Lebih Jauh Dengan WAN AZIZAH WAN ISMAIL

PENGANTAR REDAKSI

    NAMA Wan Azizah Wan Ismail semakin berkibar di era reformasi Malaysia, tatkala Minggu 4 April 1999  ia dikukuhkan sebagai Presiden Partai Keadilan Nasional. Mungkin dialah perempuan pertama yang memimpin sebuah partai politik di Malaysia. Tampilnya Wan Azizah mirip dengan tampilnya Corazon Aquino di Filipina dan Aung San Suu Kyi di Myanmar. Ia memang mengaku banyak belajar dari Cory dan Suu Kyi.

    Suami Wan Azizah, mantan Deputi PM Malaysia Anwar Ibrahim (52), tanggal 14 April 1999 akan divonis maksimal 14 tahun penjara, jika terbukti bersalah atas empat tuduhan korupsi. Pengadilan Anwar berlangsung lebih dari lima bulan. Setiap hari Wan Azizah mendampingi  suaminya di pengadilan disertai Nurul Izzah, sang putri sulung yang diakuinya sebagai teman seperjuangan.

    Wan Azizah lahir 3 Desember 1952 di Rumah Sakit Kandang Kerbau, Singapura. Tokoh yang biasa dipanggil Datin ini menempuh pendidikan Sekolah Covenant Alor Star dari kelas satu sampai lima. Tahun 1970-1971 masuk College Tunku Kursiah Seremban. Belajar di Universiti Malaya dijalaninya selama tiga bulan, sebelum kemudian pindah ke Royal College of Surgeons, Dublin (Irlandia) dari tahun 1972-1978, dan lulus sebagai dokter spesialis mata. Selesai studi ia bekerja di Rumah Sakit

Besar Kuala Lumpur, lalu ke Rumah Sakit Universitas, Petaling Jaya sampai tahun 1993.

    Ia membangun rumah tangga bersama Anwar tahun 1980 sebelum menjadi seorang tokoh di Organisasi Nasional Melayu Bersatu (UMNO). Wan Azizah mengakui, pernikahannya dengan Anwar Ibrahim adalah pernikahan dengan pejuang. Oleh sebab itu, sekarang ia akan melanjutkan perjuangan suaminya menegakkan keadilan di Malaysia.

    Pasangan Anwar Wan Azizah dikaruniai lima perempuan dan seorang laki-laki. Mereka itu Nurul Izzah (18), Nurul Nuha (16), Muhammad Ihsan (13), Nurul Imam (11), Nurul Hana (10), dan Nurul Ilham (7).

    Keberanian Wan Azizah makin nyata setelah ia dengan lantang menantang PM Mahathir Mohamad-yang pekan lalu dirawat di rumah sakit jantung-untuk bertanding dalam pemilu mendatang di Kubang Pasu, Kedah. Namun Mahathir yang telah berkuasa selama 18 tahun membalas dengan mengatakan tak mungkin dikalahkan Wan Azizah.

    Menariknya sosok Wan Azizah, membuat pengamat politik Moh Sayuti Omar menulis biografinya berjudul Cinta dan Perjuangan: Nonaku Azizah (1999).

    MENGAPA keadilan menjadi tema utama perjuangan reformasi?

    Sebab kita menyaksikan dengan nyata, keadilan telah dilanggar dengan apa yang berlaku bukan saja kepada suami saya. Tetapi mungkin kasusnya sekarang adalah benar terhadap peristiwa dan tragedi yang menimpa Pak Anwar. Selain itu, kalau kita ungkapkan sejarah terjadinya ISA (Internal Security Act - UU Keamanan Dalam Negeri) atau penangkapan di bawah ISA, itu menjadi satu alat pemerintah untuk menutup suara-suara yang menentang, dan sekarang selalu digunakan secara sewenang-wenang. Siapa saja boleh ditahan di bawah ISA.

    Ini menyebabkan orang-orang yang menyokong reformasi ini menuntut sebuah partai keadilan, di mana tujuan utamanya untuk mencapai keadilan, Insya Allah sebaik mungkin, dalam sistem pemerintahan. Bukan saja keadilan versi sistem perundangan, tetapi juga keadilan pembagian kekayaan, keadilan dari segi bagaimana kekuasaan dilaksanakan, seperti sistem kepolisian dan melalui keadilan di bidang media massa, di mana keadilan itu diberikan dalam liputan kepada siapa saja asal tidak mengganggu ketenteraman dan menghasut.

