Reporters at the frontlines are at risk as never before. But with many countries moving towards democracy, the role of local journalists has never been more important.

The Institute for War and Peace Reporting (IWPR) has launched a comprehensive handbook for local journalists. In addition to journalism safety, the 200-page manual entitled Reporting for Change: A Handbook for Local Journalists in Crisis Areas also offers detailed information on practical aspects of journalism such as establishing story structure, use of quotations, and defining the type of story you are writing. The handbook is intended for journalists operating in transitional or developing environments, as well as those operating in conflict areas. RAP members can download the book for free from the IWPR website. RAP 21 spoke to Jane Ellis, development officer with IWPR, about the launch the handbook, and how African journalists can benefit from it.

RAP 21: Why did you decide to launch this handbook?
IWPR: The handbook is the combination of years of practical training experience by IWPR projects in Balkans, Caucasus, Iraq and Afghanistan. While each situation varies, there were common themes that cropped up during training. The manual was designed to be a practical addition to enhance ongoing training activities by IWPR and to be a resource for local journalists all over the world.

Rap 21: How can African journalists benefit from the handbook?
IWPR: The book is designed to be both a self-help book, an aide memoir for existing journalists and training resource for editors, university journalism schools and training seminars. IWPR plans to produce copies in French and Portuguese and number of African languages subject to fundraising. In addition, a radio specific version will be produced.

RAP 21: How did you determine what information to put into the book?
IWPR: IWPR had been running practical journalism training for 10 years - the book is a combination of this institutional knowledge and the experiences of numerous trainers in numerous countries, with a few modules specifically commissioned from either experienced journalists or journalism schools, or our own experience.

Other features of the handbook are: sourcing properly, how to present multiple truths in an objective manner, understanding libel and libel laws, the skills needed to be a good economic journalist, and tips on how to report on corruption.

At the end of each chapter, readers can find details of further reading materials as well as practical exercises.

Over the next few weeks, RAP 21 will carry excerpts from various chapters of the handbook. If you would like to read more on a particular subject, visit the IWPR website, where each chapter can be downloaded individually. http://www.iwpr.net/pdf/iwpr_training_manual.pdf.

Chapter 1: Why Be a Journalist? During IWPR training seminars, we have discussed with hundreds of people around the world why they become journalists. Everyone if different, of course, and there is no right or wrong answer. But certain themes occur again and again in these conversations. And certain common dilemmas are evident.

Many people say they want to become journalists to serve society. Exposing injustice, holding politicians accountable to the public, helping the country in a time of crisis good journalism does serve society in several ways. But so do other professions: doctors and teachers, for example, or politicians themselves. The goal of serving society does not in itself explain why you might want to be a journalist.

Aspiring journalists often proclaim their dedication to the truth. Getting the facts right, as this handbook outlines, is journalisms primary challenge. But the truth is a complex concept. Indeed, a central principle of international journalism is the aim of presenting competing truths in a balanced way. Does a journalist have the capacity to determine the truth, and what happens when you are proved wrong?

Just like officials, opposition politicians and unofficial groups including business and nongovernmental organizations will bombard you with partisan views, challenging your capacity to remain fair and balanced. Muck-raking is hardly a way to make friends (or income). The definition of independence, goes the old journalistic saying, is when everyone hates you.

It is important to recognize what journalism is and what it is not. Most importantly, it is for the moment and not for the ages. Journalism is not literature and a news broadcast is not a feature film. Purple prose and over- dramatisation are signs of journalistic immaturity and can be embarrassing in the cold light of day. Concentrating too much on the writing and the precise turn of phrase can be an obstacle to good reporting and the need to concentrate on the facts. Speed often matters more than depth, and deadlines invariably undermine absolute quality.

Ask yourself some typical questions: Do you follow news and current events carefully? Are you an actor, or an observer? What do you like to read, and do you read newspapers extensively?

To read more, visit: http://www.iwpr.net/special_index1.html and click on Why be a Journalist?

The Institute for War & Peace Reporting strengthens local journalism in areas of conflict. By training reporters, facilitating dialogue and providing reliable information, it supports peace, democracy and development in societies undergoing crisis and change.

The Institute takes training out of the classroom and conference hall and brings it into the field, assisting the professional development of the media while addressing journalists’ and editors’ immediate, day-to-day priorities.