1What is online journalism? - Ayo Menulis FISIP UAJY

2 The core journalism
‘Straight. No chaser.’
Thelonius Monk 1
‘You cannot teach journalism’
Enter any newsroom and talk to a seasoned pro, and he or she will
probably tell you that journalism cannot be taught. Yes, young raw
talent can be honed and sharpened by working alongside the
experienced journalist. But essential qualities such as having a
nose for a good story cannot be implanted. They must be there in
the first place. You are either born with ink in your veins, or you
are not.
Some journalists like to envelop the journalistic process in a
certain mystique. The ‘journalism cannot be taught’ argument is
one manifestation of this. It suggests journalism is some higher
art form that can only be practised successfully by those blessed
with a natural ability. This is not true.
Good journalism at the professional level is a skilful, sensitive
and imaginative process. It can be exacting and challenging and
much harder than it looks. Its exponents deserve more respect
than they usually get.
1 Composition by the jazz pianist Thelonius Monk.