    Pihak berkuasa mengatakan keadilan sudah terwujud di Malaysia, bagaimana pendapat Datin?

    Kalau sudah terwujud, tidak akan timbul reaksi dari massa, dari segenap lapisan mayarakat, dari segenap kaum dan bangsa. Jadi kalau dikatakan sudah terwujud, kita terang-terang melihat dalam sistem yang ada sekarang-yang dikatakan keadilan terwujud-kenapa Pak Anwar dilakukan begitu, kenapa Lim Guan Eng (tokoh Partai Aksi Demokrasi/DAP yang ditahan dengan tuduhan menghasut) diperlakukan begitu, kenapa Irene Fernandez (aktivis perempuan diajukan ke pengadilan dituduh  memfitnah pemerintah) diperlakukan begitu? Apakah kesalahannya? Undang-undang sepatutnya melindungi hak seorang individu, hak seorang warga negara. Kalau itu dilanggar, mestilah kita bangkit membawa kepada perubahan dan reformasi!

    Bagaimana perjuangan reformasi itu kemudian sampai kepada sebuah pembentukan partai?

    Sebab itu merupakan suatu wadah. Mulanya keadilan itu dituntut rekan-rekan kami yang tidak berpartai, yang tidak ingin memasuki secara langsung sistem politik, tetapi lama kelamaan apa yang kita utarakan secara individu, secara kelompok dan para pendukung reformasi ini, dicoba dibentuk dalam NGO (lembaga swadaya masyarakat/ LSM) yang dinamakan Adil, tetapi tidak diberi ruang leluasa. Kami pun tidak punya tempat dalam partai politik. Jadi dipikirkan perlu suatu wadah politik untuk keperluan itu dan didirikanlah sebuah partai politik.

    Siapa sebenarnya yang mendukung PKN?

    Kebanyakan pendukung reformasi dari semua pihak. Dia mungkin tidak menjadi anggota partai, tetapi semangatnya menyokong keadilan. Kita tidak mau mencuri atau mengambil anggota partai lain, tetapi partai ini mengutamakan untuk kalangan yang tidak berpartai yang ingin berpartai dan juga mengajak untuk bersama-sama menyumbang tenaga menegakkan keadilan.

    Salah satu tantangan PKN, yakni apa mungkin membentuk koalisi?

    Itu dikatakan membentuk kerja sama dengan partai-partai oposisi. Itu yang paling optimal, paling ideal.

    Kira-kira kerja sama dan koalisi itu ada bedanya?

    Ya, sebab kadang-kadang koalisi itu adalah suatu perjanjian yang jelas. Tetapi kalau kerja sama dengan partai, kemungkinan kita lihat apa kehendak penyokong, itu dipertimbangkan, tetapi kerja samanya untuk sama-sama membawa Malaysia ini maju ke tahap yang lebih baik lagi.

    Selama ini UMNO mengklaim memperjuangkan kepentingan Melayu, sedangkan PKN partai multirasial?

    Kita masih memperjuangkan kepentingan Melayu dan kepentingan warga negara Malaysia. Mayoritas penduduk Malaysia orang Melayu, jadi partai ini memperjuangkan juga dalam sistem demokrasinya masyarakat yang terbanyak. Kita tidak mau lagu yang mengatakan kita sama-sama politik perkauman, tetapi ingin memecah belah. Kita ingin menyatu, tetapi bukan hilang identitas kita, Cina, Melayu, dan India. Itu suatu hikmah Allah yang membuat dunia ini bermacam-macam bangsa.

    Sekarang Datin telah ditunjuk sebagai presiden partai. Bagaimana perasaan Datin, apakah kehendak sendiri atau tuntutan?

    Ini tuntutan. Sebab saya pun seorang wanita, ibu, istri, dan dulu seorang dokter, dokter mata. Saya sudah puas dengan pembawaan begitu, tetapi timbul masalah ini dan timbul amanah yang diberikan oleh suami saya untuk memikul tanggung jawab. Sekarang penyokong reformasi mengadakan kesepakatan menerima saya. Saya membawa mereka bersatu, Insya Allah, bekerja sama dan memusatkan kekuatan perjuangan kita.

