Journalists should know the difference between reporting the story and becoming the story.
This is the message by University of Fiji Vice Chancellor, Professor Shaista Shameem to Journalism and Media Studies students on the occassion of World Media Freedom Day.
To highlight the essential qualities of responsible reporting, the University’s Journalism and Media Studies staff and students will host Fijian journalists to a screening of the film Civil War on Thursday at 7pm at the UniFiji Central Campus in Suva.
Professor Shameem says the 2024 dystopian film follows veteran and rookie journalists covering a war-torn America and a government in crisis, as they travel from New York to Washington DC to interview the President of the United States before rebels capture the capital.
She says there is no better film to demonstrate the role of journalists as professionals who must occupy the highest moral ground, even when the situation is unclear and challenging.
Professor Shameem says the University’s Journalism and Media Studies Programme focuses on teaching journalism beyond sound bites and social media trends.
She says students and graduates must understand that the duty of a reporter is to report, while personal beliefs, politics and prejudices should be left outside the classroom from the first day of the programme.
Professor Shameem also reminded students that journalism is a dangerous profession and cannot simply be treated as an ordinary job.
She says despite efforts to protect journalists, no one can guarantee their safety, and those entering the profession must see it as a vocation.
Professor Shameem says journalists are like soldiers who understand the risks involved but continue their work because of their commitment to truth and public service.
She adds that the film Civil War captures both the freedoms and dangers faced by journalists in a way that no lecture notes can fully explain and says it will also serve as a valuable refresher for established journalists in Fiji.
