As part of an ever-evolving industry, journalists must encompass a variety of characteristics that make them reliable. Though the important values a journalist must have in the modern world seem endless, I am of the opinion that the three most important are integrity, adaptability and impartiality. Each value comes together to make a journalist who is able to create new and innovative stories using the full variety of techniques available to them.
During a time where we are seeing an increase in ‘fake news’, created across many platforms, especially the Internet and social media, being able to find the truth and maintain ones integrity is imperative. It allows the journalist to deduce genuine sources and information amongst the gossip and false claims. Fact checking has always been a crucial part of the job; but now, with fake news so readily available, journalists must be able to look deeper at the facts they are presented with.
At the rate of evolution for technology in the modern era, journalists, too, must be able to adapt. They must be able to change and evolve their processes and practice to utilise modern tools and knowledge. In doing so journalists are created who are capable of spreading the news to people in a modern, interesting, relatable and wide spread format. Such ways could include video journalism through the use of sophisticated cameras and microphones. If journalists have the ability to change the way they tell stories, through the technology they use, to make it more engaging then that is essential.
Regardless of the story a journalist is telling and the platform on which they are sharing, they must always remain impartial. Similarly to the first value, remaining impartial is crucial; in doing so we are ensuring that our audiences are not swayed by our own opinions. The emphasis instead, becomes on allow readers, watchers, listeners etc. to form their own views on the issues that journalists are bringing forward.
Combined, new age technology and journalist values create a powerful platform for innovative and creative storytelling.
( Source: Pixabay; Photographer: Ehrecke)
