Words "Do" Define Me

Breanna Grimm
bg199915@ohio.edu

Journalism, wearer of many hats, makes the mere question of, "How does one define journalism" look like a mystery. However, we do know one key concept that has stuck around throughout time and that concept is, communication. 

Journalism is an art that is provided to serve the public, to give information, so that no one is left in the dark. With the uprising of social media and traditional media platforms, it has become even easier to incorporate both communication as well as the spread of new information into journalism today.

Traditional News vs. The Internet

Scary? Well back then many journalists seemed to think so. Instead of seeing the Internet in a positive light, they were so focused on the traditional news that they saw the Internet as an attack to their current audience. 

"The digital age was only beginning, but the journalists gathered that day already thought something was seriously wrong with their profession." -Bill Kovach and Tom Rosenstiel. 

Over time, as journalists learned to grow with, instead of against, new media platforms; it helped correspondents to spread a vast array of information quickly that engaged new spectators as well as their foregoing onlookers. The only problem we seem to run into with current social flow is that it merges with the line of credibility in the Press.

Tell the Truth, The Whole Truth and Nothing but The Truth

Credibility is one of the most important qualities to bring into the world of news and within media today, credibility is constantly being tested. The fiasco of Jayson Blair sets an example for media ethics as well as why many readers still question the authority of journalists today. Jayson Blair was a former journalist for The New York Times, until the young writer fell prey to a world of plagiarism and dishonesty, that forced him to resign. 

"As audiences we are guided by the decisions journalists make about what to report and how it is reported and we are guided in our choice of news packages by a subtle combination of reasons, but this moral sense is part of it. We are looking for information, but we are also looking for authority, for honesty, and for a sense that the journalists have our interests at heart." 

So, with trustworthiness being so prominent in communication today, how are we able to rely on any information we indulge in? According to Tim Rymel, "Historically, the media has given us little reason to trust them, but they have taught us a valuable lesson: It is our responsibility to find out what is really true, regardless of who says it. And fortunately, there are news agencies and individuals committed to reporting facts and information." (Huffingtonpost)

Wrap-Up

Though there are always going to be constant debates on journalism as a whole, we must admit we would be completely sheltered without it. Although sheltered and protected, where would we be without the utter chaos of social connection and awareness intellect in today's day in age.