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We experience many things firsthand. We
know what happened because we were there.

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Since it's not possible to see everything for
ourselves we must rely on the reports of others.

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At professional news organizations the job
of creating these reports is done through a

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process of journalism. Journalism is
the practice of gathering, assessing,

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and presenting news and information for print,
broadcast or the internet.

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The job of a journalist is to conduct research, check facts,

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and present accurate reports 
that explain issues and events.

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Journalism can cover any topic from sports
to entertainment to health to politics.

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Journalism produced by news organizations
is especially important for democracy.

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As citizens we rely on journalists
to provide the information we need

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to make the best possible decisions about our
lives, our communities, and our governments.

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There are a number of important
roles that journalism plays.

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Journalism helps inform people
about the events and issues

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that are important for society as a whole.

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It contributes to collective knowledge

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and helps shape opinions about
what is happening in the world.

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Journalism can also present different perspectives
on issues and provide a forum for public debate.

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Journalists act as watchdogs by
holding those with power to account.

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They encourage honesty and transparency from
government officials and other authority figures

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by questioning their actions and
decisions and by uncovering the truth.

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Finally, journalism can give people who lack power
in society a voice by sharing the stories of those

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who face different challenges.

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Journalists can help create 
empathy among the public.

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Journalism is essential for democracy
because it shines a light into places

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that may otherwise be dark and helps people
to stay informed about issues that matter.