
Contentious Statements
Immediacy
Active
Positive
Redundancies
Repetition
Homonyms
Singular or Plural'
Pronouns
Punctuation
Spelling
Abbreviations
Figures
Proof Reading
Ambiguity

SECTION FOUR: INTERVIEWING

THE INTERVIEW
The Interviewer's Skill
Different Types of Interview'
A Disaster Story? Hard News
Informational
Investigative
Adversarial
Interpretative
Personal
Emotional
Entertainment
Actuality Only
The Disaster Story Continues

SETTING UP THE INTERVIEW
Background
A Plan of Campaign - The Questions
Get Your Facts Right
Fit the Brief
Check Arrangements
Approach
The Questions
Winding Up the Interview
Being Interviewed Yourself: The Q & A

FROM 2-MINUTE HEADLINES TO 24-HOUR NEWS
The Bulletin
News Programmes
Documentary
Verite
24-Hour News
Who Does What'

SECTION FIVE: THE NEWS PROGRAMME

ITEM SELECTION AND ORDER
'A Fair Picture . . .'
Second Thoughts
Item Order
Local Considerations
Foreign Coverage
Producing a Running Order

PUTTING THE SHOW TOGETHER
Winning an Audience - The Openers
Keeping and Audience - Headlines and Promotions
Actuality
Pictures
Graphics
Programme Balance - Being All Things to All People
And Now the Good News'

MAKING THE PROGRAMME FIT
Cutting
Filling
Backtiming

SECTION SIX: PRESENTING THE NEWS

NEWS ANCHORS AND PRESENTERS
The Talent
Qualities of a Newscaster
More Than Just a Newsreader . . .
Professionalism
Voice

'ON AIR!'
Performance
Prescence
Getting Through to the Audience - Rapport
Know Your Material
Ad-Libs
The Gate
Making a Swift Recovery
Corpsing
Relaxation

NEWSREADING MECHANICS
Speed
Breathing
Projection
Emphasis
Pitch
Microphone Technique
Using the Prompter
Noise, Noise, Noise
Bringing the Story to Life

SECTION SEVEN: RADIO NEWS COVERAGE

STORY TREATMENT
Breaking News (Bulletin US)
Headline
Copy Story
Voicer or Voice Report
Teaser or Taster
Voice Report from the Scene
Interview
Newsclip
Package
Mini-Wrap or Bulletin Wrap

SECTION EIGHT THE EQUIPMENT

RECORDING
Principles of Recording
Using Portable Sound Recorders
Digital Recorders
Before the Interview

EDITING
'You Can't See the Join'
Unethical Editing
Basic Production
Multi-Tracking
Studio Mixing
Types of Fade

THE STUDIO
On-Air Studio
Talks Studio
The Contributions Studio
Remote Studios
Radio Car
Outside Broadcast Vehicle
Mobile Phones
Obscenity Button

SECTION NINE: TELEVISION

THE NEVER ENDING STORY - THE SHARING TELEVISION NEWSROOM
Television Newsrooms And The News Story
Advantages and Disadvantages
In and Out
A newsroom core server
Order from chaos - the journalist's most basic need-to-know
TV Script Types
Live Breaking News - 24/7 Newsroom
The role of UGC (User Generated Content) and the 24-hour newsroom
Types of citizen journalism

SCRIPTING TELEVISION JOURNALISM
The Intro (Cue or Link)
Complement The Pictures With The Narrative
Writing To Sound
Keep Detail To A Minimum
The Television News Package
Balancing Words With Pictures
Using Archive Pictures
The Bottom Line

GATHERING TELEVISION NEWS
Filming for TV Journalism
Cameraman/Camerawoman/Cameraperson!
Sound Recordist
Lighting technician
The Video Journalist checklist
The Journalist as advance guard - a Recce

CAMERA SHOTS
Hold the shots
Grab action shots first
Shoot for impact
Shoot in sequences
Context
Sound
Sound-bites and interviewee clips
Cutaways and bridge shots
Reverses
The Line
Continuity
Piece to Camera (PTC) also known as Stand Uppers
Special film equipment

EDITING THE SOUND AND PICTURES
Sequence of shots
Shot Length
Telescoping the action
Desktop Editing
The craft editor
The timer (time code)
The edit controller
Video mixing
Recording the commentary
Audio mixing
Editing shots for interviews
Using music

GOING LIVE - LIVE TV REPORTING IN VISION
What works well'
What works less well'
Top Tips

GRAPHICS AND DIGITAL DISPLAY VISUALS
Stills and frame grabs
Writing to still pictures and screen insets
Overlays and Chromakey (CSO)
Big Screen Video Wall
Acronyms in Visuals

PRESENTING TELEVISION NEWS
Qualities of the television news presenter
What To Wear
Men And Their Ties
Colours and fabrics
Autoscript
"Fill For Ten Seconds!"
Nerves
Make Up and Perception
"Coming up"

THE TELEVISION NEWS STUDIO
Standby for transmission
The Set
Lighting
Cameras
Sound
The floor manager
Control Room
The Director
Running order and the studio

THE ELEMENTS OF JOURNALISM

2011-02-16T00:27:00.001Z

What Newspeople Should Know and the Public Should Expect - Introduction
June 19, 2006
by Bill Kovach and Tom Rosenstiel

INTRODUCTION

As anthropologists began comparing notes on the world's few remaining primitive cultures, they discovered something unexpected. From the most isolated tribal societies in Africa to the most distant islands in the Pacific, people shared essentially the same definition of what is news. They shared the same kind of gossip. They even looked for the same qualities in the messengers they picked to gather and deliver their news. They wanted people who could run swiftly over the next hill, accurately gather information, and engagingly retell it. Historians have pieced together that the same basic news values have held constant through time. "Humans have exchanged a similar mix of news . . . throughout history and across cultures," historian Mitchell Stephens has written.1

How do we explain the mystery of this consistency? The answer, historians and sociologists have concluded, is that news satisfies a basic human impulse. People have an intrinsic need -- an instinct -- to know what is occurring beyond their direct experience.2 Being aware of events we cannot see for ourselves engenders a sense of security, control, and confidence. One writer has called it "a hunger for human awareness."3

One of the first things people do when meeting a friend or acquaintance is share information. "Have you heard about . . . ?" We want to know if they've heard what we have, and if they heard it the same way. There is a thrill in a shared sense of discovery. We form relationships, choose friends, make character judgments, based partly on whether someone reacts to information the same way we do.

When the flow of news is obstructed, "a darkness falls," and anxiety grows.4 The world, in effect, becomes too quiet. We feel alone. John McCain, the U.S. senator from Arizona, writes that in his five and a half years as a prisoner of war in Hanoi, what he missed most was not comfort, food, freedom, or even his family and friends. "The thing I missed most was information -- free uncensored, undistorted, abundant information."5

Call it the Awareness Instinct.

We need news to live our lives, to protect ourselves, bond with each other, identify friends and enemies. Journalism is simply the system societies generate to supply this news. That is why we care about the character of news and journalism we get: they influence the quality of our lives, our thoughts, and our culture. Writer Thomas Cahill, the author of several popular books on the history of religion, has put it this way: you can tell "the worldview of a people . . . the invisible fears and desires . . . in a culture's stories."6

At a moment of revolution in communications, what do the stories we tell say about our worldview, our fears, desires, and values?

This book began on a rainy Saturday in June 1997, when twenty-five journalists gathered at the Harvard Faculty Club. Around the long table sat editors of several of the nation's top newspapers, as well as some of the most influential names in television and radio, several of the top journalism educators, and some of the country's most prominent authors. They were there because they thought something was seriously wrong with their profession. They barely recognized what they considered journalism in much of the work of their colleagues. Instead of serving a larger public interest, they feared, their profession was damaging it.

The public, in turn, increasingly distrusted journalists, even hated them. And it would only get worse. By 1999, just 21% of Americans would think the press cared about people, down from 41% in 1985.7 Only 58% would respect the press's watchdog role, a drop from 67% in 1985. Less than half, just 45%, would think the press protected democracy. That percentage had been nearly ten points higher in 1985.8

What was different that day in Cambridge was that many of the journalists in the room -- and around the country -- were beginning to agree with the public. "In the newsroom we no longer talk about journalism," said Max King, then editor of the Philadelphia Inquirer. "We are consumed with business pressure and the bottom line," agreed another editor. News was becoming entertainment and entertainment news. Journalists' bonuses were increasingly tied to the company's profit margins, not the quality of their work. Finally, Columbia University professor James Carey offered what many recalled as a summation: "The problem is that you see journalism disappearing inside the larger world of communications. What you yearn to do is recover journalism from that larger world."

Implied in that was something more important. If journalism -- the system by which we get our news -- was being subsumed, what would replace it? Advertising? Entertainment? E-commerce? Propaganda? Some new hybrid of all these? And what would the consequence be?

The answers matter, the group thought, to the public and news-people both. Journalism provides something unique to a culture -- independent, reliable, accurate, and comprehensive information that citizens require to be free. A journalism that is asked to provide something other than that subverts democratic culture. This is what happens when governments control the news, as in Nazi Germany or the Soviet Union. We're seeing it again in places like Singapore, where news is controlled to encourage capitalism but discourage participation in public life. Something akin to this may be taking root in the United States in a more purely commercial form, as when news outlets owned by larger corporations are used to promote their conglomerate parent's products, to engage in subtle lobbying or corporate rivalry, or are intermingled with advertising to boost profits. The issue isn't just the loss of journalism. At stake is whether, as citizens, we have access to independent information that makes it possible for us to take part in governing ourselves.

The group decided on a plan: engage journalists and the public in a careful examination of what journalism was supposed to be. We set out to answer two questions. If newspeople thought journalism was somehow different from other forms of communication, how was it different? If they thought journalism needed to change but that some core principles needed to endure, what were those principles?

Over the next two years, the group, now calling itself the Committee of Concerned Journalists, organized the most sustained, systematic, and comprehensive examination ever conducted by journalists of news gathering and its responsibilities. We held 21 public forums attended by 3,000 people and involving testimony from more than 300 journalists. We partnered with a team of university researchers who conducted more than a hundred three-and-a-half-hour interviews with journalists about their values. We produced two surveys of journalists about their principles. We held a summit of First Amendment and journalism scholars. With the Project for Excellence in Journalism we produced nearly a dozen content studies of news reporting. We studied the history of those journalists who came before us.

This book is the fruit of that examination. It is not an argument. It is, rather, a description of the theory and culture of journalism that emerged from three years of listening to citizens and journalists, from our empirical studies, and from our reading of the history of the profession as it evolved in the United States.

We learned, among other things, that society expects journalists to apply this theory, and citizens to understand it, though it is seldom studied or clearly articulated. This lack of clarity, for both citizens and newspeople, has weakened journalism and is now weakening democratic society. Unless we can grasp and reclaim the theory of a free press, journalists risk allowing their profession to disappear. In that sense, the crisis of our culture, and our journalism, is a crisis of conviction.

There are, we have distilled from our search, some clear principles that journalists agree on -- and that citizens have a right to expect. They are principles that have ebbed and flowed over time, but they have always in some manner been evident. They are the elements of journalism.

The first among them is that the purpose of journalism is to provide people with the information they need to be free and self-governing.

To fulfill this task:

Journalism's first obligation is to the truth.

Its first loyalty is to citizens.

Its essence is a discipline of verification.

Its practitioners must maintain an independence from those they cover.

It must serve as an independent monitor of power.

It must provide a forum for public criticism and compromise.

It must strive to make the significant interesting and relevant.

It must keep the news comprehensive and proportional.

Its practitioners must be allowed to exercise their personal conscience.
Why these nine? Some readers will think items are missing here. Where is fairness? Where is balance? After synthesizing what we learned, it became clear that a number of familiar and even useful ideas -- including fairness and balance -- are too vague to rise to the level of essential elements of the profession. Others may say this list is nothing new. To the contrary, we discovered that many ideas about the elements of journalism are wrapped in myth and misconception. The notion that journalists should be protected by a wall between business and news is one myth. That independence requires journalists be neutral is another. The concept of objectivity has been so mangled it now is usually used to describe the very problem it was conceived to correct.

Nor is this the first moment that the way we get news has gone through momentous transition. It has happened each time there is a period of significant, social, economic, and technological change. It occurred in the 1830s and 1840s with the arrival of the telegraph, in the 1880s with the drop in prices of paper and the influx of immigrants. It occurred again in the 1920s with the invention of radio and the rise of the tabloids and the culture of gossip and celebrity. And it occurred with the invention of television and the arrival of the Cold War.

It is occurring now with the advent of cable followed by the Internet. The collision this time may be more dramatic. For the first time in our history, the news increasingly is produced by companies outside journalism, and this new economic organization is important. We are facing the possibility that independent news will be replaced by self- interested commercialism posing as news. If that occurs, we will lose the press as an independent institution, free to monitor the other powerful forces and institutions in society.

In the new century, one of the most profound questions for democratic society is whether an independent press survives. The answer will depend on whether journalists have the clarity and conviction to articulate what an independent press means, and whether, as citizens, the rest of us care.

This book is intended as a first step in helping journalists articulate those values and helping citizens create a demand for a journalism connected to the principles that spawned the free press in the first place.

[top]

ENDNOTES
1. Mitchell Stephens, History of News: From the Drum to the Satellite (New York: Viking Press, 1988), 34.

2. Harvey Molotch and Marilyn Lester, "News as Purposive Behavior: On the Strategic Use of Routine Events, Accidents and Scandal," American Sociological Review, 39, February 1974, 101-112.

3. Stephens, History of News, 18.

4. Ibid.

5. John McCain, with Mark Salter, Faith of My Fathers (New York: Random House, 1999), 221.

6. Thomas Cahill, The Gift of the Jews: How a Tribe of Desert Nomads Changed the Way Everyone Thinks and Feels (New York: Nan A. Talese/Anchor Books, 1998), 17.

7. Committee of Concerned Journalists (CCJ) and the Pew Research Center for the People and the Press, "Striking the Balance: Audience Interests, Business Pressures and Journalists' Values" (March 1999), 79.

8. Ibid.

Journalist

2011-02-16T00:23:00.000Z

The collecting, writing, editing, and presenting of news or news articles in newspapers and magazines and in radio and television broadcasts.

Material written for publication in a newspaper or magazine or for broadcast.
The style of writing characteristic of material in newspapers and magazines, consisting of direct presentation of facts or occurrences with little attempt at analysis or interpretation.

American Heritage Dictionary:

Broadcast journalist

2011-02-16T00:07:00.000Z

Broadcast journalists are responsible for investigating, gathering and reporting on news and current affairs. They are expected to present this information in a fair, balanced and accurate way through news bulletins, documentaries and other factual programmes for radio, television and online broadcast.

Skillset (Sector Skills Council for the Audio Visual Industries) (http://www.skillset.org) defines broadcast journalism as 'the collection, verification and analysis of events which affect people'. The work of a broadcast journalist shapes people's perceptions of the world in which they live and therefore has a far-reaching impact.

Broadcast journalists can fill a number of roles within the media including editor, reporter, presenter/news anchor, producer and correspondent.

Typical work activities
Although exact duties and responsibilities will vary from role to role and between radio, television and the internet, broadcast journalists will generally be involved in many of the following duties, on a daily basis:

generating ideas for stories/features and following leads from news agencies, the police, the public, press conferences and other sources;
pitching ideas to editors and commissioners;
researching and collating evidence and information to support a story using relevant information sources (internet, archives, databases, etc);
writing scripts for bulletins, headlines and reports which adhere to legal and contractual guidelines;
selecting appropriate locations, pictures and sound and exercising editorial judgement on the best angle to approach a story from;
identifying necessary resources and deploying/managing technical crews for location shoots, including sound operators and camera crew;
providing directorial input, advising crews on what to film or record;
using portable digital video (DV) cameras and other equipment to record material and appropriate editing software to produce complete packages for broadcast;
preparing and presenting material 'on air' for both pre-recorded and live pieces;
identifying potential interviewees, briefing them, preparing interview questions and conducting both live and recorded interviews;
preparing timings for each news item and monitoring these during broadcast;
deciding on the running order for bulletins and making any necessary changes during broadcast;
developing and maintaining local contacts and assuming a public relations role.
Skillset (Sector Skills Council for the Audio Visual Industries) (http://www.skillset.org) has developed a set of national occupational standards which details the responsibilities expected from broadcast journalists.

Work conditions
Range of typical starting salaries: £13,000 - £22,000. Starting salaries vary significantly between local and national broadcasters (salary data collected Feb 09).
Range of typical salaries at senior level/with experience (e.g. after 10 - 15 years in the role): £22,000- £52,000 but can be over £100,000 in exceptional cases (salary data collected Feb 09). Wages differ widely depending on the employer and the location. The Independent (http://www.independent.co.uk) estimates that the basic average salary at this level is approximately £30,000.
Pay tends to be higher in television than radio. Independent local radio posts tend to offer the lowest starting salaries. Additional allowances may be paid for shift work and unsocial hours and a London weighting may be available. Freelance reporters are often on individually negotiated contracts.
Working hours typically include regular unsocial hours. Shift work is common, starting early to cover regional news on breakfast radio/television shows or working mid-morning until late evening for afternoon/evening bulletins. Weekend work is often required and most broadcasters do not take public holidays. On-air presenters are less likely to go out on location to cover stories and their working hours may be more predictable/social.
The media is a volatile industry, characterised by short-term contract employment. Many broadcast journalists may be freelance and may have to relocate or travel according to availability of work.
Diversity in the media is still an issue. The 2006 census from Skillset (Sector Skills Council for the Audio Visual Industries) (http://www.skillset.org) estimated that only 38% of the workforce were women, 7% from minority ethnic groups and employees with disabilities accounted for only 1% of the workforce. However, initiatives such as BBC Extend (http://www.bbc.co.uk/jobs/extend/) , Cultural Diversity Network (http://www.culturaldiversitynetwork.co.uk) , Journalism Diversity Fund (http://www.journalismdiversityfund.com) and George Viner Memorial Fund (http://www.georgeviner.org.uk) . are attempting to address this concern and according to the Office of Communications (Ofcom) in 2007, the proportion of people from minority ethnic backgrounds and people with disabilities employed in broadcasting appeared to be gradually increasing.
Job opportunities can be found across the UK. Work for network stations will tend to be London or regionally based. There are usually more opportunities at local level, through regional stations. Digital Audio Broadcasting (DAB) has opened many new opportunities across radio and television.
The work can be stressful and pressurised; broadcast journalists always work to strict deadlines and need to react as and when a story breaks. The work sometimes involves interacting with people at moments of crisis or tragedy which can be emotionally challenging.
There is frequent travel within a working day and absence from home at night. Overseas work or travel is occasional but more common for specialist correspondents.
Entry requirements
There are three main entry routes into broadcast journalism:

direct entry into a traineeship (though positions are scarce);
moving across from print journalism (usually for those with several years' experience);
'pre-entry' by completing an accredited degree or postgraduate qualification (most popular route).
Although this area of work is open to all graduates, a degree in journalism, or business, finance/economics or government/politics may increase your chances, particularly if wishing to pursue a career as a special correspondent. The industry is divided over the value of undergraduate journalism and media studies degrees, so it is worth investigating which courses have industry recognition or recommendation and studying the success rates of their alumni. Details of relevant courses can be obtained from the following accrediting bodies: National Council for the Training of Journalists (NCTJ) (http://www.nctj.com) ; and the Broadcast Journalism Training Council (http://www.bjtc.org.uk) .

