Taylor Abreu
ta550616@ohio.edu / taylorabreu99@gmail.com
Journalism has survived for generations, strictly by knowing how to manipulate the human experience. Since it is based on the opinion of the population, they have always been able to capitalize on the human instinct to gossip. According to The Elements of Journalism, we are all embedded with an “Awareness Instinct” (Kovach, Rosenstiel 2).
We all are embedded with a constant, insatiable desire to be aware of what is occurring around us, because “common ground around a shared awareness of news allows us to build social connections with others in the community, to relate to others through a shared understanding” (Diakopoulos).
Journalists use this instinct by mirroring the opinions, thoughts, and feelings of the masses and selling them stories that will entertain, warn, or inform them of various topics on a multitude of subjects. The journalism field has been able to create an entire industry by simply understanding how to use this basic human instinct and capitalize on it.
Journalism is not for the faint of heart. It requires a strong opinion and the ability, or willingness, to back it up. According to the American Press Association the first principle of journalism is a “journalist's obligation to the truth…” and to “convey a fair and reliable account of their meaning, valid for now, subject to further investigation.”
Journalists have a responsibility to convey events in the way that the people would perceive them, “the central purpose of journalism is to provide citizens with accurate and reliable information they need to function in a free society”.
This is why we have such polarizing news outlets. There is a market for every opinion and or thought process. To be a successful journalist, you cannot be afraid to speak your mind and commit to your gut feelings. Due to the way our economy is set up, unfortunately, we cannot always trust our journalists to follow these moral duties.
Typically, a news outlet or journalists as a whole will follow the money. If the rich feel a strong opinion about a certain topic, there will be a mirror for that opinion to cut their checks.
There is no rule book to journalism, so you really have to be cautious as a consumer with who you choose to attain your news information. You have to be aware of hidden motives every outlet may have. For example, look at who posts advertisements on certain news outlet’s channels. It is not just a coincidence that most of these companies’ political affiliations align with those of that news outlet.
Basically, watch out where you’re getting your news from! Not all journalists have your best interest in mind. Make sure that your ethical affiliations and morals align with those of your chosen journalist or outlet.
References
American Press Association. “Principles of Journalism.” American Press Association, 27 May 2020, www.americanpressassociation.com/principles-of-journalism/
Diakopoulos, Nick. “The Journalism of Awareness.” Musings on Media, 7 Oct. 2008, www.nickdiakopoulos.com/2008/10/07/the-journalism-of-awareness/
Kovach, Bill, and Tom Rosenstiel. The Elements of Journalism. Atlantic, 2003.
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