    Sebagai wanita yang mungkin memimpin partai politik pertama kali, bagaimana melihat situasi seperti ini? Apakah wanita perlu aktif dalam politik?

    Tidak. Bukan perlu aktif, tetapi ada peranan masing-masing. Peranan dalam hidup ini, wanita dan laki-laki itu kita terima hakikatnya. Saya menerima suami saya sebagai pejuang, tetapi pada saat sama sekarang ini saya harus membawa partai, dalam sifat keibuan sebagai seorang ibu yang memelihara anak-anak. Itu saya kira sifat yang baik untuk membentuk pengaruh atau opini. Sokongan kita padukan jadi keluarga terbesar.

    Setelah menjadi ketua partai, apa visi dan cita-cita Datin tentang Malaysia?

    Cita-cita saya melihat Malaysia naik citranya. Kembalikan citra sistem perundangan yang sekarang ini. Bukan saja Pak Anwar yang dibicarakan, tetapi sistem perundangan itu sendiri diperhatikan oleh seluruh dunia. Jadi citra sekarang mesti dipulihkan.

    Satu lagi citra berbilang kaum. Malaysia bisa hidup harmonis. Reformasi ini tidaklah untuk mencetuskan perselisihan antarkaum. Reformasi ini membawa kebaikan untuk semua kaum. Itu visi saya dan akan diutarakan kepada masyarakat.

    Dan bagaimana pula sistem polisi di negara ini agar menjadikan diri mereka bersahabat dengan masyarakat umum. Sekarang ini kita rasa kalau berbicara, perlu tengok belakang. Berbicara mesti dijaga, nanti apa yang akan terjadi, polisi datang malam-malam. Ada iklim ketakutan, perasaan ketakutan. Dan juga media massa dibuat menjadi netral, yang mengutarakan dengan bijaksana, tidak menjadi propaganda siapa pun.

    Kira-kira kalau pemilu segera dilaksanakan apa target partai?

    Kita mesti serahkan kepada pemilih. Itu memang kekuasaan pemilih. Kita hanya membujuk, memohon memilih kami, kekuasaan di tangan pemilih. (Ketika wawancara dilakukan, Wan Azizah mengaku sudah memiliki 7.000 anggota PKN).

    Jadi kalau ada pemilu bulan depan, misalnya, sudah siap?

    Insya Allah.

    SAAT wawancara berlangsung di rumah Anwar Ibrahim, No 8 Jalan Setiamurni 1 di Bukit Damansara, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, hari Kamis (8/4/1999), Wan Azizah mengenakan baju biru dengan baju motif bunga juga warna biru. Rumahnya tampak sepi dan kini tidak lagi dijaga polisi. Terlihat beberapa kerabatnya dan pengunjung datang ke rumahnya.

    Datin selama ini dikenal istri Datuk Anwar Ibrahim yang tidak banyak berbicara dalam masalah politik. Tiba-tiba muncul dan vokal berbicara. Apa sebenarnya yang terjadi dalam diri Datin?

    Saya kira dulu tidak merasa vokal, karena cukup saja Bapak Anwar. Sebab itu saya menjaga anak. Tetapi keadaan ini memaksa, memaksa saya untuk membawa kebaikan, kenapa tidak? Kita kan hidup ini sementara, membawa kebaikan... (telepon genggam Datin berbunyi, lalu ia bercakap-cakap sebentar.)

    Jadi bagaimana tentang perubahan diri Datin itu?

    Saya kira, saya tidak berubah. Dulunya saya tidak vokal, saya hanya tak perlu bersuara. Pak Anwar sendiri memadai untuk bersuara, karena peranannya sebagai seorang politisi. Saya berperanan sebagai seorang ibu dan istri dan dulu seorang dokter. Tetapi sekarang ini keadaannya, seperti dikatakan sejumlah ulama, kita da'i di muka bumi Tuhan, menyeru kepada kebaikan, itu saja.

    Bagaimana tanggapan Datuk Anwar ketika Datin ditunjuk sebagai presiden partai?

    Saya mendapatkan izin suami dan teman-teman. Peranan saya sebagai seorang ibu, menjaga anak-anak, membawa sifat keibuan, perhatian, itu yang menyebabkan teman-teman bilang lebih baik memberi saya di tempat itu, untuk membawa partai ini ke hadapan masyarakat.

    Dengan kata lain Datuk Anwar memberi izin Datin menjadi presiden partai?

    Ya.

