Ex-Radio Maisha sports presenter Hassan Mwana wa Ali has disclosed that journalism in Kenya is one of the most challenging professions.
According to the popular sports presenter, who has worked for numerous media outlets in the country including the Royal Media Services, for one to succeed in journalism, they have to get money out of their mind.
“To anyone out there who would like to succeed in journalism, don't go after money. If we told these media outlets to pay us according to our popularity most of us would be jobless.
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“Passion is what is keeping us continuing with this job. Very few people are paid well but most of us are still fighting for our employers to consider giving us a salary increment,” he told Ronny TV.
The Kenyatta University alumni further advised anyone who would like to venture into this noble profession to view it as a service to others.
“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,” commented Ali.
Moreover, Ali who is a qualified teacher cited the ability to listen as the most important skill in the journalism profession.
According to him, when you listen your gain more knowledge and thrive in the highly competitive profession.
“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 stupid 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.