By ZUZANNA BIALAS
Global Business Journalism Reporter
Mika Hentunen is a seasoned journalist with over three decades of experience from six headquarter cities. He's covered the fall of the Berlin Wall, the civil war in the Balkans and Donald Trump's political revolution in America. As the Beijing-based Asia Correspondent for Finland’s national public broadcasting company and a former NATO Special Correspondent in Brussels, he is no stranger to the challenges of reporting.
“It’s hard,” he said when asked about the difficulties of being a Western television journalist in China. “We always need to have permissions [for recording]. People are also not so willing to talk to foreigners.”
“It is rewarding though," he added, reflecting on some of the in-depth feature reports he has completed. "You get to talk to people, find out their interesting stories and personalities."
During his Dec. 16 lecture to Global Business Journalism students, Hentunen shared his insights on how to overcome difficulties working around the world. His insights provide valuable lessons for anyone aspiring to become a foreign correspondent or navigate the complexities of international reporting.
Here are seven takeaways from Hentunen’s lecture on how to succeed in journalism and overcome the challenges:
1. Express your goals and ambitions
Don't keep your dreams to yourself.
“Communicate with your boss,” advised Hentunen.
He emphasized the importance of knowing what you want in your career and expressing it clearly. Make sure decision-makers at your organization know about your interests and aspirations.
“Let your supervisors know what you’re interested in,” he added.
2. Be patient and seize opportunities
Opportunities often arise unexpectedly, so be prepared to wait and act quickly when the moment comes. Hentunen shared that early in his career, he landed a role as a correspondent in Germany simply because he spoke the language and was willing to freelance while he was an exchange student there.
3. Build a strong network
In a field where collaboration is vital, connecting with fellow journalists is crucial, Hentunen told the students.
“Cooperate with other journalists," he said. "Share ideas and even material."
Exchanging ideas, sources, and information with colleagues can make navigating challenges easier, especially in restrictive media environments like China.
4. Be spontaneous and flexible
Reporting doesn’t always go as planned, Hentunen noted. As a result, he said: “Be flexible – find balance and be ready to switch (tools or interviewees).”
Hentunen highlighted the need to “try your luck” and adapt quickly when things don’t go your way. For instance, using informal tools like a smartphone for discreet filming can save your story. If official sources don't come through – as is often the case – be prepared to change course and seek outside experts or Chinese citizens.
5. Adapt to local circumstances
Hentunen emphasized the importance of understanding cultural nuances, especially when working in countries with strict media regulations.
“Gaining trust in China is a challenge,” he noted. “But once you do, people share fascinating stories and insights.”
Not everyone in the country is willing to talk to foreigners, he reminded the students.
“Use sources that are available and be patient,” advised Hentunen.
6. Find creative solutions to overcome barriers
When traditional methods don’t work don’t be afraid to think outside the box.
“Using an iPhone instead of professional cameras doesn’t draw as much attention and can make interviewees feel more comfortable,” Hentunen explained.
If your goal is to get people to share their authentic stories, you need to adapt to their individual needs, so that they feel comfortable enough to trust you. Using non-professional equipment in countries where people feel more reserved towards foreigners may be a good idea to achieve that.
As Hentunen said, “People might be more willing to talk to you if you don’t have the intimidating professional gear.”
7. Stay resilient in the face of challenges
Whether it’s navigating government regulations or finding willing interviewees, resilience is key to success. As Hentunen explained, “journalism is unpredictable,” but staying persistent and adaptable makes all the difference.
Foreign correspondent: A final thought
Mika Hentunen’s career journey – from freelancing in Germany to getting intrigued by the trade war between the U.S. and China, and now reporting in Asia – demonstrates that success in journalism requires passion, persistence, and the ability to adapt. By applying the principles above, aspiring journalists can overcome challenges and thrive in this dynamic, ever-changing field.
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