    Lalu apakah Datin pernah membayangkan jadi ketua partai yang sibuk?

   Sebelum jadi ketua partai pun saya sudah sibuk, sekarang mungkin lebih sibuk lagi. Kalaulah Pak Anwar ditakdirkan didapat tidak bersalah, Insya Allah, datang kembali, saya akan dapat pertolongan, sebab Pak Anwar akan dijadikan semacam penasihat. Tetapi andaikata dia tidak ada, saya terpaksa memikulnya seorang diri. Saya akan buat sebaik mungkin untuk memastikan membawa Malaysia ini-yang tercinta-penuh rasa hikmah dan bertanggung jawab untuk masa depan anak-anak dan generasi akan datang. Insya Allah, saya akan bekerja sekeras mungkin.

    Ada yang mengatakan Datin bukan politisi, sehingga tidak berpengalaman. Tetapi ketika saya bertanya kepada Mohamad Ezam Mohamad Noor (mantan sekretaris politik Anwar), Datin memang simbol  gerakan reformasi. Bagaimana pendapat Datin?

    Saya istri seorang politikus! Saya melihat, tetapi saya tidak campur tangan, tidak memasuki langsung, tidak punya ilmu itu. Saya hanya sebagai pengamat. Banyak para pengamat menulis analisa berhalaman-halaman. Walaupun tidak ada pengalaman, tetapi kalau seseorang itu memberikan satu pandangan yang fresh, yang baru dari sudut yang lain, kemungkinan itu adalah suatu kekuatan, Insya Allah, kita akan membawa kepada pembaruan. Kalaulah dikatakan politik itu memberikan gambaran, mungkin, makna yang lebih bermakna.

    Apakah Datin siap menghadapi tantangan dan kritikan sebagai presiden partai?

    Apa pun orang akan kritik, Nabi Muhammad pun tidak mendapat 100 persen dukungan, walaupun sebaik mana perjuangannya itu. Hidup ini perjuangan. Dan Insya Allah, kita mesti mengambil risiko. Kita hanya merancang, yang memberikannya Allah SWT.

    NAMA Azizah berasal dari bahasa Arab, aziz, yang berarti "berani". Tak heran jika Wan Azizah memang terkesan makin berani dan kritis menyampaikan gagasan pembaruannya. Meskipun demikian, ia tetap seorang ibu dari enam anak yang ditinggal ayahnya karena sedang diadili. Ia merasa tetap harus bertanggung jawab membesarkan mereka.

    Bagaimana respons anak-anak kepada Datin?

    Anak-anak kehilangan ibu, macam itu. Tetapi ada saudara-saudara, teman-teman yang datang menolong. Saya mencoba dengan segala upaya untuk tidak mengabaikan tugas saya sebagai seorang ibu. Sebab saya ibu enam orang anak yang sekarang ini tanggung jawab saya. Insya Allah memberikan kesempatan dunia dan akhirat, sebaik mungkin dapat menjalani hidup ini, iman dan takwa itu penting, dan juga duniawi dengan pendikan yang baik.

    Ya, anak-anak melihat pekerjaan saya, memahami saya. Mama mau pergi kemana lagi? Mama akan pergi untuk mencoba membebaskan papa? Oke-lah Ma. Itu kata anak saya yang kecil (Nurul Ilham, yang baru berusia tujuh tahun -Red). Tadi malam ia demam dan minta saya memegang dahinya. Ke mana Mama hendak pergi? Saya pergi, sebab kemarin setelah sembahyang Maghrib ada program. Dia paham. Dia mengangguk. OK mama, baik mama.

    Setelah Datuk Anwar tidak ada di rumah, siapa yang memikul biaya keluarga ini?

    Saya ada sedikit punya uang pensiun dari bekerja dulu dan teman-teman telah memberi sumbangan dalam bentuk makanan dan sedikit pembiayaan.

    Ketika Datin pergi, Nurul Izzah sering ikut. Bagaimana pendapat Datin tentang Nurul ini?

    Nurul Izzah memang merasa kasihan, karena saya bekerja keras. Dia mencoba memberikan sokongan, moral pribadi. Teman perbincangan di kala sunyi sendirian. Itu kekuatan Nurul Izzah. Ia macam teman seperjuangan, ketika bapaknya tidak ada. Tetapi Nurul Izzah pun anak saya, perlu pendidikan sebab ia masih muda. Insya Allah, sesudah enam bulan cuti (sebagai Mahasiswa Teknik Universitas Petronas)-yang diberikan universitas-ia akan kembali melanjutkan pendidikannya.