Entry is not usually possible with an HND only.

Postgraduate entry is the most common route to this profession. The BJTC and NCTJ also accredit postgraduate courses which offer both theoretical and practical training. Information about funding for postgraduate study is available from Broadcast Journalism Training Council (http://www.bjtc.org.uk) (BJTC) and from the journalism department at City University (http://www.city.ac.uk) .

In recent years, the media has introduced a number of initiatives, such as the Journalism Diversity Fund (http://www.journalismdiversityfund.com) , to encourage applications from traditionally under-represented groups. Support is, therefore, available for those who may not have studied in higher education. Details of many schemes are available through the Cultural Diversity Network (http://www.culturaldiversitynetwork.co.uk) .

Potential candidates will need to show evidence of some or all of the following:

an interest in news, current affairs and a good general knowledge;
excellent written communication;
good oral communication, with an authoritative voice, confidence in front of a camera and an 'on air' presence;
an understanding of appropriate technical equipment and relevant editing software;
ability to work under pressure, both within teams and individually;
outstanding analytical skills and ability to absorb, extract and present information in a clear and understandable way;
an interest in people/building rapports, able to handle interactions with sensitivity, empathy and diplomacy;
an eye for a story, with an ability to generate original ideas and the confidence to pitch to senior editors;
resourcefulness and creative problem-solving skills.
Work experience, whether paid or unpaid, can be a useful way to develop these skills. The BBC (http://www.bbc.co.uk) and Independent Television (ITV) (http://www.itv.com) regional news both run small sponsored news traineeship schemes. Competition for both traineeships and unpaid work placements at larger network stations is fierce. Making direct approaches to individual editors or producers may therefore prove more fruitful than applying via recruitment departments, as may focusing on local stations. Local press, hospital radio and community media (Community Media Association (http://www.commedia.org.uk) ) are excellent training grounds, as is any involvement in student media (largely magazine, newspaper or radio). Applications, even for work experience, will be stronger if accompanied by demo tapes or cuttings and student media is an ideal place to start building a portfolio. Make yourself known to as many people as possible, be flexible and available at all times. Volunteer to get involved wherever you can and do not be afraid to be pro-active.

There are no age restrictions for entry. Skills, experience and qualifications are the main criteria for selection. It is illegal for employers to discriminate against candidates on the grounds of age, gender, race, disability, sexual orientation or religious faith. For more information on equality and diversity in the job market see handling discrimination.

For more information, see work experience (www.prospects.ac.uk/workexperience) and find courses and research (www.prospects.ac.uk/pg).

Training
If entry has been via an accredited course, it will be expected that the necessary basic training needed to practise in the profession will have been covered. For those who have not come via this route, gaining an understanding of media law and health and safety is normally considered an immediate training need. A substantial amount of training will be informal and 'on the job'. It is usual for trainee journalists to initially be assigned basic tasks such as working autocues and fetching tapes, gaining an insight into the whole process, before they move into more specific and responsible roles.

As budgets are stretched, multi-skilling is becoming more prevalent in the media. Many broadcast journalists find that they can now be responsible for recording and editing their own footage. Acquiring knowledge and understanding of technical equipment and relevant software is, therefore, currently a key training need and many employers will require/support training in these areas.

The media is a fast-paced, ever-evolving industry. Its professional bodies (Skillset (Sector Skills Council for the Audio Visual Industries) (http://www.skillset.org) , National Council for the Training of Journalists (NCTJ) (http://www.nctj.com) and National Union of Journalists (NUJ) (http://www.nuj.org.uk) ) recognise the need to support journalists in their continual professional development in order to stay ahead of the game. Short courses include: negotiating contracts; public relations; sub-editing; interviewing skills; as well as new technologies.

The Media Courses and Multimedia Courses Directory (http://www.bfi.org.uk/education/talkscourses/mediacourses/) , compiled by Skillset and BFI, lists over 6,000 available courses. Others can be found through Journalism.co.uk (http://www.journalism.co.uk) or BBC Academy (http://www.bbctraining.com) including some free online courses.

Career development
Broadcast journalists who start in television will often begin as newsroom assistants or researchers, before moving into a reporting role. As experience is gained, there is scope to specialise; some may choose to focus on pursuing a senior broadcast journalist role with responsibility for managing news staff and budgets while others may prefer to become a studio-based news anchor or presenter. Another route may be to specialise to become a correspondent. The ultimate aim for the latter may be to secure a position as a senior correspondent on network news, though these positions are highly coveted and few and far between.

Investigative journalism or documentary journalism are also possible career development options. Those who wish to move behind the scenes may aspire to become programme editors/sub-editors or producers.

Radio differs slightly in that trainees are normally given greater responsibility earlier on. Depending on the size of the station, they may even find that they have sole responsibility for a newsroom from the outset. Progression would normally be to positions with larger commercial or network stations or across into television and then as above.

Typical employers
Employers of broadcast journalists include:

BBC (http://www.bbc.co.uk)
Bloomberg (http://www.bloomberg.com)
ITN (http://www.itn.co.uk)
Independent Television (ITV) (http://www.itv.com)
Channel 4 Television (http://www.channel4.com)
Sianel Pedwar Cymru (S4C) (http://www.s4c.co.uk)
Five TV (http://about.five.tv/)
independent production companies
international news agencies such as Reuters (http://today.reuters.com)
digital, cable and satellite networks.
Competition for jobs with network broadcasters is extremely tough. However, digital broadcasting has created new openings for broadcast journalists, with the arrival of 24-hour news channels and niche programming and increased opportunities in ethnic broadcasting.

Employers from the radio sector include BBC national and regional stations, as well as local and national commercial radio stations, (see The Local Radio Company (http://www.thelocalradiocompany.com) or RadioCentre (http://www.radiocentre.org) for contact details).

Sources of vacancies
Search graduate jobs (www.prospects.ac.uk/links/jobvacs).

BBC (http://www.bbc.co.uk)
Broadcast Journalism Training Council (http://www.bjtc.org.uk) .
Broadcast (http://www.broadcastnow.co.uk) and Broadcast Freelancer (http://www.broadcastfreelancer.com)
Campaign (http://www.campaignlive.co.uk)
Guardian Jobs (http://jobs.guardian.co.uk) - Mondays and Saturdays
Hold the Front Page (http://www.holdthefrontpage.co.uk)
The Independent (http://www.independent.co.uk)
ITV Jobs (http://www.itvjobs.com)
Journalism.co.uk (http://www.journalism.co.uk)
Media Week (http://www.mediaweek.co.uk)
Press Gazette (http://www.pressgazette.co.uk)
There are a small number of recruitment agencies specialising in journalism, including The Media Network (http://www.tmn.co.uk) . Some presenters may use an agent.

See also job hunting tips (www.prospects.ac.uk/links/jobhunt) and applications, CVs and interviews (www.prospects.ac.uk/links/appsinterviews).

Qualities of a good radio journalist

2011-02-16T00:04:00.000Z

There has rarely been a better time to start in radio. More people are
employed in radio in the UK than in television. The industry is growing
Working in radio

fast and the main problem facing many editors is finding sufficient staff
and freelancers who can do the job. Note the words ‘who can do the job’.
There is no shortage of people who would like to do it. Sadly, not all of
them have abilities to match their ambition.

It is essential that you should know what you want to do. The first letters
to be rejected by radio stations usually start: ‘I would be willing to do
anything, including making the tea.’ The writers of such letters believe
they are increasing their chances of employment by showing versatility. In
fact, people who are too dazzled by radio in general are unlikely to be
much use in practice.

Apart from journalists, the other major on-air performers are the presenters.
The term ‘presenter’ can cover all kinds of broadcasting, from being a
DJ on a fast-moving dance show to reading the shipping forecast on Radio
Four. On BBC local radio stations, the presenters of the main programmes
at breakfast, lunch and drive time are usually experienced journalists.

A competent radio journalist has to combine the traditional talents of the
reporter with the newer skills. Some know a little about a lot. Others, like
specialist reporters, know a lot about a little. Traditional talents mean an
ability to write clear, easily understood English, a knack of summarizing
complicated situations, asking pertinent but pithy questions and – most
important of all – a ‘nose for news’ or knowing what makes a good
news story.

In addition, the radio journalist must feel at home with technical equipment
and digital editing techniques. This means hard disk editing, recording
links and packages, reading self-op live bulletins on air and conducting
interviews. If many of these terms mean nothing, do not worry. They are
all explained later.

The good radio journalist is flexible, technically competent, capable of
working under extreme time pressure, able to prioritize and juggle dealing
with a major disaster and a funny story in the same hour. Journalists must
also be able to think well on their feet, perhaps recording an interview or
writing details of a court case story literally a few seconds before they are
due on air.

The quality of imagination in a radio journalist does not mean the quality
of making up stories, but having ideas for news stories and their treatments,
as well as seeing newsworthy possibilities in unpromising places,
like apparently endless council meeting minutes and agendas.

Basic Radio Journalism
Paul Chantler and Peter Stewart

Understanding Radio

2011-02-16T00:02:00.001Z

People listen to radio news when they need to know quickly what is going
on. They realize that because radio news is so simple and short, it is up to
date and has to concentrate simply on reporting the facts.

Speed and simplicity
Radio is probably at its best when it is ‘live’ or reacting to an event
happening ‘now’. Because there are relatively few technicalities, a news
story can be on the air in seconds and updated as it develops. Radio works
best with news stories which require a quick reaction. There is a flexibility
which exists in no other media because comparatively few people are
involved in the process.

Radio can simply be one person and a telephone. There are no cameras,
lights or production assistants. Usually, it is just one broadcaster and a
microphone or telephone separating him or her from the listener. You
should always strive to make use of radio’s greatest assets – speed and
simplicity.

Making pictures
Radio is the best medium to stimulate the imagination. By doing what
radio does best – getting on the air from a scene quickly and describing
the event so the listener can visualize what is happening – you are using
the most powerful tools you possess: immediacy and imagery.
The listener is always trying to imagine what he or she hears and what is
being described. These pictures are emotional – such as the tearful voice
of a mother appealing for information about her missing teenage daughter.
Pictures on radio are not limited by the size of the screen; they are any
size you wish.

Person-to-person
Radio is a very personal medium. The broadcaster is usually speaking
directly to the listener. This is why it is so important to think of the audience
as singular. When you talk on the radio, you are not broadcasting to the
masses through a gigantic public address system. You are talking to one
person in the way you would speak if you were holding a conversation
over a cup of coffee or pint of beer.
Radio also allows the full emotions of the human voice to be heard, from
laughter through anger and pain to compassion. The sound of a voice can
convey far more than reported speech. This is because the way something
is being said is just as important as what is being said.

Localness
The biggest strength of broadcasting news on local radio is that it gives a
station its sense of being truly local. Local radio stations aiming for a
broad audience ignore news at their peril. In an increasingly competitive
marketplace, news is one of the few things which makes a local station
sound distinctive and ‘close to you’.

News from ‘around the corner’ is often just as important to a listener as
news from around the world – if not more so in many cases. However,
there is a danger of becoming too local. Policy judgements have to be
made about what is local and what is too parochial or parish pump. Local
radio news bulletins are not audio versions of local newspapers, for
reasons of space if nothing else. The judgement of how local is local is an
important one. For example, a story about a cat up a tree is too parochial
for all radio stations. The same story about a firefighter being killed while
trying to rescue the cat is not only a good local story, it is almost certainly
a national one as well.

Basic Radio Journalism
Paul Chantler and Peter Stewart

Three tools Journalism 101 should introduce to students

2011-02-15T21:55:00.002Z

Three tools Journalism 101 should introduce to students

NOVEMBER 16, 2010 BY JOSHUA LYNCH ADD COMMENT SHARE

The AP Stylebook may be handy, but it's not the only tool Journalism 101 students should be handed. Photo by Lee Bennett on Flickr.

Looking back at my college education, I’m left wishing that I had been introduced to some tools a bit earlier. Instead of being set up as a life-long learner and digital journalist, I was required to buy an Associated Press Stylebook and spent my time practicing how to bang out different types of ledes that blend into different story structures.

That material is not complex, but some people have the knack for it and lots don’t. The camp of students that does get it right away (and is already practicing it at the student paper or internships) suffers through the rest of the semester while professors patiently try teaching the same things in different ways to students who don’t get it. Years later, as graduation approached, I realized lots of the students who had held back the class because they didn’t understand the basics were either no longer in the program—or still couldn’t write a good hard news lead and a basic inverted pyramid.

The attitude was that everything worth learning could be gained by religiously attending class and doing one or two internships.

I can’t help wondering what I would have already learned independently had my journalism professors introduced me to these three tools for learning journalism:

1. Blogging

Throughout my journalism program, professors required students to start up a blog, usually using Blogger, and use it for a variety of purposes, including actually blogging about a neighborhood or topic a few times during the course or just posting assignments to it in an effort to go paperless and encourage online discourse between classmates.

What I wish would have happened is that my professors across courses worked to graduate bloggers. That means introducing us to good blogging software (so definitely not Blogger) and guiding us through setting up those blogs (buying domains, setting up hosting, etc.); focusing in on a blogging topic that we were passionate about and would blog about; continually emphasizing blogging best practice along with print journalism techniques; and working across classes and the program to start and stick with one blog.

Blogging would be a like a whole new classroom for journalism students, and the benefits would be many, including: introducing students to essential technology for web publishing, teaching them to network through the Internet effectively and giving them practice writing in a less formal, conversational manner for web readers.

2. RSS Reader

Sure, many programs have classes that require students to read their local newspaper and even take quizzes on the news. It’s an effective way to force students to start a news-reading habit if they didn’t have one already. But it also pretends that there aren’t plenty of other sources out there that will help students pick up journalism skills—namely blogs about social media, new media, journalism, etc. Having students read blogs like Mindy McAdams’ Teaching Online Journalism blog is like enrolling them in a whole new journalism class.

3. Twitter and other social media

Twitter was in its infancy when I was entering my journalism program, but now that it’s widely accepted as an excellent tool for many tasks in journalism, it’s time journalism professors learn about it themselves and then get students using it as a networking tool, social version of an RSS reader, and a method of sourcing stories and engaging with audiences.

Read more

Eight trends for journalism in 2011

2011-02-15T21:38:00.000Z

Trend 1: Tivo for news

Trend 2: More sharing of content, in both directions

Trend 3: The singles model for news

Trend 4: We’ll do it live

Trend 6: Trimming back in nonprofits

Trend 7: New front pages

Trend 8: A shift in Google results

Read More here

Talented Young People

2011-02-15T13:58:00.000Z

Talented Young People

The Jakarta Globe Need Reporters

2010-06-29T15:33:00.001+01:00

The Jakarta Globe, an English newspaper, is looking for reporters to fill
up vacancies in business desk.

Journalists/ reporters who have good English competency, background in economics beat are strongly recommended to apply although they are not the ultimate consideration for the employment.

- The paper is also offering positions for fresh graduates (Bachelor degree
and higher) or experts from non-journalism field to join with special
considerations. Please put your reasoning why you are interested in joining
us.
- Highly motivated, adaptable, good personalities, those who can work under
pressures and committed to deadlines are candidates that the paper is
looking for.
- Attractive packages and benefits.

Please send your CV, *example of any English written articles, either has
been published in the media or not (academics writing will also be counted),
*scanned (JPG) version of any IELTS, TOEFL certificates as well as cover
letter, explaning why you are interested in joining the paper to these
emails:

ari.works@gmail.com or hhglobe@yahoo.com or newsdesk@thejakartaglobe.com

Or you can send your applications to: PT Jakarta Globe Media, Kawasan Bisnis
Granadha, Plaza Semanggi 9th Floor,
Jl. Jend. Sudirman Kav. 50, Karet Semanggi, Jakarta 12930

Lowongan wartawan Antara

2010-05-31T10:41:00.001+01:00

Bagi yang ingin karir sebagai wartawan, kantor berita Antara membuka peluang baru:

ANTARA membuka lowongan untuk wartawan baru dgn Persyaratan:

1. Pria/wanita maks 25 th
2. Pendidikan S1
3. Punya pengalaman jurnalistik lebih diutamakan
4. Punya kemampuan komunikasi yg memadai
5. TOEFL score 500

Bagi yg berminat/ada teman/saudaranya yg mau berkarir menjadi wartawan, silahkan kirim surat lamaran, CV, foto terbaru (4x6) dan copy of TOEFL ke :
Departemen SDM Perum LKBN ANTARA, Wisma Antara Lantai 19, Jl Medan Merdeka Selatan No 17 Jakarta 10110

Atau bisa via email ke: personalia@antara. co.id

Web Journalism

2010-03-10T23:43:00.003Z

Web Journalism
Practice and Promise of a New Medium
James Stovall
Feb 2004, Paperback, 256 pages
ISBN13: 9780205353989
ISBN10: 0205353983

Description

Journalism on the Web explores the current practices and future possibilities of Web journalism and examines the characteristics of the Web that distinguish it from traditional media.

