Learning Outcome 4

One of the many duties that comes with being a journalist is the ability to be curious, informed and aware of current events and contemporary media issues. The world around us is consistently being challenged and changing. There's never been a more difficult time to be a journalist. But in the same degree, there's never been a more crucial time. 

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Journalists are consistently facing issues from people like news media practitioners, users, observers and critics. They did in the past. They do currently. They will in the future. My first piece of evidence comes from JOR 211: History of Broadcasting. Focusing on the pioneers and programs that have shaped the industry in America, the course connects the past of broadcasting to contemporary cultures at various times in history. Many discussions in the class were focused around how certain journalists and figures broke into the industry, including African Americans. My first piece of evidence is a paper written about how African Americans transitions into the field, highlighting the difference from unfavorable climates to present day broadcasting. 

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My second piece of evidence is an article I wrote for The Good Five Cent Cigar during December 2016. It had been just over a month since Donald Trump won the 2016 Presidential Election. A moment in time where many students felt uncertain and fearful for the future, philosophy professor Eske Møllgaard revamped his course: Recent European Philosophy (PHL 324). This article is a reflection of how contemporary issues in the media reflect every day life of citizens. 

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My third piece of evidence is an essay from JOR 310: Media Law, regarding libel laws in the United States. President Trump criticized current libel laws in the United States and ultimately, threatened to make a change to the First Amendment right. The essay discusses how altering libel laws would impact journalism. 

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There are always issues facing journalists, but it's a journalist job to remain loyal to citizens in their reporting.