photo credit: Hiya Patel
Lead, bridge, quote. While many people see this as a list of three words, I see it as something different; something much more than just 15 letters.
In recent years, the world of journalism has been rapidly evolving. With the rise of online media and the decline of print journalism, it’s evident that the word “journalism” is completely different from what it was 25 years ago.
And with this shift, the world’s view of journalism has also changed. Coming from a journalist, it’s no secret that a large majority of the world has an intolerance for many of us. Whether it’s that one annoying Fox News columnist, or that one fake news outlet, journalists have very clearly been thrown in the shade.
And while some of it is deserved, such fake news or libelous stories, much of that annoyance is misdirected. I believe that journalists alike have two goals: to express and to inform.
Our world today wouldn’t be where it is without the media. Every day, citizens across the world wake up and turn on the news or open a news outlet on their phone. Our whole world is connected through the news, no doubt. And while some news can bring people down, true news writing is not trying to ruin the mood; it’s there to spread information.
And while most information nowadays is not positive, this information is essential for the world to keep moving forward. Everyone is going through this together, which means everyone needs to be on the same page.
And while the spread of information may be the most important part of journalism, I see personal expression as equally important.
Opinion stories, such as this, can be the epitome of the hate directed at journalists. But, it’s important to remember that everyone has the right of expression. This idea is especially dear to me.
I have spent all of my high school career in journalism classes. Starting with the basic “Intro to Journalism”, all the way to our newsmagazine production and live news. And what I’ve learned through these classes is that journalism isn’t confined to a certain structure. Journalism is really whatever one can imagine it to be.
I have written countless articles throughout my three years producing in the magazine. And for every single story, I have been able to, in some way, express myself. Whether it’s writing about why ham is better than turkey, interviewing our superintendent or investigating the 2020 election, every story has allowed me to access my own creative outlet. The ability to brainstorm your own ideas and bring them to life is second to none.
This is what my life has been built around for four years. But for many more, this has been their life since high school. Being a journalist is a lifestyle of expression and information. Our goal isn’t to upset the readers, but we are simply trying to show what we believe. Whether the reader believes or not is up to them, but everyone has their own opinion, and everyone has the right to say it.
In fact, the First Amendment to the Constitution protects this right for journalists and news outlets. The press is the only profession recognized in our constitution; it is journalists duty to keep the other branches of government in check, acting as “the fourth estate”, or a fourth branch of government.
So, to whoever is reading this, I urge you to change your perspective on journalism. And, if you are someone who has always looked for different ways to express oneself, maybe journalism isn’t such a bad idea. At the school, there are so many different options to choose from. And I can say that any of these choices is going to create a lifetime of expression for anyone who joins.
