What is Journalism?

The main focus of our class discussions has seemingly been based on the question "What is Journalism?" To be honest this question got my brain ticking. What do I personally view as journalism? Who do I believe are journalists? And what makes them so? Interestingly enough I had never really asked myself these questions. I had always grouped "journalists" into the association of people who write for media purposes, and quite literally live to write. Growing up I placed journalists in the metaphorical and easily remembered group of 'Louise Lane/Clark Kent' reporters of sorts, who risked their lives for captivating and thrilling stories. As I progressed through school like most others I came to realize the real meaning behind actual Journalism aside from theatrical perceptions, but as I did so I don't think I ever truly defined Journalism for myself. Over the last few weeks and through our classroom discussions I've sorted through my childhood perceptions and thrown aside many errant thoughts in order to come to this conclusion..... For some Journalism is easily defined, but in my mind Journalism is constantly changing. Journalism today is not what it was 30 years ago and 5 years from now it could be complete different. This may be the beauty of Journalism, yet it could very possibly be it's own demise. Our world and society is ever changing with the discovery of new technology and digital programs almost daily. As our world continues to change so do those who populate it. With changes comes a necessity to provide for unseen needs and demands. Today we can email, blog, tweet, facebook and even provide our personal feedback at the touch of a button. We no longer need anyone's approval to publish something online for all to see. Yet does this destroy the credibility and legitimacy of Journalism as a whole? To this I have no exact answer, my only hope is that as each of us hold the keys of modern technology at our very fingertips we will simply remember that with opportunities also comes responsibility.