Next Gen Intern Diary: Finding my feet in a foreign newsroom, by Muheeb Mashood

Facilitated by the Centre for Journalism Innovation and Development (CJID), my first month at the New York Amsterdam News as a Social Media intern was characterised by curiosity about learning, openness to engagement, and commitment to tailor myself into a new learning environment.

The first week set the pace for what my stay with the platform in the next months would look like. I was formally introduced to the newsroom’s settings, including publication outputs. This positioned me, alongside other colleagues, into the operational framework of our social media management responsibilities. Led by the Digital and Special Section Editor, Josh Barker, we walked through the AmNews internet interface: the platform’s website, Facebook page, Instagram handle, X (formerly Twitter) account, and other social media platforms. The historic opener was followed by eye-opening engagements.

During the first month, I worked on a story centred on how political defection is heating up under President Bola Tinubu, and the concerns about it moving Nigeria’s multi-party system into a one-party state. The story established how concentration of power in a single political party could aid the timely passage of good policies and accelerate bad ones, even at the expense of the citizens. The report provided typical scenarios that demonstrated this concern.

Along the line, I’m presented with a crucial opportunity to position myself to work under pressure and meet deadlines.

As my story undergoes the editorial process at the New York Amsterdam News, I look forward to debuting my byline with one of the most-surviving and leading international platforms, courtesy of the CJID.