Lakshmi Padma, a seasoned journalist and news presenter, offers an unfiltered look at the realities of working in media today. She emphasizes that journalism is more than reporting events. It is a responsibility to society. Lakshmi highlights that young aspirants entering the field, especially women, must be prepared for the intensity, long hours, and fierce competition that define the industry. Newsrooms are fast paced environments where schedules can be unpredictable, requiring journalists to work early mornings, late nights, or during weekends, often with little time for personal life. For those passionate about the profession, balancing work and family is challenging but essential to sustain a long term career in responsible reporting.
According to Lakshmi, entering the media industry demands both skill and dedication. While technology has made reporting easier with live updates and instant communication, real journalism still requires verification, accuracy, and integrity. Social media and digital platforms may give the impression that anyone can be a journalist, but authentic reporting requires distinguishing between facts and opinions, analyzing information critically, and presenting news without bias.
She notes that the current media landscape is highly competitive. News channels constantly vie for viewership, which can put reporters under pressure to deliver updates quickly. Yet Lakshmi insists that responsible journalism must never compromise on accuracy or ethics even in a crowded, fast moving environment. Credible news organizations, whether satellite channels or online portals, adhere to professional standards that allow the audience to trust the information being presented.
Lakshmi stresses that passion is the driving force behind enduring journalism careers. Without genuine interest and commitment, aspiring reporters may struggle with the workload and emotional demands of covering complex stories. She encourages journalists to develop the ability to prioritize, manage stress, and maintain personal well being while reporting diligently. The ability to step back, analyze a story carefully, and ensure fairness is a skill every journalist must cultivate.
She also points out the importance of perspective and empathy. Journalists must remain objective, yet mindful of the human impact of the events they cover. Ethical reporting requires understanding the broader societal context and conveying stories in a manner that informs rather than sensationalizes. In a time when misinformation can spread rapidly, the role of credible journalists becomes even more critical.
Lakshmi underscores that being a journalist today is not just a profession. It is a public service. Reporting responsibly strengthens trust between the media and the community and ensures that audiences can rely on news outlets for accurate and verified information. She highlights that even with the pressures of modern media, a well trained ethical journalist can provide clarity in an era overflowing with information and competing narratives.
For Lakshmi, the ultimate measure of journalism is impact. It is how responsibly a journalist conveys facts, influences public understanding, and upholds the integrity of the profession. Passion, commitment, and ethical rigor are non negotiable, and these qualities define the journalists who will shape the future of credible news in India.
