I see there is a lot of talk about journalists taking active participation in politics and actually lobbying for various political formations. It is an interesting twist in this noble profession. Conventionally, this practice has no room in professional journalism. But i should acknowledge that over the years there has been a gradual introduction of what is called interventionist journalism. Proponents of this approach say its importance is of setting the political agenda, influencing public opinion, and advocating for social change. This is a branch of journalism that sees journalist participating in the subjects they write about; fearlesly trying to influence public opinion on matters ranging from politics to social justice. This is the type of journalism that has seen scores of journalists being openly partisan and using the might of the pen to campaign for their preffered candidates and parties while at the same compiling negative compositions about other camps. I would hasten to say it is a new phenomena here in Botswana, and again in a decorous journalism school it will be discouraged. But note, it is there and it is being practiced in some quarters. Personally i am totally against it, but every newsroom has its own rules and the Editorial policy is always the guide.
Posted on: Mon, 27 Oct 2014 16:13:57 +0000