    Setelah sekian bulan Datin di rumah, Datuk Anwar tidak ada di rumah. Barangkali ada masa-masa sendirian, bagaimana perasaan Datin?

    Perasaan pilu itu ada, perasan sunyi, tetapi ini adalah hidup. Hidup dengan cobaan dari Allah SWT, tekad kita, takwa kita, dan iman kita. Saya teringat apa yang Allah SWT katakan, takakanlah kamu diberi ganjaran tanpa diuji. Itu memberikan saya kekuatan, sejauh mana saya dapat memegang prinsip lillahi ta'ala, amar ma'ruf nahi munkar (karena Allah, mengarah pada kebaikan dan melarang keburukan). Saya coba, dan saya ingat, Insya Allah ganjaran itu akan saya terima. Kalaupun tidak di dunia, di akhirat. Sebab itu saya bertekad dan memberi saya kekuatan, yang sebelum ini saya sendiri tidak merasa mempunyainya.

    Datin sering dinilai sebagai Cory dari Malaysia. Bagaimana melihat ini?

    Saya mengambil pelajaran dari mantan Presiden Cory. Saya menelponnya. Saya memohon nasihat, sebab saya baru. Dia sudah melaluinya dan dia telah membuktikan memegang jabatan tertinggi  di Filipina, sebab itu saya mengambil kekuatan yang timbul dari mantan Presiden Cory dan dengan Aung San Suu Kyi yang saya rasa mengalami kepedihan, terutama setelah tidak dapat melihat suaminya meninggal. Itu memang saya coba. Walaupun ada contoh-contoh ini, tetapi saya rasa situasinya berbeda sedikit dengan Malaysia. Saya berusaha membuat sebaik mungkin dengan nasihat teman-teman.

    Apa yang dapat dipelajari dari Cory dan Suu Kyi?

    Ketahanan mereka, ketabahan mereka, kesucian nilai yang mereka pegang. Walaupun tidaklah sama dengan kita, tetapi kesucian mereka merupakan nilai-nilai sejagat. Itu yang penting yang saya dapat rasakan. Tantangan mereka lebih besar daripada saya. Insya Allah, saya dapat mempertahankan apa yasng jadi prinsip dari segi iman dan takwa. ***

The 50 Best Books for Journalism Students

Bagi yang menginginkan bacaan bermutu di dunia jurnalisme, bisa diperiksa beberapa buku yang direkomendasikan:

http://www.bestcollegesonline.com/blog/2011/11/01/the-50-best-books-for-journalism-students/

Beberapa diantaranya:

Broadcast, Media Studies and Photojournalism

1. Sound Reporting by Jonathan Kern

   Presented by NPR, this guide outlines most of what aspirant radio broadcasters and producers need to know about running a successful, effective station or show.

2. How the Other Half Lives by Jacob Riis

   In this quintessential photojournalism work, Jacob Riis chronicled the squelching poverty and struggles of immigrants and other marginalized peoples in 1890s America. Despite some values dissonance regarding race, How the Other Half Lives remains an extremely important historical read.

3. Edward R. Murrow and the Birth of Broadcast Journalism by Bob Edwards

   Radio and television journalism legend Edward R. Murrow’s life, career and perpetuating legacy will undoubtedly crop up in every major’s schooling at some point. May as well get a head start or supplement the history lessons by picking up his biography.

4. Understanding Media by Marshall McLuhan

   Penned and published at a time when the mass media as it exists today was slowly beginning to congeal, the highly influential Understanding Media dissects the complex relationship humanity shares with its news and entertainment sources.

5. Truth Needs No Ally by Howard Chapnick

   Anything and everything related to photojournalism gets coverage here, as does the argument that a truly great image should speak for itself.

6. News Flash by Bonnie Anderson

   If money talks, then television news is no mime. Journalist Bonnie Anderson fearlessly dismantles how bureaucracy and corporate greed severely compromise news ostensibly meant to educate the populace about current events.

7. Manufacturing Consent by Noam Chomsky and Edward S. Herman

   Two major MIT minds comment upon contemporary propaganda, mainly showcasing the American government’s ability to manipulate the media and — in turn — those consulting it for the latest news and trends. They’re far more sociological than conspiratorial, however.

