It is a topic that will never die, and seems to be even more of an issue now than it ever has. With the internet still growing each and everyday, opportunities to get your opinion and ideas noticed is a lot easier than it use to be. Which brings up the heated topic of whether or not John Smith, who has his own blog, is a journalist or not.
John Smith claims he is giving reasonable news and providing stories that people will be interested in. But does the fact that he has the ability to type and compile words really qualify him as a journalist. People who blog and take themselves serious on their blog are in a never ending battle with print and broadcast journalist.
Men and women who have gone to college, gotten degrees, and have done the research are fighting back against the John Smiths of the news world. The ones who are claiming to be just as important or influential as the journalists who reports for the newspaper. But true journalist are having a hard time keeping quiet. The internet is free reign and anyone randomly can create and start their own blog.
I would have to agree with both sides of this. Just because you have a blog going, certainly does not give you the same experience or credentials as an educated journalist. However, I also do not think that people's voices or opinion should be sheltered or covered up because they lack a degree.
A true journalist at heart should know and understand, that if you are a writer and you have something to say, you are going to say it anyway and anyhow. For the love of the game. For the love of the writing, you will get your story out there.
Check out Kevin Anderson's article on Digital vs. Print and Apples and Oranges Analysis
No comments:
Post a Comment