Journalists, equipped with pens and microphones, often view themselves as agents of change, wielding the power to shape public opinion and the governance trajectory. The overlap between the profiles of successful journalists and politicians is undeniable—they both are ambitious and often well-known by the public. They love working with cameras, are opinionated on policies, lead conversations, and seek to persuade the public that their vision is the best. With all the shared skills, motivations and interests, is it seamless for journalists to transition from observers to political participants?
Journalists in political roles: from the shadow to the spotlight
Journalism’s crossover into politics is not new. In the late 19th century, William Randolph Hearst shifted from media to US Congress, advocating “government by journalism”. Notable figures like Churchill, Mussolini, Éric Zemmour, and Boris Johnson have followed similar paths. Historically, journalists have played significant roles in politics, often in less visible capacities. For instance, British journalist Alastair Campbell became a strategist for Tony Blair. The advent of TV journalism further bridged these two realms, allowing media personalities to leverage their influence for political careers.
Peter Van Aelst, a Professor at the University of Antwerp, observed an increase in Belgian journalists entering politics in the late ‘90s and early 2000s. Recently, this trend has slowed, possibly due to political parties seeking expertise in social media over traditional media. Additionally, the decline in political trust and the rise of hostility towards politicians may deter journalists from making this switch.
Why journalists enter politics
The reasons why journalists enter politics are diverse. Some seek direct involvement in policymaking, while others view journalism as a stepping stone to political fame. Idealistic journalists, like Fernando Villavicencio and Dmytro Hnap, enter politics to combat corruption and effect change.
This trend signifies a cultural shift where politics is no longer seen as exclusive to the elite. Media personalities like Donald Trump, Boris Johnson, and former RTBF presenter Hadja Lahbib bypass traditional political pathways, leveraging their media presence for political gain. There is no clear pattern in journalists joining specific political parties or ideologies, as in the rare circumstances where some journalists run for office to represent a party that is rabidly anti-media. While these journalists are high-profile, Columbia Journalism Review’s Jon Allsop notes how local news journalists can build more trustworthy platforms and thus have higher chances of becoming trusted political figures in communities.
Can journalists revert to the media?
Transitioning back to journalism after a political stint is complex and often depends on the media landscape’s polarisation and partisanship, as well as the type of journalism you’ve been doing, adds Jon Allsop. Journalists returning to the field face conflicts of interest and challenges in regaining neutrality. However, there are exceptions. For instance, Nick Kristof resumed his role as an opinion columnist at the New York Times after an unsuccessful political run. Conversely, some journalists, especially in right-wing circles, transition to roles as pundits and opinion-makers.
Advice for journalists eyeing political careers
The crossover from journalism to politics sparks concerns about manipulating public opinion, leveraging public trust for dubious ends, and potential self-assurance pitfalls leading to PR disasters. The Atlantic’s Helen Lewis wrote in 2021 that “journalists make dangerous politicians because they can talk their way out of trouble, have an eye for an arresting phrase and an appealing narrative, and know how to win over a crowd”. While these apprehensions hold weight, it’s essential to recognise the positive skills journalists can contribute to public service.
If you’re are a journalist who can’t wait to dip your toes into the murky water of politics in order to drive change or purely out of career aspirations, here are a few things to keep in mind:
- Effective journalism requires emotional detachment from politics and firm ideological boundaries.
- Returning to journalism after a political stint is challenging, making the leap a serious decision.
- The distinct work cycles of journalism and politics present a major hurdle. Quick media impacts contrast with the slow, often years-long process of enacting significant political change.
- Should you transition, leverage your journalistic skills for positive impact. Yet, public service is accessible to all.
Effective communication, the ability to craft compelling arguments, and a sincere desire to improve society are skills ingrained in many journalists. Journalists are typically guided by ethical standards, including a commitment to truth and accountability. This foundation can influence politicians to prioritise transparency, honesty, and integrity in their roles.
Such attributes can translate into successful political careers, where connecting with the public is the key to success. Journalists are trained to analyse information critically. This skill can aid them as politicians in evaluating complex policy matters, foreseeing potential challenges, and making informed decisions. Politicians with a journalism background can also effectively communicate their policy narratives, making complex issues more accessible to the general public through compelling storytelling.