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Contents

Preface

1. Logging on to the Web.
What Is the World Wide Web?Disadvantages of the Web.Whither Web Journalism?SIDEBAR: September 11, 2001.SIDEBAR: The President and the Intern.SIDEBAR: The Starr Report.COOL IDEAS: Don't Read and Drive; Listen Instead.

2. News Web Sites.
Defined and Current.Owned and Operated.Developing a Web Site (Or Not).Growing the Web Site.Independently Owned.News Sites that Didn't Mean to Be.Web Logs: A New Form of Journalism?Whither Web Sites?SIDEBAR: Content Management Systems.

3. News: Expanding the Definition.
Old News, Good News.News, and More of it.No More Deadlines.Non-Linearity.Audience-Generated News.Personalized News.Web Logs as News.Unseparating Church and State.And Finally…COOL IDEAS: If Readers Could Choose.

4. Reporting: Gathering News for the Web.
Something Old, Something News.Reporting: Where Journalism Begins.What Makes a Good Reporter.Sources and Procedures.Stored Sources.Speed and No Deadlines.Versatility and Teamwork.Beyond Traditional Sources.Lateral Thinking: Mind Expansion for the Web Journalist.Layering Information.What It Takes.

5. Writing.
Writing for the Media.Techniques of Journalistic Writing.Structures from Print.Web Writing Structures.Summaries.Writing for Visual Effect.New Forms of Writing.Web Logs.It's Still About Journalism.

6. Editing.
Editing for the Web.Upholding Standards.First Duty: Know the Language.Second-Level Editing: Formulating the Language.Headline, Summaries and Links.The Editor-Reporter Relationship.Convergence: Where Media Meet.Site Design and Organization.Encouraging and Managing Interactivity.Preserving the Site.SIDEBAR: Journalistic Style.SIDEBAR: The Five Commandments for the Copyeditor.

7. Photojournalism
Photojournalism: Journalism, Only Different.Life and Times of the Photojournalist.Developing the Good Picture.The Photo in Print.The Digital Revolution.The Web: Medium of Acceptance and Change.Ethical Considerations.Photo Web Sites.The Promise of the Web.

8. Graphics Journalism: Words and Pictures Together.
Graphics Revolution.Informational Graphics.Type-Based Graphics.Chart-Based Graphics.Three Basic Charts.Maps.Developing Infographics.Graphics on the Web.The Immediacy of Graphics Journalism.Animation.Conclusion.COOL IDEAS: Floating in Words.

9. Audio and Video: Sound and Little Fury.
The Web and Broadcast News.Reporting and Writing for Broadcast.Story Structure.Broadcasting Formats.Broadcast News Web Sites.Webcasting and Video on Demand.SIDEBAR: Broadcast Style.SIDEBAR: On-the-Air to Online.

10. Design: What Goes Where.
Sept. 11 and Beyond.Design and Layout.Visual Logic.Design Concepts.Three Elements of Design.Web Site Design.Organizing a Web Site.Web Pages.The Front Page.Section Fronts.Article Pages.Special Sections.Conclusions.

11. Engaging Audiences.
The Death of All Media.A Growing Audience.The Interactive Audience.Audience-Oriented Forms.Personalization: The Daily Me.Paying for It.Tracking Audiences.

12. Media Law Online (by Amelia Parker).
Broadcast Regulation.Decency Online.Defamation.Privacy.Copyright.Obscenity and Indecency.Conclusion.

13. The Web Culture: Inside MSNBC.

14. Big Issues.
Galloping Technology.The Digital Divide.Profitability.Will Newspapers Survive?The End of Journalism as We Know It.

Appendices.
Appendix A: Newsgathering Techniques.Appendix B: Journalistic Style.Appendix C: Type and Typefaces.

2010-03-10T23:39:00.003Z

Journalism Ethics and Regulation

2nd Edition
Chris Frost
Mar 2007, Paperback, 352 pages
ISBN13: 9781405835367
ISBN10: 1405835362

Description

Journalism Ethics and Regulation looks closely at the ethical considerations, moral dilemmas and challenges the practicing journalist faces every day. It provides journalism students and trainee journalists with the tools to make informed ethical decisions in their working lives.

In addition, Journalism Ethics and Regulation guides students through the maze of regulatory frameworks and codes of practice which they often find tough to negotiate.

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Contents

1. Introduction

2. What Are Ethics?

3. News: Towards a Definition

4. Morality of Reporting

5. The Good Journalist

6. Truth, Accuracy, Objectivity and Trust

7. Privacy and Intrusion

8. Gathering the News

9. Reporting the Vulnerable

10. Deciding What To Publish

11. Taste and Decency; Harm and Offence

12. Professional Practice

13. Regulation

14. History of Print Regulation

15. History of Broadcast Regulation

16. Codes of Conduct as a Regulatory System

17. Regulation Systems in the UK

18. The Experience Abroad

19. The Future

20. Appendices

21. Glossary and Bibliography

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Features

* Comprehensive coverage of core ethical issues such as the ethics of news gathering, intrusion and privacy, and the difficulties of achieving truth, accuracy and objectivity under pressure
* Looks at what underpins ethics both in terms of everyday, minute-to-minute decisions and from where - historically and philosophically - codes and practices have emerged
* Extensively illustrated with topical examples and synthesises the major recent research into the area
* Considers the differences in regulation (both self and statutory) and practice between print and broadcast journalism and how these distinctions are blurring and changing
* Provides detailed coverage of the main codes of practice and regulatory bodies - PCC, Office of Communications, BBC, NUJ – in the UK and beyond

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Reviews

"Given the endless controversies around privacy, ethics and media regulation this book is a timely, comprehensive and indispensable handbook for journalists and a rallying cry for all those who believe ethical journalism is not just possible but an essential part of a free media in a democratic society.

Using real life examples Chris Frost's book is both a practical tool which deserves a place on every journalist's desk and an unbeatable guide to the origins, failures and successes of media regulation in the UKand beyond.

Chris Frost stands robustly in favour of a more ethical journalism - his book is a very welcome contribution to the debate about the role of journalists and regulation in achieving that".

- Jeremy Dear, General Secretary of the National Unionof Journalists (NUJ)

Global Journalism

2010-03-10T23:36:00.002Z

Global Journalism
Topical Issues and Media Systems
5th Edition
Arnold de Beer, John Merrill
May 2009, Paperback, 504 pages
ISBN13: 9780205608119
ISBN10: 0205608116
Description

Thoroughly reviewed, with new chapters and several new authors, Global Journalism addresses the most pertinent issues and problems in today's global journalism. This new edition recognizes the vast and rapid changes taking place in global journalism across media systems on all continents. Its three interlinking parts offer an overview of the present state of media and journalism theory; a critical analysis of the main issues confronting global journalists, media organizations, audiences, and others in the media world; and a focus on the media of the world’s eight major journalism and media regions.

Global Journalism has established itself over a quarter of a century as a trusted authority on international media. The new edition carries that reputation further into the 21st Century for a new generation of journalism and media scholars, students, and media professionals.

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Contents

Preface. John C Merrill.

I. GLOBAL PERSPECTIVE ON MEDIA ISSUES.

Part I: Global Perspectives on Media and Journalism Issues

1. Global Press Philosophies. John C. Merrill.

2. Critical and non-Western Press Philosophies. Herman Wasserman, .

Part II Barriers and Callenges to Global Journalism

3. Global and National News Agencies. Terhi Rantanen and Oliver Boyd-Barrett.

4. Barriers to Media Development. Paul Parsons, Rich Landesberg and Glenn Scott.

5. Freedom of the Press Around The World. Lee B. Becker and Tudor Vlad.

6. International Journalism Ethics. Herman Wasserman.

7. Global Advertising and Public Relations. Doug Newsom.

8. Continuing Media Controversies. Paul Grosswiler.

9. Global Journalism Education. Mark Deuze.

10. Journalists: International Profiles. Beate Josephi.

11. Journalists Reporting From Foreign Places. P. Eric Louw.

12. Global News Arnold S. de Beer.

III. THE WORLD'S REGIONS.

13. Western Europe. Byron T. Scott.

14. Eastern Europe, the Newly Independent States of Eurasia, and Russia. Allen W. Palmer.

15. The Middle East and North Africa. Orayb A. Najjar.

16. Sub-Saharan Africa (East, West and South). Minabere Ibelema and Tanja Bosch

17. Asiaand the Pacific. Jiafei Yin.

18. Australasia. Stephen Quinn and John Tidey.

19. Latin America. Federico Subervi.

20. North America. William Briggs.

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Features

* Covers both the major philosophical, problematic and controversial issues of global journalism, as well as informed discussions on how it is practiced today around the world.

* Features the work of 25 national and internationally published authors, including some of the world’s foremost scholars in specialized areas of research.

* Prof John C. Merrill, the well-known internationally acclaimed pioneer of global journalism and media studies, has now turned the editorship of Global Journalism over to Arnold S. de Beer, who co-authored the 4th edition with Merrill.

Broadcast Journalism

2009-11-23T04:11:00.001Z

Broadcast Journalism
A Guide for the Presentation of Radio and Television News
2nd Edition
David Keith Cohler
Jan 1994, Paperback, 315 pages

A Comprehensive introduction to the various aspects of electronic newsgathering (broadcast journalism). Covers radio and TV, writing, reporting and producing. Extensively revised.

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Contents

I. NEWSWRITING.

1. Introduction to Broadcast Style.
2. Training, Reference Materials, and Copy Appearance.
3. Story Structure, Leads, Language.
4. WhoÓ and What.Ó
5. WhenÓ and Where.Ó
6. Libel, Attribution, Quotation, and Ethics.
7. Special Segments.
II. RADIO NEWS.

8. Is Anyone Listening?
9. Sources of Radio News.
10. Audiotape I: Actualities (Sound Bites).
11. Audiotape II: Reports.
12. Audiotape III: Interviewing, Editing, Field Reporting.
13. Radio Newscasting.
III. TELEVISION NEWS.

14. Is a Picture Worth a Thousand Words?
15. Picture and Script Components.
16. Videotape I: Components, Sources, and Editing.
17. Videotape II: Scripting.
18. Reporting I: The Assignment.
19. Reporting II: Shooting the Story.
20. Reporting III: Basic Story Coverage.
21. Performing.
Index.

Buy at : Pearson Book

Journalism

2009-11-23T02:44:00.002Z

Journalism
Who, What, When, Where, Why, And How
James Stovall
Dec 2004, Paperback, 528 pages
ISBN13: 9780205372041
ISBN10: 020537204X

Description

Journalism: Who, What, When, Where, Why and How is a comprehensive introduction to the field, covering how news is produced and delivered, how news organizations work, and how audiences react to and interact with the news media. For students preparing for a career in journalism, the text describes the range of job possibilities in the field and offers practical, basic instruction in the fundamental practices of journalism: reporting, writing, editing and presentation. Journalism helps students understand this exciting and important field and become more critical consumers of mass media. It also provides an overview of the rich history of journalism in America.

Contents
Each chapter begins with “SIDEBAR: Key Concepts and Terms,” and concludes with “Questions for Discussion,” “Related Websites,” and “Reading and Reference.”

Preface.

I. WHAT.

1. News and Society.
News Values.Why News Matters.SIDEBAR: Everybody Talks About the Weather.News and the Social Order.SIDEBAR: Theodore Roosevelt and the Bully Pulpit.WHAT DO YOU THINK? The Journalist's Dilemma.Pressures on Journalists.SIDEBAR: A Passport, a Keyboard and a Paycheck.The Job of the Journalist.2. Culture of Journalism.
The World of the Journalist.Character and Characteristics.Skepticism and Cynicism.Working Within the News Organization.Dealing with Sources.Objectivity and Fairness.SIDEBAR: Liberal or Conservative Media? (Part 1).Unacceptable Practices.SIDEBAR: Liberal or Conservative Media? (Part 2).News Organizations in the Larger Culture of Journalism.SIDEBAR: Civic Journalism.A Dynamic Culture.3. Becoming a Journalist.
Prepare.Learn About the Field.Getting Trained.SIDEBAR: Getting Help.Go to Work.SIDEBAR: Joining Up.Get Started.
II. WHERE.

4. Newspapers.
Initiators of Journalism.Organizational Structure: the Business Side.Organization Structure: the Editorial Side.SIDEBAR: The Black Press: An Alternative Voice in American Journalism.The Editorial Page.Newspapers Today.SIDEBAR: Small Newspaper, Big-time Journalism.Major Players in the Newspaper Industry.The Future of Newspapers.5. Magazines.
SIDEBAR: On the Cover of Rolling Stone.Why Magazine Journalism?Structure of the Magazine Industry.SIDEBAR: Slate.com: Overcoming the E-zine Doubters.Creating a Magazine.Staff Structure and Employment.SIDEBAR: A Month in the Life of the Art Director.Magazine Journalism.Freelance Writing.The Future of Magazines.6. Television and Radio.
Impact and Immediacy.Radio: News at a Different Level.Local Television.SIDEBAR: Public Broadcasting.Television News.SIDEBAR: The JFK Assassination: Television's First Big Story.Regulation of Broadcasting.The Future of Broadcasting.7. News Web Sites.
The Difference of the Web.SIDEBAR: Getting the News—September 11, 2001.The News Web Site.Owned and Operated.Independently Owned.SIDEBAR: Questions of Credibility Plague the Web.News Sites that Didn't Mean to Be.Web Logs: a New Form of Journalism?Whither Web Sites?
III. WHO AND HOW.

8. Reporters.
What Reporters Do.Personal Characteristics.SIDEBAR: Profile of the American Journalist.Becoming a Professional.SIDEBAR: The Most Gratifying Moment.Getting there: Becoming a Reporter.9. Reporting.
Five W's and One H.Types of Sources.SIDEBAR: Tips on Covering a Beat.Interviewing.SIDEBAR: A Dozen Interviewing Tips.A Note on Accuracy.10. Writing News and Features.
Basic Writing Characteristics.SIDEBAR: Writing Values and Advice.Writing Conventions.Attribution.Other Writing Conventions.The Inverted Pyramid.The Lead Paragraph.SIDEBAR: Inverted Pyramid Checklist.Developing the Story.Feature Styles.Characteristics of Feature Writing.Read, Analyze, Emulate.11. Style.
Wire Service Stylebooks.SIDEBAR: Trademarks.Journalistic Conventions.SIDEBAR: Basic AP Style Rules.Language Sensitivity.12. Editors.
The Most Important Job.Who is the Editor?WHAT DO YOU THINK? Giving up Editorial Control.Traits of an Editor.The Editor-Writer Relationship.SIDEBAR: Editors, Watch Out for Those Writers.What the Editor Must Do.Getting to be an Editor.13. Editing and Headline Writing.
Accuracy.Checking Facts.SIDEBAR: A Day in the Life of a Copyeditor.Brevity.Clarity.Editing Procedure.Principles of Headline Writing.Guidelines.Procedure.Headlines on the Web.14. Visual Journalists.
Words and Pictures.Photojournalism—Journalism, Only Different.Life and Times of the Photojournalist.The Digital Revolution.Designers.Graphics Journalists.The Importance of the Visual.15. Graphics Journalism.
Principles of Design.Conventions of Graphics.The Good Graphic.Types of Graphics.Developing Infographics.16. Photojournalism.
Basics of Photojournalism.Photographer's Commitment.The Photojournalist in Action.Newsworthy Photos.Photo Editing.Cropping.Scaling.Digital Photography.SIDEBAR: The Associated Press Policy on Handling Photographs.Ethics and Taste.Cutlines.17. Publication Design.
Design.Visual Logic.Type.Type on the Page.Illustration.White Space.Newspaper Design.Types of Newspaper Design.Principles of Layout.News Judgment.SIDEBAR: Steps in Laying Out a Page.Laying Out a Page.Twelve Rules.Web Site Design.18. Broadcasters.
Broadcast Journalists.The World of Broadcasting.Selection of News.News Department Organization.How Reporters Work.SIDEBAR: Make the News Relevant for People's Lives.Broadcast News Formats.Salaries in Broadcast Journalism.Getting into Broadcast Journalism.19. Writing for Broadcast.
Characteristics of Writing.Story Structure.SIDEBAR: Lose the Accent.Broadcast Writing Style.Broadcast Copy Preparation.SIDEBAR: The Hissing Sibilant.Putting Together a Newscast.Conclusion.
IV. WHEN.

20. Beginnings of Journalism.
Where Does Journalism Begin?The Printing Press.Dangerous Information.The New World.Benjamin Franklin.SIDEBAR: Women in 18th Century Journalism.The Fire of Revolution.SIDEBAR: James Rivington and the Tory Press.Partisanship.21. Journalism Comes of Age.
Change and More Change.The Penny Press.James Gordon Bennett and the New York Herald.SIDEBAR Samuel F.B. Morse: What Hath God Wrought!Sectionalism, Slavery and Abolition.The Growth of Magazines.SIDEBAR: Picturing the Rich and the Famous.The Civil War.The End of the War and its Aftermath.22. New Realities, New Journalism.
A Profession Matures.A Generation of Growth.An Age of Personalities.SIDEBAR: Yes, Virginia, There is a Santa Claus.Advancing Technology.SIDEBAR: Yellow Journalism.Reporters and Reporting.SIDEBAR: “Stunt” Journalism Nellie BlyChange in Advertising.The Watchdog Press.23. 20th Century and Beyond.
A Century of Technology.The Decline of Newspapers.The Development of Radio.Time and Development of the News Magazine.SIDEBAR: Henry Luce and the March of Time.Television.SIDEBAR: Watergate: A 'Third-Rate Burglary' and a Pulitzer for Two Young Reporters.Newspapers: Clouded Stability and Prosperity.Expanding Television with Cable.The Development of the Web.
V. WHY.

