Journalism- What Is It?

Some may argue that journalism is the mere reporting of facts and events of a community or a larger population. Those who believe this do not understand the power of the pen. Journalism not only keeps the public aware of the current news, but in a way chooses what will be exposed to the people. Whether on television, in a newspaper, magazine, or online, the purpose and goal of Journalism is the same. That purpose is to make the public aware of what is going on in the world around us; to perhaps bring the world out of complete ignorance. The journalist plays a key role in this. As expressed by Bill Kavach and Tom Rosenstiel in their book “Elements of Journalism”, journalism's first loyalty is to the citizens.While expressing opinions and reporting stories, a journalist has a responsibility to report the truth and emphasize that which is in the best interest of the people to know. He/she has the ability to bring readers out of the dark and call people to action. That is the reward of the profession. Freedom of the press bears the power to evoke progression in individuals, creating the "water droplet" effect on communities large and small. That, is power.

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