Journalism - Passion and Commitment

There are late afternoons, when the lights in the reporters' room are already on, or midnight at home when the space is silent, yet the rhythmic clicking of keyboards still echoes in the night like an unceasing heartbeat.

I suddenly thought about journalism – a profession not just for making a living, but a journey of commitment, a life choice. In this profession, journalists not only wield a pen, but also carry a responsibility to the times, to people, and to their own conscience.

Deputy Director of Thai Nguyen Newspaper and Radio, journalist Nguyen Ngoc Son, and his colleagues visit the exhibition area at Huynh Thuc Khang School of Journalism. Photo: QK

Don't write if you've lost your inspiration.

Journalism has never been a smooth road. It begins with quiet steps, immersing oneself in life, touching upon hidden corners, and listening to unspoken stories. Then, from these seemingly disparate pieces, journalists sift through and reflect to reflect the truth – a truth that may be thorny, sometimes painful, but always needs to be spoken aloud.

I once met an elderly journalist, his hair almost completely gray, but his voice still warm and vibrant. He confided in me, as if sharing a younger colleague, that throughout his career as a journalist, what he feared most wasn't a lack of information, but losing his emotional connection. He said, "If one day you write without feeling for the fate of people, for the hardships of life, then you should stop." Those words stayed with me for a long time, like a quiet but persistent reminder.

Because journalism is not a dry repetition of events. Journalism is life. And journalists, without passion, cannot go far on that challenging journey. A journalist's passion is not loud. It doesn't lie in titles or awards, but in the quiet days spent writing. It's about long business trips, hurried meals along the way, sleepless nights editing every word. It's about, when faced with a difficult story, an unjust fate, a journalist not turning away, but choosing to stay, gather information, and write.

Some articles are written under difficult circumstances. Sometimes amidst storms, sometimes in dangerous areas, sometimes under invisible pressure. But it is in these circumstances that the character of a journalist is most clearly tested.

Third-year students at Thai Nguyen University of Science practice their interview skills in the field.

Engagement – ​​that's not a slogan, it's a choice. True journalists don't stand on the sidelines. They step into the flow of life, confront reality, even if that reality is unpleasant. They engage to reflect the truth, to defend what is right, and to speak up for the vulnerable.

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Keep the passion for the profession alive and never let it die out.

However, in today's digital age, where information spreads faster than ever before, journalism also faces difficulties and challenges. The competition from social media, the pressure for speed and traffic, sometimes causes journalists to get caught up in the whirlwind of breaking news and sensational stories, forgetting the necessary depth.

There are times when the line between information and sensationalism becomes blurred. Some articles are published hastily and removed just as quickly. Some information is unverified, published solely to chase attention. And without sufficient vigilance, journalists can lose sight of the core of their profession: honesty.

A true journalist must not only be quick, but also accurate. They must not only write well, but also responsibly. Every word published is not just a personal product, but also a part of societal trust. Maintaining that trust is not easy.

It demands that journalists constantly reflect on themselves. They must know when to stop. They must have the fortitude to resist everyday temptations and unverified information, even knowing that they may be slower than others. They must be courageous enough to defend the right viewpoint, even when it is not easy.

There's something rarely said: journalism is also a lonely profession. Lonely during long journeys, during nights spent writing alone, and during times of facing pressure from many sides. But it is precisely in this loneliness that journalists have the opportunity to engage in self-dialogue, to better understand why they chose this profession, and how they will continue.

I remember one evening, after finishing a long article about the lives of people in a disadvantaged area, my colleague sat silently for quite a while. When I asked him why, he just smiled softly and said, "I don't know if this article will help them, but at least I haven't turned my back on them." Perhaps that is the spirit, the conscience, of a true journalist.

Articles don't always bring about big changes. But each honest article, each responsible word, can be a small brick contributing to building trust and transparency in society. Even if it's not well-received, as the musician Trinh Cong Son wrote, "let the wind carry it away," it's still a commendable act of kindness from a journalist.

Passion is what gets journalists started, but passion alone isn't enough. Commitment is what keeps them in the profession. Commitment isn't just about going to difficult places, but also about commitment in thinking and in how you perceive issues. It's about daring to ask questions, daring to doubt, daring to seek the truth to its core. It's about not accepting complacency, not being satisfied with superficial things. And above all, commitment is about keeping your heart from becoming hardened.

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In today's ever-changing information landscape, where everything can be said with just a tap, the role of journalists becomes even more crucial. They not only report the news but also guide, analyze, and contribute to creating a healthy information environment.

A society needs committed journalists. Not to create a stir, but to ensure the truth is not forgotten. Not to judge, but to illuminate and inspire. Journalism may continue to change. Technology will alter the way we do news and reach our readers. But one thing remains unchanged: the core values ​​of a true journalist.

Journalism, ultimately, is a journey without an end. Each article is a step, each story a pause. And I always believe that journalism will always have people who quietly walk, quietly write, quietly dedicate themselves – to keep the flame of the profession from ever dying out.

Source: https://baothainguyen.vn/xa-hoi/202606/nha-bao-dam-me-va-dan-than-0901a5b/