Do you doubt J school?
http://www.commondreams.org/view/2009/09/14-3
Read this link and let me know what you think about what the author has to say. Do this before our next class and don't forget to put your name at the bottom of your comment.
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In Robert Jensen’s article, he addresses the problem journalism schools are facing of whether or not they’re relevant anymore and if the students in these schools will have jobs when they graduate. Jensen, going into his third decade as a professor of journalism, has a good outlook on the problem that journalism schools can overcome these changing times, stating it’s time for a radical change in journalism education.
ReplyDeleteI believe Jensen has a good take on the current situation and crisis in the media world, because instead of just giving up on journalism education because of the changing times, he figures why not just change the education. Go back to the roots and fix the problem where it starts, while students are learning the education on journalism. By changing the education of future journalists, they won’t make the same mistakes the current media is making.
With technology advancing, and the physical newspaper’s slowly being faded out, journalists need to learn how to deal with these problems instead of continuing things the way they are. Jensen also talks about how the political aspect of journalism and how it’s being controlled and has too many standards it regulations journalism has to live by. He believes journalism should serve the people and the planet and this is a perfect opportunity to change things.
Journalism is about taking a stand and informing the public on any matter that affects them, even if it may be controversial or involve the government. Jensen strongly believes this and I agree as well. Talking about issues in the world shouldn’t be so strictly regulated and broken down. Addressing the current economic crisis, Jensen says, “In a world in which an increasingly predatory global corporate economy leaves half of the population living on less than $2.50 a day, can we ignore the call for justice?” That’s a huge statement that half the population are living in impoverish conditions and nothing is being done about it.
John Jacobs
Every generation has members who conclude that civilization is falling apart, usually in distrust of younger generations. Late in his article, Dr. Jensen appears to have fallen into this rigid thinking about the "permanent decline."
ReplyDeleteThe redundant, vague hyperbole, a world in crisis or "on the brink," has a feeling of hysteria about it. For the sake of brevity, my comments will only focus on journalism.
His idea that journalism schools "get radical" and discard the noble pursuit of objectivity is nothing new. Engaging in propaganda always sounds appealing to those who would benefit from it, and it requires far less "critical thinking" by the practitioner.
By embracing propaganda, journalists wouldn't have to be concerned about ethics or integrity, since those ideas can impede a political agenda. Dissenting individuals or information can be ignored or attacked by the propagandist, regardless of consequence.
It would be rash for reporters to set aside ideals of truth and humility for an ill-defined utopia. Of which, the author seems to have the simplistic notion that business is a sole obstacle to progress. His later description of business schools leads me to believe that he has little knowledge of economics or business education.
In the second paragraph, he states that journalism students are concerned they'll find "jobs [that] will allow them to contribute to shaping a decent future for a world on the brink." From the article as a whole, Jensen appears to be under the impression that reporters are participants in the news. I find it preferable that they strive to be impartial observers, who don't see themselves as better than the public they communicate to.
In a final, ironic note to his critics, Jensen invokes academic freedom for a diversity of views, after having called for a removal of diversity in the practice of journalism.
Matt D.
Robert Jenson brings our economic problems to the surface. With a falling country, citizens find the need to cut down unnecessary wages. While some think journalism schools are irrelevant to the future of our country, they might be exactly what we need.
ReplyDeletePeople should not carp on others when they “criticize the industry and corporate powers” because that is what our country needs to focus on. Although journalism schools are not like most liberal arts schools, where students obtain knowledge from all angles, they are the key to learning hands-on journalism.
Journalism is very important in today’s media because everyone wants to know what is going on in the world. Without exceptional journalists, many are left in the dark.
I agree when Jenson said, “Journalism alone can't turn around a dying culture, of course, but it can be part of the process by which a more just and sustainable alternative emerges.” Journalists cover problems dealing with politics, culture, the economy, and ecological ordeals. We need to focus closely on these topics because they determine the future of our country.
Although journalism cannot be the definite solution to our crises, it opens a gate to let people know about these problems. I think journalism schools are very important because journalists make people aware of the predicaments we are in and offer ways to fix them. Jenson said, “The task of journalism is to deepen our understanding of these challenges and communicate that understanding to the public to foster the meaningful dialogue necessary for real democracy.”
Journalism schools offer more than just bringing news to the public. They teach students to step out of the box and say what most are too afraid to say. I believe journalists fear no boundaries because no topic is off limits. The most controversial stories have the biggest impact on today’s world and bring light to hidden issues.
Rachel Yonkunas
In Robert Jensen’s article he discusses the struggles journalism schools continue to face year after year, explaining how journalism is “on the brink”. Jensen, going into his third decade in the industry says how he understands why students continue to doubt journalism as a future career choice, as well as the relevance of journalism schools due to the way society has advanced. Jensen believes that if journalism was reshaped with traditions from the past to support the many political, cultural, ecological, and economic crises we face today, journalism would not be as scarce.
