Modern Day Functions of Journalism

1. Modern Day Functions of Journalism

2. Witness Bearer • In this function, you observe what happens and report back on it.

3. Authenticator • What of what I’ve heard is actually true? In the old model, we didn’t talk about what wasn’t true. We ignored it. That no longer works. We’re not gatekeepers anymore — we don’t control what people are talking about. We need to instead contribute to the conversations happening around us — monitor what people know and chime in when they’re misinformed.

4. Sense maker • Help readers put what they’ve heard into perspective – turn it into something they can understand (example: budgets). There’s so much information out there that it’s harder to create knowledge, yet even more important to do. The public conversation needs the depth and analysis we can offer.

5. Watchdog • As mainstream newsrooms shrink, the role here for the alternative press grows. Think online bloggers, small, free online papers, etc. Think broadly about funding for watchdog journalism, such as nonprofit sources.

6. Empower the Audience • Give people ways to do something with the information. Tell them how to get involved – where to go for more information.

7. Forum Organizer • Facilitate conversation. Allow the audience to talk about what you’re doing. One reason people consume news is so they can talk about it — it’s a social activity. Be brave and let them comment on news stories. They may have something important to add.

8. Role Model • As more people go online with their own news blogs, they look to journalists so the individual will know how to do it right.

9. Community Building • Bring groups of people together who share the same interests. Even if they aren’t in the same geographical location.