8. On Camera by Nancy Reardon

   Aspirant television journalists, be they anchors or correspondents, should consult this guide when looking for tips about offering up the best possible interviews and stories.

9. Hello, Everybody! by Anthony Rudel

   Before heading on air, American journalism students with a particular love of radio should delve into the medium’s fascinating history and maybe pick up some valuable lessons and insights.

10. Tulsa by Larry Clark

    Larry Clark’s brutal, disturbing photo essay of hedonistic youth culture in Middle America simultaneously shocks and stands alone as an insightful journalistic work.

Citizen Journalism, New Media and Zines

11. Journalism Next by Mark Briggs

    Get a grip on blogging, social media and other Internet trends the kids are into these days, and learn all about how they’re completely altering the journalism industry — and how to embrace them and ensure a comfortable, tech-savvy career after graduation.

12. We the Media by Dan Gillmor

    Crowdsourced, citizen and grassroots reporting continues inciting change and exposing the populace to a bounty of perspectives, so intimately understanding the whos, wheres, whats, whys, and hows should be an essential skill all journalism students must possess.

13. Notes From Underground by Stephen Duncombe

    Explore the role zines played (and, though their popularity has waned, still play) in promoting different subcultures and their passionate political, social and economic agendas.

14. YouTube by Jean Burgess and Joshua Green

    Though about the crowdsourced mainstay in the title, what Jean Burgess and Joshua Green have to say about how technology constantly transforms society’s storytelling and sharing habits easily extends to other participatory new media phenomena.

15. Words of Fire by Anthony Collings

    Discover some inspiring independent journalists from around the world, who used their investigative prowess to overthrow oppression despite the crushing odds. It certainly challenges many perspectives people hold about citizen and grassroots research and writing!

16. Convergence Culture by Henry Jenkins

    Although most tout new media as far more relevant than its predecessors, this book presents a thoroughly compelling case for hybridization’s potential.

17. Whatcha Mean, What’s a Zine? by Mark Todd and Esther Watson

    The zine culture and its limitless potential is the name of the game here, with both historical and creative insight as well as expert advice on starting one up.

18. Blur by Bill Kovach and Tom Rosenthiel

    Despite citizen journalism’s more democratic stature, the lack of editors and accountability makes for one major drawback. Fortunately, Bill Kovach and Tom Rosenthiel are on hand to help readers and researchers parse the truth from independent and mainstream outlets alike.

19. Here Comes Everybody by Clay Shirky

    Perfect for citizen journalists and their supporters, Here Comes Everybody offers up detailed analysis regarding the ways in which digital media facilitates a greater range of perspectives and contributions. And, of course, allow for im

Agenda Prioritas Bidang Pers

Jumat, 22 Agustus 2014

Agenda Prioritas Bidang Pers

Agus Sudibyo


Direktur Eksekutif Matriks Indonesia

Perkembangan kebebasan pers di Indonesia sesungguhnya mendapat banyak pengakuan dari dunia internasional. Indonesia dianggap berhasil melakukan transisi demokrasi dan melembagakan kebebasan pers. Pelembagaan kebebasan pers di Indonesia bahkan dijadikan model bagi negara-negara lain, seperti Malaysia, Myanmar, dan Timor Leste. Namun ada satu masalah yang membuat indeks kebebasan pers Indonesia tidak kunjung meningkat, bahkan beberapa kali menurun. Masalah tersebut adalah tingginya angka kekerasan terhadap wartawan, sebagaimana selalu mewarnai laporan akhir tahun asosiasi jurnalis dan Dewan Pers.

Pemerintah yang baru harus mengambil langkah konkret untuk mengatasi permasalahan ini. Apalagi fakta menunjukkan pelaku kekerasan terhadap wartawan umumnya adalah kalangan pemerintah dan aparat penegak hukum. Yang paling dibutuhkan dalam konteks ini adalah penegakan hukum secara tegas dan konsekuen. Para pelaku kekerasan harus diberi hukuman yang setimpal dan diberi efek jera. Harus ada penyelesaian yang jelas secara hukum ataupun politis atas kasus pembunuhan Udin, wartawan Bernas Yogyakarta. Kasus ini sudah terlalu lama mengambang. Sudah lima presiden tidak berhasil menyelesaikannya.