24. Law and the Journalist.
Corruption in Minneapolis.Legal Precedents.SIDEBAR: The State of the First Amendment.The First Amendment.Defamation.Defenses Against Libel Suits.SIDEBAR: Developing the Concept of the Public Figure.Copyright and Trademarks.Privacy.WHAT DO YOU THINK? What Would You Do?Legal Protections for Journalists.Free Press-Fair Trial.Constant Vigilance.25. Ethical Practices.
The Good Journalist.An Approach to Ethical Behavior.SIDEBAR: Loyalty to What?Ethical Difficulties.Persistent Problems.26. Present and Future.
An Open Profession.Financial State of the Profession.Areas of Concern, Optimism.Changing Technology, Changing Audience.Appendix A: Grammar and Style Diagnostic Test.
Index.
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Features

Features up-to-date examples and discussion of current issues and controversies, allowing students to understand the principles of journalism in the context of issues that are familiar to them.
Focuses on the importance and challenge of maintaining accuracy and honesty in the media, encouraging students to think about ethics and values.
Includes both practical and conceptual approaches to the study of journalism, giving students a full picture of the field.
Covers history in four lively chapters that tie journalism to larger societal trends, helping students engage in the material rather than be put off by it.
Contains a chapter on writing based on the author's widely-used text Writing for the Mass Media (Allyn & Bacon, 2002), giving students practical instruction in writing and opportunities to practice what they are learning.

Source: Pearson Books

Handbook of Broadcast Journalism

2009-11-23T02:37:00.004Z

The Broadcast Journalism Handbook
Gary Hudson, Sarah Rowlands
Jun 2007, Paperback, 592 pages

This exciting text presents all the key practical skills required by today’s broadcast journalist. Highly illustrated with examples from modern day newsrooms, the authors explain in detail the key techniques and theoretical context the broadcast journalist will need to know in order to succeed.

The Broadcast Journalism Handbook is the first text of its kind to be produced in full colour, and as such brings a unique energy and life to the book, seamlessly mirroring the industry that it is exploring.

Another revolutionary resource in this field is the FREE DVD that accompanies each copy of the book. It will prove to be an invaluable support throughout the reader’s studies. This fantastic DVD contains numerous examples of various editing ideas and an array of complete demonstrations of filming techniques – practical tools that will actually help you in the real-world of broadcast journalism!

This is the ‘must have’ book anyone studying college, university and independent training courses in broadcast journalism at all levels; and for professionals and trainees in broadcast, print and other media looking to develop their skills. It is also ideal for those viewing broadcast journalism in the wider context of media studies.

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Contents

Preface

Foreword

Acknowledgements

Publisher Acknowledgements

Guided Tour

Part One: The Job

Chapter One Introduction

Chapter Two What’s the story?

Chapter Three Finding the news

Chapter Four The interview

Chapter Five News writing

Chapter Six Location reporting and production

Chapter Seven Location video and sound

Chapter Eight Sports reporting and commentary

Chapter Nine Foreign reporting

Chapter Ten Going live

Chapter Eleven The package

Chapter Twelve Editing

Chapter Thirteen Graphics

Chapter Fourteen Presentation

Chapter Fifteen The programme

Part Two: Newsdays

Sky News

Five Live

ITN

BBC Ten O’Clock News

Century FM

News 24

Staffordshire Local News

Radio 1 Newsbeat

Part Three: The Essential Guide

Getting a job

The law and broadcast journalists

Part Four: Workshops and Exercises

Glossary

Index

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Features

Includes comprehensive coverage of key skills including interviewing, news gathering, reporting, editing and presentation
'Essential guide' section provides advice on how to get a job, a guide to the law, and a useful glossary of broadcasting terms
Covers cutting-edge technology essential for the budding journalist to know - including mobile video production, graphics and digital journalism
DVD included, demonstrating filming techniques and editing ideas
Companion website (www.pearsoned.co.uk/hudson) including updates on new developments, podcasts and further support materials
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Reviews

‘THE must-have basic text for generations of up-and-coming broadcast journalists. Sarah Rowlands and Gary Hudson have tied it much more tightly to the actual delivery of training as well as getting very close to real life in radio and TV newsrooms. And, crucially, it places everything in the context of the continuing internet revolution taking place in our industry.

It’s bang up-to-date but tackles the problem of keeping up-to-date, when so much is changing, so fast, by also offering a companion website, updating developments as they happen. The “Newsdays” section, analysing the way that different radio and TV outlets produce their bulletins, is fascinating. And finally, the accompanying (free) DVD demonstrating filming and editing techniques is a brilliant idea.’

Jim Latham – Secretary BJTC (Broadcast Journalism Training Council)

'...invaluable in university journalism departments, on professional training courses, and in the broadcast newsroom itself. I would certainly adopt this for my students.' - Mike Henfield, University of Salford

‘It is very well written and comprehensive too. I especially like the examples, which are recent and all highly relevant.’ - Roy Saatchi, of Roy Saatchi Associates

‘I think this book is new, up to date, of the moment and I would recommend it to our students … very clear, easy to follow and interesting to read’ - Jennifer Brown, University of Leeds

‘The writing style was engaging and quite entertaining’- Carole Fleming, NTU

Buy at Pearson Books

Handbook of Journalism

2009-11-04T15:27:00.002Z

Sebuah buku mengenai bagaimana dunia Jurnalistik dan bagaimana karir di dunia yang sangat menantang ini, dapat Anda baca dalam buku Handbook of Journalism.

Untuk ke depan akan dituangkan semacam cuplikan dari buku penting mengenai jurnalistik ini.

Silahkan baca lebih detil Handbook of Journalism.

Download Buku-buku Jurnalistik

2009-11-04T15:23:00.001Z

Bagi Anda yang berminat memasuki dunia jurnalistik simak terus berbagai koleksi buku dan textbook untuk kuliah atau studi Anda dalam beberapa hari ke depan.

Jika Anda sudah berkecimpung di dunia jurnalistik, simak terus karena skills Anda harus terus diupgrade dengan berbagai koleksi buku penting baik dalam bahasa Indonesia atau Inggri.

Anda juga bisa memperoleh rangkuman sejumlah artikel dan buku yang penting memperluas wawasan Anda.

Bagaimana memahami jurnalistik, silahkan baca Understanding Journalism.

Lowongan Kameraman SCTV

2008-05-08T02:09:00.000+01:00

Lowongan di SCTV

Job title: Entry Level
Job function: Broadcaster, TV/Radio
Job position: Cameraman
Work location: Surabaya
Level of education: Bachelor's Degree
Major: Any
Work experience: At least 1 year
Gender: Male
Age: Between 23 and 28 years-old
Offering salary: Not specified
Requirements: - Bisa mengoperasikan Kamera
- Bisa Editing Visual
Job description: - Melakukan Tugas Visual Harian
- Membuat Short list visual yang diambil
- Dapat melakukan editing cut to cut/Non Liniear

Closing date: 21 May 2008

Contoh Psikotest

2007-12-28T19:18:00.000Z

Berikut beberapa informasi yang Anda perlukan. Sebagian mungkin tidak tepat namun
mudah-mudahan ada manfaatnya:

Sample Psikotest Online
Bahasa Indonesia:

http://bursa-kerja.ptkpt.net/_karir.php?_karir=persiapan-psikotes

Berbahasa Inggris:

http://www.psychtests.com/tests/alltests.html#exclusive

http://www.2h.com/index.html

http://www.iqtestforfree.com/

http://www.highiqsociety.org/iq_tests/

Soal-soal Psikotest menyangkut:

1. Menghitung angka
2. Deret angka
3. Deret gambar
4. Permainan kata
5. Menghitung 2 angka berdekatan dari bawah ke atas (atau sebaliknya);
jumlahnya bisa ratusan angka, Anda harus belajar cepat menghitungnya.
6. Wartegg test (melengkapi 8 buah gambar, ini paling sulit, keterangan di bawah),
7. Menggambar orang
8. Menggambar pohon berdaun dan berbuah
9. EPPS, pilih di antara 2 pilihan yg mana paling mewakili diri sendiri.
10. Tes Sifat-sifat pribadi (positif dan negatif)

Saya kutipkan dari seseorang yang sudah mengikuti psikotes namun sama dengan
pengalaman saya waktu psikotes dulu sama seperti yang pernah penulis tempuh ketika mengikuti psikotest dari jam 0800 sampai 17.00.

1. Ada deret-deret angka kebawah di selembar kertas besar lalu kita diminta
menulis jumlah antara dua angka dan kalau jumlahnya puluhan yang ditulis
cuma belakangnnya saja, lalu untuk hitung setiap barisnya kita diberi waktu
2. Lalu ada deret-deret angka kek deret aritmatik, mis:
2 3 5 ... 12 nah angka yang dititik-titik itu apa (lihat latihan psikotes bahasa
Indonesia, atau beli buku tes IQ)
3. Anda juga akan dihadapkan pada soal matematika dengan kalimat. Perlu
konsentrasi penuh dan latihan dari buku IQ.
4. Tes IQ dengan gambar kotak, kubus dan berbagai gambar lainnya. Bisa
anda pelajarai di buku tes IQ.
5. Tes 8 kotak. Di dalamnya ada garis/lingkaran/titik/kotak di tiap kotaknya,
kita diminta melanjutkan gambar dari pola yang dikasi itu, kira-kira apa
gambarnya nanti dan diberi judulnya.

Ini pengalaman yang baru memecahkan teka-teki 8 gambar:
- gambar pertama bisa dengan menggambar pagar, dan diberi tanda minus, mungkin
akan dideskripsikan sebagai orang yg tidak suka dikekang, dibatasi, dsb
- gambar kedua saya menggambar jendela (beserta rumah), dan juga diberi
tanda minus, mgkn ini bisa dideskripsikan sbg org yg tidak suka hanya
melihat, tetapi juga harus ikut terlibat dalam suatu pekerjaan
- gambar ketiga dan keempat berturut2 saya menggambar mata dan alis mata
+ mata dan diberi tanda plus, mgkn nanti akan dideskripsikan sebagai org yg
memiliki visi dan pandangan yg jauh
- gambar kelima saya menggambar pelangi (beserta matahari) dan diberi
tanda plus, mgkn nanti akan dideskripsikan sebagai org yg optimis dan ceria
- gambar keenam saya menggambar jari telunjuk, dan diberi tanda plus, saya
krg begitu tau maknanya, apakah ini berarti saya suka menunjuk org, seperti
memerintah org?
- gambar ketujuh saya menggambar panah, dan diberi tanda plus, mgkn ini
maknanya goal oriented dan siap utk menghadapi hal2 baru
- gambar terakhir saya menggambar mobil dan diberi tanda plus, mgkn ini
menggambarkan siap utk berpergian jauh (jauh dr keluarga)
6. Diminta menggambar orang yang kita kagumi. Sebaiknya menggambar
orang yang aktif , sedang ada kegiatan, jangan statis.
7. Tes Menggambar pohon. Sebaiknya pohon besar ada batang, daun bunga
atau buah. Misalnya pohon mangga dengan akar dan buahnya.
mungkin dari gambar itu akan dianalisa seperti ini,
- bila gambarnya sampai mendetail, sampai keliatan daun-daunnya, mungkin orang
tersebut akan diinterpretasi sebagai orang yang perfeksionis, mendetail, dan
practical thinking tetapi lamban
- bila gambarnya tidak mendetail, mungking akan diinterpretasi sebagai orangg yang lebih
abstarct thinking, lebih progresif, tidak terlalu menyukai detail
8. Tes karangan, terserah dan bebas. Latihan menulis karangan saja dan
pengalaman kita.
9. Tes Kepribadian. Perlu latihan dan memikirkan apa yang diinginkan
pemberi tes. Misalnya: Saya a) cerdas b) licik c) pendiam
10. Tes Kepribadian. Misalnya: "Saya adalah seorang : "
a) menuruti apa kata bos/ asal bos senang
b) menuruti kemauan sendiri
11. Psikotest itu pada umumnya akan menguji kecerdasan dan kepribadian
seseorang melalui:- linguistik (tes permainan kata2)
- logis matematis (hitung-hitungan
- spatial visual (mencocokin gambar)
-dan juga memori
Perlu juga dijelaskan bahwa dalam mengerjakan semua soal berada dalam
tekanan, jadi kita harus berlatih dan tetap konsentrasi.
Semoga bermanfaat dan sukses

Jakob Oetama: Perusahaan Ini Diberkati Tuhan

2007-10-22T21:34:00.000+01:00

Rabu, 21 Januari 2004

Oleh : Henni T. Soelaeman

Sosoknya dikenal santun, bersahaja, dan pemalu. Ia mengangankan kemakmuran bagi Indonesia mini yang bernama Kelompok Kompas Gramedia. Bagaimana ia memimpin lebih dari 10 ribu karyawannya?

Pada penghujung Januari 2001, matahari baru sepenggalah, seorang karyawan Kelompok Kompas Gramedia (KKG) bergegas memasuki lift. Ketika angka enam menyala dan pintu lift terbuka, perasaan sukacita masih menyergapnya. "Gile, gue mau ngomong apa, ya," batinnya seraya terus melangkah menyusuri koridor sebelum akhirnya masuk satu ruangan. Ia masih tak percaya saat sekretaris Jakob Oetama menelefonnya. "Dipanggil Bapak." Selama lebih dari lima tahun bekerja sebagai karyawan KKG, baru pertama kali ini ia menjejakkan kaki di ruangan itu dan bertemu dengan Jakob Oetama, berdua saja di ruang kerja Presiden Direktur dan Chief Executive Officer KKG.
"Terima kasih atas bantuan yang Bapak berikan." Kalimat itu langsung meluncur dari mulut si karyawan itu begitu berhadapan dengan Jakob. Pada hari sebelumnya, atasannya memberikan titipan bantuan dari Jakob atas musibah yang menimpa keluarganya. "Saya ini seorang ayah yang memiliki banyak anak. Kamu layaknya seorang anak yang kalau punya masalah atau persoalan datang ke bapaknya." Kalimat yang disampaikan Jakob itu sampai saat ini masih tersimpan di memorinya.
Sepenggal kenangan juga disimpan August Parengkuan, wartawan senior Kompas dan Presiden Direktur PT Duta Visual Nusantara Tivi (TV7). Ketika berada di Australia untuk tugas jurnalistik, Jakob Oetama menelefon istrinya. "Ia menanyakan kabar keluarga, termasuk anak-anak, selama saya pergi. Bagaimana saya tidak terharu," kenang August. Menurut dia, bukan hanya ia saja yang mendapatkan perhatian khusus. Karyawan lain pun memperoleh perlakuan yang sama dari Jakob. Bos KKG itu sering jalan-jalan mendatangi unit lain. Sapaan, semisal selamat pagi, apa kabar, meluncur dari bibir Jakob saat berpapasan dengan karyawan KKG, entah itu office boy, staf, sampai manajemen puncak. Terkadang Jakob sekadar tersenyum atau menepuk bahu atau punggung karyawan yang ditemuinya. Tengah malam menjelang dini hari, meski tidak serutin dulu, Jakob menyambangi percetakan. "Bayangkan, CEO yang memimpin 10 ribu karyawan bersikap seperti itu," ujar August.
August juga merekam kenangan lain. Saat Jakob masih menjadi komandan Kompas, sering tiba-tiba saja ia muncul di ruang redaksi. "Sedang mengerjakan apa? Ada kesulitan atau tidak? Sudah makan?" Begitu J.O. -- panggilan akrab Jakob -- menyapa anak buahnya yang berkutat dengan deadline. Pada hari tertentu, ruang redaksi Kompas "pecah" oleh jeritan kaget seorang rekan karena mendapatkan kartu ucapan selamat ulang tahun di mejanya dari J.O. "Sekarang jarang, ya, karyawannya sudah ribuan," aku Jakob.
Jakob dikenal luas sebagai orang bersahaja. "J.O. ditawari fasilitas mobil Mercedes Benz, namun ia menolaknya," cerita August. August, yang menambahkan, sebenarnya J.O juga pemalu. Ia sering terlihat berdiri sendirian di pojok saat menghadiri pesta. Ia juga memilih datang sendiri, tanpa sang istri. Selain pelahap buku dan jogging setiap pagi, tak banyak karyawan yang tahu kehidupan pribadi Jakob.
Memanusiakan manusia, begitulah filosofi J.O. "Saya sosok yang I do care," ungkap J.O. Ia tak pernah memandang level karyawan. Siapa pun disapanya. Siapa pun dia dijenguknya kalau mendapatkan musibah, semisal keluarganya sakit atau meninggal. Saat sopir kantor di kampung sakit, J.O., seperti diceritakan August, menengok ke rumahnya. "Ibaratnya kami bekerja di sini diuwongke," kata August. Tapi, beberapa tahun terakhir ini, karena faktor usia yang sudah merambat tua, J.O. mengaku tak selalu menyambangi langsung ke rumah karyawan yang tertimpa musibah. "Sudah tak sekuat dulu dan karyawannya makin banyak," tuturnya.
Perhatian dan kepedulian Jakob setali tiga uang dengan perilakunya yang santun, bahkan kerap dinilai oleh karyawannya kelewat santun. Sebagai orang Jawa, Jakob dipandang sangat njawani. Di lingkungan KKG, Jakob dikenal sebagai pribadi yang menjaga perilaku. "Ia takut menginjak kaki orang lain, takut menyinggung orang lain," ungkap seorang karyawan. Bahkan, menurut Vaksiandra, Redaktur Pelaksana majalah Hai, "Kultur yang dibangun di KKG juga kultur Jawa, sangat kulonuwun, ewuh pakewuh," katanya. Di matanya, pribadi Jakob yang terlalu njawani dengan sikap rendah hati membuat sosoknya sebagai pemimpin tidak tampak jelas. "Kalau ingin melihat sosok sebenarnya J.O., lihat saja bagaimana bahasa Kompas. J.O. itu tidak meledak-ledak dalam menyampaikan kritik, bahasanya halus padahal nyelekit bagi yang memahami makna yang tersirat di balik kalimat itu," ujar August.
Perilakunya yang santun dan ewuh pakewuh tak jarang justru menjadi bumerang bagi perusahaan. Saat Jakarta-Jakarta, Tiara, dan Raket harus ditutup, Jakob tak mengambil langkah pemutusan hubungan kerja (PHK). Karyawannya disalurkan ke unit bisnis lain atau ke media lain di bawah payung KKG. Padahal, SDM di unit tersebut sejatinya sudah pas. "Akhirnya, ya dijejal-jejali dan buntutnya menjadi tidak produktif," tutur karyawan yang tak mau diungkap jati dirinya itu. Dalam perjalanannya, PHK akhirnya diberlakukan bagi karyawan Raket. Itu pun berkat desakan karyawan. Imbalan pesangon yang sangat besar -- untuk ukuran media baru dan tengah collaps -- lantas diberikan Jakob.
Kepedulian dan perhatian J.O. kepada karyawan yang terpancar dari prinsip I do care tersebut diterapkan sebagai falsafah manajemen di lingkungan perusahaan. Dalam memberdayakan karyawannya, J.O menerapkan falsafah We do care. Manajemen, menurut dia, wajib seoptimal mungkin menerapkan falsafah We do care sebagai wujud kewajiban perusahaan atas hak karyawan.
Sebagai wujud falsafah ini, ia mengaku selalu berupaya peduli atas segala kebutuhan karyawannya. "Kita harus tahu apa yang diinginkan oleh karyawan. Dengan kepedulian, berarti kita menghargai keberadaan mereka. Jangan hanya memperlakukan mereka sebagai mesin penghasil uang," katanya. Tak heran, Jakob begitu memperhatikan kesejahteraan karyawan. "Imbalan yang pas sesuai dengan beban kerjanya akan membuat karyawan lebih termotivasi bekerja dengan lebih baik," jelasnya. Meski begitu, ia menganggap sistem penggajian di KKG belum sempurna.
Menciptakan perusahaan yang adil, makmur, dan merata bagi seluruh karyawan --"Itu cita-cita J.O.," ungkap August. Menurut dia, J.O. sangat peduli atas masalah hak karyawan, seperti gaji dan tunjangan supaya karyawan KKG hidup lebih layak. Saking pedulinya, khususnya di level bawah atau staf, J.O. lebih dulu membuatkan perumahan bagi karyawan level bawah. Sementara itu, karyawan di level manajemen menengah atas belakangan. "Ha..ha..kita pernah iri atas kebijakan itu. Kok, kita dapat rumahnya belakangan?" cerita August.
Bagi Jakob, menyejahterakan karyawan itu kewajiban perusahaan. "Mereka aset, ya harus mendapatkan hak-haknya dengan baik," katanya. Menurut dia, dengan tingkat kesejahteraan yang baik, karyawan pun akan termotivasi memberikan yang terbaik bagi perusahaan. Mereka juga menjadi loyal. Secara jujur, ia bangga bahwa turn over karyawan di perusahaannya relatif kecil. "Di bawah 5%," tambahnya. Kata seorang karyawan yang tak mau diungkap jati dirinya, "Jakob tahu sekali bagaimana membuat karyawan betah bekerja di sini."

