And who is a journalist?
From Editor and Publisher:
Bloggers would “probably not” be considered journalists under the proposed federal shield law, the bill’s co-sponsor, U.S. Sen. Richard Lugar (R.-Ind.), told the Inter American Press Association (IAPA) Monday afternoon
So who and what is a journalist?
My undergraduate degree is a Bachelor of Science (BS) in Professional Writing from the University of Houston — my curriculum included several courses in journalism, as well as classes in technical writing, science writing, legal writing, and abstract writing. Prior to college, I wrote for my high school’s yearbook and newspaper.
As far as educational credentials are concerned, I’m certain that I’m at least as qualified to be a journalist as anybody else. Actually, since I hold a Bachelor of Science degree rather than a Liberal Arts degree in writing/journalism, I’d argue that I’m more qualified than most.
In my current job, where I hold a secret security clearance, I write complex user documentation and training materials for some of the most advanced tactical data link command and control systems in the world. That would qualify me to be a National-security reporter, unlike most reporters who fill that role today…
…none of whom have clearances—[and] receive classified information for a living. If the government used espionage law to investigate government leaks to the press, the effect would be an unofficial secrets act criminalizing thousands, if not tens of thousands, of annual conversations between sources and reporters.
I currently write about and report on current events. Some of my writing is a recap and editorializing of other news sources. I also write original investigative pieces from time-to-time. My reporting is published in electronic format (so is Slate.com, MSNBC.com, and even *cough* the NYTimes.com). My electronic publication (my blog) accepts paid advertising as the main source of revenue for this particular endeavor. Last time I checked, The Houston Chronicle, The Washington Post, and CBS News all also accept paid advertising.
So, let’s recap: I have the formal educational background and an extensive and relevant resume that would qualify me as a journalist. I use those skills and experiences to observe, investigate, and report on current events, personalities, and other newsworthy stories. I publish my writings on an electronic, publicly-available media, which has been branded, marketed, and copyrighted. Paid advertising allows me to operate this blog at a net profit.
How is what I do here at UrbanGrounds not journalism? And why shouldn’t I be afforded the same protections as others who are no more qualified or engaged as I am in this trade?
See, that’s just the thing. You ARE a journalist, just like those professionals. We have to understand that the mainstream media is so behind on the latest technologies in journalism that they are fighting to keep their place as the sole information providers in our country. I honestly believe that they are worried about the citizen journalists out there that actually happen to be really good writers and reporters, who, for so long, the mainstream media believed to be dumb and blind.
As a result of this assumption by the mainstream media, we have media liberal bias, because the big wigs of news organizations believe that their audience can’t actually think for themselves.
This is why I like FOX News. They may be slanted right, but at least they emphasize the “you decide” part of it.
Left by Amy on October 11th, 2005 at 11:00 am