Published on August 26th, 2024 | by Dr. Jerry Doby

Cultural Competence and Field Activities for Digital Journalists

It’s incumbent on editors, journalists, news reporters, and media contributors of all ilks to discover why cultural competence and immersive field activities are essential for digital-first journalists covering international topics. Learn how these experiences enhance niche writing, editing, and interview techniques.

The Crucial Role of Cultural Competence and Field Activities for Digital-First Journalists

From humble beginnings as a one-page community newsletter curated and hand-delivered door-to-door in Muncie, Indiana, in 2002, “The Hype Magazine” has blossomed into an award-winning international media brand. Founded by Dr. Jameelah Wilkerson, the magazine has become a respected voice in lifestyle and entertainment, covering news “From Hip Hop to Hollywood.” Dr. Wilkerson’s tireless work and giving through a positive media product to global communities, providing opportunities inside and outside of entertainment, has earned her “The President’s Lifetime Achievement Award” in October 2023. Her dream of becoming the voice of the Midwest, propelled by her drive and business acumen, has made “The Hype Magazine” a global success.

This editorial explores how we teach the importance of cultural competence and how field activities contribute to stronger niche expertise and the overall quality of journalism as passed down via the example of Dr. Wilkerson being personally involved in the nuts and bolts of her craft has proven its effectiveness for growing and large media brands.

I as Editor-in-Chief, ensure this example is passed on to our contributors, writers, editors, and students of my advanced digital journalism classes which include SEO-optimization for digital journalists.

My motto: If you can’t talk about it for five minutes…be quiet and listen to those who can and care.

Enhancing Niche Expertise Through Immersive Interaction

For digital-first journalists, understanding the intricacies of the cultures they cover is vital. Immersive interaction through cultural education and field activities allows journalists to gain first-hand experience and insights that cannot be obtained from secondary sources. According to Arnold S. de Beer and John C. Merrill in “Global Journalism: Topical Issues and Media Systems,” immersive field activities help journalists develop a deeper understanding of the socio-political and economic contexts of the regions they report on. This would apply to local and beat writers as well.

By engaging directly with local communities, journalists can gather authentic stories and perspectives. This hands-on experience not only enhances the quality of their reporting but also positions them as authoritative voices in their niche. As a result, niche writers and journalists can produce content that is both informative and relatable to their audience.

Building Conversational Skills and Relaxed Interactions

One of the key benefits of cultural competence is the ability to engage in meaningful and relaxed conversations with interview subjects. Being knowledgeable about the cultural norms and practices of the region they cover helps journalists build rapport and trust with their sources. Philip Seib, in his article “Cultural Competence and Global Journalism,” discusses how journalists who are well-versed in the local culture are more likely to conduct successful interviews, as their subjects feel more at ease and open to sharing their stories.

This cultural competence also enables journalists to ask more relevant and insightful questions, leading to richer and more nuanced content. Furthermore, the ability to converse comfortably with interview subjects helps in capturing the essence of the story, making it more compelling for the readers.

Editors’ Role in Maintaining Cultural Nuance in Text

Editors play a crucial role in ensuring that the cultural nuances and context are preserved in the written pieces. When editing texts, especially in dominant languages like English, it is essential to consider the regional variations and preferences. For instance, UK and USA English have distinct differences in spelling, grammar, and usage. Understanding these differences and applying them appropriately can significantly enhance the readability and authenticity of the content.

Editors with cultural competence can make informed decisions about language use, ensuring that the content resonates with the target audience. This cultural sensitivity in editing helps maintain the original voice and intent of the piece, making it more engaging and effective.

Last Thoughts

It’s fairly conclusive that, cultural education and immersive field activities are indispensable for digital-first journalists and platforms covering international topics. These experiences enhance niche expertise, improve conversational skills with interview subjects, and help editors maintain cultural nuances in written content. By investing in cultural competence and field activities, journalists can produce more authentic, insightful, and relatable content that resonates with their audience…Hone Your Craft…Know Your Beat.

References:

Peer-Reviewed Articles Cited:

Arnold S. de Beer & John C. Merrill. “Global Journalism: Topical Issues and Media Systems.”
Philip Seib. “Cultural Competence and Global Journalism.”
Doby, J., 2023. Seo-Optimized Writing: Removing the Mystery. COGNITIONIS Scientific Journal, 6(2), pp.434-454.

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About the Author

Dr. Jerry Doby Editor-in-Chief of The Hype Magazine, Media and SEO Consultant, Journalist, Ph.D. and retired combat vet. 2023 recipient of The President's Lifetime Achievement Award. Partner at THM Media Group. Member of the U.S. Department of Arts and Culture, the United States Press Agency and ForbesBLK.