Journalists get a bad rap these days. Some deserved, others not so much. There are few jobs in the world where criticism is as harsh as it is for journalists, because there are few jobs that are so public and where the product is preserved for as long.
However, most journalists choose this noble career because they love the idea of doing the right thing, uncovering the truth and informing the public. I remember telling my sister, a teacher, that she teaches kids, but I teach the world. While I was kidding, I do believe that is part of the role of a journalist.
But there are those in the profession who give the rest of us a bad name. Unfortunately, like other professions, the bad ones seem to get all the headlines – pun intended.
In addition, today there are the so-called “citizen journalists” who are allowed as much space, or more, than trained journalists. So, there’s a lot of misinformation and information without substance or research to support it. And unfortunately, since many people use the Internet, social media and other online sources for their information, they may not be getting the true, complete story.
And before you say she doesn’t know what she’s talking about, anyone can be a journalist. Just let me ask you if you’d hire an architect to set a bone in your arm? Would you hire a teacher to do electrical work? Everyone has a skill and something they were trained to do, and journalists are the same.
Now that I’ve possibly made enemies, which isn’t hard if you’re a reporter, let me explain why I’m launching this news blog. I want to give you more information based on research, facts and experts. And yes, I am a journalist – with credentials and experience.
I will pick a subject monthly and try to make sense of it with only the truth – using data, experts and public statements to deliver the news to you, just as it has traditionally been done.
So, please read my first posting on the automotive industry and let me know what you think. I’ll be back next month.
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