Since teenagers were officially recognized and proved their capabilities in various fields, they have also made their way into the world of news and journalism. From diverse school wall newspapers to reporting on neighborhood games, especially small football matches, and engaging in friendly rivalries and student publications, the presence of young reporters has always been strong. Many publications aimed at teenagers have been created with the collaboration of their audience—teenagers themselves, or honorary young reporters. This is because the influence and role of the audience in content creation lead to the media’s growth and popularity. In publications like “Do Charkheh” (Bicycle), “Roshd” (Growth), and “Soroush-e Nojavan” (Youth Soroush), you can see the footprints of young reporters. What experience or memories do you have about journalism? Bringing a friend’s news to another friend, of course with the intention of strengthening friendships, or bringing a message from mom to dad to reconcile them, or carrying important news from a fiancé to a sister—these are experiences that many adults have, though they may have forgotten. In fact, every day, we are either reporting news, reading it, or hearing it. Just having two ears to listen and a mouth to speak means we are constantly exchanging news. Sometimes, a piece of news can either devastate or save someone’s life, highlighting the importance of journalism. Teenagers love hearing news, especially when it makes them feel like they’ve conquered the world—whether it’s a school holiday, snowfall, or the announcement of university entrance exam results for those eagerly awaiting them. If we look back, we all have moments when we were either delighted or saddened by some news. And there will be many more news stories to come and countless reports to deliver… Let’s be reporters of good events.
“Ruyesh” magazine proudly includes honorary reporters and invites all the teenagers of Iran who are interested in journalism to join us.
Why do we celebrate Journalist’s Day?
On August 8, 1998, Mahmoud Saremi, a reporter for the Islamic Republic News Agency, along with eight members of the Iranian consulate in Mazar-i-Sharif, Afghanistan, was martyred by the Taliban terrorist group. In his honor, the Public Culture Council designated August 8 each year as “Journalist’s Day.”
Who was the first female Iranian journalist?
The first female Iranian journalist was Ezzat Malek Khanom, also known as Ashraf al-Saltaneh Ezzat al-Molk, the daughter of Imam Qoli Mirza Imad al-Dawla Dolatshahi. She is considered one of the first female journalists in Iran.
In 1889, Ezzat Malek Khanom married Mohammad Hassan Khan Sani’ al-Dawla (Etemad al-Saltaneh), and during their 25-year marriage, she managed press affairs, publishing nine periodicals, and her name was recorded in history as the first Minister of Publications. During this time, Ashraf al-Saltaneh collaborated closely with him.
Her role in the history of Iranian photography is also undeniable, as she is recognized as the first female photographer in Iran.
The first female Polish journalist: Clare Hollingworth, at the age of 27, reported the start of World War II. She announced the beginning of the war by reporting on the gathering of 1,000 German tanks on the Polish border, saving countless lives in the process.
What is news, and who is a journalist?
A journalist’s job is to report events and incidents that are newsworthy and inform society. Being a good journalist requires knowledge, experience, courage, and a combination of speed, accuracy, and truthfulness to succeed.
A journalist is someone who, relying on personal talent and creativity, after completing specialized training and considering the social responsibility this profession entails, is responsible for gathering, preparing, organizing, and delivering “news” through mass media (press, radio, television, and news agencies) to the public.
What are the components of a news story?
1. What?
2. Why?
3. Who?
4. When?
5. Where?
6. How?
In 1978, UNESCO (the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization) passed a declaration on the role of mass media in strengthening global peace and international understanding and the necessity of ethical and social training for journalists.
This document considers the free exchange of news and information a fundamental right and establishes ethical guidelines for all those involved in gathering, acquiring, publishing, and interpreting news and information. The declaration, while emphasizing the 1948 United Nations Charter, states that according to these laws, press journalists must strive to ensure that the news and information they provide to the public are accurate, precise, and reliable.
We now understand how important it is for a journalist to be honest, truthful, and impartial, without injecting personal judgment into the news. We also understand that because of these traits, journalists often become a nuisance to some people and frequently find themselves in trouble. We’ve read and seen many books and films about journalists who have encountered difficulties.
A journalist is a person responsible for gathering, researching, and presenting news. Journalists typically work in various fields such as politics, economics, culture, and sports, collecting information from sources like interviews, government reports, and official documents.
Journalists serve as a bridge between global events and the general public, bearing the heavy responsibility of not only quickly and accurately gathering information but also risking their lives to bring the truth to the world. A good journalist is someone who is unafraid of taking risks and is always striving to uncover the truth.
In the information and technology age, the role of news reporting and journalists as accurate and fast messengers of information has become more crucial than ever because while access to information and resources has become lightning-fast, the main challenge lies in obtaining accurate and reliable information.
