How Stuff works?
I have been told that during the earlier days it was easy to spot one. A journalist then was instantly recognized by his restricted sartorial preference. A pair of Bata shoes, low slung ‘jhola’ and a ‘khadi kurta’ was the accepted uniform for the growing reporter then. I am sure this must be the truth for it comes from a veteran in the zone.
Whatever may the truth be the journalists’ sartorial journey has certainly traveled far. And it is not just about the dressing sense but an overall attitudinal change that the media today exhibits. It has grown in every sense.
Nowadays the instantaneous fad seems to be the order of the day - instant meal, instant picture, instant money, instant information and so on. Things definitely have improved. Even journalists are created instantly.(Or is it a con game I am talking about?). Earlier journalists’ were not churned out not in a day or two but it was years of rigorous slogging that ultimately helped one see the light at the end of the tunnel.
My previous editor once amused me with an interesting personal anecdote. ‘Sir’ as I used to address him was talking about his initial stint as a sub-editor. Fresh out of college he joined a reputed daily. Hardly a day or two had passed when the editor summoned him. Sir told me that he saw himself as David while his senior looked like Goliath in terms of wisdom, information and experience. The editor inquired the young recruit about his ambitions and after hearing his case handed him a sum of two hundred rupees. He said, ‘ Son if you wish to be a journalist buy yourself a pair of Bata shoes today. The moment the sole wears out completely consider it to be your lucky day’. Thankfully times have changed and today and we have other options besides Bata. Also today we need not wait for the wear and tear to take place. Our salaries help us buy new pairs every month!
Everyday we see numerous advertisements promising instant break as a journalist, radio jockey or television anchors. These short-term courses promising the moon have cropped up in every part of the city. One such advertisement claimed to provide guaranteed placement after a weeks training.
Curiosity they say kills the cat. I found my way to one of these ‘journalist factory’ or the so-called ‘not recognized’ institutes. My intention was to explore the credibility of such claims. My suspicions were not mere illusions. What I saw was disturbing. Everyday hundreds of young guys and gals(some not even graduates) dish out hard earned money(most of times by their dads and moms) to become stars oblivious to the fact soon their dreams will be shattered. In a while most people realize they have been duped but there is little that can be done. After losing close to five to 50, 000 bucks(in some cases even more) there is not much anyone wishes to do.
Even though times have changed the process remains the same. The core values remain intact. There are no short cuts to success. It is not a matter of chance but years of toil. To reach the top one has to start from the bottom. So next time if a person or an institute promises you a short cut, think twice. Do not let anyone play with your dreams.
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Who are the media men?
I have never read a definition of the same, but it is not difficult to define either. Those who are, by one way or the other associated with the media are media men. So whether it is the media librarian, voice over artist, cameraman, correspondent, editor, sub editor, etc., etc., etc. This list will be quite long for there are so many different people with different expertise, working for the media.
When I say media, I mean the electronic and the print. In the electronic category we have radio, television and internet. While in the print we have newspapers.
Go get a job…
If you are a fresher and looking for a media job….Worry Not! Follow three cool mantras:
*Identify your zone; like whether you are interested in radio, television or simply anything. Start from there.
Develop loads of confidence.
Meet the right people.
For those who have just finished school and wish to be a media person; my advise is not to jump the gun soon by enrolling for media courses(recognized or unrecognized, it never helps. No school can train you to be journalist). Complete the regular graduation, preferably in arts. After this one can start with a company as an intern. Always look for the right break. Also, start as early as possible. Particpate in school debate, write, read, work on research papers and do other stuff that helps build your intellectual as well as physical personna.
Yes, the important thing. Never be shy to approach big organizations for work. Even if the company has not placed an advertisement in the newspaper, they constantly look for fresh juice.
Also as a fresher do not use contacts. It sucks. Many a times I have been told that nobody cares for talent, it is the contacts, which work. I never listen to such people. Companies do not build structures to be pulled down by losers, they look for employees who are winners. So cultivate the right attitude.
It is all about the right break. Never rush into things. Once you get that there will be no looking back. Those looking ahead to be a part of this zone, go ahead get a job, make a career.