ReplyDeleteAfter reading Jensen’s article, I feel that his thoughts and reasons for change in journalism are relevant for the world we live in today. I agree with Jensen in that the rules for what can or cannot be said by journalist’s holds journalism back from reaching its true potential. I feel that Jensen’s solution could make a major turnaround in education and the way it is presented to the public if it did not have so many set boundaries. I believe that if Jensen can get others to see journalism and its potential for change, journalism could be saved.
Kelly Bates
Robert Jensen writes on how journalism schools and the traditional systems of journalism need to adjust in addition to the changes our world is facing whether it is the economic, political and social systems or increasing technologies. Jensen writes “Do these institutions have the capacity to see past the problems of falling ad revenues and outdated curricula, and struggle to understand the crises of our age?
ReplyDeleteJournalism education and the changes that can be implemented on the way it has been carried out are necessary when the world is changing every minute; these things must go hand in hand. Especially the way journalism has been changing to a more digital based audience that must also be taken into consideration.
For the sustainability of the world news must relay these important messages and can be the foundation of an upgraded attempt to resolve and inform the world of our ecological resources. Journalism, to make a more just future, must find a balance on the concentrations of power that often hinders the truth in the news and the media. As well as noting the corporate tendencies to sway real messages that we should be receiving needs to change in positive way to obtain sustainability. I agree with Jensens statement “Journalism alone can't turn around a dying culture, of course, but it can be part of the process by which a more just and sustainable alternative emerges.”
I believe that since journalism right now is in danger of a large downfall this is an appropriate time to adjust educational curriculums and remake what journalism schools have to offer. In accordance with journalism schools and the future of what the news and media can bring the best place to start is in the education.
Ashley Eldridge
It's no secret we are living in the largest economic slump since the great depression, and as Journalism professor Robert Jensen says " the political, economic and social systems that structure our world are failing us on all counts." Although I don't completely agree we are living in a "world on the brink" or heading toward a "permanent decline" but the United States is plummeting into debt, famine does effect half our population and war wages across the world. Because of this, journalists are more important than ever.
ReplyDeleteTo help the public understand the challenges facing our world, Jensen is correct, journalism schools must "get radical." Journalists shouldn't hold allegiances to corporate powers but rather provide the public with non biased viewpoints. Like the founding fathers of journalism, we must raise critical questions enlighten the world on current events and do so without constraint.
Now is the time that journalists have the tools and ability to capture our global crises. With a video camera and some enthusiasm an Independent journalist has to power to inform millions. Stations like Current TV are devoted to viewer generated news, what we send in and what we want to know. Stations like this encourage creative and spirited journalism that is lacking in the St. Petersburg Times or the nightly news.
Like Jensen, I believe we are living in an "exciting time for journalism." We need to embrace the new technologies and learn to evolve in our changing world. Journalists will be key in helping disseminate the current and future problems we face. There is no reason to remain ignorant to the world and journalists are our window.
Kayla Dorland
In Robert Jensen's article, he states that "The task of journalism is to deepen our understanding of these challenges and communicate that understanding to the public to foster the meaningful dialogue necessary for real democracy." I completely agree with what he is saying, but I believe that with the restrictions placed on journalism today, this has become nearly impossible.
ReplyDeleteSo many of the news stories we hear are so highly influenced by big business corporations and political perspectives that it is hard to find news based on true unbiased facts.
With the upcoming popularity of blogs, traditional journalism is becoming outdated. More and more people are turning to digital news websites and blogs to get first hand reports of what is really going on, especially overseas. Through sites such as Twitter and Facebook, we can now see pictures and hear stories from Iraqi teens that are living in the war and are able to show us things in a completely different perspective than that of say, FOX News. This has brought more doubt to the minds of the general public as to whether or not the news we are presented with is reliable anymore.
I think Jensen has a good point when he says journalism schools need to change with the environment and adapt to the times. Teaching with an outdated curriculum is useless. Journalism schools need to teach students not to be biased and how to truly report FACTS. I think they need to teach journalism students to not be afraid to push the envelope with their stories and to protest against the rules and restrictions placed on them.
I do not believe we are in a "permanent decline", but we are definitely in a slump. With proper education and training, I think the next generation of journalists will be able to help bring us out of that and back to the top.
Amber Flaim
In Robert Jensen’s article, he discusses the doubt that many students have concerning journalism school. Jensen points out the students are concerned with the lack of jobs in the field and also the negativity surrounding the current state of the media. Students feel that journalism has become something other than what it was intended for, and has gone past the simple informative ideas it was once centered around.
ReplyDeleteMany people also feel that journalism cannot be taken seriously with the world being in its current state of chaos. Facing struggles politically, environmentally, socially and economically, the citizens of the world do not highly value such things as journalism.
The problem is not journalism however, the problem is whether or not institutions and educators alike can conquer the challenges that journalism is currently faced with. I absolutely agree with Jensen in this aspect, and he provides good insight concerning the restructuring of journalism and its ideas.
I think that Jensen is right when he says that it is up to journalism educators to provide opportunities for students and allow them to see all that journalism has to offer. I think that students are uneducated about the ideas of journalism and the jobs in the field. Educators must use the mistakes made by journalists and journalism outlets and channel them to ensure a greater future for the industry.
