The most fundamental premise of sociology, and the motive for many of you wanting to major in the field, the professor said, is that the human condition is worth studying, and more so, that the human condition is something that can be improved upon.
Let that sink in. Who we are, what we do, how we do it, where we came from, and why, is all important. It all has meaning. Our lives have meaning. And they can change for the better.
Now apply that same idea to journalism. The foundation of journalism is that it is something worth doing. It must be. At some point in the practice of gathering and delivering news, the decision was made that what journalists do has value. This judgment is evident in our forefathers inclusion of freedom of the press in the Bill of Rights.
While today the value of journalism is as often questioned as it is assumed, the belief that journalism is worth doing is an imperative one for those of us choosing to commit our careers to the endeavor. Thus, it begins my own journalistic creed (modeled and inspired by Walter Williams’ original). I believe in journalism as a tenet of democracy and as a means to maximizing societal and individual fulfillment.
My second belief is as much a vision as it is a conviction. Journalism, to its credit and despite its condition, is something that can be bettered; that should be better. Herein lies the logical maxim: if it’s worth doing, then it’s worth doing well. Journalists must serve to advance the good of journalism in the face of adversity, to bring progress where progress is due. I believe journalism is inherently good, but easily corruptible by the forces of nonbelievers. I believe still in the promise and potential of journalism despite these pollutions.
The rest of my doctrine comes in no order of significance other than that with which I saw reason to arrange. Is it comprehensive? Of course not. Is it conclusive as to who I am and what kind of journalist I aspire to be? Most certainly.
I believe in journalism’s allegiance to accuracy and credibility; without these, journalism is a conversation few will listen to, and those that do will give little meaning.
I believe in journalism defined broadly; inclusive of all forms of news communication.
I believe that the news should reflect and represent the interests, values, and voice of its readers and its community, not money nor its own interests, values, and voice.
I believe journalism should act as both delegate, voice of the masses and/or voiceless, and as trustee, setting an appropriate and advantageous agenda.
I believe that journalism is an institution of and for our society, not a business, and should act as such in being an active participant in the community it covers.
I believe journalism is a public service and in that has an obligation to foster public discussion and serve as a marketplace of ideas in order to be a catalyst for change.
I believe the product of journalism should serve the reader and the community equally, holding each accountable, embracing and empowering, and building a bond between the two.
I believe journalism is a tool of the masses, not a craft of the chosen -- and as such should promote and demand the participation of the whole.
I believe the process and practice of journalism is one to be open to the public in transparency, accessibility, and participation.
I believe that journalism is a means to validating and recording our experience, our purpose, and our place.
I believe in the power of language, the power of words and images to change the world.
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