Ibarat pisau bermata dua, sikap We do care perusahaan bukannya tak menerbitkan riak. Ia tidak menampik bahwa upaya selalu memenuhi kebutuhan karyawannya agar sejahtera menciptakan pegawai yang cenderung terlena dengan segala kemapanan yang diperoleh karena bekerja di KKG dan tidak didapatkan di tempat lain. Buntutnya berkembang istilah rajin malas sama saja alias RMS. Pasalnya, sistem penggajian dan pemberian fasilitas KKG sangat jelas. Parameternya ialah lama bekerja, bukan pada performa karyawan. Prestasi karyawan lebih untuk mendongkrak posisi. Misalnya, tahun ke berapa mendapatkan fasilitas pinjaman rumah, kendaraan, atau yang lain, jelas tertuang. Artinya, rajin atau malas, fasilitas dan tunjangan tetap diberikan.
"Namun kami saat ini sudah menerapkan pemberdayaan SDM melalui sistem penilaian karya," kata Jakob. Dengan sistem ini, diharapkan karyawan lebih termotivasi menunjukkan kinerjanya. "Supaya juga tidak ada istilah RMS itu," ungkap J.O. Penilaian karya ini dievaluasi setiap enam bulan dan dipantau terus-menerus oleh pihak SDM.
Ruang seluas 30-an meter persegi di lantai 6 Gedung KKG, Jalan Palmerah Selatan, berhawa sedikit panas, sepertinya pendingin ruangan tidak berfungsi dengan baik. CEO KKG, Jakob Oetama, menerima tim SWA. "Saya hanya punya waktu sampai pukul 11.15 ya, karena ada janji bertemu orang," kata J.O. Di dinding ruang bercat putih itu, waktu menunjukkan pukul 10 lewat 5 menit. Jakob terlihat santai dengan kemeja biru muda dipadu celana biru tua lengkap dengan dasi bermotif garis bintik-bintik dan tanda pengenal melekat di dada kirinya. Ballpoint Montblanc terselip di saku kemejanya.
Kami dari SWA duduk di sofa berwarna krem. Lemari berisi buku koleksi Jakob berderet rapi sepanjang lebih dari lima meter. "Bagaimana perasaan Bapak terpilih menjadi The Best CEO?" SWA memulai perbincangan. Jakob tak langsung menjawab. Sejurus ia diam lantas menyungging senyum. "Itulah, saya pakewuh," katanya. Ia mengaku surprise sekaligus heran karena terpilih sebagai The Best CEO 2003. "Semestinya orang lain saja yang lebih muda usia yang meraih ini. Saya sudah tua lho, 72 tahun," tambahnya. Wajah sepuh-nya memang tergurat jelas pada garis mukanya. Rambutnya yang dibiarkan agak gondrong menyembulkan gumpalan uban.
"Kalau boleh saya menilai diri saya sendiri, saya itu orangnya ngemong. Mungkin karyawan suka kepada saya karena sikap ngemong ibarat bapak kepada anaknya," papar J.O. mengomentari bahwa terpilihnya ia sebagai The Best CEO karena penilaian pegawainya juga. "Sebenarnya, saya tidak sehebat seperti yang dibicarakan karyawan saya. Sebetulnya saya biasa-biasa saja," katanya.
Selama memimpin KKG, ia menegaskan falsafah leadership yang dianutnya ialah falsafah ngemong. Arti ngemong baginya itu menggerakkan, mengajak, memotivasi, menyemangati, menjelaskan, dan bagaimana melakukan komunikasi. Di matanya, kunci keberhasilannya ialah berkomunikasi dengan seluruh karyawan dari semua level. "Komunikasi itu sangat penting," katanya. Bentuk komunikasi sederhana yang dianutnya ialah sekadar menyapa karyawan: apa kabar? selamat pagi!
Komunikasi tersebut dijabarkan juga lewat forum karyawan di setiap unit usaha. Secara berkala, ia mengadakan pertemuan dengan direktur seluruh unit bisnis. Pertemuan resmi ia dengan seluruh karyawan KKG dilakukan setiap acara syukuran tahunan yang jatuh pada Januari. Menurut dia, acara tersebut sangat ditunggu-tunggu seluruh karyawan KKG. "Karena pada acara itu Bapak mengumumkan kenaikan gaji. Tahun ini, berapa persen?" timpal SWA. "Kok tahu?? tanyanya, keningnya mengerenyit. Tanpa menunggu jawaban SWA, ia menambahkan, "Ya, itu sebenarnya yang ditunggu-tunggu karyawan," katanya menyungging senyum. Untuk mengomunikasikan visi, misi, dan garis besar kebijakan perusahaan kepada seluruh karyawan, J.O. menjelaskan bahwa KKG memiliki pedoman baku perusahaan, yang seluruh karyawan wajib mematuhinya. Ini termasuk melalui sharing knowledge dan experience dengan pegawai yang dilakukan lewat pertemuan rutin, baik langsung di depan karyawan, lewat forum karyawan, atau acara lain.
Guna mempercepat pencapaian visi dan misi, J.O, menekankan kerja sama tim. Tim kerja yang solid dan baik memudahkan dan mempercepat pencapaian visi dan misi yang ingin dicapai perusahaan. Ia melihat dirinya sebagai sosok team builder. Baginya, sosok pemimpin itu harus mampu menjadi team builder. Sebagai pemimpin, J.O. mengakui dirinya bukanlah orang yang menguasai banyak hal. "Saya harus tahu diri bahwa saya tidak menguasai semua hal atau banyak hal," ucapnya. Ia lebih senang membangun tim yang terdiri atas beberapa orang yang memiliki kelebihan masing-masing dengan pembagian kerja dan tanggung jawab kerja yang jelas. "Seluruh anggota tim bertanggung jawab baik atas kesuksesan maupun kegagalan," jelasnya.
Adanya tim kerja membuat dirinya bisa lebih memobilisasi karyawannya dengan segala kelebihan di bidangnya. Ia sadar bahwa perusahaan ini memiliki keragaman keahlian. Perusahaan ini memerlukan keahlian di berbagai bidang agar bisa tetap jalan. Bermacam keahlian itu dijadikan satu dalam forum atau tim, baik di tingkat corporate management maupun di setiap unit usaha.
Dengan beragam SDM yang memiliki beragam keahlian, latar belakang, dan budaya, J.O. memilih melakukan pendekatan kultural. Melalui pendekatan ini, ia berusaha memahami dan mengerti bagaimana sifat, karakter, dan perilaku karyawannya yang datang dari latar belakang yang berbeda-beda. Meskipun berbeda, J.O. menginginkan ada kultur yang berlaku umum bagi seluruh karyawan di dalam ruang lingkup KKG. Salah satu kultur di KKG ialah budaya kerja tim yang harus terus-menerus dibina dan dibangun. Lewat tim, berarti ada komitmen bersama yang patut disepakati bersama." Dengan adanya tim kerja, tujuan akan lebih cepat tercapai sehingga waktu dapat dimanfaatkan secara optimal dan efisien," tegasnya.
Sebagai pucuk kepemimpinan yang menaungi kemajemukan, ia berupaya seadil mungkin memberikan kesempatan yang sama kepada seluruh karyawan untuk maju dalam konteks demi kemajuan perusahaan. Ia mengibaratkan KKG sebagai Indonesia mini. "Beragam suku, budaya, agama, etnis, ada di sini. Ini menjadi sumber kekuatan perusahaan," katanya. Ia ingin menciptakan Indonesia mini yang makmur, kaya, dan adil di dalam lingkup perusahaan. "Sejak mendirikan perusahaan ini, saya sudah mencanangkan akan membawa perusahaan ini sebagai Indonesia mini," jelasnya.
Sebagai komandan, J.O. berupaya menyelaraskan penerapan sistem manajemen bisnis yang baku dengan suasana kekeluargaan. "Sejak awal, saya ingin perusahaan ini sebagai keluarga kedua bagi karyawan karena mau tidak mau sebagian besar waktu karyawan itu dihabiskan di kantor," tuturnya. Menurut dia, kelugasan sikap, ketelitian, kedetilan, dan ketepatan waktu, serta perhitungan eksak sangat diperlukan dalam bisnis. Toh, bisnis yang bernuansa kekeluargaan juga bukanlah hal yang jelek. Dalam pandangannya, suasana kekeluargaan dan keharmonisan penting bagi kemajuan bisnis. "Kita harus bisa menyeimbangkan antara kepentingan manajemen bisnis dengan asas kekeluargaan," tegasnya. Caranya? "Bersama almarhum P.K. Ojong, sejak awal berusaha betul menerapkan dan menjalankan Good Corporate Governance (GCG)," katanya. GCG, menurut dia, diperlukan untuk menyeimbangkan antara kepentingan bisnis yang sakelijk dengan bentuk manajemen kekeluargaan. Jurus yang dilakukannya ialah membuat sistem kontrol yang jelas, baku, dan hitam putih. Rambunya jelas dan transparan. Sebagai pemimpin tertinggi, ia selalu menjaga agar tidak ada kebocoran dalam hal keuangan perusahaan. "Ini saya perhatikan betul mengingat pundi-pundi keuangan itu demi kemakmuran bersama," ujar Jakob yang memercayakan pengelolaan keuangan kepada pihak yang profesional dan ahli. Dikatakan August, dalam menjalankan bisnis, J.O sangat konservatif. "J.O. sangat berhati-hati mengeluarkan setiap sen uang perusahaan," paparnya.
Sebagai pelaku bisnis, ia berpikir bahwa dirinya juga memiliki tanggung jawab sosial dan berkontribusi penting pada kemajuan sosial bangsa. Ia setuju bahwa pelaku bisnis wajib diberi tanggung jawab sosial. Ia melihat pada iklim ekonomi pasar yang berlaku saat ini, pelaku bisnis harus diperlakukan secara proporsional karena kehadirannya diperlukan untuk menggerakkan roda ekonomi sektor riil. Dalam membangun SDM, hal mendasar ialah pemilihan karakter, yang diutamakan sejak awal perekrutan karyawan. Fleksibel, luwes, berpikiran terbuka, dinamis, berani menerima kritik, asertif, jujur, peduli orang lain, bisa saling memberi dan menerima serta teratur --itulah kriteria SDM yang menjadi parameter KKG. "Karakter karyawan yang tidak malas, tepat waktu, jujur, tidak manipulatif itulah karakter yang saya sukai," ujar Jakob.
Untuk menciptakan SDM yang berintegritas, kompeten, dan accountable, J.O. berusaha menjalankan nilai-nilai yang disepakati bersama sehingga dirinya dapat menjadi sosok yang patut disegani dan dihormati oleh karyawannya. Sebagai pemimpin, ia mengaku berusaha untuk selalu sejujur dan selurus mungkin dalam menjalankan bisnisnya. Baginya, hal ini patut dijalankan agar menjadi contoh yang baik bagi anak buahnya. "Masa kita bicara A tetapi sikap kita B? Wah, nggak boleh begitu jadi pemimpin," ujarnya. Memberikan contoh yang akhirnya menjadi panutan, begitulah yang dilakukan Jakob. "Saya selalu berusaha memberikan contoh, dalam hal ketepatan waktu, misalnya," katanya.
Yanti, sekretarisnya, memuji J.O. sebagai sosok yang memiliki disiplin waktu tinggi. Ia pernah menanyakan pada Big Boss-nya mengapa selalu tepat waktu? "Nanti jadwal orang juga bisa berantakan hanya gara-gara menunggu saya," ujarnya mengutip jawaban Jakob. Bahkan, J.O. mengatakan ketepatan waktunya itu sebagai salah satu wujud penghargaan dirinya terhadap hasil kerja keras sekretarisnya yang sudah mengatur jadwal sedemikian rupa.
Tak ada gading yang tak retak, sebagai pemimpin, Jakob mengaku memiliki kekurangan. Ia menyadari kadang dirinya dilihat sebagai sosok yang sangat penuh pertimbangan dalam mengambil keputusan sehingga terlihat lambat dalam mengambil keputusan di mata anak buah. August menjelaskan, kelemahan J.O. lebih pada cara dan bagaimana J.O. mengambil keputusan. "Bagi orang yang berkarakter agresif, J.O. dianggap lamban. Semua hal dipikirkan masak-masak. J.O. itu paling tidak bisa diburu-buru dan didesak-desak dalam mengambil keputusan. J.O. sangat tidak menyukai pendesakan. J.O. akan melihat dari segala sisi ketika akan mengambil keputusan. J.O akan menanyakan berbagai macam pendapat dari banyak pihak," papar August.
August mencontohkan ketika J.O. mengambil langkah investasi di bisnis televisi. Sebelum lahir TV7, J.O. melemparkan ide ini kepada top management. Ia sharing argumen dan knowledge tentang rencana merambah bisnis tv. Tidak hanya dengan top management, J.O. jalan-jalan keliling perusahaannya dan menanyakan pendapat karyawan yang ditemuinya tentang idenya tersebut. "Jadi, realisasi ide itu ialah buah pikiran bersama. Nggak heran kalau ia lama mengambil keputusan," terang August.
J.O. sangat mengakui keterbatasan dirinya. Meski ujungnya ia yang tetap memegang dan mengetuk palu dalam memutuskan sesuatu. "Saya bukanlah orang yang bisa semua hal. Saya butuh orang untuk mendampingi saya menjalankan bisnis ini, termasuk konsultan, sebelum saya mengambil keputusan bisnis," tegas Jakob. Sebagai pelaku bisnis, ia memercayakan dan mendelegasikan tugas kepada para profesionalnya. J.O terbuka terhadap saran dan pendapat para profesionalnya. Itu tak hanya di ruang rapat. Misalnya ada rencana bisnis tertentu, kepada karyawan yang ditemuinya ketika ia naik lift atau berpapasan dengannya tanpa memandang levelnya, J.O. selalu berusaha mengumpulkan pendapat. "Inilah mengapa J.O dikenal dengan gaya management by walking arround. Ia tidak bersikap mentang-mentang sebagai presdir," jelas August.
Tak hanya terbuka pada kritik. Jakob dikenal fleksibel dalam mengantisipasi perkembangan zaman, termasuk bisnis. "Strategi bisnisnya jauh ke depan," kata Vaksiandra. Dia punya pengalaman ketika Kompas membuat sisipan Muda yang menggandeng Hai dan Kawanku. Jakob menilai sisipan itu secara bisnis ke depannya akan menguntungkan karena punya daya jual tinggi.
Diakui Jakob, sistem di KKG akan terus-menerus dibangun dan disesuaikan dengan perkembangan zaman yang mengacu pada visi dan misi perusahaan. "Kalau bersikap kaku, waduh, bagaimana perusahaan ini berkembang. Generasi saya dengan generasi sekarang itu sangat jauh berbeda. Anak muda lebih dinamis, agresif, terbuka, dan asertif," katanya.
Anak muda pula memang yang dipilih Jakob menggantikan posisinya sebagai Pemred Kompas. Suryopratomo, kelahiran 1961, didapuknya menjadi orang nomor satu di jajaran redaksi Kompas. "Para redaktur senior sudah mendekati masa pensiun dan mereka juga telah mendapatkan pekerjaan lain yang tidak kalah beratnya dari tugas pemred," ungkap Jakob ketika ditanya mengapa bukan August Parengkuan atau Ninok Leksono yang tampil.
Alih generasi mulai dilakukan. Siapa calon penggantinya? Boleh jadi saat ini ia tengah mengelus-elus jagonya. Dan, bisa saja pilihan orang yang menggantikannya akan banyak mengejutkan. Seperti ketika ia memilih Suryapratomo. "Saya sangat berhati-hati dalam memilih pengganti saya. Yang jelas nota bene berasal dari dalam KKG sendiri," ucapnya.
Itu bukan berarti ia tak membuka diri bagi profesional di luar KKG. Untuk posisi tertentu di level supervisor dan manajer, KKG membuka diri untuk mencari pemimpin yang berasal dari profesional karier dari luar, bukan dari dalam. Langkah ini ditempuh untuk menjawab tuntutan dunia bisnis yang bergerak cepat dan dinamis. Hal ini dilakukan agar KKG lebih dinamis, agresif, dan inovatif. Secara jujur ia mengakui bahwa para profesional dari luar KKG lebih asertif, dinamis, percaya diri, dan aktif mencari terobosan dalam pengembangan bisnis. Kelebihan itu dipadukan dengan kemampuan SDM KKG dari dalam yang lebih paham dan mengerti bagaimana dan siapa itu KKG. Ia telah memutuskan mem-blending-kan SDM profesional dari luar dan dalam. Namun, untuk level direksi, ia masih menyiapkan dari orang dalam.
Dalam mempersiapkan penggantinya, ia menganut paham lokomotif yang tetap menggandeng gerbongnya. Ia masih bisa menggandeng calon penggantinya sebelum ia benar-benar turun atau pensiun agar bisa mengawasi jalannya perusahaan dan bagaimana calon penggantinya itu memimpin. "Pelan-pelan saya akan melepas gerbong itu," ujarnya.
Ia menegaskan dan menyarankan, ada cara yang mudah jika ingin menjadi pemimpin yang sukses di KKG. "Caranya gampang. Jangan lihat ke atas tetapi lihatlah ke bawah, samping kiri dan kanan supaya peduli pada apa yang terjadi di sekitar kita," ungkapnya. Ia mengaku tidak pernah membayangkan bahwa Kompas dan KKG akan menjadi besar seperti sekarang ini.
Bagi Jakob, keberhasilannya sebagai pemimpin sejatinya harus dilihat dari bagaimana kondisi perusahaan (KKG) setelah ia undur diri dari manajemen. Apakah KKG tetap jalan atau tidak? Jika KKG tetap berjalan dan berkembang, ia menganggap dirinya telah berhasil memimpin. Jika tidak, berarti ia telah gagal memimpin. Ia merasa sukses kalau berhasil mengantarkan penggantinya bisa tetap mempertahankan bisnis ini berjalan terus. "Jika hancur, ia sering kali akan merasa berdosa karena menyangkut hidup karyawannya," ujar August mengutip perkataan Jakob Oetama yang kerap dikatakan kepadanya.
Di mata August, bisa saja seorang CEO diganti atau tergantikan. Tetapi, sosok pemimpin yang sangat kebapakan seperti Jakob Oetama jarang sekali ditemui. Jika terjadi alih generasi dari kepemimpinan J.O. kepada penerusnya, August berpendapat bahwa sesungguhnya KKG kehilangan sosok bapak selayaknya anak yang kehilangan ayahnya. "Siapa pun penggantinya, sosok ayah yang ada di J.O. tidak dapat tergantikan. Kelebihan dan kelemahan J.O. bisa diterima dengan baik karena J.O. itu seorang ayah," kata August. Tanpa bermaksud mendahului Sang Khalik, August mengungkapkan saat ini karyawan sangat khawatir akan kondisi kesehatan J.O. mengingat usianya yang semakin tua.
Jakob Oetama lahir di Borobudur, 27 September 1931. Selepas menamatkan SMA Seminari di Yogyakarta, anak pensiunan guru di Sleman ini mengikuti jejak sang ayah, menjadi guru. Ia pernah mengajar di SMP Mardiyuwana, Cipanas, Jawa Barat, dan SMP Van Lith Jakarta. Di sela mengajar, ia menyisakan waktu menjadi redaktur mingguan Penabur. Selain mengantungi ijazah B1 Ilmu Sejarah, Jakob tercatat sebagai alumni Perguruan Tinggi Publisistik Jakarta (1959) dan Fakultas Ilmu Sosial Politik Universitas Gadjah Mada, Yogyakarta (1961).
"Saya mencintai profesi guru," kata Jakob saat akan diabadikan kamera di depan meja kerjanya. "Mengapa kemudian memilih menjadi wartawan?" tanya SWA. "Saya tidak akan seperti ini kalau tetap menjadi guru," ungkap Jakob. Bukan dalam konteks materi. Kompas tak hanya surat kabar yang saat ini bertiras lebih dari 500 ribu eksemplar. Ia menawarkan sejumlah soal dan menggelindingkan opini publik. Kontribusi pemikiran J.O. di Kompas masih dominan. Ia masih menjadi think thank Kompas. Pengaruh kuat Jakob terlihat dari pameo: Jakob Oetama adalah Kompas dan Kompas adalah Jakob Oetama. "Pengidentikan itu wajar. Saya salah satu perintis kelahiran Kompas dan masih berkontribusi besar pada kemajuan Kompas dan KKG," kata Jakob.
Jakob sendiri lebih senang menyebut diri wartawan ketimbang pelaku bisnis. "Jabatan sebagai CEO sebagai co-incident," katanya. Ketika pertama kali usaha ini dirintis, J.O. lebih disiapkan sebagai pemimpin redaksi sementara P.K Ojong sebagai pemimpin perusahaan. Wafatnya P.K. Ojong pada 1980-an membuat ia harus segera mengambil alih tampuk kepemimpinan perusahaan.
Sebagai pengusaha, Jakob sukses mengerek KKG menjadi kerajaan bisnis pers terbesar di Indonesia. Memang tidak semua media di bawah KKG menghasilkan pundi-pundi uang berlimpah. Tulang punggung KKG di luar penerbitan buku ialah Kompas. Meski ia menolak disebut kapitalis, bisnisnya terus merambah berbagai lini. Penerbitan pers, jaringan toko buku Gramedia, hotel (Grahawita Santika), penyiaran radio (Radio Sonora), kertas tisu (PT Graha Kerindo). Total ada 42 anak perusahaan yang bernaung di bawah payung KKG. Total omset KKG pada 2001 saja diperkirakan mencapai lebih dari Rp 1,05 triliun.
Keberhasilan KKG diakuinya juga berkat andil dan kerja keras seluruh karyawan. "Tuhan juga memberkati perusahaan ini," tegasnya. Sekarang ini, yang selalu menghantuinya justru bagaimana bisnis ini tetap berjalan setelah ia tidak ada. "Pertanyaan apakah bisnis ini tetap ada atau tidak setelah saya tidak ada, itu yang selalu ada di benak saya," katanya. Ia mengakui hal ini menjadi concern-nya mengingat usianya yang sudah tidak muda lagi. Ia merasa sudah saatnya turun tahta. "Anak saya tidak ada yang tertarik terhadap bisnis media. Satu anak saya terjun mengurusi hotel," kata Jakob yang memiliki lima anak.
Jakob menanggalkan kartu pengenal di dadanya sesuai dengan permintaan fotografer. "Saya sering dibilang teman lupa asal," ujar Jakob sembari membagikan kartu namanya kepada tim SWA. Pukul 11.05, Yanti, sekretaris Jakob, melongok ke ruang kerja Jakob. "Bapak ada janji lain, harus pergi," katanya.
Kami beriringan menyusuri koridor dan memasuki lift. Jakob tersenyum kepada satpam yang memencetkan tombol lift. Di dalam lift, ia membuka notes kecil dari saku celananya. "Jam 12 siang di Grand Hyatt." Pintu lift terbuka di angka 3, seorang wanita muda masuk. "Siang Pak," sapanya. "Mau ke mana?? Jakob mendekati wanita muda yang rupanya wartawan Kompas. "Ke gereja? Ada acara apa?" tanya Jakob. Lift terbuka, wanita itu bergegas keluar, "Duluan, ya Pak." Jakob melangkah pelan, agak tertatih ke luar lift. "Dia ahli Amerika Latin," katanya. Kami menyesuaikan langkah kami supaya tetap seiring.
Di lobi, Jakob bersua dengan Julius Pour dan mantan Wakil Pemimpin Umum Kompas, A. Roesilah Kasiyanto. Jakob menjabat erat Roesilah dan saling bertukar berita. Tak lama itu. Di depan lobi, mobil pribadinya, BMW seri 5 warna hitam, telah menunggu yang akan membawanya ke Grand Hyatt bertemu Adam Schwartz, penulis buku Nation in Waiting.

