Journalism: The Sixth Sense

Journalism is a profession dating back to as early as the 15th century. As society evolved, so did journalism. Handwritten notes were exchanged for printed articles, and major crime stories were buried under brunch suggestions. Journalism today stands strong as a tool for spreading awareness, knowledge and truth, run by individuals with wandering minds and a passion for influencing for good.

In recent years, the question circling over 21st-century journalists' heads is" what is journalism?" Newspapers are not as popular anymore; information thrives amongst the curious youth on social media. What happens when we ask ourselves the same question?

What is journalism?

Is it just a production or a platform for writers?

Journalism, as an occupation, has never had an exact diagnosis. One point that connects the professional identity of journalists is the ideology cemented into their practice. Each journalist abides by the laws of truth, accuracy, and objectivity. According to the American Press Institute, journalism is "the activity of gathering, assessing, creating, and presenting news and information" (American Press Institute, 2020). However, each journalist ultimately decides the words they use to communicate tragedy or blessing to the world; to become part of the solution (Burns, L. 2013).

Some believe the definition of journalism lies within the borders surrounding the journalist. Deputy curator of the Nieman Foundation for Journalism at Harvard University, Seth Effron is one of them: "In some places, it means a license. In some places, it means a license and journalism school – sometimes a journalism school run by the state."

The Committee of Concerned Journalists, formed in 1997 by 'concerned' media professionals correlate the definition not with the tool used by journalists, but how they use it. The definition of journalism encompasses a myriad of roles - creating common languages, identifying a community's goals, heroes and villains, providing entertainment, serving as a watchdog and offering a voice to the voiceless (Quill, 2002).

In order for me to define journalism, I must introduce one of the re-occurring 'characters' in The Great Gatsby by Fitzgerald F. Scott - Dr T.J Eckleburg's eyes plastered onto a billboard. His eyes watch over the people, seeing all that is invisible to the naked eye. As described in the novel: "...was ever watched by Dr T.J Eckleburg, a forgotten oculist whose eyes brooded over it all like the eyes of God." We, as journalists, are the Dr T.J Eckleburgs of the world. Journalism is the power to look past the obvious, re-imagine new perspectives and turn words into a story.

References:

1. American Press Institute (2020)What is Journalism? Definition and meaning of the craft. Available at: https://www.americanpressinstitute.org/journalism-essentials/what-is-journalism/ .

2. Barton, G. (2020) Quill. Available at: https://www.quillmag.com/2002/05/01/what-is-a-journalist/

3. Deuze, M. (2005) 'What is journalism?: Professional identity and ideology of journalists reconsidered', Journalism. London, Thousand Oaks, CA and New Delhi: SAGE Publications, 6(4), pp. 442–464. doi: 10.1177/1464884905056815.

4. Sheridan, L. B. and Matthews, J. B. (2018) Understanding Journalism. London, United Kingdom: Sage Publications Ltd.