Becoming a Journalist: Experiences of Trainee Journalists in Zimbabwe

ABSTRACT

Basing on reported experiences of trainee journalists at the University of Zimbabwe on completing their work-related industrial internship, we give unique perspectives into challenges and contradictions of “becoming” a journalist. We argue that the route to becoming a professional journalist involves imbibing a kaleidoscope of largely (Western) values along the way throughout the value chain of different socializing sites such as the university, the newsroom and broader subjective social experience. The study concludes that journalism training in Zimbabwe—and indeed in Africa—is firmly informed by the dominant liberal press theory, a development that is at variance with social, political and economic realities obtaining in a country that has not fully embraced the principles of democracy to the letter and spirit of its classical dictates. While scholars have tangentially inserted African texts into the curriculum, these are texts that are made to fit into extant conceptual schema that invariably also shape practice.

KEYWORDS:

• African journalism
• gender
• newsroom
• journalism education
• journalism role perceptions
• trainee journalists

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Notes

1 For a comprehensive understanding of the new educational policy, see http://www.mhtestd.gov.zw/?p=3501

2 The Freedom of Information Act, which became law in 2020 after repealing the notoriously repressive Access to Information and Protection of Privacy Act (AIPPA), has been criticized for failing to provide actual mechanisms for accessing information held by public bodies, while also failing to provide adequate legal recourse in the event that a journalist fails to access information. On the other hand, the Maintenance of Peace and Order Act, which repealed the Public Order and Security Act (POSA), has been criticized for not fully guaranteeing the right to peaceful assembly and continues to give law enforcement agencies broad regulatory discretion and powers.

3 Zimpapers is a state-controlled Zimbabwean mass media company that controls a diverse portfolio of newspapers, radio and television.

4 https://genderlinks.org.za/barometer-newsletter/zimbabwe-newspapers-introduce-gender-policy-women-journalists-reach-for-the-top-2012-04-13/