Para pejabat pemerintah dan penegak hukum juga harus dididik dalam hal fungsi-fungsi pers serta mekanisme penyelesaian sengketa dengan pers. Mereka perlu diajari bagaimana menyelesaikan masalah dengan media atau wartawan, bagaimana menghindari tindakan main hakim sendiri kepada wartawan, bagaimana menghadapi wartawan abal-abal, dan seterusnya. Upaya-upaya untuk melakukan kampanye media literasi di kalangan badan publik harus menjadi prioritas pemerintah.

Selanjutnya, presiden yang baru harus memilih Menteri Komunikasi dan Informasi yang menguasai persoalan dan relatif bebas kepentingan politik. Jika Menkominfo masih dipilih dengan pertimbangan bagi-bagi jabatan politis dalam koalisi partai politik pendukung pemerintahan, kinerjanya akan tetap mengecewakan. Mereka suka membuat kontroversi sendiri, gamang dalam mengambil tindakan saat situasi genting, dan sering menunjukkan gelagat kepentingan politik tertentu saat membuat keputusan atau pernyataan publik. Persoalan pers, penyiaran, serta teknologi informasi dan media sosial sangat menentukan ke depan. Karena itu, dibutuhkan menteri yang benar-benar mumpuni, profesional, dan visioner.

Untuk meningkatkan profesionalisme dan etika pers ataupun penyiaran, pemerintah juga perlu memperkuat kedudukan Dewan Pers dan Komisi Penyiaran Indonesia. Kedua lembaga ini harus menjadi "wasit" sekaligus pembuat kebijakan dalam bidang pers dan penyiaran. KPI harus dibuat semakin independen dari intervensi industri dan pemerintah. Fungsi KPI sebagai regulator bidang penyiaran harus dipulihkan. Pada sisi lain, Dewan Pers perlu diberi daya dukung administrasi, kelembagaan, dan sumber daya manusia yang memadai agar dapat meningkatkan kinerjanya sebagai lembaga pembinaan profesionalisme, etika media, serta lembaga penyelesaian sengketa pers.

Di sisi lain, TVRI dan RRI harus diselamatkan kedudukannya sebagai lembaga penyiaran publik. Berbeda dengan RRI yang kondisinya relatif baik, kondisi TVRI saat ini sangat memprihatinkan. TVRI berjalan di tempat, bahkan dalam beberapa hal mengalami kemunduran akibat konflik yang tak kunjung padam. Tarik-menarik kepentingan politik antara unsur-unsur DPR, pemerintah, dan kalangan internal TVRI bahkan belakangan semakin kusut. Masalah ini bagaimanapun harus diselesaikan. Namun penyelesaiannya jelas bukan dengan cara mengembalikan kedudukan TVRI sebagai lembaga corong pemerintah, tapi mengembalikan khitah TVRI sebagai lembaga penyiaran publik. Presiden yang baru perlu memahami persoalan itu.

Jika lima tahun ke depan dilakukan amendemen terhadap UU Pers, harus dipastikan amendemen ini memperkuat pelembagaan kebebasan pers, bukan sebaliknya. UU Pers Nomor 40 Tahun 1999 masih mengandung beberapa kekurangan sehingga gagasan amendemen menjadi relevan. Namun, fakta juga menunjukkan, belakangan ini sering terjadi amendemen sebuah undang-undang yang tujuannya baik, tapi justru berakhir dengan keburukan. Undang-undang baru hasil amendemen mengandung substansi-substansi yang bertentangan dengan prinsip-prinsip demokrasi, perlindungan HAM, kebebasan berpendapat, atau keterbukaan informasi.

Amendemen UU Pers yang menganulir prinsip-prinsip kebebasan pers hanya akan menghadapkan pemerintah dan DPR pada hubungan yang antagonistik dengan komunitas pers nasional. Amendemen itu juga akan membuat buruk citra Indonesia di mata dunia internasional. Pemerintah yang baru harus menghindari amendemen semacam ini.

Jurnalisme televisi

A mantra for effective TV journalism might well be: Information-IdentificationFascination.

Information is the easy one because this is what journalists do: we inform. What is not always obvious, however, is how much information is necessary to inform.

How many facts? How many experts? How much analysis? And is information the only way to inform?

Identification means we produce for our target audience. We try to communicate with as many people as we can and this is what separates journalists from artists.

