Judge students attend forum at Hinckley Institute

Intermountain Catholic

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Journalism is changing, and there is no doubt about it. While online journalism and media are exploding, print journalism is lacking profits. During the week of Oct 24-28, the Hinckley Institute of Politics put on the 15th Annual Rocco C. and Marion S. Siciliano Forum, "Considerations on the Status of the American Society," which examined "The Future of Journalism."

Through a week of discussion, panels, documentaries and a keynote address by Martin Tolchin, a 40-year "New York Times" reporter and founder of "The Hill" and "Politico," the forum explored various aspects and uncertainties of journalism.

Judge Memorial’s newspaper staff attended the keynote address and participated in a live panel on KUER’S Radio West program. Much of the radio panel discussion involved the definition of journalism in a changing world and its own adaptability and change. Thanks in large part to Twitter, Facebook and blogs, "the audience has become the journalists and the journalists the audience" said journalist Matt LePlant, who participated in the panel.

Despite the rise of mass communication and information, it’s important to note what defines a journalist. Some, like many on the panel, believe that much of individual posts and tweets are considered journalism, while others doubt its accountability. True journalism is an unlicensed profession, but it is quite hard to see how status updates the mark a journalist. Journalism is a skill, but it is attainable and open to any citizen, and that’s what makes it such an accessible tool. Yet true journalism should be marked as media that explores a topic, presents it in a verifiable method, and aims to engage its readers.

Although information is quickly accessible through the Internet, newspapers shouldn’t worry about finding their way into the mainstream Internet news, but focus on matters that go beyond traditional news reporting. If newspapers learn to focus on long-term issues and trends in news, instead of quick information, print media can last.

Judge Memorial’s High School newspaper, "The Bulldog Press," is an example of adaptation. Long printed in newspaper format, in 2010-2011 under the guidance of Emily Andrews and teacher Chris Sloan, the decision was made to switch to a magazine. This change gave the publication a professional look while keeping its content focused on connections and issues that matter to the school community. This simple change and the fact that its writers remained true to their stories’ focus allowed it to remain relevant and appealing to readers.

Since the dawn of journalism, its aim has been to tell the whole story and push toward citizen activism. As long as journalism and journalists remain relevant and legitimate it will continue forward no matter the outlet. Journalism is a unique tool to connect others with facts, information, knowledge, and opinions. As long as people are willing to listen to them the print media will survive even if all it takes is just a little change.

Fratto Oyler is co-editor of Judge Memorial Catholic High School’s The Bulldog Press.