This week, I'd like to talk about something slightly different. I don't have an example of a current event - a journalistic ethical dilemma that begs to be dissected or a reporting decision waiting to be scrutinized. Rather, I have but one simple question: Why do you write?
Here are some of what I thought to be the most interesting responses:
"I write because I believe in sharing information. I’m a journalist, so it’s my responsibility to inform others." - Simone S. Oliver, Senior Producer, Styles
"Writing will always be the connective tissue of a story, no matter what format it ultimately takes. And that’s what I’ve always wanted to be — a storyteller." - Jeffery Delviscio, Senior Producer, Foreign
"It’s a pleasure and a privilege to get to contribute to the public discourse and to be involved in the world of ideas." - Maraglit Fox, Reporter, Obituaries
"...through my writing, I was giving dignity to people’s lives. I liked that and still do today. A lot of times that is what we are doing as journalists, capturing people’s lives and giving them dignity, whether they are people in some far off land, or here at home. That is why I write." - Michael Luo, Domestic Correspondent, Investigative
"I write because I love to tell stories that make people see things they never saw." - Fernanda Santos, Reporter, Education
"I write because I think it’s a fascinating window into the world." - Pete Thamel, Reporter, SportsThe notions of contributing to a world of ideas, of further sharing information and spreading compelling stories, seem to be a common belief among these reporters. It would seem that as journalists, they take pride and pleasure in informing the public. While this view may be a cliché, it is nonetheless worth discussing. Is it the primary ethical responsibility of a journalist to inform the public, and nothing more?
What are you thoughts? Why do YOU write?
Ah, these folks should take the ethics exam. The high-road answer is that one writes to contribute to the dialogue among the citizenry that contributes to the democratic process. Yes, we are all instruments of the self-righting principle. But obviously many self-proclaimed journalism sites don't seem to adding much to the journalistic discourse - I'm think of those who deal in trivia, however you define it. But, then again, what is triva? Much high-minded journalism is not specifically about politics but how to live wisely and well in society in general, and who is to tell us what it means to live wisely and well.
ReplyDeleteBack in my newspaper and magazine days, I was always convinced that I was a part of something that did more harm than good in terms of people's lives, even if the specific thing I was doing seemed pretty trivial. Would that reasoning bear scrutiny now??? Maybe not. But I think many many journalists think they are part of a worthy enterprise.
Or they would say that's what they are doing. It's an essay question, isn't it? The more the write, the more nuance you find.
robertson
Subtract the word "ethical" and many would answer just for the fun of it, of course. For the pleasure of reporting and analyzing and wrestling with words until they say it the best you can say it.
ReplyDeleteAwesome post that raises a lot of thoughts, Rach! Although I do believe it is the responsibility of a journalist to inform the public...I don't believe that is ALL they have to offer, or that it is all they are "allowed" to give. Journalists should bring newsworthy content to the table - but I don't think it needs to be limited once that content is discussed. Journalists raise questions, allowing the public to think - not just tell facts. People may argue that a journalists' sole job is to inform the public, otherwise, they would be considered a non-fiction writer. But I think the clichés shown above are reasons why journalists have the ability to write in a powerful way that goes beyond informing the public. That power is contagious and reactive - encouraging the public's opinion, which can turn into news as well.
ReplyDelete-Catherine