I had flown in to the United States with a preconceived notion that all America does is poke its nose in other country's internal affairs. However, after participating in various discussions, sessions and social activities, I realized that despite being a powerful nation, USA too struggles with its own sets of problems regarding democracy, discrimination, and equal representation of women in top positions. Today my country already has a woman president, while the US is still waiting for one.
However, as a student of journalism myself, and a journalist working in one of Nepal's leading newspapers, learning about the journalism practices in America was one of my top priorities.
While travelling from Washington DC to Syracuse and from Florida to New York, I realized that USA is one of the best places to learn about journalism. With every session and interaction, I felt more enlightened regarding my profession. During one such session with The Washington Post, journalist Walter Pincus explained the usefulness of social media for easy accessibility of news. "Social media can be a good source of breaking news, but it depends on the reporter to further develop and present the news," he said. At the same session, Bob Woodward, associate editor of the said newspaper, discussed about the Watergate Scandal and the practice of investigative journalism. After the scandal, the then President Richard Nixon had resigned from his post in 1974.
Another thing that really struck me was that unlike in Nepal, journalists in USA do not have to wait outside the parliament to know the decisions made there. For the easy access of parliament proceedings for journalists, House Press Gallery is established at the United States House of Representatives and at the United States Capitol as well.
The session with New York Times' Chief White House Correspondent Peter Baker further cemented my belief on the role of media in pushing the government towards development. He also highlighted how advertisers, in one way or the other, influence the kind of news published by media, as media houses all over the world are largely dependent on advertisements.
During our visit at the Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs under Syracuse University, I wasn't surprised at all to see how students-teacher interaction dominated the classroom. Being a student of journalism myself, I remember my professors always being hesitant to apply practical learning in classes, which mainly consisted of long, boring lectures. Despite Journalism and Mass Communication being an interactive subject, students-professor interaction isn't really encouraged in Nepal. However in USA, professors and students energetically interact and discuss in their classes. Instead of feeding students with whatever they know, the professors there seemed to be equally enthusiastic to learn new things from their students. Our short visit was enough for me to learn how class interaction adds new perspective and dynamic to the otherwise boring lectures. Professors at Maxwell School also shared how classroom interactions have inspired revision of curriculum at universities. I wonder when these classroom practices will be embraced by universities here.
However, it wasn't only the journalism practice of America that I observed during the IVLP Murrow fellowship. The program had brought together journalists from 80 countries—each of whom had a unique experience of journalism to share. Interactions with fellow journalists from all over the world have given me fresh perspective of how responsible journalism can better inform and aware people and influence the development of a country. This, I probably would not have really believed in, had I not met with media persons from all over who had inspiring stories to share.
Smriti is a correspondent with Nagarik Daily.
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