- Mwaura's advice reflects the realities of the industry today. In a world where audiences are bombarded with a constant stream of news and content, the ability to provide in-depth, authoritative reporting on a specific subject can be the key differentiator that sets a journalist apart.
In the evolving landscape of modern journalism, where information is readily available at our fingertips, the ability to carve out a distinct niche has become a crucial asset for aspiring and seasoned reporters alike. Through a video shared by BBC Africa, Waihiga Mwaura, a seasoned journalist with the BBC, has articulated the importance of this approach.
Mwaura left Citizen TV on May 2, 2023 to join the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC). Prior to the exit, Wahiga Mwaura was the Multimedia managing editor at Citizen. Mwaura started out as a sports reporter and anchor before transitioning to regular news anchoring, serving Citizen TV for 14 years.
In September 2009, he started working at Royal Media Services as a sports anchor for seven years before being appointed as the Special Projects' editor. Mwaura eventually transitioned to head the multimedia desk. His journey in the media industry saw an upward trajectory from January 2017, when he became a news anchor at Royal Media Services.
"An aspiring journalist needs to identify a niche; something they are passionate about, and that they can stand for. People appreciate journalists who are specialists because their coverage stands out," Mwaura said in the video.
Mwaura's advice reflects the realities of the industry today. In a world where audiences are bombarded with a constant stream of news and content, the ability to provide in-depth, authoritative reporting on a specific subject can be the key differentiator that sets a journalist apart.
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By positioning themselves as subject matter experts, journalists can cultivate a loyal readership that values their insights and analysis. This not only enhances the impact of their work but also strengthens their credibility and influence within their respective fields.
However, Mwaura acknowledges the importance of adaptability, stating that journalists must possess the agility to venture beyond their niche when necessary, while still maintaining their core expertise.
"But at the same time, breaking news may force you off your beat to cover a completely different topic for six years or for a year. So you need to have the ability to do both," Mwaura added.