Jakub Laichter ‘25 and writer in residence Joshua Yaffa lead panel for aspiring journalists

On February 22nd, Bard College Berlin students interested in pursuing a career in journalism gathered to listen to Jakub Laichter and Joshua Yaffa, two members of the community who have extensive experience covering foreign affairs. Yaffa is Bard College Berlin’s current writer in residence for the 23-24 academic year, and has written for The Economist, The New York Times, National Geographic, Bloomberg Businessweek, The New Republic, and Foreign Affairs, where he was also an associate editor. He has written and published extensively on Russia and Ukraine, and has been The New Yorker’s Moscow correspondent since 2016. Laichter is a third-year student with extensive experience covering the ongoing war in Ukraine. He is a documentary photographer and writer whose photographs have been featured on international publications such as Amnesty International, The New Humanitarian, and RadioFreeEurope.

Amidst the challenges facing the news industry and the evolving landscape for journalists, the event underscored a pressing question: How does one navigate the path to becoming a foreign correspondent in today's complex media environment? The news industry has been in decline for decades, and there has been a recent closure of foreign news bureaus and a shift in the field. Furthermore, increased hostility towards journalists leaves little room for optimism for young journalists hoping to enter this field. Today's aspiring journalists possess significant talent but must navigate the ever-evolving world of journalism, distinct from past eras, to thrive in this dynamic environment.

Yaffa, who began his career in New York City and eventually moved to Russia, witnessed this transformation himself. “When I was in New York I was one of thousands of journalists who were equally talented and all wanted the same thing,” he shared. “It was by moving to Russia that I was able to change my career. I suddenly went from being one of thousands to being one of two or three American journalists in Moscow who had the knowledge to write about what was happening.” It was about reducing the pool to increase the chances, he explained. 

Yaffa’s journey from New York City to Russia exemplifies the need for adaptability and strategic decision-making in pursuing a career in foreign correspondence. By recognizing the shifting dynamics of the media landscape and seizing opportunities elsewhere, he was able to carve out a niche for himself and thrive as a journalist. For young journalists like Laichter, the key lies in finding ways to distinguish oneself in an increasingly competitive field.

“When asked by people: ‘How do I become a journalist?’, the only responsible answer I can give is: “Are you sure you want to?,” shares Yaffa. “I’d be crazy if I told them to go for it, no questions asked. The field is complicated. It’s possible, but it’s difficult.” The panelists agreed, it is crucial for early-career journalists to approach the career with an understanding of its challenges and difficulties, prepared to evolve as rapidly as the field. 

Post Date: 04-22-2024