Why Journalism?

News journalism is important for democracy. As citizens we rely on journalists to provide the information we need to make the best possible decisions about our lives, communities, and governments.

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.