A True Journalist

My opinion, no one else's, on what makes a true, good journalist. This is very idealistic but bear with me on it.

A journalist should seek truth above all things. It is not for them to decide which side is right or wrong or which argument has more weight- it is for them to present the facts in a clear, straightforward manner in order to help the reader understand the issue or event at hand, enabling them to reach their own conclusions on the topic.

A journalist should, ideally, be above the pettiness, jealousy, and rivalry of so many companies today. Even if a journalist is not above it, she should strive in all things to do what is ultimately right by her moral code and what is right for her readers.

A journalist should not turn her colleagues against each other, but encourage them to work together. She should rely on facts and evidence instead of emotion and opinion to make decisions with how she will work, who she will associate with, and what she will write about.

A journalist should and can make friends wherever possible- but does not let that friendship get in the way of seeing the truth about the people or situations involved. A conflict of interest can occur in an interview or story subject but also within your own friends and family- if there ever comes a time where you start overlooking the bad things, the wrong things, the screwed up things that are hurting people or entities, and don't speak up against that wrong because of a relationship, you're not acting in a way befitting the profession.

Once you start kidding yourself, your readers or your colleagues, once you start distorting facts in your stories or in your own mind to fit your preconceived notion about how the world should work because of your emotion, immaturity, or inexperience, the moment you turn a blind eye to an injustice, a wrong, corruption, or moral and physical decay because you simply don't want to see it, that is the moment you stop being a true journalist and become utterly despicable to yourself and the world.

If you want to be a journalist, be true to yourself and your passion. If you don't think you can do that and see through all the shit and lies that sometimes end up in this business, get out and find a new career.

Done.

Rachael