Journalism has unfortunately been shown in a negative light in the past. Given many untrustworthy journalists, the world as a whole has turned its back to journalism in many respects. People do not value what journalists tell them, and many people actually resent and dislike journalism and its representatives.
Educators and the institutions they work at must educate their students with new ideas on how to turn around the world of journalism. If reformed positively and successfully, journalism will hopefully make its way back to the respected industry that it once was many years ago.
-Chelsea Gillis
After reading Jensen's article, I believe that yes there is still a relevance and need to have journalism schools. In some sense, learning to be journalist or even journalism for that matter does not have to stop just because the economy is in trouble. I agree that there may not be enough funds to keep the school going, but you can still encourage and motivate students to be the best journalists they can. You can't really stop a student from choosing journalism as a major, even if you don't have a specific journalism school students will continue to pick it as their major.
ReplyDeleteAs Jensen puts it in the second paragraph, the main purpose of this discussion is that students are worried if they will be able to gain employment after graduation. Regardless of how the economy is, I believe that Journalism is a very cut throat industry so in many ways this just makes the competition tougher and only the best will be picked. And if you don't stand out then you have no chance, which I think is better for this industry because then at least excellent journalists are being picked up rather than the mediocre ones.
Jensen also states that now is a good time to mold the journalistic industry into a much sounder and efficient one, since the economy is extremely terrible right now it is a good opportunity for many publications to change their outlook and make their publications more efficient and something that will catch the audience's eye. I believe that right now is the time for the best of the best to come out and make this industry work!
By :- Charu Bahl
Though the author makes a valid point, I believe the traditional ways of journalism are needed now more than ever. Though it is important for curriculums to evolve with the times, knowledge of traditional journalism is crucial to understanding the constrains of modern journalism. To stray from teaching customary journalism would be a huge disservice to students who must learn to adapt their knowledge to the medium they see fit.
ReplyDeleteArielle Hochman
As the Internet revolutionizes how we receive our information on a larger scale, we are sacrificing quality and validity for immediacy. There is so much information available that it is becoming increasingly difficult to sort hearsay from fact. It is inevitable that in time the public will adapt a literacy for what the internet makes available. The components of traditional journalism will prove be a timeless knowledge for the future of media.
Though the author makes a valid point, I believe the traditional ways of journalism are needed now more than ever. Though it is important for curriculums to evolve with the times, knowledge of traditional journalism is crucial to understanding the constrains of modern journalism. To stray from teaching customary journalism would be a huge disservice to students who must learn to adapt their knowledge to the medium they see fit.
ReplyDeleteAs the Internet revolutionizes how we receive our information on a larger scale, we are sacrificing quality and validity for immediacy. There is so much information available that it is becoming increasingly difficult to sort hearsay from fact. It is inevitable that in time the public will adapt a literacy for what the internet makes available. The components of traditional journalism will prove be a timeless knowledge for the future of media.
-Arielle Hochman
We definitely need journalism more than ever now. However, journalists have lost the purpose in their job. The author Robert Jensen mentioned legends such as Upton Sinclair and Ida Tarbell. They were real journalists in the way they spoke the truth. Journalists needs to speak the truth about all of America now. Jensen also said that the writings are in perimeter between wealth and political allies. Journalists may not even be able to control anything. Rumors are exploding about the President trying very hard to put media on a tight leash.
ReplyDeleteI think aspiring journalists are very skeptical about J schools. Not only are there less and less opportunities for work, but also they may be scared. Their freedom has been slightly decreasing, because speaking the truth could be dangerous. They have to be careful when writing about corporations, presidents, controversies and companies that could be sponsoring the writers workplace. Before journalism schools become hopeful again, I strongly agree with Jensen that people need to reevaluate the meaning of journalism.
-Alex Guerra
I think this article just goes on such a tangent! Point blank is yea journalism is important and no we cannot stop educating, I agree Robert Jenson when he writes that school for journalism may have to take a different approach in their teaching method.
ReplyDeleteI believe journalism is a hard job but I don't think aspiring writers should question whether school that are going to help them express themselves more creatively and intellectually are non-useful because they are scared that with the declining economy they won't get a job. It's not just journalists who are suffering it is the world! It's not easy for anyone person to get a job.
As a journalist you should be up for the challenge! The goal is to write stories that will change people's life, opinions, values etc. Mr. Jenson mentions the famous writers such as Upton Sinclair and Ida Tarbell, they didn't have it easy either. When times were hard they spoke the truth they stood for something. Im sure this didn't happen overnight but nothing ever does.
So to continue to educate will ever be pointless just because students don't have faith in getting a job after graduation. If a person is going to let a downfall of an economy stop them what does that say for our morals that in America anything is possible? In times like these I like to look at people like Martin Luther King and remember with all odds against him, he prevailed and so can we. This is our generation, take a stand like a true journalist and make a difference. Don't accept what's happening in this world, make a change. Those are the kind of morals this schools should instill, providing inspiration to keep students uplifted and positive.
Samantha Andrade