Reportase: Tutut HandayaniRiset: Vika Octavia

Sumber Swa

Radio masih relevan

2007-07-08T22:41:00.000+01:00

Mungkin sebagian diantara Anda masih menganggap radio tidak relevan. Anggapan ini keliru. Di Rusia setelah reformasi muncul 10.000 stadion radio. Di Indonesia booming news radio tak tertahankan lagi disamping radio hibura.

BBC World Service merilis informasi terbaru bahwa jumlah pendengarnya di seluruh dunia lebih dari 150 juta orang ! Ini berarti radio masih relevan.

Kehadiran internet menambah relevansi radio. Anda bisa mendengar radio dimanapun berada.

Evolusi Teori Propaganda

2007-06-17T21:08:00.001+01:00

Oleh Asep Setiawan

Pendahuluan
Jejak arkeologis dari peradaban kuno telah memperlihatkan peninggalan berharga seperti baju, istana, patung dan berbagai catatan tertulis. Sejumlah peninggalan tertulis seperti Analects karya Kong Hu Cu merupakan ringkasan prestasi penguasa yang digunakan untuk memobilisasi dukungan rakyat. Prestasi penguasa itu dipaparkan secara berlebihan sehingga muncul mitos dan berbagai kepercayaan di kalangan massa akan kehebatan dan keperkasaan para penguasa.
Kepercayaan yang hidup dalam masyarakat yang berasal dari kitab-kitab peninggalan lama menunjukkan teknik propaganda telah lama dipakai dalam berbagai peradaban. Penguasa merasa berkepentingan untuk membangun citra dirinya dihadapan rakyatnya. Bila citra agung telah ditetapkan dalam berbagai catatan yang boleh diketahui rakyat maka penghormatan dan otoritasnya dipercaya akan menguat.
Dalam berbagai penemuan sejarawan, terbukti bahwa tidak semua penguasa peradaban lama bebas dari bentuk-bentuk sifat jahat dan otoriter. Sifat diktatorial sering muncul dalam diri penguasa lama meskipun telah digambarkan sebagai penguasa yang adil dan jujur. Kontras antara sifat penguasa yang ternyata kejam dengan gambaran tertulis bahwa penguasa itu adil merupakan sebuah bukti bahwa para penguasa lama dan demikian juga terlihat dari penguasa modern ingin dilukiskan sebagai raja atau penguasa yang baik.
Artikel ini akan mengulas perkembangan teoritis tentang propaganda yang dimulai dari jaman Yunani.

Teori Lama
Studi secara sistematik yagn dilakukan di Barat terhadap teori-teori propaganda dimulai dengan perkembangan di Athena pada tahun 500 SM. Saat itu studi tentang propaganda disebut sebagai retorika yang berarti "teknik-teknik para orator".
Trik-trik menggunakan bahasa yang mantap diwarnai dengan humor, ditambah dengan argumen yang logis dipraktekan para pengacara, demagog dan politisi. Para guru etika seperti Isocrates, Plato dan Aristoteles menyimpulkan retorika sebagai :
1. Membuat argumen mereka dan para siswanya lebih persuasif.
2. Mendesain propaganda tandingan yang dilontarkan musuhnya
3. Mengajari siswanya bagaimana mendeteksi logika yang salah dan seruan emosional demagog.

Para pengkaji soal retorika juga telah mengkaji apa yang sekarang disebut sebagai masalah kredibilitas sumber. Misalnya apa yang dikatakan pembicara atau upaya meyakinkan bahwa ia menceritakan kebenaran dan berniat baik.
Di peradaban lain ternyata terdapat pula hal yang sama. Di India kuno, Budha dan di Cina kuno, Kong Hu Cu - seperti halnya Plao, menggunakan sesuatu yang dapat dipercaya, retorika "baik" dan bentuk yang "pantas" dalam menulis dan berbicara sebagai alat untuk membujuk manusia.
Menjelang tahun 400 SM di India, Kautilya seorang Brahmana yang diduga menteri besar dalam Kekaisaran Candragupta Maurya menulis Arthashastra (Prinsip-prinsip Politik), sebuah bukun nasihat bagi para penguasa yang sering dibandingkan dengan Republic karya Plato dan The Prince karya Machiavelli.
Kautilya membahas penggunaan perang psikologis baik yang tebuka maupun rahasia dalam upaya mengganggu militer musuh dan merebut ibu kota. Ia menulis bahwa propagandis raja harus menyatakan bahwa ia bisa mempraktekan sihir, Dewa dan orang-orang bijaksana di pihaknya dan bahwa semua orang mendukung tujuan perangnya yang akan meraih manfaat. Dalam cara-cara rahasia, agen-agen propagandis harus menyusup ke kubu musuh untuk menyebarkan berita yang salah diantara rakyat di ibu kota, diantara kalangan pemimpin dan militer.
Nasihat yang sama juga dilontarkan oleh Sun Tzu dalam karyanya Ping-fa (The Art of War) yang menulis pada periode sama. "Semua perang", katanya. "berdasarkan pengelabuan. Oleh karena itu, ketika mampu menyerang, kita harus terlihat tidak berdaya, ketika kita menggunakan kekuatan, kita harus terlihat tidak aktif, ketika kita dekat, kita harus membuat percaya bahwa kita sangat jauh, ketika kita berada jauh, kita harus membuat mereka yakin kita dekat. Tahan musuh, munculkan kekakaucan dan serang mereka".

Teori Modern
Teori-teori modern tentang propaganda mulai muncul kembali setelah Revolusi Industri yang dimulai dengan pemanfaatan untuk meraih untung sebanyak-banyak dari produksi massal. Pada abad ke-20 para peneliti mulai mengadakan studi tentang motivasi pembeli dan responsnya terhadap berbagai penawaran, iklan dan teknik marketing lainnya.
Sejak 1930-an sudah ada "survai konsumen" seperti survai opini publik. Hampir setiap variabel yang mempengaruhi opini, keyakinan, sifat-sifat yang sugestif dan perilaku konsumen dari berbagai kelompok, sub kelompok dan budaya di beberapa negara besar telah diteliti.
Sebelumnya pada awal 1920-an, telah berkembang kesadaran diantara para pengkritik bahwa perpanjangan dari Pemilu dan daya beli yang meningkat sampai kepada masyarakat biasa telah dimanfaatkan oleh para demagog dan propagandis yang menggunakan mitos,cerita-cerita dan imbauan yang utopis.
Studi lebih lanjut pula muncul seperti ditulis ilmuwan Amerika Harold D Lasswell dalam karyanya Propaganda Techinuque in the World wAr. Buku ini melukiskan dan menganalisa propaganda secara besar-besaran yagn dilakukan negara yang bermusuhan pada Perang Dunia I. Kemudian muncul pula studi propaganda komunis dan berbagai bentuk komunikasi. Dalam beberapa tahun kemudian banyak ilmuwan sosial disamping sejarawan, wartawan dan psikolog yang melahirkan berbagai bentuk publikasi yang menganalisa propaganda militer, politik dan komersial. Pada Perang Dunia II dan Perang Dingin antara AS dan Uni Soviet, banyak peneliti dan penulis melakukan propaganda.

Penutup
Pada perjalanan sejarah teori-teori propaganda terlihat adanya satu benang merah tentang dasar-dasar yang menjadi teori propaganda. Di satu pihak ada kelompok yang berusaha membentuk pikiran massa demi keuntungan penguasa atau mereka yang memiliki akses terhadap kekuatan ekonomi dan militer. Merekalah yang merancang berbagai teori dan konsep untuk melakukan propaganda.
Di sisi lain terdapat obyek yang jadi sasaran dari propaganda. Mereka inilah yang merupakan kelinci percobaan berbagai teori lama maupun modern. Dalam alam modern maka teori propaganda digunakan baik di bidang militer, ekonomi maupun politik. Meskipun demikian banyak kritik dilontarkan terhadap kelompok yang memanfaatkan rendahnya pendidikan masyarakat demi keuntungan mereka yang berkuasa. ***

Antisipasi liputan musibah AdamAir

2007-01-09T11:09:00.000Z

Setelah lebih dari seminggu musibah yang dialami AdamAir No.Penerbangan KI 574 jurusan Surabaya - Manado tanggal 1 Januari 2007, berbagai spekulasi muncul. Mulai dari ledakan di udara sampai dengan terkena badai mendadak.

Tragedi AdamAir ini melibatkan lebih dari 100 penunpang dan awak pesawat. Setiap perkembangan diikuti oleh media massa dengan seksama.

Baru-baru ini saya menyaksikan siaran di Televisi Al Jazeera edisi Inggris wawancara pengamat penerbangan Dudi Sudibyo mengenai bagaimana kira-kira musibah ini terjadi dan apa yang terjadi dengan dunia penerbangan tiket murah. Di London diwawancara pula seorang editor majalah Flight mengenai apakah kotak hitam masih bisa ditemukan dan diambil informasinya sekalipun pesawat tenggelam atau terbakar.

Berbagai ide dan gagasan muncul mengenai bagaimana meliput peristiwa besar seperti ini. Bagi dunia jurnalistik ini adalah salah satu tantangan besar untuk mengungkap tuntas dari segala sudut musibah AdamAir. Tentu saja dengan catatan bukan mengeksploatasi penderitaan manusia tetapi juga menjadi pelajaran bagi masyarakat dan pengelola maskapai penerbangan betapa hal-hal remeh taruhannya nyawa jika berbicara soal penerbangan.

