About a month ago I asked journalists, with all the abuse, furloughs and long hours… why are you a journalist?
I got great responses from journalists across the country, and even one from across the pond.
Thank you all so, so much!
Yes, we’re facing some hard times… but, without a doubt, this is one of the most exciting times to be a journalist. These responses were so inspirational to me… and I hope these answers help remind you why we do this… and hopefully these answers keep you going.
Remember, what we do matters!
NOTE: It’s not too late to submit your answer! I will try to collect these to help us all remember why we chose to take on this noble profession lifestyle.
DESIGN NOTE: I’m looking for a multimedia-ish gallery that will randomly display and cycle through the responses. Any suggestions?
[audio:http://blog.webjournalist.org/wp-content/uploads/2010/08/EricaNaone-why-i-am-a-journalist.mp3|titles=Erica Naone’s response to Why I am a journalist]
[audio:http://blog.webjournalist.org/wp-content/uploads/2010/08/betterbio-why-i-am-a-journalist.mp3|titles=Khadijah Britton (BetterBio) responses to Why I am a journalist]
I used to make a heckuva lot more money as an insurance salesperson and marketer, but left the industry because it felt – and was – dirty. (One of the clients I sold annuities for was AIG.)
Being a freelance journalist makes me feel like I’m making a difference. Sure, I spend a lot of time wondering where my paychecks are and if they’re lost in the mail, but, really, who cares? I used to work for the money, now I work to help people understand huge issues and to, hopefully, make a difference.
I’d say life is better now.
P.S. Thanks for askin’.
2) I’m anal retentive about words, spelling, grammar, sentence structure, punctuation and instead of being called OCD, these habits are valued in journalism.
Thanks!
– To have the ability to see,hear and experience priceless moments that others could only dream of.
– I absolutely love peoples reactions when u talk about a photoshoot/story ur working on and they just say wow you are so lucky and that is so amazing.
Because I am a compelling, honest, thoughtful writer.
Because law school taught me mad research skillz and I would rather put them toward wising up the public than toward making someone lame rich(er).
Because I know a lot about an industry (biotech) that the public understands very little (if at all), and I feel personally called to remedy that.
Because aside from being a journalist, I also always wanted to be the female James Bond, and investigative reporting is the next best thing. No, really. It is.
She also left a voicemail.
I think there is no better way to experience life than to be a journalist. I get to indulge my curiosity and passion to learn and explore. Journalists get front-row access to events as they unfold. We get to know people, intimately, at their best and worst. We tell the stories that move people’s hearts, that move people to action, that drive Democracy and change. Everyday is a challenge to myself to be better, to push myself further, to see if I can surprise myself. I love it.
…
Got another. I love going to work and having no clue what’s going to happen. I also love having a finished product (newscast, story) at the end of the day. There’s no work piling up day after day.