Journalists usually work long hours for low pay

It's been difficult trying to meet staffing needs; but some employers believe the solution lies in the Caribbean Single Market and Economy (CSME).

Under the CSME journalists will be able to move freely in search of jobs and employers are now able to recruit them without much hassle.

Samuel James is senior Labour official from Antigua said: "If we are able to have that exposure to people who are more highly trained, and we are able to attract that person into Antigua, then we expect that there should be some transference of skills."

What's it like

So what is it like being a journalist? Career Choices asked Julian Rogers a veteran journalist now based in Antigua, and BBC Caribbean's Orin Gordon.

Julian says young people looking to enter the profession should not expect it to be about glamour and fame.

"I haven't seen it yet (glamour and fame) and I've been around for some time."

"I think that in certain aspects of journalism and working in the media, you are exposed and people know who you are. I think in a number of instances, it can be a pain, really to be so well known."

I think the reality is that you won't get to the BBC or the CNN unless you have a local grounding.   Julian Rogers, Veteran Caribbean journalist

Orin said, "It's very hard work indeed being a journalist. If you love journalism and are prepared to work long unsociable hours, then by all means do it. It's not going to make you rich."

One of the tough parts of the job is getting the story. Julian says.

"We are often up against governments not very happy with the way we perform our jobs."

"We are determined to get the story, and many of our subjects are not very determined to give us the story or the share that story with the public for one reason or another."

Character

Orin said persistence, fairness and energy are some of the traits needed to make a good journalist.

"It's not a nine to five job, but some people treat it like it is."

"If the supposed end of your work day is five, there are people in newsrooms I've seen who are packed and ready to go at ten minutes to five. In my opinion, they don't usually make very good journalists," he said.

He added that general knowledge is vital. A good journalist is well read and should be across both local and international news.

International Aspirations

Both Julian and Orin agree the Caribbean is an excellent training ground for young journalists wanting to pursue an international career.

"I think the reality is that you won't get to the BBC or the CNN unless you have a local grounding," said Julian.

He added that Caribbean institutions provide outstanding training because we have to pay attention to so many areas rather than sticking to a specific beat.

As a result, Julian said after two or three years in a Caribbean news organisation you become very knowledgeable and competent.

"That is one of the advantages that we have. So I would suggest that anybody who is interested in hitting the big times had better start small."

"Whether it is a work attachment, whether it is a full scale job, this is something that you need. You can't jump over that and arrive suddenly at a CNN or the BBC."

Orin echoed Julian's sentiments and said that young journalists must expose themselves to a lot of training.

"Get as much training as you can. Be willing and put in the hours because it's a very tough profession. It's real blood and sweat."