Dudi Sudibyo melukiskan beberapa kelemahan dalam perusahaan penerbangan murah ini. Sebagai contoh adalah pelatihan pilot. Tidak jarang terjadi bahwa pilot ini tidak menjalani tes secara penuh karena mahalnya biaya pelatihan. Disisi lain dalam pemeliharaan pesawat kadang terjadi kanibalisme dimana suku cadang diganti tidak dengan yang semestinya. Sebuah baterai pesawat yang harganya Rp 100 juta semestinya diganti, malah diambil dari pesawat lain yang nongkrong. Dari nilai rupiah membeli baterai seharga Rp 100 juta untuk penerbangan murah ratusan ribu rupiah per orang mungkin akan berpikir ulang guna membelinya.

Tantangan liputan

Sejumlah tantangan dalam peliputan bagi jurnalis kreatif sangatlah luas.

Pertama, unsur drama manusia. Inilah salah satu angle yang banyak dikembangkan media di dunia mengenai tragedi manusia. Sekali lagi bukan untuk membesarkan dan memanfaatkan penderitaan orang lain namun terdapat unsur pendidikan dan simpati agar mereka yang mengalami musibah ini diberi tempat yang semestinya. Mereka tidak dibiarkan begitu saja dengan permintaan maaf dan ganti rugi seadanya. Harus ada yang bertanggung jawab jika dalam kecelakaan ini ada unsur kelalaian. Drama manusia bagi para penumpang, bagi para awak pesawat adalah salah satu aspek yang biasanya terus diperdalam sejalan dengan semakin lamanya pesawat ini ditemukan.

Kedua, laporan investigasi. Setiap media massa biasanya akan berlomba menyajikan informasi terlengkap. Namun gagasan yang baik bila pesawat ini hilang tanpa rimba diperlukan investigasi mulai dari riwayat pesawat, pemeliharaan sampai dengan operasionalisasi pesawat. Apakah mungkin pernah terjadi peristiwa kerusakan mesin atau tidak kuat menghadapi badai berat ? Laporan investigasi akan memberikan kedalaman terhadap sebuah laporan harian.

Ketiga, antisipasi penemuan pesawat. Sejalan dengan keterlibatan dunia internasional dalam pencarian pesawat yang seperti ditelan samudra ini, maka laporan lengkap sebaiknya memang sudah disiapkan. Laporan antisipasi merupakan salah satu pilar dari liputan yang komprehensif. Rangkaian fakta dan data telah disimpan dengan rapih untuk dikeluarkan ketika peristiwa baru muncul. Beberapa media besar dunia biasanya telah menyiapkan hari yang ditunggu-tunggu ini. Ketika Afghanistan jatuh, wartawan BBC John Simpson telah siap dengan laporan terbaru dari medan tempur. Demikian juga ketika Saddam Hussein jatuh, sudah ada laporan pendukung yang akan menunjang breaking news ini. AdamAir adalah peristiwa besar nasional dan regional, terlalu kecil untuk diabaikan. Disinilah kepiawaian jurnalis dan timnya menyajikan berita, feature, analisis, diskusi dan antisipasi yang akan memperkaya skala liputan.

Lowongan wartawan Januari 2007

2007-01-06T08:20:00.000Z

Cita-cita menjadi wartawan ? Satu lowongan untuk Anda mungkin bisa sebagai kunci masuk ke dunia jurnalistik. Batas waktu penyerahan surat lamaran 12 Januari 2007.

PT REKA GAGAS CIPTA, perusahaan penerbitan buku, majalah , dan tabloid, membutuhkan wartawan dan penulis untuk penempatan di Jakarta.

Syarat-syaratnya :

A. WARTAWAN

1. Diutamakan yang cukup paham persoalan pendidikan dan sosial
di Indonesia.
2. Berwawasan luas serta menaruh minat terhadap persoalan
pendidikan dan sosial.
3. Pendidikan minimal S-1 semua jurusan.
4. Pengalaman tidak diutamakan. Lebih disukai yang punya latar
belakang aktivitas di pers kampus.
5. Usia maksimum 27 tahun.
6. Mampu berbahasa Inggris.
7. Siap bekerja dalam tekanan tinggi.

B. PENULIS

1. Diutamakan yang cukup paham persoalan pendidikan dan sosial
di Indonesia.
2. Berwawasan luas serta menaruh minat terhadap persoalan
pendidikan dan sosial.
3. Pendidikan minimal S-1 semua jurusan.
4. Pengalaman sebagai wartawan minimal dua tahun. Lebih disukai
yang punya pengalaman sebagai wartawan bidang pendidikan dan atawa
sosial.
5. Usia maksimum 30 tahun.
6. Mampu berbahasa Inggris.
7. Siap bekerja dalam tekanan tinggi.

Silakan kirim lamaran dilengkapi CV dan contoh tulisan (buat yang ada), paling lambat 12 Januari 2007. Surat lamaran ditujukan ke: Bagian HRD PT REKA GAGAS CIPTA
Email: rekacipta@rekacipta .com

Mereka yang diterima akan ditempatkan di Majalah Pena Pendidikan, Majalah Guru, Majalah Guru PNF, Majalah Setia Kawan, dan Majalah Entrepreneur.

Simak pula sejumlah tips bagaimana melamar ke media di
freejournalist.wordpress.com

Tips menulis di media massa

2007-01-05T19:27:00.000Z

Anda sudah menulis artikel untuk kolom opini di surat kabar namun seringkali di tolak? Atau Anda baru akan memulai untuk mengirimkan artikel ke surat kabar atau majalah ? Tulisan berikut barangkali akan menjembatani beberapa kesulitan sehingga artikel Anda atau analisis Anda bisa sering dimuat.

Beberapa ciri dari harian dan majalah penting untuk diingat sehingga saat memulai menulis sudah terbayangkan siapa pembacanya dan bagaimana skope medianya.

Tips di bawah ini tentu tidaklah lengkap dan bukanlah aksioma yang harus diikuti. Namun tips ini sekedar rambu-rambu yang bisa memberikan sedikit panduan mengenai menulis di media massa.

1. Aktual

Surat kabar atau majalah mingguan memiliki ciri utama aktual. Harian seperti Kompas atau Republika sangat terikat dengan waktu. Harian mencerminkan berita dan informasi setiap hari. Berita hari ini akan menjadi basi pada keesokan harinya. Koran hari ini tidak akan menjadi panduan lagi pada keesokan harinya. Jadi artikel dan opini di dalamnya pun harus dan biasanya aktual dengan kejadian yang sedang muncul. Misalnya, artikel mengenai sistem pencarian pesawat hilang akan sangat bermanfaat sekarang untuk menjelaskan mengapa di abad satelit ini sebuah pesawat AdamAir dengan 100 penumpang lebih telah beberapa hari tidak terlacak. Dengan sendirinya sebuah tulisan yang aktual dan lagi hangat dibicarakan kans untuk dimuat akan semakin besar.

2. Ringkas dan Jelas

Selain aktual, sebuah artikel diharapkan oleh pembacanya ringkas dan jelas. Ringkas artinya pembahasannya mengenai sebuah topik dilakukan secara garis besar, tidak sampai detail. Rincian angka atau teori yang teknis tidak perlu dibahas apalagi kajian mengenai teori yang berbeda-beda. Cukup satu pendekatan dan terangkan. Jelas artinya tulisan itu mencerminkan judul. Tulisan di sebuah harian karena biasanya berlaku hanya 24 jam maka uraiannya perlu sebuah kejelasan. Misalnya, tulisan dengan topik skenario hilangnya AdamAir dijelaskan dengan meminjam perbincangan para pakar mulai skenario karena cuaca buruk, skenario ledakan bom dan skenario human error. Perbincangan mengenai topik akan menarim sepanjang pesawat masih belum ditemukan.

3. Paragraf yang jelas

Sebaiknya sebuah artikel menggunakan sub judul dengan paragraf yang jelas. Paragraf mencerminkan langkah-langkah untuk menjelaskan pendapat, atau argumentasi. Sub judul kecil akan sangat membantu pembaca merangkum dengan cepat. Perlu diingat bahwa artikel di media massa bukan uraian akademis maka dibayangkan pula pembacanya bisa menjangkau semua lapias. Editor rubrik artikel ini sadar akan bayangan mengenai pembacanya ketika menerima sebuah artikel. Tidak hanya paragraf itu menjelaskan pembukaan, batang tubuh tetapi juga kesimpulan.

4. Pikirkan panjang tulisan

Sebuah tulisan di surat kabar biasanya berkisar antara empat sampai lima setengah halaman A4 dengan format dua spasi. Empat halaman sudah dianggap cukup tetapi lebih dari enam halaman dianggap bisa terlalu panjang. Ketentuan ini tentu tidak kaku tergantung kondisi pembahasan artikelnya apakah memang sangat menarik perhatian pembaca.

5. Sertakan CV singkat

Sebuah keterangan mengenai siapa Anda akan sangat banyak membantu editor untuk memutuskan apakah artikel ini ditulis seorang awam atau seorang pakar atau peneliti. Seorang spesialis di bidang teknologi penerbangan akan sangat besar kans nya untuk dimuat jika menguraikan soal teknis mengenai hilangnya pesawat AdamAir di Sulawesi Barat. Atau seorang peneliti di sebuah universitas besar di luar negeri juga akan memberikan bobot tersendiri. Namun editor juga tidak tergantung nama besar Anda tetapi juga kualitas dan kuantitas tulisan. Seorang akademisi yang menulis membosankan tidak akan banyak memberi manfaat apalagi disertakan berbagai teori yang "berat".

6. Gaya tulisan enak dibaca

Gaya tulisan juga akan sangat mempengaruhi keputusan editor artikel. Sebuah tulisan yang diuraikan dengan gaya bahasa yang enak tetapi berbobot mungkin akan dipertimbangkan lebih lama. Untuk menemukan bagaimana gaya menulis Anda tentu dilalui dengan latihan. Meskipun gaya tulisan Anda misalnya masih kaku, asalkan cukup jelas dan ringkas, Artikel anda masih banyak peluangnya.

7 Format yang apik

Tulisan yang berbobot tidak hanya dalam uraian dan sudut pandangnya, tetapi juga dalam cara penyajiannya. Dengan digitalisasi hampir semua surat kabar dan majalah di Indonesia maka menulis dengan komputer merupakan sebuah kemestian. Tantangannya, seringkali error dalam menuliskan istilah atau tanda-tanda baca kerapkali terlewat. Biasakan dengan menulis yang apil sesuai tanda baca dan sesuai bunyi kata. Editor biasanya cepat mengetahui bagaimana tingkat kesungguhan Anda dalam menulis ketika melihat bentuk tulisan dan kesalahan gramatikal atau kesalahan pengetikan kata. Semakin banyak kesalahan menuliskan kata-kata akan semakin cepat disingkirkan dari urutan untuk dimuat.

Tips di atas tentu saja sekali lagi bukan sebuah "pakem" dimuat dan tidaknya sebuah tulisan. Adakalanya karena editor ingin sekali memuat sebuah topik yang lagi hangat dibahas dan sedikit pilihannya maka bisa jadi tulisan Anda pun lolos untuk dimuat meskipun editor harus kerja keras merombak dan mengeditnya.

Peluang di harian Bisnis Indonesia

2007-01-05T08:52:00.000Z

Bagi Anda yang sedang berusaha memasuki karir di media cetak, terbuka peluang di surat kabar Bisnis Indonesia.

Syarat-syarat:
1. S1 eksakta atau ekonomi dari lembaga pendidikan negeri/swasta (peringkat A).
2. IPK minimal 2,75
3. Usia maksimum 27 tahun
4. Menyukai tantangan dan kerja di lapangan mencari berita (liputan).
5. Hobi menulis 6. Menguasai bahasa Inggris baik lisan maupun tulisan
7. Menguasai komputer
8. Bersedia tugas ke luar kota.

Peluang ini akan ditutup tanggal 15 Januari 2007.

Sumber: Karir.com

Peluang bagi wartawan Januari 2007

2007-01-05T08:46:00.000Z

Sebuah perusahaan di Jakarta,TFE Spektrum yang bergerak di dunia periklanan membutuhkan penulis/wartawan.

Sayarat-syarat:

- Pria/Wanita
- S1, jurusan komunikasi
- Pengalaman min. 1 tahun di perusahaan Advertising sebagai Copy Writer
- Mampu berkomunikasi dengan baik - Mampu berbahasa Inggris dengan baik
- Dapat bekerja-sama dengan tim
- Teliti, memiliki komitmen tinggi dan siap bekerja sesuai deadline

Selengkapnya dapat Anda cek di http://karir.com/

Resolusi jurnalis tahun 2007

2007-01-05T00:01:00.000Z

Apa saja yang perlu dipersiapkan bagi seorang jurnalis di tahun 2007 ? Adalah waktu yang tepat pekan ini untuk mengkalkulasikan apa saja yang pernah dicapai dan apa yang belum serta bagaimana meningkatkan kinerja profesionalnya.

Sebagian dari kalangan jurnalis mungkin sudah bekerja satu atau dua tahun sebagian lain mungkin lebih dari 5 tahun dan ada pula lebih dari 10 tahun. Untuk meningkatkan kemampuan secara terus menerus perlu ada persiapan khususnya di akhir tahun ini.

Beberapa tips mungkin bermanfaat bagi mereka yang sudah berkecimpung dalam peliputan, editorial atau memimpin tim kerja di media cetak atau elektronik.

1. Langkah yang baik untuk mencapai pengembangan diri adalah menuliskan minimal 10 hal yang Anda ingin capai dalam karir di bidang jurnalistik. Bagi seorang reporter mungkin ingin mengembangkan diri menjadi wakil editor atau langsung menjadi editor. Bagi editor mungkin berminat naik kedalam peran sebagai wakil redaktur pelaksana atau redaktur pelaksana. Prinsipnya apapun posisi kita seharusnya berkembang terus sesuai dengan kemajuan waktu. Pilih sepuluh hal yang kita akan capai misalnya: menyempurnakan teknik penulisan laporan, mendalami peliputan di lapangan, menggarap pelaporan investigatif, mengembangkan penulisan feature, memulai menulis mengenai analisis berita dsb.

2. Buatlah dari sepuluh hal sasaran itu menjadi program 12 bulan. Rincilah kedalam langkah-langkah setiap bulan, catat dalam rencana tahunan Anda dan kemudian dirinci lebih detil kedalam program mingguan. Jangan sungkan untuk menuliskannya supaya bisa dimodifikasi setiap waktu.

3. Di bidang pengembangan kemampuan, targetkan juga peningkatan kursus atau sekolah. Jika memiliki ijin, ikuti kursus spesialis di bidang bahasa, manajemen media atau teknik-teknik penulisan dan peliputan di lapangan dari wartwan senior. Dalam istilah manajer, jika seorang profesional tidak mendapatkan ilmu baru dalam 6 bulan berarti sudah mundur 6 bulan. Kursus bisa tertulis atau diambil di waktu libur. Yang jelas khususnya waktu untuk menambah spesialisasi, jangan biarkan waktu berlalu hanya di bidang tertent, misalnya liputan di DPR saja atau di Istana saja sampai bertahun-tahun.

4. Perluas jaringan Anda. Sudah menjadi semacam kebiasaan di sebagian kalangan profesional, networking adalah pilar kemajuan dalam karir.Carilah teman di dunia yang sama yakni di televisi, radio, surat kabar atau majalah baik dalam maupun luar negeri. Kalau ada wartawan asing datang ke Indonesia, waktunya untuk membuat perkenalan dan belajar dari langkah-langkah mereka. Berbagai kantor berita asing ada di Jakarta. Dengan sendirinya, kemampuan berbahasan harus senantiasa diasah.

Saya kira banyak hal yang bisa dikembangkan untuk tahun 2007. Banyak peluang di depan mata kita, dan segera raihlah. Jangan takut gagal. Gagal adalah sukses tertunda.

Apa yang membuat Anda ingin jadi wartawan ? (2)

2007-01-04T22:53:00.000Z

Seperti dijelaskan dalam posting terdahulu ada beberapa alasan secara pribadi yang dipandang karir di dunia jurnalistik menjanjikan masa depan seperti karir di profesi lainnya.

2. Alasan untuk terjun ke dunia jurnalistik adalah keinginan untuk keliling Indonesia dan kalau perlu dunia setidaknya di Asia Tenggara. Keinginan berkunjung ke negara lain merupakan salah satu pendorong untuk masuk ke media. Kita tahu bahwa sejumlah jurnalis yang handal dikirim medianya ke luar negeri untuk mengikuti berbagai peristiwa. Berkunjung ke berbagai kota di Indonesi apalagi berkunjung ke negara lain merupakan cita-cita yang besar. Sebagian orang mungkin berkunjung ke negara lain atas biaya sendiri, namun biasanya karena tugas liputan ke luar negeri seorang jurnalis jalan-jalan dengan gratis.

Seorang yang berjalan-jalan di Indonesia tentu wawasannya akan lebih luas dibandingkan mereka yang tinggal di satu kota. Jalan-jalan di muka akan membuat kita lebih bijaksana dalam mengkaji sesuatu dan pada saat yang sama mendapatkan informasi dan pengetahuan luas mengenai adat istiadat berbagai suku bangsa di satu negara. Di sisi lain, tugas liputan antar kota juga memberikan perspektif mengenai pembaca atau audiens.

Dapat dibayangkan kalau terjun ke dunia jurnalistik maka kesempatan keliling dunia pun terbuka. Saya dapat mengetahui berbagai adat istiadat di berbagai negara, saya dapat belajar bahasa asing dan juga berkenalan dengan berbagai kalangan di luar negeri. Ini kesempatan yang tidak akan banyak didapat dari jenis karir lainnya. Intensitas untuk kunjungan ke luar negeri pun akan tinggi sejalan dengan semakin baiknya kualitas liputan.

