The Future of American Journalism

Newsroom report and print what they think are crucial for people to know and because of its ability to reach a large audience and its effect on their knowledge base journalism has the power to destroy or improve people’s lives. Although journalists have the independence to report things that affect the public in a democratic country, sometimes they go beyond and reveal the government’s top secrets. Considering the damage such sensitive news pose to the national security journalists like Edward Snowden might be seen as having a hidden agenda when they expose the National Security Agency’s mission (Chapter Eight, 207). Therefore, it is essential for journalists to not only report any information they get from whistleblowers or traitors but also ascertaining its authenticity since it might be false allegations with ill intentions. However, if this trend of reporters releasing information in the mainstream media regardless of if it is fake or authentic continues then the future of American journalism is doomed, and democracy will be at risk.

The information that the public consume from media plays a significant role in improving their lives. Journalists must inform the citizens about essential things happening locally and in the political atmosphere. I am optimistic that journalism can continue to play a vital role in enhancing the democracy of USA by acting as a bridge between the government and the public through reporting news that is authentic and free from any bias.

Journalism, however, faces several challenges that affect how it operates in the democratic countries. First, the political systems in most states do not promote freedom of media houses and in most cases controls what journalists should broadcast to the public. The media is denied liberty because the government does not want to be transparent and accountable for some of its actions. Independence is a crucial factor in effective journalism, and if it lacks because of government interference, then media will not perform its role (Chapter Eight, 214). Another challenge that journalism faces is that it is vulnerable to human bias, which might affect the quality of information conveyed to the public.

The most significant solution to the problems encountered by journalism is a proper investigation of information before it is broadcasted. As a journalist, I will adhere to the established regulations and media ethics in all practices as this is what is required for the industry to gain trust from the government. As such, it can operate as an independent body and play its roles of informing the public. For journalism to function effectively, it needs personnel that are objective and who do not tolerate biases in whatever they report and who uphold a high degree of media ethics.

Work Cited

Chapter 8. “A declaration of journalistic independence.” Pp. 207-229.