"This can be the most frustrating,” said Massoud. "Our foreign colleagues do not always understand that here, you have to talk to people, to put them at ease and that many things are decided at the last moment."įixers must reassure their clients - clients who may not understand local codes and customs, or may have preconceived notions. Sodji highlighted cultural challenges that she has helped reporters navigate in West Africa. "The hardest thing is to make them understand that the reality on the ground is different," said Sodji. The journalists requesting assistance from fixers will likely be less familiar with the local subjects and context. Prejudices and cultural differences can create tension on a reporting trip. "I went to the Amazon for a story on pink dolphins, which I wouldn't have done otherwise," she said. Naudascher also pointed to the unique experiences she has had as a fixer. I learned a lot and made friends," said Rania Massoud, a journalist who used to work for L'Orient Le Jour. Her work as a fixer has enabled her to travel throughout Lebanon, from refugee camps to seaside villages. "Being with experienced reporters allowed me to see other ways of working. While the pay can be attractive, it isn’t a fixer’s primary motivation. It’s also essential to understand the journalists’ requirements before they arrive, and to agree on the work that is expected. have to be a real Swiss Army knife," said Naudascher.īeing able to adapt and react is key for fixers. "There can be no problems should have a plan B and a plan C. The journalists or the reporting team travel often only for a limited time, and with a defined budget, so everything must be planned out. find the right characters and the right sequences.” The fixer also coordinates logistics, such as the vehicle, driver, translator, and catering, files needed authorization requests and arranges itineraries. "Either the journalist who solicits us has a precise idea for a story and we provide with contacts from our address book, or their idea is more general and we give them the story to tell." Įmmanuelle Sodji, a Togolese video reporter who investigated the trafficking of Tramadol in West Africa, confirmed this. "It's a huge human and editorial investment," said Marie Naudascher, a French journalist and fixer based in Brazil. They also consider the nature of the reporting: is it hard news, a magazine feature or a documentary film, among other formats? Understanding the local context is critical, as well: for instance, is the location in a conflict zone? When fixers are journalists themselves, they can take on even more work, too.įixers take into account the type of outlet conducting the reporting, whether it be radio, TV or print, for example. Fixers are closely familiar with the local customs and practices, are well-versed in relevant issues, and they might also serve as translators. The fixer’s roleĪ fixer is someone that a journalist or reporting team might hire to accompany them when they travel to a new location for their work. This article examines the role a fixer plays to assist reporting efforts, and the challenges that come with it. I'm traveling to your country and am looking for a fixer."Īlthough these requests have been less common over the past year due to travel restrictions during COVID-19, they will certainly increase in frequency as the world rebounds from the pandemic. It usually starts with a simple email or WhatsApp message: "I'm a journalist, and I got your contact information from so-and-so.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |