PressEthic

What is journalism? Webster’s Dictionary has a pretty good definition:

1 a : the collection and editing of news for presentation through the media b : the public press c : an academic study concerned with the collection and editing of news or the management of a news medium 2 a : writing designed for publication in a newspaper or magazine b : writing characterized by a direct presentation of facts or description of events without an attempt at interpretation c : writing designed to appeal to current popular taste or public interest

But with so many new mediums coming out these days, should this definition change? Consider online bloggers, or Jon Stewart, with his immensely popular “Daily Show.” After the 2004 presidential elections, many people reported watching the “Daily Show” to get their news. But does that make Jon Stewart a journalist? As with bloggers, Stewart is anything but objective, although he does collect news to present to people, and his writing does appeal to current popular taste. During the interview portion of his show, he often asks more probing questions than I’ve seen some established reporters ask.

A few years ago there is no way that Jon Stewart could have been considered a journalist. He is a comedian who presents the news in a funny way that appeals to people. The people on Air America Radio and right-wing pundits and all those online bloggers – they’re certainly not objective either. A few years ago, they too would have been laughed at for calling themselves journalists. But today, most people are more tolerant of news that is delivered in a subjective way. Maybe it’s our short attention spans, or that we like not having to think about current events – when Rush Limbaugh delivers the news, he also tells you what to think about it.

Journalism is changing, growing, and expanding. Soon Webster’s may have to change their definition – and people like Jon Stewart may have to be considered a member of the press. I think he would find that very funny.