By Nura Valentiana Lorna And Jacinta Jolene
KUCHING: Traditional media is faced with umpteen challenges with the advent of its online cousins but journalists per se do not stand to lose given the many new opportunities out there.
All they need to do is to evolve with the times, seize these opportunities and keep demonstrating their passion for the written word.
Communication and Research Consultant Dr Toman Mamora said as many the challenges so too are opportunities in the media scene.
But he readily concedes that that journalists these days face great challenges when they try to land a scoop or a story that no one else gets.
“I think the greatest weapon that will enable you to brave the challenges is your love for journalism.. .it is your interest in writing,” he told New Sarawak Tribune recently.
“That’s my greatest asset and that pushes me. It is an interest that I do not keep to myself,” he said, adding, “over the years, as you progress, as you work as a journalist, whatever knowledge and skills that you have, you must share.”
“Whatever opportunities that I have and network, I share,” he added.
“In other words, why should I keep it to myself? I must share. I have seen the world, I have spoken at two or three conferences on journalism, and now is the time for me to share with my colleagues.
“And sharing means, not only to teach and guide but also to open the gate for them to experience what I experienced overseas. That’s part of the sharing so that they can ride on the adventure,” he said.
Toman also advised that the most important lesson while working as a journalist is to not compromise one’s conscience.
“Meaning, if you think it is wrong, then it is wrong. Do not make it appear like it is right because you will live with the injured moral conscience.
“You’ve got to be smart but at the same time, do not chuck your moral conscience because, at the end of the day, your moral conscience is what puts you out there and makes people respect you,” he said.
