Journalism Is Essential Now More Than Ever
Vanessa Jaklitsch is a Journalist and US Correspondent and a member of the Association of Foreign Press Correspondents (AFC-USA). While a Correspondent in Washington for La Razón newspaper and Telemadrid TV, she contributes to NTN24 - the international TV channel of the Americas - as an Anchor and Analyst. She also teaches “International Journalism” and “Communications” courses at Camilo José Cela University and Atresmedia Formación. Vanessa speaks to Foreign Press on her latest work as a foreign correspondent, the changing attitude towards journalists in America, and how reporting in the United States has affected her personally and professionally.
Please give us a description of your background and work.
I am a Journalist and US Correspondent based in Washington, D.C. I also work as a Communication Specialist for International Organizations, I teach Journalism and Communications courses for Universities and private companies, and I am Master of Ceremonies in international events. Currently, I work as a US Correspondent in Washington for La Razón Newspaper and Telemadrid TV, both media based in Spain.
What was the latest story you reported on?
Joe Biden and Kamala Harris Inauguration 2021, and Trump’s 2nd Impeachment.
How that story made you feel?
The special coverage of the new administration and the Inauguration ceremonies made me feel very responsible and grateful for having the chance to inform our audience about these challenging unprecedented times. Being part of this historic process as a journalist and correspondent in the United States is more than a gift; it is an honor and a huge privilege, both professional and personal. I feel very lucky and grateful for doing what I love, and for loving what I do.
What is the definition of a special story for you as a journalist?
A special story can have very different definitions depending on the country you are based in or the media outlet you work for, but for me a really special story is that one you can show and tell to the world from a different perspective. You can, for example, interview a prominent figure exclusively and ask the questions everybody is waiting for, or you can look for the hidden professional or personal side of that person. Something else that explains why I love working as a journalist in Washington, D.C. is you can help people who have never been here before become a firsthand testimony, to be able to see through your own eyes how different (or not) things are from the movies.
Do you believe in the importance of the work of foreign journalists? If so, why?
I think our work as foreign journalists is essential, probably more than ever. We live in a connected world that is changing so much in so many ways, and we are facing some unexpected challenges that require our constant attention. We are here to share firsthand how fast things happen and how they affect people and other countries. We need to be the voice for those who can not be heard, and the eyes of those who can not see.
What people in the U.S. do not know about the work foreign journalists do in this country?
I don’t think people in the U.S. really know their country is a mirror where so many other countries look at themselves. They usually think that our work as foreign journalists is just what they see, and the rest of the time we just have fun. It is true we really enjoy what we do - we have to! If not, we wouldn’t spend our lifetime working like we do, without distinguishing a Monday from a Sunday, available 24/7, ready for absolutely anything that can happen at any time, being always flexible and ready to go. People usually think we have a cool job, like national journalists, and the doors are open to anywhere, like fancy new places and emblematic buildings in the country. But only we (and our families) know how hard all this is. Especially these last years, with Trump as President, we faced new challenges that made our work even harder to do. Our credibility was questioned, and we often received for the first time attacks, insults, and discriminatory behaviors in the most democratic country in the world just for doing what we do. Our questions as journalists became uncomfortable for those who didn’t want to have any intermediate in terms of communicating their messages. That’s why social media, without restrictions, was used more than ever before. But we, as journalists, have to contrast the sources of information before sharing the news, as well as to look for all different perspectives involved, firsthand. That’s why we can not be replaced by social networks.
Is journalism an impactful profession? Do you feel you make an impact on society? In what ways?
Despite the new phenomenon of “fake news” and the overexposed use of social networks, I really think our work now is more important than ever. We need to be the source of information for thousands if not millions of people who look for content and knowledge in a short period of time and they want to - and need to - be very well informed in order to have their own opinion. We can see nowadays that anything happening in and to any country in the world affects others. We live in a completely connected world. So, we - journalists - have a huge responsibility, and our work has a great impact with consequences that can affect other people’s decisions and lives.
What message do you want the AFC-USA to convey to the outside world on behalf of foreign journalists?
A foreign journalist can be a great tool to being well informed and to help other people know firsthand what is happening on the other side of the world without moving from home. But, at the same time, a correspondent can be very fragile and become a target who needs to be supported by associations like AFC-USA, or governments and institutions. Journalists nowadays play an essential role in connecting people with information almost at the same time things are happening. Having the support of AFC-USA has become a great advantage when carrying out our daily work - especially during challenging times in the United States with attacks on the press (“fake news”), non-immigrant visa issues during the pandemic, and a credibility crisis inspired by some political leaders.
Vanessa Jaklitsch
