What do you think a good journalist should be?

Dwell on the most important skills and

personal qualities the job of a journalist requires to have.

Nowadays, the role of the media in social life cannot be underestimated. On the one
hand, it is an important transmitter of information, and on the other it is a powerful
information weapon. The media can be used not only to learn about the geopolitical situation
but also to listen to the new album of a favourite band, to take a test, to complete a puzzle,
and to use a salad recipe for the New Year. We are surrounded by media everywhere.
Newspapers, magazines, radio and television programmes, and online news channels are
around us. There are many of them. Media includes a huge number of people who are
dedicated to making things happen. They are reporters, editors, correspondents, broadcasters,
producers, even paparazzi and others. These roles can be united under one common term:
journalist.
Journalism has always been a hot topic because the world is constantly changing,
information is being updated and different events need to be covered. These days, during the
rapid growth of mass media, there are more and more people working in this field, so
journalists do not lose their relevance. It should be noted that a true information professional
must have certain qualities to become successful and earn people's trust.
Being a journalist is more than just a profession. Behind this position lies a great
desire to work, persistence and confidence in one's choice, because not everyone can develop
so many necessary skills and keep a balance between them.
There is no doubt that journalism is a personal vocation and the choice of this
profession must be accompanied by certain qualities, not only a desire to earn money and
have useful ties. For this reason, not every journalist can be called a "real journalist". For
such a person, the following qualities are essential.
1. INITIATIVENESS
People who are active, enthusiastic, creative and have fresh ideas have always been
and will always be needed in journalism. Any media company is more interested in workers
who are not afraid of coming up with ideas, trying new things and displaying their abilities.
The competition in the media sphere is growing along with the demand for journalists, but it
is the ambitious and persistent people who can get ahead of the rest.
2. RESPONSIBILITY
 A person who wishes to work in the media sphere must understand the importance of
this profession and be able to meet deadlines and do their best with each piece of material.
This is crucial because all the information journalists produce is broadcast into the world,
read and understood by hundreds of thousands of people.
3. LITERACY AND INTELLIGENCE
Anyone reporting or writing for a media outlet must be literate, well-spoken, well-
read, intelligent and broad-minded. Clear diction, strong language and literate, attractive
texts always attract people and arouse respect. Literary skills are just as important in
journalism. Amid such a wealth of information, the journalist must be able to present the
material properly and clearly, even if there is not enough information, his or her task is to
provide a high-quality, interesting and rich text.
4. COMMUNICATIVENESS
This point may seem obvious, but it deserves attention. One of the main aspects of
journalism is communication, the ability to connect with people and make them feel
comfortable. Working with colleagues, the permanent movement and dynamics that lead to
new people, interviews and unexpected events require this skill and the ability to interact in
an open and high-quality way.
5. CURIOUSNESS
Curiosity about the news in the world and everything that's going on around you is
great for the media specialist.
A knowledgeable journalist is always more competent and in demand among others.
But it should be noted that it is necessary to be able to analyse the information and not
overload your head with unnecessary content, as not everyone knows how to do this.
6. PERSISTENCE
Journalists don't usually have a fixed schedule and work most of the time reading,
studying and communicating. Such work requires strength, stamina and moral fortitude, but
this dynamic and busy working day provides a wealth of experience and knowledge that
comes more quickly than the usual schedule.
These are not all, but some of the most important qualities of a true journalist, in my
opinion, that will bring you closer to success in this field of work. Everyone should find a
profession to enjoy, to "burn" in their work, and then all the necessary qualities will be easier
to develop because it will be a pleasure to do so.