The Fresh Press

Why do we need journalists? Real journalists, that is, who do nothing else and who have no other motivations but purely journalistic ones? We might forget that there are “almost-journalists” out there who are reporting for the sake of hunting and gathering: lawyers, researchers, non-profit organizations, etc. As Dan Gillmor points out, they do some of today’s most valuable journalistic work. But what are the implications for the news-media world? And where does all this leave us, the aspiring kiddies who hope to get real journalism jobs in the not-too-distant future? Read what he says, and then let’s hear from you. — BIM

HELPING THE ALMOST-JOURNALISTS DO JOURNALISM
By Dan Gillmor, Center for Citizen Media

Doing journalism at its most basic level is a combination of two essential tasks. The first is reporting — gathering information via research, interviews, etc. The second part is telling your audience what you’ve learned — writing (in the broadest sense, including video, audio, graphics and more) and editing.

The demolition of the professional journalism business model has led to a sharp decline, one I don’t see slowing anytime soon, in traditional media. Many people in the field have been asking an obvious question with a not-so-obvious answer: Who will do the serious journalism we need in the future?

I have another question that will lead us to an answer. Not the answer, but one strong possibility — if we start thinking about, and helping, the “almost-journalists” among us to do actual journalism.

To continue reading, visit: Center for Citizen Media