Journalism as a Public Forum

Journalism plays an important role in helping to initiate public discussion. As journalists, our role is not to tell people what to think, but what to think about--and what to talk about.

Radio call-in shows, talk shows, chat rooms and blogs all help make journalism in all its forms a public forum. You can see this on many of the cable news networks and even some of the major networks. A question will be posed, such as how the nation feels about a certain thing the President is doing. People can go online and vote on whether they approve or disapprove. This initiates discussion.

News organizations must be able to find the balance between reflecting the values of society and leading people from their own preconceptions and comfortable beliefs. I don't think newspapers or broadcast companies need to push social reform in their newsrooms, but a large part of how a society will be remembered will be based on their journalistic records. Do we want to be remembered as a society that was spoon-fed what to believe? Or that we never advanced in our opinions and preconceptions?

http://www.nieman.harvard.edu/reports/article/101687/Is-Journalism-Losing-Its-Place-in-the-Boisterous-Public-Forum.aspx

The above article explores journalism's seemingly diminishing role in the public discussion. I think, to an extent, what was considered journalism is being lost in an ocean of opinion and editorial. As effective and useful as talk shows, interactive media, and social media are--we cannot forget that truth can sometimes be distorted by these means.

Again, while public discussion is important, it is also important that journalists reel in the discussion and present the facts. Opinion can be useful, but can also be detrimental as explained in this article.

http://www.nieman.harvard.edu/reports/article/100747/Opinions-Place-in-Journalism.aspx