What is new, however, is that some forms of contemporary journalism make a priority of identification over information.

Fascination emphasizes engagement. By emotionally attaching the viewer to the story, information is easier to understand and more importantly, easier to remember.

Technically, this is achieved through the sensory experience of using sight, sound and motion. Journalistically, it is achieved through style, story structure and the role of the TV journalist.

It is fascination that is the subject of this book.

Karakter jurnalis

Jurnalistik menurut Luwi Ishwara (2005), mempunyai ciri-ciri yang penting untuk kita perhatikan.

a. Skeptis

Skeptis adalah sikap untuk selalu mempertanyakan segala sesuatu, meragukan apa yang diterima, dan mewaspadai segala kepastian agar tidak mudah tertipu. Inti dari skeptis adalah keraguan. Media janganlah puas dengan permukaan sebuah peristiwa serta enggan untuk mengingatkan kekurangan yang ada di dalam masyarakat. Wartawan haruslah terjun ke lapangan, berjuang, serta menggali hal-hal yang eksklusif

b. Bertindak (action)

Wartawan tidak menunggu sampai peristiwa itu muncul, tetapi ia akan mencari dan mengamati dengan ketajaman naluri seorang wartawan

c. Berubah

Perubahan merupakan hukum utama jurnalisme. Media bukan lagi sebagai penyalur informasi, tapi fasilitator, penyaring dan pemberi makna dari sebuah informasi

d. Seni dan Profesi

Wartawan melihat dengan mata yang segar pada setiap peristiwa untuk menangkap aspek-aspek yang unik.

5 Reasons Why Journalism Is A Great Career

Journalism is all about exploring and reporting the events. However journalism is a very vast and enormous field and it includes many different aspects and professions. Whatever the field and mode is, journalism in a nutshell is a trend to present the report to the audience in a timely fashion.

Journalism covers both federal and non federal organizations. As the media is expanding so is expanding the demand and importance of the journalists. Journalism in print media is totally different with that in journalism in multimedia but they all work for the audiences.

The journalism is broadly divided into three categories documentary, photojournalism, and editing. Being a journalist is a highly responsible job and also very challenging and demanding. Not everyone can be a journalist. If you want to choose journalism as your career, you need to presentable firstly. No matter which field of journalism you are related to, confidence and presenting ability are the two main requisites to be a successful journalist. You must be confident enough to present the accurate and precise information to the viewers or the readers.

In this editorial we will discuss about a few important reasons that why one should select journalism as a career. Keep on reading to know more about it :

1. The first and foremost thing that attracts people toward journalism is its exposure. A successful journalist gets a chance to talk and walk with the most famous personalities of the world which a common mane can never meet. No matter it is US President Barack Obama, singer Lady Gaga, Indian Prime minister Manmohan Singh or anybody else. If you are a successful journalist you may get the chance to meet these renowned personalities. However not every journalist get these opportunity, but if you are good at your work you may definitely get chance to reach the zenith of journalism.

2. Second and very interesting thing about Journalism is that you tend to learn a lot of things when you are on field. When you meet great people or go to distant place to cover the stories you learn while earning. As you meet people from different fields like politics, media, health, finance you get knowledge about all of them and their respective fields.

3. Creating revolution- If you are good at writing, you can create a revolution in the society. A pen can work stronger than a sword. A good and dedicated journalist can bring the difference in ruling customs and unfair lawsuits and also help people to lead their lives in a respectful manner.

5. As you move one with your work in journalism, you get more and more experience. You can move ahead with your experience and grab the promotions soon. If you are working for a small magazine you can move ahead to the leading newspapers of the nation and also to the TV media.

6. Journalism is the only profession where you get the chance to travel all over the country and even abroad on the company expenses. If you are good at your work the company may hire you for the overseas projects and you can get the chance to go abroad on company expenses with all the perks and luxuries.

You can choose the freelance journalism or on salary journalism according to your needs and expectations. Whether you are a press journalist or a television journalist, all you need is dedication and hard work to move ahead. While this is not a complete list of benefits of journalism, I have tried to include the best ones I know.

I was actually talking to a guy called Bret on tollfree number one day when he told me that his dream career is journalism. That’s where, idea of making this post came into my mind that will help young generation know more about journalism as a career.

Read at : http://www.unmsp.org/5-reasons-why-journalism-is-a-great-career.html

Lowongan reporter majalah SWA

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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