Some might argue that journalism students are becoming necessary in our society due to a multitude of factors, all of which could impact news literacy worldwide.
As a society, we generally acknowledge the fundamental importance of journalism and all the education and advocacy that journalists do for the world. However, professional journalism often takes years of training and experience and, according to data from FundJournalism.Org, journalistic careers are generally declining.
Due to factors like low pay and long hours, the employment of news analysts, reporters, and journalists is projected to decrease and will continue to lead to significant job cuts.
But, there is a silver lining: Student journalists can become professional journalists, who can work toward the general journalistic goal of educating the public on underrecognized matters, hopefully correcting this decline soon.
In this day and age, student journalism plays a key role in uplifting this profession, which holds so much sway in our social world. The need for students involved in journalism carries a great deal of importance, as it provides education and empowerment for the voices who are not always heard.
“[Students] are in a time period where journalism is so difficult and crucial at the same time because the internet is such a complicated device …Things can be manipulated, and integrity can be hard to keep,” described Humanities Department Chair Sarah Boragno ‘02. “Journalistic integrity is such an important characteristic, attribute and skill to learn [early] to be able to report something accurately and leave out biases.”
By writing for a school newspaper or joining a school news broadcast, the options for student journalists to get involved in their community are practically limitless. Working in journalism in high school or college can teach students many important life skills that can be advantageous for future careers: Communication, critical thinking and creativity, all of which benefit students in any future path they may choose.
Additionally, student journalism fosters a sense of ethical responsibility by expounding journalistic integrity and preaching honesty for life.
With everything said, student journalists are becoming essential to the future of the profession. Their involvement is crucial in shaping the journalistic future and ensuring that accurate and thorough information and stories are readily available for public access.
