Ambitious, Chahana wants to be a foreign correspondent in the future and would like to be in field reporting. Just back after completing her Bachelor’s in Communication from Wichita State University in Kansas, USA, she first joined News24 as an intern after which she was confirmed a news reader. [break]
She enjoys reading. The Harry Potter series and “The Immortals of Meluha” by Amish Tripathi are among her favorite books. Her favorite Television personalities are Christiane Amanpour and Anderson Cooper from CNN.
Please tell us something about your job.
I’ve always wanted to be in television. Politics and social affairs rather than entertainment hold more attraction for me. In the US, it takes some 15 years before one gets a chance to be on TV. So when I got the opportunity here, it was like a dream come true. At present, I read the news. We have a team and we’ve designated jobs to do. I also translate and write news reports. Sometimes, breaking news comes in at the last minute and I need to make up a report right then and there. But I enjoy my job.
How does it feel not to have a regular 9 to 5 job?
Initially, when people heard about my job, they would tell me how my schedules would go haywire. But I’m used to it. For instance, I worked in my school paper, The Sunflower, for two years and my timing was from 4 in the afternoon till 10 at night, so it isn’t very difficult.
What are the positive impacts your career has had on you?
For starters, I’ve become more confident. And since the people I work with are really motivating and helpful, it encourages me to put in my best.
What lessons did you carry with you from your classroom and what are the things you learnt on the job?
I was taught that news has to be conversational and that one needs to have a presence of mind. And the last bit was reinforced in me when I was just about to go on air and I was told about the Agni Air plane crash. Since it was my first time, I was really nervous but I managed to do it. I don’t know whether I was bad or good but I learnt from the experience.
Do you think Nepali media participates in sensationalizing news?
Well, there’s definitely room for improvement. However, with all the competition around, I think we’re heading to less sensationalism and more factual news.
What’s the best advice you’ve ever received and how has it helped you?
My uncle, who is a journalist, once told me never to jump to conclusions and always keep an open mind. I’ve kept that in mind. I try not to be biased and I understand that there are always two sides to a story.
If you were not in media, where would you be?
I have always been interested in journalism. However, I also have a keen interest in Egyptian archeology and I wanted to study it but my parents dissuaded me. I still research the subject in my leisure.
Related story
New army chief Sigdel takes charge of command
-1200x560-1774441847.webp)
