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We experience many things firsthand.

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We know what happened
because we were there.

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Since it's not possible to see 
everything for ourselves

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we must rely on the reports of others.

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At professional news organizations
the job of creating these reports

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is done through a process of journalism.

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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:

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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,

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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

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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

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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

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by sharing the stories of those
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

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because it shines a light into places
that may otherwise be dark

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and helps people to stay informed
about issues that matter.