Lessons from the beat

A newbie's firsthand account of news reporting

This coming July will mark my first year with Daily Tribune.

My first day with the newspaper was a real shocker as I was assigned to one of the major beats, the House of Representatives, which is normally given to veteran journalists. I was a newbie, fresh-off-the-boat outsider with a lot to learn about the trade.

There I was, notebook and pen in hand, entering the great halls of Congress without a clue on the lawmaking process, committee hearings and the innate culture in the press room, trying to blend in and understand whatever information I could absorb.

As time went on, I learned different techniques in practicing my craft. I have accepted three important lessons from the beat.

Idealism and journalism

I come from a university known for its activism. My views have been mostly against established institutions and geared toward challenging existing norms. But this career opened my myopic eyes to the realities of life from both sides of the fence.

Who would have thought I would be getting first-hand information through my interaction with the people I often saw “as the enemy” of the masses back in my college days? The most challenging part was establishing a close relationship with these same public officials because, eventually, they are the best sources on the inside information within my assigned area of coverage.

Should I let that affect my personal political views? The answer is no. As a citizen of this great Republic, I am entitled to voice my opinions. However, as a journalist, my first task is to inform the public with facts that are free from biases. It means I should not force my personal views and idealistic tendencies when writing my articles.

This is where objectivity comes into play. Don’t get me wrong: idealism should always set the standard when it comes to wanting to shape a better society. On the other hand, journalism should expose the realities in our social setup to achieve the ideal society for which we all aspire.

Talking to suspected plunderers, perceived dictators, even rumored drug and gambling lords and war lords does not make you one of them. It also doesn’t mean you tolerate them. As a journalist, it is my duty to talk to different people, get their side of the story, even if you don’t like them or don’t believe in what they are saying. Journalists must not abide by their ego-centric view to be effective in their craft. They should always strive to be objective.

Find helpful colleagues

Since I am new in this industry, I often find myself at a loss to what is happening. Trying to keep up with my veteran counterparts is always a challenge. Fortunately, this industry is also generous to greenhorns like me, and I have many colleagues who are ready to offer a helping hand. Since my editors are not expected to babysit me while I am at the daily grind, camaraderie with co-reporters is most helpful.

I learned this much when I was assigned to the 2019 senatorial election campaign trail of the Hugpong ng Pagbabago party of Davao City Mayor and President Duterte’s daughter Sara. I was surrounded by veteran journalists from other news dailies who have covered many election campaigns in the past.

The hustings took us to 70 provinces in just three months and going to these places with seasoned colleagues I soon learned to trust helped me a lot in getting through the 90-day, out-of-town coverage.

Of course, the healthy competition among news outlets was very vibrant during that 90-day “ordeal.” Even when we were receiving the same information from the same source, each reporter had different ways of narrating the story to their respective readers.

Take risks

As a new journalist, small victories are achieved by taking minor risks that will prepare you for situations that life will offer you in the future. Accept challenges while you are in the field; otherwise, you will not flourish in your craft.

I realized this when I was assigned to cover the 2019 elections in Davao City where President Rodrigo Duterte cast his vote.

I was there just for the grand rally of Hugpong ng Pagbabago, but my editors directed me to stay in Davao City to cover the President and other political personalities. I was elated because that was the first time I was assigned to cover the country’s highest official. I accepted the challenge even though I had strong doubts in my mind whether I could pull it off.

One important note about taking risks is to prepare for the worst before expecting the best.

I prepared myself two days before election day and even bought a small ledge stair to allow me to take good photos of the President. At the last minute, I was able to secure an ID pass from the presidential entourage for the coverage, having endured sleepless nights to organize my own transportation from one venue to another.

After a very long day of that coverage, the feeling was indescribable. It was physically exhausting but emotionally satisfying. That experience was the best birthday gift I received, and will linger in my memory for years to come.

I am grateful that I am a member of a company that trusts the skills and abilities of its employees. Being a rookie in the game has not hindered me from eyeing the gold. I just have to trust the team that I belong to and do my part in keeping the ball in play for the Daily Tribune.

“Traditional media needs to integrate online platforms. Readers nowadays also want video content. So, by having ‘Straight Talk,’ we are hoping to capture that market.