Ex-Radio Maisha sports presenter Hassan Mwana wa Ali disclosed that journalism in Kenya is one of the most demanding professions.
According to Ali, who worked for numerous media outlets in the country including the Royal Media Services and China Radio International, for one to succeed in journalism, they have to get money out of their mind.
“Students who pursue journalism think the profession pays a lot. Most of them believe that they would drive lucrative cars and live in Lavington three months after landing their first job.
“When they get the job, the environment is completely different. Most of them start amassing debts," the veteran journalist revealed in an interview with Ronny TV.
Ali further indicated that if media houses were told to pay journalists based on their popularity, most of them would end up being jobless.
According to the Kenyatta University alumni, passion is what is making most of the journalists in the country continue with their jobs.
However, he acknowledges that some of the lucky ones in the industry are well-paid.
Ali further advised anyone who has dreams of working as a member of the fourth estate to view the profession as a service to others rather than a means of amassing wealth.
“Do not take up this profession to look for money. Study journalism to be of service to the public.
“If you make money your number one priority, you wouldn't even last for a year. Life is a journey. It would take you a while,” he commented.
Moreover, Ali who is a qualified teacher cited the ability to listen as one of the most important skills in the journalism profession.
According to him, someone has to pretend to be ignorant to succeed in the media industry.
“The most important skill in journalism is to learn to listen. When you listen you won't repeat questions during interviews and also you will know what to ask.
“You have to pretend to be ignorant to learn every single day. When you pretend you are the guru, you won't do research, listen to your colleagues and ask questions,” he ended.
