1 March 2008
interview
Nairobi — 5 Questions for. . .JULIE MASIGA: Entertainment writer, Drum East Africa magazine
1. What are the challenges of a journalist like you who sometimes has to attend high-society events?
The main challenge is to get the job done, as is the case with any other professions. You learn pretty quickly that flattery will get you everywhere. Once you figure out that your primary objective is to get a story, cow-towing and boot-licking become part of the course.
This profession is a great equaliser. You could be third in line to the English throne, but once you don the journalist label, you are simply a reporter chasing copy.
2. Generally, what are the main challenges Kenyan entertainment journalists face, and is it worth the risk?
Entertainment journalism is surprisingly risk-free. It's not a "going-into-combat" scenario. You might risk losing your mind, but by and large this is a small price to pay.
But as I have said, the job must be done. The Kenyan social scene is a labyrinth; there is always something curious evolving and many times that curious thing is connected to something even more peculiar.
The key challenge is to consciously remain on the fringes of society. If you do not do that you are at the grave risk of losing your objectivity and credibility.
3. Entertainment is a very specialised profession; does Kenya have training facilities for entertainment journalism, and if so, are they affordable?
Local journalism training is certainly up to international standards. But as far as I know, there are no entertainment journalism courses. This, however, is not a major setback as it is more practical than theoretical.
It is one of those things where a person can say with considerable confidence that they learned what they know on the job.
If you master the basic principles of good journalism, you should be able to go from a Kofi Annan press conference to an interview with Nameless (musician) without having to flip through a textbook.
4. Do entertainment journalists have an organisation through which they can lobby for training or protection?
If I had a grievance I suppose I'd stop by the High Court. There are many other avenues of seeking redress.
5. What advice can you give people wishing to become journalists, and what is the secret of your success?
Be passionate about it. If the fire is not burning in your belly for this business then run for the hills because you will soon tire of it. Journalists are ideas people; they think, they feel, they write. Be ready to learn and learn fast.
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