Why Journalism?

If you’re anything like me, the definition of ‘journalism’ has become a difficult concept to discern. Not because I don’t know what it is exactly, but because it’s ever changing and ever evolving into something new every day. In its simplest terms, ‘journalism’ is the spreading and sharing of information. To me, it once meant scouring the likes of BBC News, waiting for 6 o’ clock or listening out for the radio to inform me of the day’s events. But now, not so much. 

These days, journalism is everywhere. All it takes is a smartphone and an internet connection that allows you to capture and share something of interest to the world, whatever it may be. Technological means and innovative creations such as iPhone apps make sharing information easier than ever before; Snapchat and Instagram focus solely on visual communication, whereas the likes of Facebook, Twitter and Tumblr make space for personal opinion and expression with seemingly unlimited possibility. 

Personal blogging is quickly becoming a worldwide phenomenon; platforms such as Blogspot and Wordpress are making the individual voice heard like never before. And that’s just it. A news update can be as quick as logging onto Youtube to recount the day’s events from your favourite amateur reporter, all from the comfort of their very own bedroom. Journalism is now communicative and, better yet, participatory; be it from a video reply or the addition of a simple hashtag to kick-start an online joint discussion across the globe.

It’s reasons like this that have made journalism appear so dynamic and exciting to me; you don’t have to be a certified professional to share and shout about what you love. Getting news to people no longer requires expensive gear, just a desire to be heard. It’s an industry that’s only going to grow and develop and I for one am certainly going to be part of it, iPhone at the ready.