"I think that more diversity is a good thing, and fresh points of view articulated by people who are committed to excellence in journalism is a beneficial change in the American media landscape."
Here I am, finally updating the blog I promised myself to stay on top of. It's been exactly eight months since my last blog post. That's not to say that I haven't been busy with photoshoots, thank you JESUS. But I feel as though I have let down my inner literacy enthusiast.
I have never claimed myself as a writer. In college, I studied photojournalism while working for the college newspaper, as the photo editor in chief. Every day, I found myself admiring the writers that were able to eloquently compose an article on the things that mattered to them. These articles would range from politics, the economy, concerns over education, to viewpoints on feminism, racism, and global warming. There was a small amount of occasions where I was granted the opportunity to write a viewpoint, but would immediately feel insecure stepping out of my element. My job as a photo editor, and photojournalist, was to tell the store and release the facts through photography. To write, and to do it well, would be the hardest task for me. I did it. But I know I sucked at it. I knew that there was a special place for writers, and you had to be called to take on such an important job.
So, why is journalism so important to me?
Journalism is important to me having been in the position as a photojournalist, hoping to interpret the facts and the story through photos. I was responsible for telling the truth, and keeping readers informed.
“The purpose of journalism,” write Bill Kovach and Tom Rosenstiel in The Elements of Journalism, “is not defined by technology, nor by journalists or the techniques they employ.” Rather, “the principles and purpose of journalism are defined by something more basic: the function news plays in the lives of people.” The lives of people. Can you say that out loud? Journalists are responsible for interpreting the lives of every day people. Victims, political leaders, concerned citizens, survivors, and people like you and me.
That's not to say that journalists have never misquoted, or made any mistake. Having been on the receiving end of criticism after a misspelling in one of my viewpoints, I knew the importance of discipline. I learned my lesson and definitely faced the consequences. But that's also not to say that just anyone can take on the job of a journalist. It's tough stuff.
I admire the working journalists we have today who are covering elections, policies, investigations, economic changes, showing up at the White House to ask the press secretary the questions that we all ask our family members every day, across the dining room table. You are the vehicle of communication. Thank you for serving us. Thank you for caring about the things that matter. Thank you for keeping us informed. Thank you journalists. We all can't do what you do.