Biggest Challenges Faced By a Journalist at CNN
Matt's biggest challenge as a CNN journalist is covering "negative, scary, controversial, difficult topics," such as mass shootings, because the emotional intensity of these events makes maintaining objectivity difficult while also impacting their well-being. The immense responsibility of informing the public about critical events, coupled with the potential for mistakes, is a constant pressure, though Matt believes it is worthwhile to cover such important subjects.
Overcoming Challenges, Workplace Challenges, Ethical Dilemmas, Resilience, Stress Management
Advizer Information
Name
Job Title
Company
Undergrad
Grad Programs
Majors
Industries
Job Functions
Traits
Matt Meyer
Journalist
CNN
UC Santa Barbara
Political Science, American Studies
Arts, Entertainment & Media
Communication and Marketing
Video Highlights
1. Journalists often cover negative, sensitive topics (e.g., shootings, natural disasters, wars). It's crucial to balance the need to inform the public with the emotional toll of covering such events.
2. The immense responsibility of informing the public requires accuracy and attention to detail. Mistakes are possible, but a serious approach minimizes errors and their impact.
3. Journalism is about more than just reporting facts; it's about providing crucial information that helps people form their views, access vital updates, and sometimes even stay safe (e.g., during natural disasters).
Transcript
What is your biggest challenge in your current role?
One of the biggest challenges any journalist faces is that many newsworthy events in the world are negative, scary, controversial, or difficult. I know one of my least favorite stories to cover is a mass shooting.
We cover too many of them in this country. Every time I cover one, it's still difficult for me to do my job effectively and also process my personal feelings about it. This applies to natural disasters and any other major news story where people are going through hard times.
Wars are another example. Your job as a journalist is to get information to people because they need to know what's happening. This helps them form their views and sometimes provides critical information, like in a natural disaster where you're sharing details to help keep people safe.
Covering these difficult subjects is an immense responsibility. We are all human and make mistakes. When you're covering intense and emotional events, it can be hard not to dwell on mistakes.
However, if you take your job seriously and do your best, it is worth trying to cover those tough subjects.