Aqela Susu
SUVA (Fiji Sun/Pacific Media Watch): Republika editor Ricardo Morris has called on student journalists at the University of the South Pacific to regard journalism as a calling, not just a career, reports the Fiji Sun.
He reminded them they needed to be mindful of all aspects of journalism when giving his message at the annual USP journalism awards on Friday night.
"For those who decide to make a career of journalism, it may not be easy at first when you are just starting out - the pay may be lower than other career fields and the gours are long and erratic," said Morris, who is also president of the Fijian Media Association.
"It takes a special kind of person to persist in a profession that sometimes seems like a thankless task. Not many non-media people know about the pressures journalists face from many avenues."
These, he said, were all part and parcel of the job, but recognbising them and addressing them within the bounds of ethics and integrity would keep a journalist in good stead.
Morris also advised the students not to pursue journalism to gain fame.
"For some people, journalism seems to be a glamorous job because you get attend events, meet people from all levels of society , write the so-called 'first draft of history'.
"But it isn't always glamorous and if you are going into this career for the benefits and positives alone, then you will soon be disappointed.
"You should do something that makes you truly passionate and that you would do even through the rough patches," Morris said.
Ricardo Morris will be one of the keynote speakers at the "Political Journalism in the Asia-Pacific" conference at New Zealand's AUT University later this month.
Award winners:
Business Melanesia Best Editor Award: Tevita Vuibau
Best Election Reporter Award (sponsored by former Radio Pasifik manager Semi Francis): Biutoka Kacimaiwai.
Republika Best News Story Award: Edward Tavanavanua.
Fiji Broadcasting Commission Most Promising Journalism Student award: Sonal Singh
Communications Fiji Limited Prize for Best Radio Student: Ana Paula.
Fiji TV Best Television Student Award: Christine Nikola and Felix Lesinaivalu.
Fiji Times Encouragement Award: Ashneel Singh and Priya Chand.
Islands Business Best Feature Writer Award: Edward Tavanavanua.
Cover Story Best Sub-Editor Award: Edward Tavanavanua.
FALE Dean's Award and Tanoa Award for the Student Journalist of the Year: Onorina Saukelo
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 3.0 New Zealand Licence.
Pacific Media Watch
