This is a subject that journalists discuss time and time again, or at least that is the way it feels in my journalism classes. Because it is discussed so much I think that sometimes we tend to let it slide, to think we already know it, and don't take it as seriously as we should. As journalist we need to be independent from not only the topic we cover, political parties, and big businesses, but also from our close relationships and friends. As a member of the press we cannot show our political affiliations and support. The best way to describe this is, as said by group 7, is "True to a set of ideas rather than a member of a team, someone who put his readers first." This is what we need to strive to do continually. This is what separates us from the millions of bloggers, tweeters, and mlia-ers.
We also need to be aware of the readers. We need to giver independence to our readers regardless of economic status, race, ethnic, religion, gender, etc. We cannot only cover certain types of people and isolate the rest. We also need this independence in the newsroom. As a good friend of mine, Michael Scott would say, we should celebrate diversity.
John Swinton, former Chief of Staff of the New York Times, is attributed to saying that there is no such thing as an Independent Press in America, nor has there ever been. (http://tinyurl.com/6cl8le) We are all too connected with the people around us. So how are we supposed to be fair to the readers if we can never be truly independent? It is our ethics and morals that do this. The study of professional journalists has many useful links and outlines on the conduct that journalist should maintain throughout their career. While looking through this I realize how tough it can be to do this, but it is something that is necessary to be done in this career field. (http://tinyurl.com/cyuot5)
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