Final thoughts on journalism

1. What defines objectivity and why is it an element of journalism? What is the place of opinion in journalism? As a journalist can you have you own opinions on the issues of the day, yet continue to practice objective journalism? Why or why not? How do you plan to handle objectivity?

I consider it impossible to have opinions on an issue and still be completely objective. A journalist who is passionate about an issue will convey their interest. Throughout the semester we have debated bias in journalism; while a truly unbiased journalist is completely objective, a journalist who has an opinion on the story is more invested and more interesting. A passionate journalist tells a more detailed and invested story.

However, it is crucial to be honest, and still show both sides. Readers should rely on a variety of news sources to paint a balanced picture of the issues. As a writer in the media, I plan to always be honest and fair.


2. How do we define or identify excellence in journalism? Why are such aspects as independence and public vigilance essential? What evidence was present in your semester-long examination of a newspaper?

Journalistic excellence is the ability to stand out among all the other voices in journalism. It is characterized by consistency and accuracy. The definition of excellence in journalism Jeffrey Scheuer provides in The Big Picture sheds light on the definition of a journalist. “… All journalism cannot be excellent... If everything were excellent the term would lose its meaning; mediocrity (or something worse) must anchor the opposite end of the evaluative scale.” (Scheuer, 40) If journalists believe this statement, the prevalence of news bloggers is not reason to fear, but reason to celebrate. More news outlets gives excellent journalists a way to shine. The key is to discover how they fit into the new world of journalism.

In my semester-long review of the Star Tribune website, I noted their passion for local news. They provided local information not only when there was an election or a crime, but every single day. A newspaper that a community can rely on is a perfect example of journalistic excellence.


3. What is “journalistic truth” and how does it differ from reality or absolute truth? How does it contribute to civic knowledge?

While absolute truth relates to grand ethical questions, journalism is based on Jeffrey Scheuer defines journalist truth as key facts believed to be true by the public (63). Although it is not absolute truth, it is just as complicated. Journalistic truth involves spheres of opinion, in different social groups. It may change in different circumstances. But above all it never deceives it's audience or hides the truth.

Honest journalists gain the public's respect, and their audience is more likely to listen. This kind of journalism can lead a community, building civic knowledge.


4. Why are newspapers failing and television new operations downsizing? What implications might these conditions have for our country and for your career? What type of journalistic job would you have in 5 years from now? 10 years? 20 years?

Today the internet allows for discussion of news and events through blogs and Twitter. These new mediums are fast, free, and allow for more two-was discussion. As we discussed in class, anyone can be a journalist. Because millions of these “journalists” are suddenly providing content free to the public, traditional news outlets are failing.

While most of the population seems to believe journalism is dying, it is in fact only changing. Five years from now journalism will differ in two ways, it will be instant and it will be specialized. Journalists will use tools such as Twitter, video blogs, texting, and other new media to deliver information quickly, and will target specific audiences with detailed news. A journalist in 2019 might report stories only on salmonella, designer shoes, or dog shows, but they will offer almost constant news. I also assume that a larger organization like Google will be responsible for all of these micro-news networks. Journalism will be personalized and fast.


5. What personal code of conduct do you plan to live by as a journalist?

Although I do not plan to study journalism, the news is still a major part of my life. As a reader I expect journalists to have as a personal code of conduct: honest, passion, and writing skills. This code is inspired by Joseph Pulitzer, who instructed journalists to "Put it before them briefly so they will read it, clearly so they will appreciate it, picturesquely so they will remember it and, above all, accurately so they will be guided by its light."

The most important thing to remember in journalism is honesty. As a servant to the public, a fair and balanced story. While maintaining their honest integrity, journalists should also have a passion for news, and be interested in the stories they cover. Also, journalists should develop strong writing skills, so that they can get the public interested in whatever subject they are honest and passionate about.