By Hector Simfukwe
Every year, journalism students across Zambia prepare for industrial attachments, eager to step into the world of professional media. The anticipation is palpable—placements at institutions like ZNBC, News Diggers, Zambia Daily Mail, Kalemba, UNZA Radio, Real Times, and Radio Phoenix promise hands‑on experience in reporting, editing, and publishing. For many, this is the golden opportunity to test classroom theory against the realities of the newsroom.
Yet, alongside the excitement comes anxiety. Stories circulate of newsrooms as harsh, unforgiving spaces where interns are humiliated for failing to pitch two or three workable ideas daily. Some tales even suggest editors delight in sending students home for under performing. While these accounts contain fragments of truth, they are often exaggerated, rooted in older newsroom cultures where toughness was equated with intimidation.
The reality today is different. Most editors now adopt democratic and transformational leadership styles, aiming to mentor rather than break interns. Their goal is to help students learn how to generate ideas, write effectively, and edit professionally. Still, newsrooms remain fast‑paced environments where deadlines are non‑negotiable. Interns must adapt quickly, because editors rarely have the luxury of teaching as lecturers do.
Understanding House Style
One of the quickest ways to settle in is to grasp the “house style” of the media institution. This set of rules governs consistency in writing, formatting, and presentation. For example, some outlets forbid anonymous sources, while others insist on strict balance in every story. Knowing the house style helps interns angle stories appropriately and avoid wasted effort.
Building Relationships
Another survival strategy is cultivating goodwill with senior reporters. Simple gestures—greetings, gratitude, intelligent questions—go a long way. Reporters with field experience can provide source contacts, proofread drafts, and refine ideas before editorial meetings. Not everyone will be helpful, but persistence and professionalism usually pay off.
Embracing Criticism
Criticism is part of newsroom life. Professional corrections should be welcomed, not feared. If harassment or mockery becomes persistent, interns should report it immediately. Once a story is published, seek feedback on edits to understand editorial reasoning and improve future submissions.
Meeting Deadlines
Newsrooms thrive on timeliness. As one editor famously reminded us, “We have never gone on air at 19:00 to tell viewers there is no news.” A brilliant story delivered late is of little value. Interns must learn to follow up on breaking stories, complete tasks early, and volunteer for assignments. Reliability earns trust and opens doors to more challenging work.
Strategic Positioning
Students should also consider which desks to join. Politics desks are often crowded and competitive, while business, courts, or sports may offer more opportunities to stand out. Passion matters, but strategic positioning can make the difference between being overlooked and being noticed.
Diversifying Skills
Finally, interns should remain open‑minded. If given the chance to learn camera operation or production techniques, embrace it. Versatility increases value in the industry and prepares students for a multimedia future.
Conclusion
The newsroom is not the cruel, impossible environment some stories suggest. It is demanding, yes, but also rewarding for those who adapt, show initiative, and remain eager to learn. Internships are not just training—they are the beginning of a professional identity. Approach them with discipline, humility, and curiosity, and you will leave a mark that lasts beyond your attachment.
( The author is a Deputy Assignments Editor in the ZNBC Kitwe Newsroom)
