The document discusses the role and purpose of journalism. It questions whether people have an intrinsic need for news and information from beyond their direct experience. It also explores the tension between journalism serving the public interest through truthful and verified information versus catering to what people want. The document raises concerns that new technologies, media consolidation, and globalization are fracturing society and challenging journalists to properly educate the public.

1. Erin Palmer: [email_address]

2. What is journalism for? Part one. What is the role of the journalist?

3. K&R say: People have an intrinsic need to know what is happening beyond their direct experience. Do you buy that?

9. The Awareness Instinct . People crave information.

10. We need to know what’s going on. We need news.

11. Exchanging information is the basis for creating community , for making human connections.

12. News binds us as a society.

13. Journalism is the system societies employ to supply news.

14. Journalism influences the quality of our lives, our thoughts and our culture.

15. Journalists make the abstract real.

18. It caused quite a controversy in London, which is what images like that are meant to do. They're meant to basically cause a debate in the public: "Is this something we want to be involved in?” - Ken Jarecke

21. Do you provide valuable information that will educate people or do you provide information that people want?

23. What is journalism for? Journalism is a business.

25. The bulk of media is paid for through advertisers. About 80% of newspaper. About 95% of magazines. Nearly 100% of television/ radio.

26. Is that good or bad?

27. That gives advertisers influence.

28. Reaching a larger audience means outlets can charge more for the space/ time.

29. In theory, Journalism serves the public. Let’s think positively.

30. Journalists set the agenda for the citizens. We shed light on commonalities.

31. We give the public the information they need to make their lives better.

32. Do you believe that?

33. Being a journalist is a HUGE responsibility.

34. How do you know what is the proper behavior for journalists?

37. Do you believe that?

41. It’s a huge responsibility.

43. … and in 1791, James Madison wrote these words …

44. Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances. - The First Amendment

45. Journalism is the only profession whose rights are addressed in the Constitution or Bill of Rights. Not doctors, lawyers or educators.

46. And yet there is no government certification required to practice journalism like there is in medicine or law.

47. Anyone can be a journalist. (now more than ever)

50. Is Citizen Media the ultimate in Democracy?

52. Or is it the path to the ultimate erosion of trust of the media?

54. With so many options to choose from, people are only going to outlets that feed their belief systems.

55. As consumers have more and more options, our commonalities become fewer and fewer.

56. We are becoming “ fractured ” as a society.

57. As mass media disintegrates, conglomerates buy more and more outlets. Putting more and more influence into fewer hands.

58. What can journalists do to make sure the public is properly educated? Seriously, do you have an answer? The industry needs one.

60. Technology?

61. Technology? The Internet. And cool new toys.

63. Who controls the flow of information?

65. In an era of globalization , how do you serve the public?

67. Reaching a larger audience means outlets can charge more for the space/ time.

69. So do you specialize or be massively general?

70. What is journalism for? The industry is evolving.

72. Is traditional journalism even relevant anymore? And do the Principles of Journalism continue to be applicable?

73. What is journalism for?