Nicarlyle Hanchard / The Jambar
Expressing one’s wants, needs, likes and dislikes is a cherished ability. We see this everyday, starting at infancy. A baby’s first words are celebrated. For all that it symbolizes, it represents the ability of that child to later engage in society.
That joy and celebration is the responsibility of every citizen. The burden of responsibility, arguably, is twice as high for journalists.
I recently spoke at Youngstown State University’s Student Press Freedom Day. It was quite the experience. I never thought, at my age, that I would speak at such an event, small or large.
I was slightly nervous. To add to that, I chose to speak about what it means to be a reporter. I had hoped to remind my fellow reporters, classmates and myself of our burden of responsibility.
I first spoke about journalists being watchdogs for the government. It is a tale as old as time, but it is true nonetheless. I believe it is especially true today. We must hold those in power in line with the rules they set for the betterment of the population.
Generally, the purpose of reporters is to inform the public so they can make decisions that are in the best interest of them and their families.
For the citizenry to do that, we would have to tell the truth — not how we see the truth, but the truth for how it is, no matter how uncomfortable. Additionally, we have to be wary of those who have influence over public discourse.
We have seen matters of public discourse reach the desks and chambers of lawmakers. As reporters, we must convey the facts to the public — just as they are.
Secondly, journalism is a profession by the people, for the people. We are not above the average citizen — we are the average citizens.
Some are under the opinion that we are a “privileged class,” but I disagree. However, I will concede and say that we are held to a higher standard by the public because we are called to be ethical in our reporting.
The laws that apply to the average person also apply to us. First Amendment protections and consequences for violation affect media practitioners just as much as the average citizen.
Reporters getting in trouble with the law is often tricky. We know better, we do better, but sometimes carrying out our duties teeters legal lines.
I concluded my speech by stating the opportunities student media has afforded me. I could have chosen several other career paths when I first began university, but journalism felt like the right thing to do outside of high school.
As a Jamaican, and a student in the media, I believe myself bound by our national pledge. In short, “… in the service of my fellow citizens, I promise to stand up for justice, brotherhood and peace, to work diligently and creatively, to think generously and honestly, so that [this country] may, under God, increase in beauty, fellowship and prosperity and play [my] part in advancing the welfare of the whole human race.”
That is why I do what I do, and I hope it inspires others to find the reason for their chosen path.