The Art of Reporting Reporting and Writing Journalism and Media Studies Centre The University of Hong Kong Kevin Voigt Kevin Voigt

The Art of Reporting “Great reporters don’t get that way sitting around…everything that is worth doing in life calls for resourcefulness, courage and devotion.” Hsaio Ch’ien, in “Into the Wider World”

The Art of Reporting The Art of Reporting Resourcefulness. Creative use of capabilities. Trying more than one way. Courage. Standing up for your principles. The strength to make people unhappy. Devotion. Working hard to overcome obstacles.

The Art of Reporting The Art of Reporting “The only qualities for real success in journalism are rat-like cunning, a plausible manner and a little literary ability.” Nicholas Tomalin, a good reporter

The Art of Reporting Rat-like cunning. It’s being resourceful, figuring out how to evade traps and get things. Plausible manner. The state of knowing little or nothing, but being willing to learn. A little literary ability. A little can be acquired.

The Art of Reporting Reporters are the heroes of journalism. What they do is find things out, amid chaos and against obstacles. If they don’t, who will?

The Art of Reporting Shared beliefs about the job: Information better than rumor and speculation. Resist and evade government management of the news.

The Art of Reporting Scrutinize and hold government officials accountable. Monitor businesses and institutions for treatment of workers and quality of products. Give voice to people with opposing views.

The Art of Reporting Reflect society’s values and vices. Ensure justice is fair and open. Promote exchange of ideas:

The Art of Reporting Some common attributes: A good news sense. A passion for accuracy.

The Art of Reporting Never assume. Don’t be afraid to ask. Skeptical.Unbiased.

The Art of Reporting Empathize with people. Determined and compassionate. Independent, but realistic.

The Art of Reporting There are many examples of reporters who changed history with their resourcefulness, courage, devotion, cunning, plausible manner and literary ability. Put more simply, however, what matters most is trying hard to do a good job, day in and day out.