A journalist is an intermediary between people and the realities around them. With their pen and camera, they document and record events and incidents and communicate them to the public. A journalist is the eyes and ears of the people, responsible for keeping them informed about what’s happening in their world.
Journalism is a risky and highly responsible job. Journalists often find themselves in dangerous and challenging situations to deliver the news to the public. They may be threatened or even lose their lives, but despite this, they do not shy away from their duty and are always striving to keep people informed.
Journalists must be fluent in various languages, have strong research and information-gathering skills, and be able to communicate clearly and concisely. They must also possess courage and the ability to withstand pressure to continue their duties in difficult situations.
Journalists play an important role in society. By informing the public, they contribute to shaping public opinion. Journalists can also bring about change in society by exposing corruption and inequality.
Journalists are the frontline soldiers of information dissemination. With dedication and sacrifice, they fulfill their duties and play a crucial role in shaping society.
Types of Journalism:
– Political Journalism
– Social Journalism
– Economic Journalism
– Sports Journalism
– Cultural Journalism
– Environmental Journalism
– Crime and Accident Reporting
Famous Iranian figures who were once journalists:
Reza Kianian, before entering the cinema, was a journalist for the Ettela’at newspaper in Mashhad. Due to his deep interest in journalism, even after entering the cinema, he did not give up his media activities and continued to collaborate with magazines such as “Donyaye Tasvir,” “Film,” and various newspapers.
Rasul Sadr Ameli started his cultural and social activities at the age of 17 as a journalist. He was the main international reporter on the news related to Imam Khomeini’s stay in Neauphle-le-Château, and during the Revolution flight, he recorded the only documentary footage and interview with Imam. He also served as the head of the Crime and Parliament sections of the Ettela’at newspaper.
Fereydoun Jeyrani, born in 1951 in Kashmar, began his career in the press by editing “Cinema” magazine in 1991, and hosting the television program “Haft” (Seven) is another one of his media works. He has directed films such as “Red,” “The Last Supper,” “Pink,” “Season Salad,” and “Parkway.”
Behrouz Shoaibi, one of the young and active directors with successful films such as “Darkoob,” “Cyanide,” “Corridor,” and the series “Golshifteh,” before entering the world of cinema and directing, was responsible for interviewing artists in neighborhood publications in Tehran.
The World of News Through the Eyes of Teenage Journalists:
Today, our discussion is about those who started in media and journalism from a young age, like the International Film Festival for Children and Youth, which provides a special opportunity for the enthusiastic and energetic presence of teenagers in the field of news and reporting. These young reporters are selected after being tested in two stages on their general knowledge, public speaking skills, social intelligence, and creativity before starting their news activities.
Or the honorary reporters of publications dedicated to teenagers like “Do Charkheh,” “Soroush-e Nojavan,” and so on. With the growth of social media and the active participation of teenagers, everyone with a mobile phone and access to social media has now become a reporter, significantly expanding the level of information dissemination. Sometimes this leads to rescue, and other times it causes trouble. Like any committed journalist, we must be careful about spreading news, reporting, or making judgments so that no one gets hurt and no injustice occurs.
“Ruyesh” magazine is always proud to host teenage reporters for any newsworthy stories, with proper sourcing. We look forward to receiving your hot and exciting news.
Films About Journalists:
- A Face in the Crowd
- The Truman Show
- All the President’s Men
- Nightcrawler
- Ace in the Hole
- Network
- The Insider
- Spotlight: The Pinnacle of Investigative Journalism
- Veronica Guerin: Journalism to the Death
- State of Play: The Detective Journalist
- City of God: From Youth to News Photography
- Minamata: News Photography in Old Age!
Books About Journalists:
Novel “Journalist,” by Maryam Dalir / Shadan Publications
Book “Journalist”
Author: Bob Dotrow
Translator: Ali Akbar Abdolrashidi
Publisher: Gooya Publications
This book shares the author’s memories of his adventurous professional life through stories that reveal various aspects of journalism and its challenges, highlighting the role of media in providing financial and other support to those in this field.“Hemingway the Reporter”: A collection of 75 selected articles and news reports from four decades of Ernest Hemingway’s journalism, compiled by William M. White. The book includes one-third of Hemingway’s published articles in various newspapers and magazines.
“Scandal of the Century”: A collection of journalism articles by one of the most enduring figures in 20th-century literature, considered a legacy even greater than his timeless literary works. As Márquez himself said in his later years: “I would like to be remembered not for ‘One Hundred Years of Solitude’ or the Nobel Prize, but for my journalism.” This collection offers a glimpse into four decades of his full-time, sensational, and investigative journalism, which laid the groundwork for his major works leading to the Nobel Prize in 1982.
