Journalism is universal, the truth speaks for itself. Our job, at its core, is to uncover and present it. It is a tight craft, there are certain rules to uphold, accuracy above all. On paper, it’s simple. Find a story, get sources, write your article. But in reality, journalism extends far beyond the words we put on a page or the ethical frameworks we study. Its practice shifts in each country. Journalism is as everchanging as the weather.

Journalism Through a Cultural Lens  

The process may seem straightforward, but the practice of journalism is deeply shaped by cultural, political and societal norms that influence how stories are told. In some countries, a journalist’s role is to observe from a distance, while in others, their work is inseparable from activism and advocacy. Navigating these differences is not just a matter of professional adaptability; it is essential for producing stories that resonate within the societies they seek to inform. Journalism evolves with each new culture, fundamentally altering its practice and redefining the very nature of reporting.    

In some regions, journalism thrives on objectivity and detachment, while in others, it is inseparable from advocacy and social change. In Western media, objectivity is considered a fundamental principle as reporters are expected to maintain neutrality, present multiple perspectives, and minimise personal bias.  However, in other media landscapes, these boundaries are not as rigid. 

Culture Alters Journalistic Relationships  

In contrast to the stiff boundaries often seen in Western media, cultural factors significantly influence how journalists engage with sources and communities. Australian journalist Janak Rogers who has reported from Peru, South Africa, Mexico, Japan and the Philippines, notes that while some cultures emphasise formal structures and transactional interactions, others prioritise hospitality and relationship-building as essential for reporting.  

“I’m bringing my own kind of reporting culture with me, and I try to stay true to that. But there are things you come across when you are reporting in different environments that are important to be mindful of,” Janak Rogers says.  

This became especially clear to him during his time in India, covering a story on the Maoist uprising, a conflict that had left tribal communities caught between government forces and violent gangs. Entire villages had been burned to the ground, forcing families into the forest, where they struggled to build makeshift shelters and survive under dire conditions. Many of the children suffered from severe malnutrition, their bloated stomachs reflecting the difficult conditions they were facing. 

Janak Rogers had travelled with the support of an NGO and a doctor conducting visits in the area. As they approached the villagers to listen to their stories, they were met with an unexpected gesture. Rather than diving straight into conversation about their struggles, the villagers prioritised offering hospitality first. To them, Janak Rogers and his team were guests — and guests must be fed. 

“I felt uncomfortable sitting down to a hearty meal while severely malnourished children were nearby with bloated stomachs. It was a moment of extraordinary humility,“ Janak Rogers says and continues.

“It would have been wrong of me to stand on my Western high horse and say no. It was more correct of me to accept the hospitality as it was a gesture of trust and diplomacy. Then do the interviews on the other side of it,” he says.

 The Importance of Personal Connection  

Despite being told at university to ”never speak about personal and private things to a source,” like Janak Rogers, Danish journalist Amalie Rud Seerup emphasises the importance of sharing personal aspects of oneself, humanising both a journalist and their story. She stresses that given the generally reserved nature of Danes, building rapport is essential, that trust-building with sources and accepting hospitality, such as a cup of coffee, plays a key role in establishing that trust.  

“In school, I was told that you should never speak about personal stuff with sources. I disagree completely. I really feel like you need to be the human you are. You are building a relationship with your audience more so by being completely transparent. I think that journalists in Denmark might underprioritise this,” Amalie Rud Seerup says.  

Patience takes Precedence in Asian Journalism  

In Asia, journalism requires patience due to political and bureaucratic complexities. Success often relies on taking the time to build a relationship with sources, as hastily initiating an interview can sometimes create barriers. Janak Rogers applied this approach in 2015 while reporting on the Iglesia Ni Cristo – a powerful Protestant sect in the Philippines. After unexpectedly being offered an interview with their second-in-command, Janak was then invited to an extended, informal lunch. Though no recording was made, the conversation gave Janak invaluable insights into the organisation and helped him build a relationship with his source.  

“They unexpectedly offered me an interview with their second-in-command, it was huge! I spent two hours with him, which was really valuable to me and my reporting,” Janak says and continues.

“Afterward, he said, ‘I really enjoyed talking to you, anything you need, let us know,’ and because of that, I gained access to services that were previously off-limits. I felt I had earned their trust through the time spent together,” Janak Rogers says.  

His move back to Australia required a shift in how he approached his work, particularly when it came to navigating the political and cultural dynamics of journalism. He quickly observed that journalism in Australia was far more transactional than his previous work in Asia. There was less emphasis on the kind of rapport-building that he was used to, and interactions often felt less personal and more businesslike. 

Global Variations in Respect, Hierarchy, and Political Diversity  

The same experience was felt by Indonesian journalist Tito Ambyo, upon his move to Australia. One of the key differences they both identified was the perception of ’activism.’ In Australia, the term is often met with caution or resistance in newsrooms. In contrast, journalists in Indonesia tend to have a deeper understanding of how to engage in journalism, that takes a clear stance. This approach does not compromise objectivity but rather ensures clarity in identifying who is oppressed and whose voices are being suppressed. 

“There are major differences depending on the political and cultural contexts, not only in different countries but also in different newsrooms in the same country,”  Tito Ambyo says. 

In Australia, younger journalists are not necessarily expected to observe strict formalities when engaging with older sources. In contrast, Indonesian journalists must navigate a landscape where social hierarchy, cultural background, and positional authority play a significant role.   

“When you are dealing with sources who are older than you in Australia,

there are no expectations

of you being polite when talking to them. But in Indonesia you definitely have to be aware of where people are from, their po

sition and their cultural backgrounds,” Tito Ambyo says.  

Tito observes the importance of critically engaging with the perceptions

of journalism cultures across different countries, highlighting how certain aspects are often overlooked when they don’t align with the modern Western idea.  

“The best examples of journalism in the world are ones that we marginalise because they don’t fit the idea of modern journalism that we have right now,” Tito Ambyo says.  

Culture shapes journalism, and journalism defines the news. Every country brings its own set of values, priorities, and expectations which influence how stories are told. By embracing cultural nuances journalists can lead to richer, more impactful reporting, proving that the most powerful narratives often transcend the conventional structures students are taught to follow.