Do you enjoy being in the know about the latest happenings in the news? Do you have a favourite news reporter that makes watching, reading or listening to the news fun? Better yet, do you have a new reporter crush?

Well if your answer to all those questions is yes, today (April 4) is your day to show your favourite newsperson some love! Each year on April 4, National Hug a Newsperson Day is celebrated in the United States to give a toast to those news reporters that keep everyone informed on the latest developments ranging from hard news, weather or sports.

There have been some journalists that many Jamaicans have grown to love over the years, whether it is through their style of delivery or how they make the news comprehendible for the typical Jamaican.

News reporters often go above and beyond daily to provide the public with factual and credible news to make an informed decision. So if you should interact with a news reporter today let them know you value their efforts and the selfless contributions they make to society.

Share a hug

Sharing the love can simply mean giving your favourite newsperson a warm hug to help them through a rough day.

Be sure to obtain the permission of the reporter before engaging them in a hug because some people may prefer their physical space. Instead, you can offer a handshake or some kind words of encouragement to help them get through the day.

While it may not be possible to offer a physical hug, social media has allowed people to connect across distances, therefore do not be afraid to send them a message to let them know the positive impact they are making in your life.

Send a thank you card

One of the best ways to make a journalist smile on National Hug a Newsperson Day is to send a thank you card to a journalist as a means of encouragement for the work that they have been doing.

Undoubtedly, a simple thank you card can change the outcome of a journalist’s day because they now understand that the hard work that they put in daily is not going unnoticed.

Share a news story

The act of simply sharing a well-written news story on social media can offer encouragement to many journalists while allowing them to impact the lives of others who come in contact with their body of work.

Similarly, it is important to offer constructive feedback on a body of work written by your favourite journalist to allow them to note their strengths and also areas for improvement.

Journalists are considered ‘watch dogs’ of society, therefore the public’s feedback on their work is important to ensure that they provide factual, credible and insightful information.

Read, watch, listen

If you have an avid news reader, viewer and listener of local broadcast programmes then kudos to you! but if you are not a news fanatic then now is a great time to become in tune with what is happening around you.

Social media has allowed the news to become easily accessible at the fingertips, making it easier for you to keep up to date with the latest happenings.

Be kind to Journalists

Journalists are considered the backbone of society, they report on matters of national importance and highlight issues that affect citizens to drive government response.

Some journalists venture into battlefields, travel across the world and work long hours to provide readers, listeners and viewers with the news.

It is important to be kind to journalists while they are out in the field, reporting on matters that allow the public to make an informed decision.

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