Page 352 - Battleground The Media Volume 1 and 2

Parachute Journal sm: Internat onal News Report ng | 1

is a well-prepared professional landing with access to a network of information
and assistance, or failing that, with the resources and resourcefulness needed to
develop such a network quickly. Such goals are most likely to be met by larger
news organizations with reservoirs of talent experienced in previous episodes
of sudden need for news from places not ordinarily covered, often including
former foreign correspondents. Independent reporters with such experience do
exist, however, and their regional basing can often make them equal or superior
to their better-financed peers in a given situation.
In some instances, news organizations rely upon roving reporters who may
visit a series of capitals and the odd hinterland locale, rather than remaining
based in an area on a full-time basis. While not as beneficial as having full-time
correspondents stationed throughout Africa, for example, the practice at least
allows for semiregular contact with sources and some semblance of ongoing
coverage of the region. Far from ideal, the arrangement serves nonetheless to
maintain institutional ties while doubtless giving short shrift to many stories
that require closer and more sustained attention.
To fill such gaps, a variety of journalistic operators and support personnel
may in turn serve as parachute correspondents in less-scrutinized realms while
maintaining more regular surveillance of population centers in which they live.
Several types of correspondents combine to provide coverage of the vast, gener-
ally under-covered realms beyond the metropolitan centers of primary interest
to readers and journalists. In addition to the shrinking number of journalists
in longer-term foreign postings for such newspapers as the industry-leading
New York Times, the Washington Post, and the Wall Street Journal; chains such
as McClatchy and Cox; and networks such as CNN; there are local journalists
who string for foreign publications, freelancers who cover a region, and sub-
ject and area specialists who may travel or establish a domestic or foreign base
from which they venture to cover stories as assigned, or on their own. Some
will wear different hats over time. Virtually all will at some point share the
designation parachute correspondent, and some will perform the variegated
duties associated with such a catchall position much more effectively than
others.
The question of quality of coverage will sometimes relate closely to the story
being covered. A key distinguishing characteristic is often linguistic acumen:
a journalist operating in a milieu where language differences preclude direct
interviewing—a frequent occurrence, no matter how educated and skilled the
reporter—is in need of an interpreter. The acquisition of cultural and histori-
cal background is of great importance, even if little such material makes its
way into most reports: even the most up-to-date information is frequently mis-
leading if presented absent adequate attention to context. Financial resources,
such as the ability to hire the best fixers and interpreters, can make a large
difference as well, casting a different light on the question, “What color is your
parachute?” Indeed, those who have served in foreign-correspondent positions
previously are the correspondents most likely to be called upon for future ser-
vice, regardless of their experience in a given region. It is the skill set—the abil-
ity to operate efficiently in diverse foreign settings—that is most prized, and