Isn't it interesting to see the transformations in societies surrounding a good idea? There is evidence of many press networks around the world turning toward the liberal model of journalism. In our discussion in class, the United States was listed as a pretty good example of the liberal model. It's just another reason why everyone wants to be an American I guess. My question to the blogosphere then is why is America trying so hard to go more political? Why have seemed to have lost our trust in the public's ability to reason for themselves with just the facts? Since when did journalism become an art form instead of a service?
I should probably clarify that last question. When I think of an art form, I think of a form of expression. A way to get out frustrations or joy, depending on the situation, and sharing that with others. When I think of a service, I think of an act the aides those affected in some way or another. Journalism should be a service, presenting the facts as fact. As a public, we don't need to be persuaded to think one way or another. Our brains will do enough of that for us. What we need are the facts, statistics, and basic information that allow us to come up with a plan of action on our own. Journalists get the conversation started by telling the public what to think about, not what to think.
There are many who have come to expect the newspaper to "keep an eye on" government. In fact, some might even have the misconception that watching the government is all the newspaper should really worry about. (This article is a perfect example) Not to discredit anyone's opinion, I personally feel that our government is not our only priority. It is said that "by their fruits, ye shall know them." If all we're hearing about is the actions with government's name written on them, how will we be able to identify the consequences of government on our own? Do we want the press to spoon-feed us our information or should we be a little more tenacious in our information gathering?
Maybe I'm just an idealist. Maybe what I rant and rave about can't actually happen. So prove it! Come on readers. Tell me what you think about this. I want to talk to you about it, so let's talk.
Thursday, September 30, 2010
Wednesday, September 15, 2010
What is a Journalist?
Well...to answer that question, we must ask ourselves, what is journalism? Because, in truth, a journalist is someone who does journalism, right? So what is journalism?
Journalism is, in my opinion, the act of finding and sharing information. Good journalism is making sure that information actually does some good in the world. Whether that information helps cheer a heart that is down or alerts the public to issues that need resolution, journalism plays an important role in the world of democracy. Without the sharing of information, tyranny and ignorance reign free with no resistance. The people can't fight what they can't see. It's the purpose of journalism to spread the light of knowledge to the people so they can make informed decisions.
We discussed this ever present question in great detail in class. Many people voiced the opinion that it is a journalist's duty to watch the government. Government is so evil these days so they obviously need to be watched. My take on this goes something to this effect: I don't think the government is our biggest problem. I do agree that part of a journalist's duty is to watch the government and report on what our elected officials are doing with our trust and tax dollars, but I also believe that journalists play a large role on the unity of our individual and global communities.
Through shared information, we can come together under common goals. People everywhere are born with, what our book calls, the Awareness Instinct. Human beings instinctively want to know what is going on. It's a survival trait, I imagine. When we know what is going on, we feel secure. We are able to plan our next move based on what is happening. So we barter our knowledge for the knowledge of our neighbor, creating a network of knowledge. We begin to rely on each other to feed our desire for knowledge. Journalism is a life dedicated to obtaining and sharing a great amount of knowledge.
Now, the world of exchanging knowledge is changing, rapidly. People are finding more and more of their information online through social media and Google searches. The question I pose is, who is controlling and expediting the process of transferring information? Who is helping the public sift through the growing sea of information? That, my friends, is the new face of journalism.
Many people are worried about the fate of journalism. They fear the career is dying out. I have hope for it though. It may not be as traditional anymore, but it needn't die out. Journalism is an ever changing profession. There is a reason people aren't required to be certified or licensed to be considered a journalist. In the early age of the press, the journalist was the informant, or watchdog. Now the journalist is the forum leader or mediator in a massive online discussion.
It is also a journalist's job to point out the important issues; issues that need to be resolved in a timely manner. We discussed a lot about giving a voice to the voiceless. In a world where the voice of the minority is growing increasingly louder, especially revolving around religion, the society of journalists need to keep a balance between the ever expanding outcry of the injustly dealt with minority and the swiftly quieting majority. Every respectful voice deserves to be heard equally. It is the journalist's duty to make that happen.
So now I ask this question to you, what is a journalist? What is journalism? Do we, who wish to join the society of journalists, need to fear we have simply been born in the wrong age? Who will organize and simplify the exchange of information in the growing pool of knowledge and ideas? Discuss amongst yourselves. Post commentary! Let us discuss and reason together.
Journalism is, in my opinion, the act of finding and sharing information. Good journalism is making sure that information actually does some good in the world. Whether that information helps cheer a heart that is down or alerts the public to issues that need resolution, journalism plays an important role in the world of democracy. Without the sharing of information, tyranny and ignorance reign free with no resistance. The people can't fight what they can't see. It's the purpose of journalism to spread the light of knowledge to the people so they can make informed decisions.
