My Journey with Reuters Digital Journalism (With a Dash of Sass) | Painter Babu Rishabh

"What drives me isn’t just telling stories; it’s about creating narratives that move people and inspire change....."

Just Wild!

So, I’ve just completed the 'Reuters Digital Journalism certificate', and let me tell you, it’s like being handed the ultimate Swiss Army knife for modern-day reporting—minus the actual knife, of course. It’s a world where scrolling through Twitter and Facebook suddenly feels a lot more... 'professional'. Who knew my late-night dives into the depths of social media could be classified as 'digital newsgathering?' Yep, I’m basically a sleuth with a smartphone now.

Digital Newsgathering: Sherlock Who?

First up, 'Digital Newsgathering'. Forget magnifying glasses and trench coats; my tools are hashtags and trending topics. Gathering news digitally is like playing detective, except the clues are tweets, posts, and random YouTube comments. But hey, in this digital jungle, you’ve got to be quick, or else yesterday’s news is ancient history. One key lesson: 'breaking news' is great for that adrenaline rush, but sometimes, digging deep into 'long-term investigations' makes you feel like an investigative superhero.

Social Media: The Modern Megaphone

Next, 'Understanding the Reach of Social Media'. Social media is the megaphone of the masses, where a single post can either save the world or send it spiraling into chaos. I’ve learned how to tap into this power effectively. Searching social media platforms? Easy peasy. It’s all about decoding the digital chaos to find that one nugget of truth—or at least, something that doesn’t scream 'fake news.'

Sources and Etiquette: Manners Matter, Even Online

'Reaching out to sources' online is an art in itself. You’ve got to strike a balance—be persistent but polite. Oh, and don’t forget your manners. Yes, 'online etiquette' is very real, and no, spamming people’s inboxes won’t get you the scoop faster (learned that the hard way). It’s like walking the line between being a diligent journalist and avoiding the dreaded “seen but not replied” status.

Keeping Records: Organized Chaos

'Keeping records' feels like journalism’s version of playing Tetris. Every little piece of information needs to fit perfectly. And boy, do we have tools for 'verification and reporting!' Verify the source, verify the content, rinse and repeat. It’s like being the bouncer for a really strict club: no fake news allowed! I now use all sorts of tools to cross-check and build up a 'case of evidence' like I’m prepping for a courtroom showdown.

Workflow and Copyrights: Get Your Ducks in a Row

Once you’ve got the story, you need a smooth 'workflow'. I’ve learned how to juggle raw files, track copyrights, and navigate the tricky waters of 'fair use' without a paddle. It’s a lot, but hey, nobody said journalism would be easy—or boring.

Media Manipulation: Beware the Deepfake!

The world of 'media manipulation' is like stepping into an Orwellian novel. From deepfakes to doctored photos, I’ve been schooled on the many ways truth can be bent out of shape. As journalists, we need to stay sharp to separate fact from fiction before the lines blur too much.

Remote Interviews and Field Skills: Talking Heads on Zoom

Then there’s 'interviewing remotely'—the art of getting people to open up when they’re miles away and wearing pajama pants. Turns out, even 'field skills' can be applied virtually, and yes, video interviews can reveal as much as in-person ones, if you ask the right questions.

Publishing on Social Media: Timing is Everything

'Publishing effectively on social media?' It’s not just about hitting "post" and walking away. You’ve got to know your audience and post at the right time (don’t bother with that 3 a.m. brainwave unless you’re targeting insomniacs). 'Choosing images' that pop is crucial too—because let’s be real, nobody’s clicking on that article without a compelling visual.

Misinformation: The Real Villain

My arch-nemesis throughout the course? 'Misinformation'. Armed with tools and best practices, I now feel ready to 'stop the spread of fake news' faster than a social media rumor mill. Understanding platform policies and 'reaching mobile users' are essential skills to keep the news flowing accurately.

Wellness and Resilience: Surviving the Digital Jungle

But let’s not forget the human element. 'Wellness and resilience?' Oh boy, I had no idea how much I needed this. From 'handling trolls' to avoiding burnout, this course wasn’t just about protecting my stories but also myself. Tackling 'online harassment', managing 'violent content', and practicing 'self-care'—because no, journalists are not indestructible.

Independent Media: Lone Wolf but Make it Ethical

Operating as 'independent media' is like walking a tightrope, but it’s also where you find your voice. Avoiding bias, vetting your content, and maintaining 'visual integrity?' Check. 'Correcting mistakes' and dealing with authorities without losing your cool? Double check.

Journalist’s Safety: Don’t Forget the Armor

And, finally, 'journalist safety'. Whether it’s navigating dangerous fields or surviving a Twitter storm, this course has taught me how to stay safe while delivering the truth. It’s all about calculated risks—kind of like crossing a busy street while texting, but way more important.

In Conclusion…

This certificate didn’t just add a feather to my cap—it gave me an entire toolkit to tackle the brave new world of digital journalism. Armed with these skills, I’m ready to take on the news, one tweet, post, or video at a time. If nothing else, I’ve learned that in this fast-paced world, being adaptable, ethical, and sharp-eyed is key. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I’ve got some breaking news to gather and some trolls to silence.

BREATHE DARLING The storm will pass, Better days will come, Everything will be okey

Rishabh Shukla is an accomplished and versatile individual, with a diverse range of expertise in the fields of lifestyle and interiors journalism, design, and art activism. With over 15 years of experience in the construction and publishing industry, Rishabh has established himself as a prominent voice in these domains. 

Rishabh extends his passion for interior design, journalism and art to his blogging endeavors. Through his blog 'Painter Babu, he shares his expertise and offers valuable insights on homes, art, sustainable design, history, iconography, lifestyle, and social justice. His blog serves as a platform for exploring various facets of these subjects, engaging readers in thought-provoking discussions and encouraging a more conscious approach to design and living.

 

Rishabh's academic background includes a double master's degree in ancient Indian history, culture, and archeology, as well as English literature. These qualifications provide him with a deep understanding of historical and cultural influences, which he incorporates into his designs to create distinctive and meaningful spaces. Additionally, Rishabh holds a post-graduate diploma in journalism and mass communication, which bolsters his skills as a journalist and editor. His expertise in communication and storytelling allows him to effectively convey his ideas and connect with his audience.

His talent and contributions have been recognized through numerous awards and honors. Rishabh has received the excellence award in fine arts for his artistic prowess and creative vision. His skill as a writer has also been acknowledged, with the youth trailblazer award in contemporary writing. Furthermore, Rishabh's strategic thinking and innovative approach have earned him the excellence award for best strategic plans.

Rishabh's unwavering commitment to social causes and artistic activism has been acknowledged through the prestigious 'Prerna for all Award'. This recognition serves as a testament to his passion for promoting social justice and using art as a means of advocacy and positive change.

In recognition of his influential work as a journalist, designer, and art activist, Rishabh has been appointed as the 'MIVDO Goodwill Ambassador' for 2020-21. In this role, he has contributed to the promotion of free speech and art activism, leveraging his expertise and platform to inspire and empower individuals.

Rishabh Shukla strives to create meaningful spaces, inspire change, and uplift society as a whole.

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