Daljit Dhaliwal: On Wide Angle and More

Daljit Dhaliwal, former BBC and CNN anchor, current Wide Angle anchor shared her thoughts on journalism today, her role in it, and the demands of being a "celebrity journalist."

Currently, she is an anchor on Wide Angle, a PBS show dedicated to current affairs documentaries. Dhaliwal is enjoying her position in this exciting world of documentary film, while staying true to her love for international news and reporting. Her role at Wide Angle Dhaliwal says includes, "introducing the film and then after the film is screened, following it up with an interview with an expert in the area." She's particularly excited about two upcoming Wide Angle documentaries.

The first is one about "women in India who are managing to earn salaries and make a living due to the presence of the multi-nationals that have made their way to India." She also encouraged us to look out for another Wide Angle documentary about female imams in Morroco. "It really looks at the moderate side of Islam."

The audience peppered Dhaliwal with questions, seeking out her advice and opinions. Boston Globe music critic Siddhartha Mitter asked Dhaliwal about deferential treatment some journalists give politicians and other high level or high powered people. "Jim Lehrer, for example," he said, "as soon as he's talking to someone like the Secretary of State, you see a level of deference. Sometimes questions get answered, and sometimes they don't."

Dhaliwal advocated the need for journalists to be "persistance, pushy, and vigilant." "This doesn't mean you have to be rude or deferential or aggressive." She shared a story from her own personal experience.

"I once interviewed the ambassador to El Salvador about how gang problems and how they were being fueled by deportation." Sticking out her hand and raising three fingers, she exclaimed, "And I had to ask the question three times in three different ways before I could really get an answer I was happy with." Finally, she said, the ambassador admitted that "the gang problems in El Salvador were being promoted by deportation."

Sasha Tong, who attended the session, said, "She's a very frank a very polished, and really she's an inspiration for South Asian women. I love her accent!"

Dhaliwal offered plenty of advice for those who want to work in broadcast journalism. "You have to go to the small markets and learn the skills. I want to see people who can produce their own stories, report and interview. Most people I meet just want to be on camera and see their mug shot. I don't have time for that. You have to love this, and love to do this to do well."

After the session, SAJA attendee Raywat Deonandan walked up to Dhaliwal, and sang her name to her, Letterman style. Needless to say, he says "She was not impressed."