A guy that fits the quote “Started from the bottom, now I’m here!” quite perfectly. Clinton’s love and passion has gotten him to the top and he ain’t bragging about it. A full time journalist at the Sunday Tribune, part time blogger and soon he aims to release his autobiography. We caught up with Clinton and this is what went down…
1. What does journalism mean to you?
For me journalism is more than just a job, it’s a calling. A journalist is the eyes and ears of the community and it is our duty to pass on information that is relevant and important for our readers. As in the words of Tom Stoppard, “If you aim to change the wold, journalism is your immediate short term weapon.”
2. Who is Clinton Moodley?
A journalist by day, a superhero by night. (Laughs.) On a serious note, I am someone who gets the job done, a perfectionist, an adventure seeker, food critic, God fearing, goal driven and most of all passionate.
3. When did your love for writing begin?
For as long as I can remember. I was fascinated with news, writing and journalism since I was eight. I remember creating magazines with hardcover books. I would spend my holidays at my dining room table with a bunch of old magazines trying to recreate my own brand. I would read the entire magazine, editing the “articles” after I completed it. I would then start on my next one. I also love novel writing and when I am free I try to pen some ideas together. Writing for me is my voice and my way of making a difference in whichever small way it may be.
4. What do you love most about your job?
I love everything. From the news gathering, to the planning of the article, the writing process right until the final article is published. There is nothing greater than having your byline printed in a mainstream newspaper. I also love having the opportunity to work with such talented people in the newsroom right from my editor to my fellow journalists.
5. Who do you draw inspiration from?
I draw inspiration from journalism as cliche as it sounds. Journalism is a never ending learning process and there’s so much you can learn everyday from your colleagues and the people you are interviewing.
6. What is the most outrageous story you had to cover?
I love every story I cover because there’s a lesson to be learned in all. There have been a few outrageous ones, but that I’m saving for my autobiography one day.
7. Have you ever been in any dangerous situation covering a story?
Yes almost all the time especially when you asking all the questions a person doesn’t want to hear. One would be covering a story in a particularly dangerous area at night when there was no lights. A contact called me saying there was a dead body in a rural area in Shallcross, Chatsworth that they discovered and wanted me to come on to the scene. I had to walk down over 2kms down a dark bank in a very dangerous area with a camera around my neck. On my way home I was nearly knocked by a car and almost hijacked. I guess I survived to tell the tale. Journalism is all about taking risks for a story, but the risks also need to be taken with wisdom and caution.
8. What are things you don’t like about current journalism practices that you wish can change?
As much as I love digital media and this is the way of the future, sometimes these articles that are posted online, which are “immediate”, often sensationalizes a particular story and are sometimes not factual therefore misleading readers especially those on social media. I think that before a news item breaks on the website, media outlets need to verify the facts and speak to more than one source.
9. How do you resolve the ethical dilemma of being a spectator covering a story when you could have helped out in a situation?
Fortunately I haven’t been in that situation before as most if the stories I’ve covered were reported on after the incident. But, I would resolve this type of predicament by looking at the scenario and then making a decision. Not all journalists are heartless.
10. What advise do you have for a journalist student wanting to get into the field?
Build experience. A lot of people want to get to the top without working hard. They are with the notion that a big bank balance is far more important than gaining experience. I started from scratch having worked at a community newspaper and gradually moved forward from there. I am grateful for my experience in community newspapers because it set me up to go further in my career.
Quick Facts About Clinton Dean
1. My Favourite Colour:
Red.
2. My Celebrity Crush:
Sonam Kapoor.
3. Shark Diving Or Bunjee Jumping?
Both.
4. All Time Favourite Song:
I love music so there is not just one.
5. A Quote I Live By:
Seize the moment.
