The role of a journalist involves sitting on the fence, hearing all accounts and giving all sides a fair and reasonable chance.
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Reporting the news takes time and careful consideration, with any slither of subjectivity or ignorance turning a perfectly reasonable report into an untrustworthy grouping of words and sentences.
For example, I had lived and studied in Perth my entire life before moving here.
My perception of suburbia completely changed from coastal sun to small-town loyalty.
The mining and power industries are the bedrock of the town.
The multitude of employees at Muja, Bluewaters, Worsley, Griffin and Premier live among Collie’s growing population.
The mines and power stations rely on representatives from multiple departments to successfully convey what they are up to.
On the other side of the coin, the unions and community groups work hard to wrap their heads around and respond to each new development.
Similarly, council meetings deliver pages of information to sift through, distill and explain effectively.
Councillors and Shire staff put everything together, while us journos work to explain the ins and outs of their operations.
On another topic entirely, each sport contains rules and titles difficult for the uninitiated to grasp the first time around.
Taking on the Collie Eagles games during the South West Football League season has been a rollercoaster.
Before the season, Australia’s favourite game was neither great nor terrible to me...just sort of there.
I’m not sure if it is the thrill of the sport or a passion for news, but my excitement level has grown with each round.
I am sure the next two rounds and the finals series will live up to the hype.
Sometimes, journalists have to delve into things they don’t quite understand.
For the job, we have to contend with jargon and media statements on both sides of the issue.
Specifically, we have to explain every statement and point of view with 100 per cent care.
Like playing fetch on farmland, it is easy to get the wrong end of the stick.
Despite this, we understand we have a responsibility to ask questions and listen to everyone (whether they like us or not).
