Doing justice to an environmental issue will require media professionals to dig a little deeper, says Pacific Environment Weekly editor Cherelle Jackson.
She made the comment while speaking to participants at the Fiji Media Association and Internews Earth Journalism Network Training of Trainers Workshop on Environmental Reporting for Fiji Media in Nadi yesterday.
Ms Jackson explained the need for journalists to provide in-depth news pieces on the environment.
“Too often, we hinge our stories on government officials public statements and announcements,” she said.
“There are non-government experts, academics and community leaders who can speak on the same issues. “Use unexpected faces for environmental stories.
“For example, if it is about oceans, the fisherman is the natural source but maybe the children who play rugby in the shallow waters might have an interesting perspective.
“Take your thinking two or three steps away from the story and find your source there, for example, flooding.”
She also warned participants to be aware of those in authority who could manipulate their work. “Be aware of the smokescreens.
“Don’t be manipulated into reporting on one side of the story. Research and investigate deeper.
“Where possible, seek community perspectives.
“Fact check from global sources and if a national authority gives you numbers that can be verified by the country’s national communications, read and report it.”
