Business of Journalism

I had some mixed feelings about the journalism profession after our discussion in class on Tuesday. I feel like we as journalists are supposed to be bound to the public, and we should make decisions that benefit the "greater good" as far as when or when not to publish a story. But after talking about the business aspect of journalism, I felt like we also owe a certain amount of allegiance to the people or business who pay us. How are we supposed to continue in journalism if we can't keep the industry running? How are we even supposed to do our jobs and serve the people by feeding them the information they need if we can't afford to put on a news cast or print the newspapers? Clearly money is important in journalism, but I still cling to the ethics of journalism as far as reporting the truth (no matter who that truth puts in a bad light). Here's what I think about pleasing the corporations who sponsor the news: journalists should never be disrespectful, vengeful, or unprofessional when exposing anyone in a negative light, but in the end, you will be rewarded for telling the truth.

Here's the deal: the news media organizations that are still alive today, survived because of their devotion to the truth. The Pentagon Papers issue is just one example. Who exposed it? The New York Times. Who carried it after the government halted all NYT publications? The Washington Post. Both of these papers are alive and running today, why? They have maintained public trust and therefore, have kept their readers reading!

Sure journalists will always struggle with that paradox that Bro. Campbell talked about in class of how to balance two main objectives: 1) obligation to society and 2) satisfy employers' financial success.

But I believe journalists can achieve both. In class we talked about how people have an inherent thirst for news. The people want to know what's going on in the world around them. And sponsors will be happy as long as viewers and readers and watchers are happy.

Finally, I think when making the decision of whether or not to publish a story, a journalist should definitely have the final say-- NOT a business man who heads a corporation. And a journalist should always refer to the Society of Professional Journalists (SPJ)'s code of ethics. If we strive to seek truth and report it, minimize harm, act independently, and be accountable, we'll be rewarded in the long run, even if at times it seems like the rough way to go.

Integrity goes a long way; and people will be recognized for how honest they are, especially when involved in the journalism business.