Yes – I understand we don’t pick nor choose the journalists we work with. We are transparent public affairs professionals who work for the government.
A commander of mine once said, “we work with pros.”
With that in mind, strive to understand what makes a pro journalist. We work with everyone, but it’s good to know when we’re working with a pro … and when we’re not.
- Has a deep understanding of the environment. We don’t have to spend a lot of time and effort getting them up to speed; they come with a base knowledge. Good examples here are the Pentagon Press Corps, who understand the workings and the Defense Department and America’s defense efforts; the in-country based media. In Kabul, I get to work with Western journalists who have years of direct experience in the country, living here, reporting from here.
- Cares about context and clarity. Good journalists are driven by facts but serve them up with the proper amount of context to make the story clear. Sounds obvious? It’s not. Fact-based journalism only goes so far – understandable journalism is better.
- Look for the truth, not “the story.” The sage reporter drives himself to report the comprehensive story, which is often less interesting. The eager reporter wants to break news or report the cover up, even though it’s usually not some kind of conspiracy. There are simple, human explanations for everything. Unfortunately, the simple explanations doesn’t bring the clicks.
- Can compete with their editors. Too many times a journalist gets the story and writes the story, only to have the story changed by an editor who has her own take. A good journalist can compete with their editors.
- Hasn’t made up their minds. If the writer already “knows” the story and only needs a comment or is going to write what he wants regardless of what you say, he’s not a pro. Things change, new developments happen, a good journalist is open to writing about it.
- Stands out from the pack. The media reports in packs. One person leads, everyone chases then again and again. You might find the person who is willing to take a different tact or perspective. The good ones aren’t afraid to buck the group.
- Is apolitical. We’re an apolitical organization. We can’t afford to be drawn into someone else’s political agenda. We have vital work to do, and distractions are killers. If an outlet, editor or individual journalist needs data points for a partisan hack job or will run whatever we discuss though an unrelated political filter, they can call someone else. The sensationalism and warping effects don’t do anyone any favors. They’re harmful to us and the audiences
We treat all journalists fairly and equitably. We’re in a weird time. The term journalist is not easily defined. As we stand now, we’ll treat everyone equally – everyone: the Washington Post, the Fort Gordon Booster Club Blog, Breitbart, RT, CNN, and 1LT A Lady – they’re all journalists.
My definition of journalist these days is similar to President Trump’s definition of hacker:
“I mean, it could be Russia, but it could also be China. It could also be lots of other people. It also could be somebody sitting on their bed that weighs 400 pounds, OK?”
Photo by Staff Sgt. Amber Grimm
