By Agness Changala
US journalist Bashar Jarrar says a journalist should be a person of integrity and impartiality to present all facts to everyone.
During a discussion event organized by the US Public Affairs Section (PAS) of the United States Embassy to mark the journalist’s regional tour celebrating World Press freedom, Jarrar also encouraged journalists to read more of books and newspapers to keep themselves informed.
He said a journalist should be inquisitive and investigative before they can write about any information.
Jarrar also urged media institutions to partner with each other and benefit from business, reputation and rating.
He said when organisations work together, it was easier to achieve a lot.
Jarrar added that working together was so profitable.
“When you work together, your business, your reputation, your rating and everything is connected to each other. I would encourage you to do it if you can you will profit from it,” Jarrar said.
He said this after a concern was raised during a discussion of how Zambian media organisations do not work together for the common good.
It was heard that there was too much self centeredness and media houses wanting to outdo each other so that they could get the credit for leading.
The journalist also warned against paying people in custody of certain information or documents relating to the stories they worked on, as it was unethical and should be avoided at all cost.
The discussion which was held at NIPA in Lusaka on Monday was centered on investigative journalism and it’s role in promoting transparency, developing, engaging content strategies for audience growth and strengthening media resilience against corruption and malign influences.
Caption: US journalist Bashar Jarrar during his engagement with the Zambian media
