The Role of Journalism

The Role of Journalism

Journalism plays a substantial role in our society, although the specifics of its role can be changed from time to time. Depending on the reason a certain piece is being written, to what audience, and to what effect, it can play slightly different roles.

In the broad sense Journalism is meant to be a way of communicating a marketplace of ideas. Our country is meant to be built on freedom of the people, and only by knowing truth can we really be free. In order to find the truth we must, first be educated about the world around us and also be able to see others ideas and perspectives on the issues and events at hand. None of us can experience everything first hand and it is difficult for us to look at things from different points of view than our own. Thus we must rely on other sources, such as the media to help aid us in our understanding, and then be able to decipher the truth out of what the media tells us. Through all of this we are far more likely to find truth wherever it may lie.

Journalism is and has been one of the most important tools in shaping ideas all over the world, whether it be for the good of the people or in some instances not. We are far better and educated by having a journalistic society and being able to weed out truth from propaganda.