Samantha Hill

Necessary journalism skills vary among professionals

 

A new study by the Poynter Institute reveals gaps in what professionals consider as important skills.

By: Samantha Hill and Chris Barnhardt

 

A recent study conducted by the Poynter Institute found that journalism educators are farther along than professionals in identifying the importance of different multimedia skills.

 

Educators rated the importance of all of the multimedia journalism skills much higher than professionals, producing a wide gap in the two groups' thinking on the importance of core skills.

Three-fourths of educators thought video skills were important while only 45 percent of professionals thought the same. 79 percent of educators thought photography skills to be important while only 53 percent of educators thought so.

We had different thoughts on what some of the most important traits a journalist should have are.

The ability to adapt to problematic situations that may arise is critical because you can't control outside influences. However, if you're able to work around them when needed, it can prove to be of great value.

Being able to present information in a clear manner, whether in writing or through articulation, one can gain respect from an audience and improve his/her status in journalism.

Finally, appealing to that audience by respecting them will allow a journalist to build a good rapport and gain positive attention necessary to being a strong multimedia journalist.