Traditional journalism faces a range of challenges in the modern world, where the internet and social media allow for the rapid spread of both information and disinformation. This has led to some people questioning whether journalism is still relevant. It is important not to underestimate how journalism still matters to society.
What do we mean by journalism?
If you study for a journalism degree at somewhere like School of Journalism, you will learn that it is not about how you gather information, or the platform on which you publish it. It is simply the act of sharing information. Journalists collect facts, then present them, usually with context and explanations but in an objective way, so that readers assimilate the knowledge they need to understand what is happening in the world around them.
Why it is so important
We live in a society where decisions made by others, whether in our local community or on a national or international level, can impact us directly. To know the best way to respond to events, we need to understand them. Journalists ensure everyone has access to knowledge, and the powerful can be challenged and held to account. It encourages us to expand our perspectives and to become citizens of the world. When the internet means there are more sources of information than ever before, reliable journalism is even more important when sorting fact from fiction.
Journalism may be facing new challenges, but people will always need objective and informative sources to help them understand current events. That means that journalism still has an important place in society.