So last week I bumped in Jon Snow, as you do of course.
He was a guest professor at my University giving a talk about Journalism, nonetheless.
As I sat amongst the other students and locals that had turned out to see him in the Cathedral, I really did not know what to expect, after all, this man is one of the most remarkable British news readers of all time, his honest opinions devoid of any propaganda, his direct approach, as well as the fact that he has been closer to a story more than anyone; he's rubbed shoulders with Idi Amin, Thatcher and a few old MP's just to lighten the mood.
Snow talked about the 'technological revolution' in his relaxed and humorous manner, and how the impact of this has made it easier in recent times to become a journalist; the wonders of the World Wide Web make information, accurate information, easier to find, to report, to reach an audience, it is therefore, in his optimistic opinion, 'the best moment to become a journalist'.
He, to me, was the epitome of a journalist, in the fundamental sense of the word, eager to get to the bottom of the story, to find out the truth, not because he needed to, but because he wanted to, he wanted to share the truth with the world. His manner was of urgency but not before he was fair, and objective and had double checked the facts. In his opinion, I feel he would say, that's what being a good journalist is all about. I would say that's the mark of a great journalist.
All in all he gave a positive and uplifting message to those listening to him from the pulpit, 'As long as people aspire for the best - we are going to live in the best of times.'
After the economy breakdown, high rates of unemployment and a loss of purpose, out came a bit of ethereal optimism.
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