Setelah berkarir cukup lama baik Kompas maupun di BBC, maka jelas semua bayangan ketika akan masuk ke dunia jurnalistik ini sebagian sudah terwujud. Berbagai negara telah dikunjungi dan berbagai kota juga pernah disinggahi. Pengenalan terhadap berbagai bangsa bisa memberikan perspektif baru mengenai apa yang disebut Indonesia di mata internasional. Begitu kita keluar Indonesia kita segera dapat membandingkan seberapa majunya Indonesia dibandingkan negara tetangganya. Kita juga bisa sedikit tahu mengapa mata uang rupiah tidak laku di dunia, mengapa Indonesia tertinggal dibandingkan tetangganya dan bagaimana pula kira-kira kelemahan Indonesia yang harus diobati setidaknya melalui laporan jurnalistik.

3. Alasan ketiga masuk kedalam media antara lain keinginan bertemu dengan berbagai kalangan dalam masyarakat. Seorang wartawan akan bertemu dengan strata sosial paling rendah seperti pemulung atau pengemis dan di titik ekstrim lain akan bertemu dengan raja-raja, presiden atau perdana menteri. Sebuah anugrah bisa bertemu dengan seorang pengamen, pedagang asongan atau pemulung namun bisa menyampaika aspirasi mereka kedalam media. Saat yang sama kita bisa bertemu kalangan terkemuka di dalam masyarakat seperti pejabat tinggi, intelektual dan kalangan profesional lainnya untuk menjadi medium menyampaikan gagasan mereka.

Pertemuan dengan berbagai kalangan akan membuka wawasan lebih luas. Saya teringkat kemudian ketika mendapatkan kesempatan wawancara dengan sejumlah pakar di Indonesia mulai dari Juwono Sudarsono, Lie Tek Tjeng, Alfian, Nurcholis Majid, Frans Magnis Susoeno, Arbi Sanit, Ali Alatas sampai dengan Hasan Wirajuda dalam berbagai kesempatan. Saya merasakan terjadi lompatan besar dalam informasi dan pengetahuan yang diberikan oleh kalangan intelektual ini. Lompatan keilmuan ini sangatlah berharga dalam penulisan di belakang hari.

Dalam liputan juga bisa mendengarkan bagaimana Raja Norodom Sihanouk berbicara, bagaiman Sheikh Zayed dari Emirat Arab dan bagaimana pula Menteri Luar Negeri Amerika James Baker bahkan bagaimana bisa mendengarkan langsung Presiden Uni Soviet waktu itu Mikhail Gorbachev dalam liputan di Madrid, Spanyol. Atau ketika wawancara Mantan Deputi PM Malaysia Anwar Ibrahim serta pejuang demokrasi Aung San Suu Kyi memberikan perspektif baru tentang kehidupan mereka.

Pertemuan dengan tokoh Indonesia dan Dunia memberikan kesempatan untuk bertukar pandangan dan menyerap karakter mereka yang kuat. Inilah salah satu motivasi mengapa bergerak di dunia jurnalistik akan memperkaya wawasan dan sekaligus berkesempatan duduk bersama dengan penguasa dunia dan juga dengan anggota masyarakat biasa. (to be continued)

Apa yang membuat Anda ingin jadi wartawan ?

2007-01-04T22:52:00.000Z

Pertanyaan ini mungkin lebih penting dari persoalan teknis yang dibahas dalam blog mengenai liputan. Wartawan adalah pekerjaan yang aneh.Ketika saya memasuki karir sebagai wartawan secara sadar melalui Kompas tahun 1988, potret karir ini tidaklah cemerlang. Suasana saat itu masih diliputi represi dan tekanan serta sensor.

Mungkin pandangan subyektif akan lebih bermakna kalau alasan ini dikemukakan dengan teori-teori tentang jurnalistik. Alasan ini akan diringkaskan dalam beberapa poin untuk nanti dielaborasi.

1.Pertama, barangkali pribadi saya terbawa oleh orang tua sebagai guru di sekolah menengah. Apalagi ibu yang guru bahasa Indonesia memiliki pengaruh besar.Bahasa Indonesia ternyata di kemudian hari sangat penting dalam karir di dunia jurnalistik. Salah satu kalimat yang sangat mempengaruhi saya adalah tulisan Bung Karno dalam buku di Bawah Bendera Revolusi bahwa kalau guru adalah memberikan pendidikan kepada satu kelas, maka wartawan adalah guru yang memberikan pendidikan kepada masyarakat, kepada bangsa. Kalimat Bung Karno ini sungguh indah dan memberikan pandangan kuat terhadap liputan di lapangan.Ya seorang jurnalis tidak lain adalah guru bagi masyarakatnya, guru di ruang terbuka bukan di kelas yang tertutup.Wartawan adalah kalangan intelektual yang memberikan wawasan dan pencerahan kepada masyarakat dengan menemukan berbagai masalah di lapangan.

Dia bekerja tidak hanya sekedar membuat berita atau ulasan. Dia bekerja karena sadar sebagai guru yang semestinya memberikan arah kepada kehidupan bangsanya. Kalau hanya sekedar kuli disket atau kuli tinta, maka pekerjaan wartawan adalah membosankan dan melelahkan. Namun terbukti pandangan yang lebih mendalam sebagai bagian dari kalangan intelektual yang terbukti di di seluruh dunia akan memberikan tekanan dan penghargaan atas profesi ini.

to be continued

Tips persiapan tes untuk wartawan

2007-01-04T22:50:00.000Z

Salah satu hambatan untuk memasuki dunia jurnalistik meskipun memiliki kemampuan dan minat adalah gagal dalam tes. Ujian saringan seringkali lebih sulit daripada pekerjaan jurnalistiknya sendiri. Sebabnya, tes saringan untuk sebuah bidang kerja memiliki aturan sendiri. Mereka yang tersaring belum tentu yang terbaik. Sama halnya dengan mereka yang tersingkir dalam saringan bukan berarti mereka buruk kualifikasinya.

Namun jelas mereka yang mempersiapkan diri lebih baik akan mendapatkan hasil lebih optimis. Ada beberapa hal dalam tes kerja yang perlu diperhatikan.

1. Psikotes. Pintu masuk ke sebuah profesi tergantung dari para psikolog. Merekalah yang menentukan seseorang memiliki potensi berkembang atau tidak akan berkembang. Indikatornya dilihat dari ujian psikotes berupa uji intelegensia, emosi, kepribadian, kreatifitas dan berbagai aspek yang secara ilmiah hanya bisa diterima terutama oleh mereka dari bidang psikologi. Tentu saja Anda yang akan mengikuti ujian harus mengikuti alam pikiran psikolog mengenai seseorang yang akan menyumbang karya yang baik ke sebuah lembaga. Mempelajari cara-cara menjawab tugas psikotes merupakan langkah awal. Jangan lupa mencari berbagai tes psikologi di toko buku dan pelajarilah. Inilah salah satu persiapannya.

Lebih baik lagi kalau Anda bertanya kepada rekan atau ahli psikologi mengenai bagaimana sebaiknya menjawab pertanyaan. Bagaimana sebaiknya menjawab dan bagaiman jawabannya yang memuaskan psikolog adalah lebih penting daripada yang Anda sukai dalam tes pertanyaan. Seringkali kita terjebak mengikuti kata hati, bukan alam pikiran psikolog mengenai indikator bagaimana sifat seorang pekerja yang akan direkomendasikan untuk diwawancara dalam tahap berikutnya.

Meskipun demikian tentu saja tidak semua tes diawali dengan ujian kepribadian. Ada pula yang langsung saja kepada bidang profesinya. Namun tidak ada salahnya mempelajari beberapa bentuk pertanyaan psikotes. Diantara yang penting adalah permintaan Anda menggambar. Yang baik kata seorang psikolog adalah menggambar seorang manusia yang tampil dinamis seperti sedang bekerja atau beraktivitas. Jangan sekali-kali menggambar manusia atau benda apapun yang terlihat statis. Tafsir psikolog, mungkin benar atau tidak, Anda tergolong seorang yang statis, tidak kreatif dan tidak dinamis.

2. Tes bahasa. Bahasa Inggris biasanya disodorkan sebagai salah satu uji coba bagi Anda. Janganlah takut terlebih dahulu. Dan biasanya banyak orang yang sebal dengan ujian bahasa karena pengalaman buruk ketika sekolah. Sebaiknya sikap ini diubah. Sikap mengesampingkan bahasa yang baik adalah bagian sikap tidak profesional. Sikap mengabaikan bahasa terutama Inggris tentu merupakan pelarian yang tidak akan memberikan prospek kepada karir di bidang jurnalistik. Bukankah sebagian besar komunikasi di dunia ini dengan bahasa Inggris. Kuasailah ! Setidaknya secara pasif.

Tes tertulis bisa dicoba dengan berbagai bahan. Tes wawancara bisa dicoba dengan teman atau mengikuti percobaan di sebuah tempat kurus. Apapun bentuknya, tes bahasa adalah bagian penting.

3. Tes profesi. Bidang profesi Anda juga akan diuji apakah di bidang radio, surat kabar atau televisi. Jika Anda memasuki dunia radio, maka suara akan dites dengan membaca berita. Salah satu teknik persiapannya adalah rekamlah suara Anda ketika membaca berita. Ambillah dari televisi atau radio script berita kemudian bacalah seperti halnya penyiar yang Anda dengar.

Jika anda mau memasuki RRI atau VOA maka radio bersangkutan perlu di dengar dengan seksama, gaya pembicaraanya dan beberapa kebiasaan di dalamnya. Dengar lalu praktekan. Inilah bentuk persiapan yang tidak begitu sulit. Diperlukan sedikit kesabaran dengan kemampuan suara kita. Warna suara Anda mungkin khas jadi janganlah dihilangkan begitu saja.

4. Tes wawancara. Inilah bagian paling sulit. Banyak yang gagal gara-gara tidak lancar dalam menjawab atau kebablasan sehingga tidak mengundang simpatif pewawancara. Banyak tips dan teknik wawancara yang bisa dipelajari. Namun intinya, ketika wawancara Anda harus menunjukkan kemampuan menjual kemampuan dan layak diterima lembaga yang dituju karena memang tenaga Anda luar bisa bagusnya. Semangat menjawab dan semangat berdiskusi merupakan kiat penting untuk memberi kesan kesungguhan selain tentu pengetahuan mengenai lembaga yang dituju.

Jika Anda harus melakukan wawancara dalam bahasa Inggris, salah satu caranya adalah berlatih dengan teman atau rekan profesional. Buatlah latihan tanya jawab dengan kemungkinan pertanyaan yang akan diajukan misalnya, mengapa Anda berminat bergabung dengan kami ? Apa yang Anda bisa sumbangkan ? Berapa gaji yang Anda inginkan ? Berlatihlah, jangan sampai Anda membuat jawaban secara spontan tanpa persiapan. Kecuali Anda memang sering melakukan wawancara atau diwawancara, kemampuan ini perlu dipersiapkan dengan baik. Kesan pertama Anda dalam wawancara akan lebih menentukan ketimbang angka dalam ujian tertulis.

5. Tes kesehatan. Sebagai pamungkas tentu saja Anda akan diminta laporan kesehatan menyeluruh. Dimanapun sebuah lembaga tidak ingin merekrut orang sakit. Jadi jagalah kesehatan Anda.

Sekolah jurnalistik di Internet mulai Januari 2007

2007-01-04T22:48:00.000Z

Sebuah program oleh Matranet, Brainmatics, Pena Indonesia dengan dukungan Unesco menyelenggarakan Sekolah Jurnalistik Lewat Ruang Maya. Inilah kesempatan bagi Anda yang akan terjun ke dunia media baik cetak maupun elektronik. Anda yang memiliki cita-cita menjadi presenter di televisi bisa mendapatkan banyak manfaat mengikuti sebuah kursus ini.

Proses belajar akan dimulai bulan Januari 2007. Untuk menjadi siswa, silahkan daftar melalui .
Pendaftaran ditutup tanggal 15 Januari 2007. Persyaratan bagi calon siswa adalah :

* Bersedia mengikuti program ini hingga selesai
* Terbiasa menggunakan internet
* Bersedia mengakses internet setidaknya sehari satu jam
* Mampu membaca bahan-bahan berbahasa Inggris
* Memiliki kamera digital
* Tinggal di luar Jakarta

Segera daftarkan diri Anda ! Ingat batas waktu pendaftaran 15 Januari 2007.

Karakteristik Berita

2007-01-03T20:42:00.000Z

Oleh Asep Setiawan

Pendahuluan

Dunia jurnalistik mendapatkan momentum baru pada era reformasi di Indonesia saat ini. Ketika Orde Baru berkuasa, banyak fakta disembunyikan sehingga pers yang berperan sebagai penyambung lidah masyarakat tidak mendapatkan informasi yang akurat, benar dan lengkap. Kehidupan pers banyak dipengaruhi oleh kekuasaan pemerintah sehingga berkali-kali terjadi pembredelan koran atau majalah.

Pada saat era reformasi bergulir, peranan pers menjadi penting. Dunia jurnalistik hidup kembali. Demikian pula praktisi jurnalistik baik wartawan maupun unsur pendukungnya menghirup udara segar. Isyarat hidupnya kembali dunia kuli tinta (sekarang disebut kuli disket) ini terlihat dari banyaknya penerbitan yang muncul. Majalah, tabloid dan surat kabar baik harian maupun mingguan tumbuh bagaikan jamur.

Pada umumnya di bidang penerbitan surat kabar misalnya, terdapat empat bagian penting yakni bagian editorial, sirkulasi, periklanan dan percetakan. Kebutuhan akan barang dan jasa pendukung kehidupan jurnalistik ini menyebabkan bidang ini beralih menjadi sebuah industri. Hal itu disebabkan bidang persuratkabaran, televisi maupun radio membutuhkan berbagai peralatan yang mahal harganya dan juga kertas maupun mesin percetakan yang saat ini sudah sampai pada teknologi cetak jarak jauh.

Tulisan singkat ini akan menyinggung salah satu bagian penting dari dunia pers yakni seksi editorial yang tugasnya memproduksi dan menghasilan berita, features, analisa dan opini. Bagian pertama ini akan membahas karakteristik umum sebuah berita.

Definisi News

News (berita) mengandung kata new yang berarti baru. Secara singkat sebuah berita adalah sesuatu yang baru yang diketengahkan bagi khalayak pembaca atau pendengar. Dengan kata lain, news adalah apa yang surat kabar atau majalah cetak atau apa yang para penyiar beberkan.
Menurut Brian S Brook dkk (1985), berita terdiri dari unsur fakta. Namun tidak setiap fakta adalah berita. Berita biasanya menyangkut manusia tetapi tidak setiap orang bernilai berita. Berita, demikian Brian S Brook, adalah tentang apa yang terjadi di dunia namun hanya serpihan kecil fakta yang dilaporkan.

Kriteria Tradisional News

Berbagai pendapat dilontarkan untuk mengidentifikasi apa yang disebut berita. Sedikitnya ada tujuh poin kriteria yang disebut berita:

1. Audience.
Seperti halnya kepingan salju, tidak ada dua pendengar/pembaca yang benar-benar sama. Oleh karena itu sebuah berita mungkin lebih berarti bagi seseorang daripada yang lainnya. Oleh karena itu perlu dipikirkan ketika menulis siapa yang akan membaca atau mendengar apa yang kita tulis. Di sini seyogyanya penulis mempertimbangkan aspek kultural, sosial dan ekonomi sebuah masyarakat pembaca.

2. Impact
Seberapa banyak orang yang terpengaruh berita dan seberapa serius mereka terpengaruh akan menentukan pentingnya berita. Oleh sebab itulah akibat dari berita itulah yang mungkin bermanfaat.

3. Proximity
Biasanya sesuatu kejadian bisa menjadi berita lebih besar jika terjadi di seputar Anda daripada peristiwa yang jaraknya lebih dari 1000 km dari Anda sendiri.

4. Timeliness
Berita hari ini akan basi pada esok hari.Namun karena cepatnya pelaporan berita maka surat kabar dan majalah lebih mengkonsentrasikan mengenai berita bagaimana dan mengapa sesuatu terjadi dan kurang memberi tempat kepada apa yang telah terjadi.

5. Prominence
Nama tidak selalu mebuat berita. Pertunjukkan rodeo dan lomba memotong batang kayu mungkin kurang menarik perhatian orang. Namun jika Ronald Reagan melakukannya maka itu menjadi berita. Ia masih berusia 70 tahun dan menjadi presiden AS.

6. Unusualness
Hal tidak biasa membuat berita. Pada abad ke-19 ada ungkapan "anjing menggigit manusia bukan berita tetapi manusia menggigit anjing, itulah berita. Saat ini resep lama tersebut masih bertuah.

7. Conflict
Sebagian besar wartawan menghabiskan banyak waktu untuk meliput konflik apakah itu perang, pertarungan politisi, kejahatan atau olahraga. Konflik membuat berita menjadi menarik dan keingintahuan orang akan akhir cerita mendorong orang membaca atau mendengar berita.

Penutup
Dari paparan singkat tentang karakteristik yang membuat news itu maka nilai sebuah berita yang layak dibaca atau diketahui pembaca atau pendengar tergantung dari faktor-faktor tersebut. Untuk menentukan mana berita yang akan menjadi berita utama atau berita biasa tergantung pertimbangan aspek tersebut.

Daftar Pustaka

Brooks, S. Brian et.al, News Reporting and Writing. New York. St Martin's Press,
1985.

Hester, Albert L dan Wai Jan J To, Pedoman untuk Wartawan. Jakarta: Yayasan
Obor Indonesia, 1997

Graber, Doris A, Processing the News: How People Tame the Information Tide.
New York: Longman, 1988.

Djurnalistik dalam Praktek: Bagian I, Berita. Jakarta: Jajasan Kantor Berita
Nasional Antara, 1959.

Metzler, Ken, Newsgathering. Englewood Cliffs, N.J.: Prentice-Hall, 1986.

Welcome to Journalist's Adventure

2007-01-02T17:16:00.000Z

Welcome to Journalist's Adventure. This webpage is mirror of www.freejournalist.wordpress.com.

I hope this site will be useful particularly for newcomer who wish to involve in journalist career and junior journalist.

New other Indonesian language sites is www.journalist-adventure.com.

Enjoy

Anda bisa melihat situs ini juga di www.journalist-adventure.com dan www.freejournalist.wordpress.com.