Q: What is the state of press freedom in your country?
TT: I think we’re very privileged and very fortunate in this country to have the freedom of the press that we have. I think that most of us take it for granted, but when we talk to other journalists across the world, we get a splash of cold water on our face and realize that it’s not the same situation in different parts of the world. So as a journalist in America, I feel privileged, and I feel a certain responsibility to take advantage of that privilege and use it to the best of my ability.
Q: What are the biggest challenges for women journalists in your country?
TT: I think one of the biggest challenges that we’re facing in the industry right now is the changeover and the transition from print to digital and the mixing of multimedia. In some discussions, we found that video is much more captivating to people than the written word – fortunately or unfortunately, depending on your stance. However, we want to make certain that the quality of journalism is still very high. We don’t want to decrease any quality of the written word at the expense of creating quick sound bites. I think this is a challenge in making sure that we are both feeding an appetite for good quality journalism, as well as trying to stay away from things that are just quick and easy.
Q: How do you and other women journalists face these challenges?
TT: I think women journalists here are expanding their capacities and stretching themselves intellectually and professionally to encompass different forms of media, and trying at the same time to produce thought-provoking and high-quality journalism. And I think being successful means you change with the times, and you always have your reader in mind and provide great stories.