Journalists are constantly being criticized for what they report, whether it be false or too harsh. People say that journalists are just looking to make money, therefore they will report anything that an audience will read. While that may be true for some journalists, I’d like to believe that most journalists still abide by ethics and good intentions at heart.
Wasn’t it the intention all along for journalists to investigate and uncover the truth, not insult individuals or groups? Journalists may uncover harsh and real events that are hard for the public to stomach, but regardless it needs to be reported.
For example, Republican candidate, Donald Trump, is constantly bashing the media for reporting horrible things about him. According to CNN, at a rally in Fort Worth Texas, Trump stated exactly what he would do to the media and journalists for reporting negative stories about him.
“One of the things I’m going to do if I win… I’m going to open up our libel laws so when they write purposely negative and horrible and false articles, we can sue them and win lots of money,” Trump said.
We all know that Trump hasn’t exactly been the most welcoming candidate or person to journalists, women, Hispanics and Muslims. With his constantly crude comments in his speeches, the media is going to write about them. I could understand if an article or facts are false, but as for negativity, he’s basically writing that article himself. Since he is so relentless towards groups of people for their religions or race, journalists are just doing their job by writing about it.
I am a journalism student focusing in print and online journalism. I, along with my classmates, are the future of journalism. As a person, I like to find the good qualities in people. I refuse to be one of those journalists who constantly bash celebrities, political figures and citizens who deserve better.
If there is injustice caused by a criminal or an elite person, such as Trump, make the public aware of it. The public deserves to know what is going on the world, which is the true job of a journalist. Real journalists and media professionals don’t go around presenting false accusations or humiliating a person just to make a buck.
One of my favorite quotes about the journalism industry is from journalist Ann Curry: “Journalism is an act of faith in the future” (Curry). I do have faith in the future of our complex world, as well as faith that journalists and media professionals will report the truth to inform the public and investigate real world problems.