Amy O’Leary’s prediction that journalism in 2017 should or will focus on directly reaching communities is an aspect of modern journalism I believe should resonate highly among journalists.
The need to not only cover but represent different cultures or communities is essential in our growing multicultural society. To comment on a particular community is one thing, but to put yourself in the shoes of others and understand the culture or background behind an issue/event is something completely new. As journalists, we have the the potential to shape the opinions of others without question, and it is therefore our duty to ensure we are doing so with the best representation possible. O’Leary says journalists will “understand how their stories travel” and “respond” and “reach” diverse communities to not only tell their stories, but decrease the cultural gap between communities and the media.
S.P Sullivan’s comments on the importance of “Baking transparency into our routines” in 2017 highlights the need for honest and factual journalism. In an increasingly polarised media society, practising transparency is a means of communicating with an audience what you are saying and how you have come to that conclusion. Transparency allows an audience to see the logical process behind your writing and the research that has been undertaken. With the emergence of “fake news” in the modern media, transparency is essential now more than ever. Sullivan says journalists need to present their work and show “here’s how we confirmed it” to gain the trust of an audience.
Both predictions are values that should be considered in all aspects of journalism and public media. The duty of the media in the public sphere is to represent people in a way that is fair, ethical and true – by which incorporating transparency and making the effort to communicate with communities can be achieved.
