Need to stay informed keep journalism alive

After being accepted into the University of Iowa's School of Journalism a month ago, I was greeted with a question from my friend that was a little disconcerting. He asked, “Isn't journalism dying?” I didn't know how to respond. I knew there was a reason why I chose to pursue a journalism degree, but the words weren't coming to my mind.

There are a lot of things one could look at and say journalism is dying. Local and national newspapers are losing funding and credibility, writers are straying from journalistic integrity and there is some dissatisfaction with the quality of reporting.

I came to the conclusion that people simply need journalists, whether they know it or not. We have an insatiable appetite for information, whether it is breaking news, important public issues or even gossip. With the rise of social media, the line between what is traditional journalism and citizen commentary is blurred, but the need for reporting and information sharing is higher than ever.

People who denounce journalism need it as much as the rest of us, because a person's inherent need to stay informed and educated in modern America is satisfied by the very writers and reporters who are being depreciated.

I am excited to pursue a journalism degree and realize that being a journalist is a privilege, because no matter what trends take over society or what happens in the public eye, people are going to want to hear what journalists have to say about it.

Guy Martino

Cedar Rapids