What does it take to become one, wonders Oon Yeoh
THERE was a time not too long ago when journalists focused on reporting while entrepreneurs focused on business — and never the twain did they meet.
It’s interesting that these days, entrepreneurs have to become better at writing because of social media and content marketing. At the same time, journalists need to become better at branding themselves and marketing their stories.
Just as it’s difficult for businessmen to get used to the idea of content development, it’s also not easy for reporters to think along entrepreneurial lines.
But with the publishing industry going through tough times, being business-savvy will allow journalists to pursue the kind of meaningful assignments that they’d find fulfilling. One such journalist who’s gone down this route is Zan Azlee, who started out as a traditional print journalist working for an established newspaper. Today, he’s a multimedia journalist working for himself.
Zan Azlee talks to SAVVY about his long career in journalism and his journey to becoming an entrepreneurial journalist.
Did you study journalism?
No, I have a degree in accounting but I knew even before I graduated that I’d never practice it because I found it so boring. I just did it because I didn’t know what else to do at the time. Shortly after I graduated, I decided to give journalism a try because writing was something I had always loved doing. I was just trying it out. I didn’t know then it would eventually become a career for me.
But you eventually got a journalism degree, right?
Yes, I got a Masters in Broadcast Journalism. I went into broadcast because I wanted to explore more avenues beyond text for telling stories. From there, I experimented with all kinds of media and I consider myself to be truly a multimedia journalist. I’ve done it all: print, TV, radio and online. I can’t really say I have a preference actually, I like them all.
How did you end up becoming a freelance journalist?
I was working full-time and was stuck, doing the same thing at a TV station. There was no opportunity for me to try out the different platforms I was curious about. So I decided to quit and become a freelancer so I could pursue the kind of projects that really interested me.
Freelancing is tough. What’s the secret to making it work financially?
Initially, I had to work harder and longer hours than when I was a full-time staff because I was new and nobody knew who I was. But I persevered and eventually made a name for myself in the industry. I think the key is to take on projects that you really believe in and to execute them so well that they can’t ignore you. Eventually the money will come.
The phrase “entrepreneurial journalism” is unknown here even though they teach courses on it in the US. What does that phrase mean to you?
I think of my journalism skills not just in artistic terms but also in business terms. Journalism is my craft and I charge for it. It’s just like any other business. You provide a service and someone pays for it. In my case that someone isn’t an employer per se but a client or sponsor.
A few years back you re-joined the daily workforce as a producer for a mainstream broadcaster. Why?
That broadcasting company was actually a client that had bought my content — video documentaries that I’d made myself. Many of the people working there were friends whom I got along well with and whom I respected. So when they offered me a position, I thought it might be worth giving it a try.
What made you decide to leave it and resume the life of a freelancer?
It was a good experience but I guess being a free spirit, I wanted to continue exploring and expanding.
Big organisations aren’t the best places for experimentation and the pace was really a little too slow for me.
What’s a typical month like for you?
I write different columns for several news organisations, mostly online. I also contribute as a freelance journalist for various news organisations locally and internationally.
At any one time, I have at least one big project going on that would take two to three months to complete. All my work involves creating non-fiction multimedia content so I write text, create videos, record podcasts, shoot photos, etc.
I also teach journalism part-time in college, something I’ve been doing since 2004.
Do you work from home?
Actually, a lot of my time is spent outside as I have to go out to observe, report and do interviews. But of course I do my writing and audio/video editing at home.
What equipment do you use?
I have a DSLR camera, a normal HD video camera, a small GoPro camera, a drone, a shotgun microphone and a wireless neck microphone set. Of course I also have a laptop and mobile phone. This is what I’d call a basic multimedia setup.
Is the Internet a big factor in what you do?
The Internet is the main platform for the content I produce these days. All my stuff is online. I can’t imagine being able to do what I do without the Internet.