A Journalist Who Knows His Onions Sees Editorial Value In Everything, Even When Others Don’t, by Isaac Asabor

“If the only tool you have is a hammer, you tend to see every problem as a nail.” This insightful quote from Abraham Maslow, a renowned psychologist, is a reflection on human nature and cognitive bias. It speaks to the tendency to use the same approach to address every challenge, often failing to recognize the need for a more nuanced or diverse solution. This concept, known as the “law of instrument,” underlines how an individual’s reliance on a single tool can limit their capacity to perceive the bigger picture or apply a more fitting approach.

For a journalist, this metaphor is particularly relevant. In the world of journalism, the “tool” is not just a pen or a camera but an entire suite of intellectual and analytical skills that allow one to perceive the world differently. A good journalist, particularly one who truly understands his or her craft, sees editorial value in everything, even when others don’t. He or she is able to unearth stories hidden in plain sight, crafting narratives that resonate with the public, even from the most seemingly insignificant or overlooked events.

This article is not only a reflection on the role of the journalist, but also a response to a recent comment made by a colleague. A colleague of mine recently attempted to question my passion for writing, saying that I must always see editorial value in virtually every issue; no matter how trivial such issues are. Not only had he teasingly questioned my proclivity toward reading, he also asked “Baba, you wan do Jamb?” He expressed confusion over my constant engagement with these activities, as if they were somehow an obsession. While the comment was likely made in jest, it struck a chord, and I realized that my response could be valuable to others who may find themselves in a similar position like my colleague, wondering why someone might dedicate so much time to these pursuits.

In truth, the act of reading and writing is not merely a hobby or a pastime for me; it is the very essence of my work and the foundation of my identity as a journalist. This article, then, is not just a defense of my habits but a larger statement about the role of passion in journalism and the broader pursuit of knowledge. For those who question the dedication that goes into constant reading and writing, this piece serves as a reminder of the profound editorial value that can be found in everything and everywhere, if you know where to look.

Journalism is much more than the ability to report facts. It is a process of making sense of the world, of finding meaning in the chaos of daily life, and of presenting it to an audience in a way that is engaging, informative, and impactful. Journalists must be able to see beyond the surface level and understand the deeper layers of meaning in the events they report on.

At the heart of this process is the journalist’s unique perspective. While others may see a simple news item, a journalist with experience and training will often see the underlying narrative, the context, and the implications. It is a skill developed over time through exposure to a variety of stories, subjects, and scenarios. With time, the journalist learns to look beyond the obvious and discern what others might overlook.

For example, a journalist who covers politics might attend a seemingly unremarkable press conference where a politician makes a slip of the tongue or an awkward gesture. To the casual observer, this might appear to be a minor faux pas. But to a seasoned journalist, it could be an editorial goldmine, revealing cracks in the politician’s public persona, their lack of preparedness, or even hinting at deeper issues within their party or political agenda.

The ability to identify such moments comes from experience and a keen understanding of how small details can contribute to the larger picture. A good journalist knows that what may appear insignificant on the surface often holds key insights into the broader narrative. This is why journalists, even when covering the same event, can produce different takes on the same story, with one version offering a richer, more layered perspective than another.

One of the most striking features of a journalist who knows his or her onions is the ability to see editorial value in the everyday occurrences that many people might dismiss. In the course of daily life, countless moments, actions, and exchanges take place that, while seemingly mundane, contain rich editorial potential. These moments might be fleeting, but they offer a glimpse into the human experience, the undercurrents of society, or the issues that shape our world.

Take, for example, a conversation overheard in a market. A casual exchange between a vendor and a customer, where the customer voices concerns over rising prices, could seem trivial at first. But for a journalist who knows his or her onions, this interaction could serve as the foundation for a deeper story about economic inequality, inflation, or the struggles of ordinary people. The vendor’s response could shed light on how businesses are coping with the economic downturn, while the customer’s frustration might reflect broader societal discontent.

Journalists often have an uncanny ability to extract meaning from the most unlikely places. A fleeting comment made by a public official during a televised debate, an impromptu interaction in a local café, or even a passing observation on social media can all serve as the seeds for a compelling story. The ability to identify these moments of editorial value is what distinguishes a good journalist from the average reporter.

This is not to suggest that every small event is inherently newsworthy. A journalist’s skill lies in knowing when a small detail is significant and when it is just background noise. The more journalists immerse themselves in their surroundings and engage with different aspects of society, the sharper their instincts become. They begin to recognize patterns, anticipate what is coming next, and understand the subtle dynamics that drive the stories they cover.

The hammer, as Maslow’s quote suggests, is an important tool, but it is not the only one. In journalism, relying on one “tool” can be limiting. For instance, if a journalist only knows how to report the facts, they might miss out on the opportunity to delve deeper into a story or explore it from a different angle. A journalist who only knows how to write headlines might fail to see the long-term implications of a policy change.

A journalist who knows his onions, however, has a diverse set of tools his disposal. He do not just write stories, he craft narratives. He do not just interview people, he engages with them, drawing out insights that others may miss. He is investigative, analytical, and reflective, constantly challenging his assumptions and pushing himself to think beyond the obvious.

This adaptability is crucial in today’s fast-paced media environment, where stories can change in an instant and new angles can emerge at any time. A good journalist must be able to pivot quickly, reframe a narrative, and apply different techniques depending on the story at hand. This might mean shifting from hard news to human interest, from analysis to opinion, or from reporting to advocacy.

More importantly, a skilled journalist understands that the right tool for the job is not always the most obvious one. While the hammer, reporting, writing, editing, might be the most visible part of journalism, the true value lies in the journalist’s ability to adapt, to see the world from multiple perspectives, and to recognize editorial value in everything. Whether it is through investigative journalism, data analysis, or feature writing, the journalist uses a combination of tools to uncover the full story.

Recognizing editorial value in everything has a far-reaching impact, not just for the journalist but for society as a whole. A journalist’s ability to identify and highlight issues that others may overlook can help shape public discourse and influence change. By focusing on the stories that matter, a journalist can bring attention to underreported topics, amplify marginalized voices, and shed light on important issues that might otherwise go unnoticed.

For example, by recognizing the editorial value in the experiences of ordinary people, journalists can give a voice to those who may not have access to the platforms that others do. Stories about struggling communities, forgotten neighborhoods, or overlooked social issues can bring attention to injustices and inspire action.

Moreover, a journalist who sees editorial value in everything plays a key role in informing and educating the public. By presenting stories in a way that connects the dots, explains complex issues, and highlights their relevance to the audience’s daily lives, the journalist helps create an informed citizenry capable of making thoughtful decisions.

A journalist who his or her onions sees the world differently. He or she see stories in places others miss, even as such journalist recognizes the editorial value in the mundane, and uses a variety of tools to tell the most compelling stories. This ability to see beyond the surface, to identify the deeper narratives that shape our world, is what makes a journalist truly great.

Just as Maslow’s Hammer warns against over-reliance on a single tool, so too does it remind journalists of the importance of developing a versatile skill set. Journalism is not just about writing or reporting; it is about recognizing the richness of the world and finding ways to share it with others. A journalist who knows his or her onions is not limited by tools, such journalist is defined by his or her ability to see the value in everything. And it is this perspective that ultimately shapes the stories we tell, the way we understand the world, and the impact journalism has on society.

Once again, this article, in response to my colleague’s comment and to anyone who might question the importance of dedicating time to reading and writing, serves as a reminder that passion for one’s craft, whether in journalism or any other field, should never be underestimated. For a journalist, the continuous pursuit of knowledge is not an obsession, but an essential part of understanding the world and fulfilling the duty to inform and engage others.