My life has been one great big joke, a dance that’s walked, a song that’s spoke, I laugh so hard I almost choke when I think about myself. – Maya Angelou
Language is the business of journalists. Without substantive knowledge of a language in which the journalist works with, any story can just be considered lost in space. That is the reason behind my religiously studying of the Dutch language. It may be ambitious to say, but I do look forward in practicing my profession here in Nederland — much as a writer and/or editor than a tv presentor. I guess I have a more intimate relationship with the written word than the all-too-fussy televisie (that rhymes!).
For starters, I checked the media landscape in the Netherlands. There are a lot of journalistic resources in this land. There are also a lot of opportunities for media practitioners. There are more than 30 national/public broadcasters, about 50 commercial zenders and 10-20 international/regional broadcasters. There are also more than 30 newspapers (national and regional) and almost 10 media institutions, the most important of which is the Algemeen Nederlands Persbureau. All national and regional broadcasting companies and newspapers in The Netherlands are in Dutch. With the numbers I wrote, one can only decipher how much the Dutch value their language. And in such a small country, one can tell how active the press is here. Moreover, the European Journalism Centre is also situated in The Netherlands.
Now can you imagine how frustrating it can be for a non-starter journalist like me to be in such a country with a very active press? Journalists, writers, editors and communication employees are always needed. For journalists like me who are looking forward to perform the duty, you can see how much vacancies are there in villa media, media vacature, originals, redactie&co and media stages.
It’s not in my place to be too humble with my qualifications. Even when I read my own cv (it’s not padded, to be honest), I also am surprised with what I have done. I may not have been a famous reporter in the Philippines, but I am glad to note that I have experience in all media — print and broadcast, production and writing/editing. And that’s 10 solid years! To say ‘I have a lot of ammo’ is an understatement. The only thing is that… my Dutch is not perfect. Well, not yet.#
