The generation of multitasking journalists

In a rapidly changing world, young writers are adapting to technology while steadfastly pursuing integrity. For aspiring journalists, writing is not just a job, but a way to serve society and engage with the world.

These "digital citizens" enter the field of journalism.

In the age of social media, where anyone can become a news provider, young journalists face a difficult challenge: How to maintain a fast pace of news reporting without sacrificing depth and creativity, while still upholding professional standards? How to compete in the digital media world while still showcasing the distinctive style and professionalism of a journalist?

Nguyen Thi Uyen Nhi (former student of Journalism - Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities, Vietnam National University Ho Chi Minh City) shared her career path: “When working in the digital media environment, I learned to tell stories in a more diverse way, catching trends to create engaging topics for young readers. Social media is also a rich source of inspiration for finding new content.” Conversely, Uyen Nhi shared the pressure on journalists in the digital media competition: “Besides the pressure to react quickly to news on social media, the overwhelming amount of misinformation spreading at an alarming rate on news sites and pages can easily lead to misunderstandings and unfair accusations against journalists.”

The Reuters Institute Digital News Report indicates that over 68% of Gen Z journalists worldwide are not confined to the traditional freelance, editor, or reporter model, but are flexible in many new roles: content producer, social media journalist, visual storyteller, etc. These young writers not only write articles but also create videos , produce podcasts, tell stories through images, create data charts, and livestream on-location reporting to maximize audience engagement.

A survey by The Self-Investigation – a non-profit organization promoting a healthy work culture in the global media industry – revealed that 60% of journalists feel stressed when agencies restructure their staff while maintaining high demands for efficiency and speed. Young journalists now take on multiple roles simultaneously, which can easily lead to burnout if they lack proper psychological support and work management.

Hong Van (in white shirt) during an interview with the author of the fairy tale poem.

The generation of multitasking journalists

The challenges are numerous, but so are the opportunities. The journalistic journey of young people today witnesses significant changes in working conditions compared to previous generations. Not only are they present at existing news "hot spots," but journalistic contributors are also present across all social media platforms, silently listening to the pulse of news through posts on Threads, Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, X, etc. "Where the readers are, the journalists are" – this can be considered a new motto for those new to journalism. Approaching, establishing, and maintaining interactive relationships between writers and readers is much simpler in the 4.0 era.

The younger generation of journalists, emerging from the digital information environment, are daily honing their "multitasking" skills, from flexible digital thinking and abundant creativity to the ability to adapt to multi-channel platforms. Working across multiple digital platforms opens up new creative avenues for young journalists to ignite their passion for the profession and build their personal brands. Beyond the guiding principles of their respective media organizations, incorporating personal stories into individual columns is gradually becoming a trend in engaging readers and creating a unique identity for emerging writers.

In some ways, Gen Z journalists are keeping the flame of journalism alive, proving their value amidst the digital information race. Journalism has never been an easy job, with many concerns before each pen stroke, but for young people, it's a way to serve society and engage with the world.

When starting out in online journalism, Nguyen Thi Hong Van (a contributor at Vietnam Television and Vietcetera, and a former student of the Academy of Journalism and Communication, Hanoi ) chose to try her hand at a completely unfamiliar field, but one that answered her own questions. Van researched and analyzed thousands of pages of psychology, interwoven with stories from her own life and personal experiences, to create journalistic products that readers can grasp in just 5 minutes, such as "Why does knowledge disappear into the exam room?" or "Separation anxiety - When the fear of distance creates distance"... Hong Van shared: "Just one article that resolves a psychological issue for a reader is enough to make my three years of research and study truly worthwhile."

Creating a conducive environment for the development of young journalists.

Along with opportunities for career development and self-expression, young journalists aspire to a friendly, less stressful work environment with flexible working hours, and expect regular training and updates on multimedia journalism knowledge and skills. This partly portrays the profile of a generation of young journalists who value professional competence but also prioritize mental health and work-life balance.

At Tien Phong, the journey of nurturing the next generation of young journalists is promoted through a large-scale, annual summer training program – the Diamond Challenge competition organized by Hoa Hoc Tro magazine, a subsidiary of Tien Phong newspaper. Through selection rounds, workshops, and training sessions with leading experts and guest speakers in the field of media and journalism, high school students with passion and creative content skills learn how to verify information, develop real-life issues into journalistic products, withstand the pressure and temptations of fame, and listen to the community with their hearts. Following this are weekly training sessions to help them mature in their first steps into the profession, fulfilling their mission as "spokespersons" for their generation. More than just a platform for experience, these activities serve as a springboard, helping young people confidently choose journalism as a career path from the very beginning.

Nham Ngoc Minh Anh (a 12th-grade student at the High School for the Gifted, Vietnam National University, Ho Chi Minh City) is currently a contributor to Hoa Hoc Tro magazine.

Nham Ngoc Minh Anh (contributor to Hoa Hoc Tro magazine, 12th grade English 2 student at the High School for the Gifted, Vietnam National University Ho Chi Minh City) shared: “Participating in the Diamond Challenge helped me choose the field I wanted to write about since I was in 11th grade. The workshops sharing writing skills helped me realize that ‘everyone starts somewhere’ – the current success of our先輩 (senior colleagues) also had challenging beginnings. More valuable than receiving payment is the opportunity to broaden my knowledge, build relationships, and continuously communicate with readers through my writing.”

Each character in the article is a piece of life. Each article reflecting on and analyzing social issues is an opportunity to hone critical thinking, connection, and empathy. These modern-day information gatekeepers write about their own generation—a generation that dares to question, critique, and propose positive solutions.

According to tienphong.vn

Source: https://baolaocai.vn/the-he-nha-bao-da-nhiem-post403498.html