We discussed this ever present question in great detail in class. Many people voiced the opinion that it is a journalist's duty to watch the government. Government is so evil these days so they obviously need to be watched. My take on this goes something to this effect: I don't think the government is our biggest problem. I do agree that part of a journalist's duty is to watch the government and report on what our elected officials are doing with our trust and tax dollars, but I also believe that journalists play a large role on the unity of our individual and global communities.
Through shared information, we can come together under common goals. People everywhere are born with, what our book calls, the Awareness Instinct. Human beings instinctively want to know what is going on. It's a survival trait, I imagine. When we know what is going on, we feel secure. We are able to plan our next move based on what is happening. So we barter our knowledge for the knowledge of our neighbor, creating a network of knowledge. We begin to rely on each other to feed our desire for knowledge. Journalism is a life dedicated to obtaining and sharing a great amount of knowledge.
Now, the world of exchanging knowledge is changing, rapidly. People are finding more and more of their information online through social media and Google searches. The question I pose is, who is controlling and expediting the process of transferring information? Who is helping the public sift through the growing sea of information? That, my friends, is the new face of journalism.
Many people are worried about the fate of journalism. They fear the career is dying out. I have hope for it though. It may not be as traditional anymore, but it needn't die out. Journalism is an ever changing profession. There is a reason people aren't required to be certified or licensed to be considered a journalist. In the early age of the press, the journalist was the informant, or watchdog. Now the journalist is the forum leader or mediator in a massive online discussion.
It is also a journalist's job to point out the important issues; issues that need to be resolved in a timely manner. We discussed a lot about giving a voice to the voiceless. In a world where the voice of the minority is growing increasingly louder, especially revolving around religion, the society of journalists need to keep a balance between the ever expanding outcry of the injustly dealt with minority and the swiftly quieting majority. Every respectful voice deserves to be heard equally. It is the journalist's duty to make that happen.
So now I ask this question to you, what is a journalist? What is journalism? Do we, who wish to join the society of journalists, need to fear we have simply been born in the wrong age? Who will organize and simplify the exchange of information in the growing pool of knowledge and ideas? Discuss amongst yourselves. Post commentary! Let us discuss and reason together.
Thursday, September 9, 2010
What is Journalism for?
Hello World!
This blog is specifically for a class I'm taking, formally titled Comms 329 Principles of Journalism. We have been asked to write and present a blog each week with our thoughts on journalism and the issues covered for the week. In all honesty, I'm not quite sure I can properly convey my thoughts but here goes nothing!
For this week, we were asked to read the first chapter in both The Mind of a Journalist by Jim Willis and The Elements of Journalism by Bill Kovach & Tom Rosenstiel. I have a feeling these two books are going to be a fascinating read. Both books provided interesting insights into the world of journalism and the opinions surrounding it.
Kovach and Rosenstiel mainly focused on what journalism is. The generally accepted duty of a journalist is to provide the public with information in order to remain free and self-governing. I found it interesting that with such a simple duty, there was so much controversy over how that duty should be performed and by whom. My opinion? As long as the information is getting out there, why does it matter who is sharing? I think citizen journalism is great! In The Elements, the role of the journalist is described to be changing to more of a supervisory role. The journalists verify the information submitted by the public and dig deeper to uncover other possible angles to the story. As a whole, it makes sense, seeing as it is very difficult these days to completely shut out one man's voice through the internet.
This blog is specifically for a class I'm taking, formally titled Comms 329 Principles of Journalism. We have been asked to write and present a blog each week with our thoughts on journalism and the issues covered for the week. In all honesty, I'm not quite sure I can properly convey my thoughts but here goes nothing!
For this week, we were asked to read the first chapter in both The Mind of a Journalist by Jim Willis and The Elements of Journalism by Bill Kovach & Tom Rosenstiel. I have a feeling these two books are going to be a fascinating read. Both books provided interesting insights into the world of journalism and the opinions surrounding it.
Kovach and Rosenstiel mainly focused on what journalism is. The generally accepted duty of a journalist is to provide the public with information in order to remain free and self-governing. I found it interesting that with such a simple duty, there was so much controversy over how that duty should be performed and by whom. My opinion? As long as the information is getting out there, why does it matter who is sharing? I think citizen journalism is great! In The Elements, the role of the journalist is described to be changing to more of a supervisory role. The journalists verify the information submitted by the public and dig deeper to uncover other possible angles to the story. As a whole, it makes sense, seeing as it is very difficult these days to completely shut out one man's voice through the internet.
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