What makes a good journalist?

I believe that a good journalist will always write truthfully, obeying all laws and avoiding defamation where possible. They will always report on things that are in the interest of the public in an engaging way. It is important that a journalist has a lot of contacts; this will increase their ability to produce interesting and informative news reports on a broad range of topics. Interviewing technique is also important, journalists must have an attitude that will encourage people to be open with them and give them information without fear of it being taken out of context. Journalists should have a broad knowledge of what they are writing about as well as an interest and a passion for the topic, this will come across in the writing and therefore be far more interesting for the reader. Like most professions, Journalistic technique improves with experience.