We experience many things firsthand.

We know what happened
because we were there.

Since it's not possible to see 
everything for ourselves

we must rely on the reports of others.

At professional news organizations
the job of creating these reports

is done through a process of journalism.

Journalism is the practice 
of gathering, assessing,

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

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

and present accurate reports 
that explain issues and events.

Journalism can cover any topic:

from sports to entertainment,
to health, to politics.

Journalism produced by news organizations
is especially important for democracy.

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

to make the best possible decisions
about our lives, our communities,

and our governments.

There are a number 
of important roles that journalism plays.

Journalism helps inform people
about the events and issues

that are important for society as a whole.

It contributes to collective knowledge

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

Journalism can also present 
different perspectives on issues

and provide a forum for public debate.

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

They encourage honesty and transparency

from government officials 
and other authority figures

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

Finally, journalism can give people
who lack power in society a voice

by sharing the stories of those
who face different challenges.

Journalists can help 
create empathy among the public.

Journalism is essential for democracy

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

and helps people to stay informed
about issues that matter.