journalism – Rock Star Writers Blog

The world is falling apart and no one knows it.

Journalism is being ignored when it is needed most. To have freedom of the press is to have the freedom of information. Now more than ever, the public needs journalism. A new president means new policies and laws and it can be hard to stay informed. It’s a scary thing to not know what is going on in the world, let alone your own country. Protests, riots, wars, injustices and conflicts. These things are always happening. Every day, all the time, around the world. But not everyone knows.

For example, many people are unaware of the many conflicts and wars going on in Africa. According to the Geneva Academy, there are more than 35 ongoing armed conflicts in Africa. There are also many who are or were unaware of the fact that the conflicts between Israel and Palestine began long before Oct. 7, 2023.

One of the main purposes of journalism is to tell the truth and keep people informed. Staying informed is about knowing and understanding both sides of a story. Understanding both sides is extremely important, especially if you decide that you prefer one side because it is important to know what you stand for and what that means to yourself and others. If you don’t know and understand the details of what you are fighting for, how will you be able to properly plan for the outcome.

A good example of this is President Trump’s tariffs. While the purpose of this was to boost the American economy, it ended up raising some prices even more for businesses such as Mattel. According to AP News, “Company executives told analysts on a conference call that China currently accounts for 40% of Mattel’s global production”, and due to the fact that Trump’s imposed 145% tariffs on most of China’s products, Mattel has to raise their sale prices.

Recently however, media outlets have come to realize that because of the great amount of time people spend on social media, it would be easier to share news with the public via social networks. BBC claims that roughly 54% of people get their news from social media platforms. Because of this, more people are becoming informed, however it could potentially mean the end of hand held paper news.

With corruption and the need to consistently fact check our own president, journalism is essential to the people. Journalism allows people to be knowledgeable about the things that affect them, and if people don’t know what is going on, no one can move to make a difference.

If journalism dies now, so will our rights. Stay informed, stay educated, understand both sides, so that we may all make a difference for the better.

Peer, student journalist and coffee fanatic are all things I can use to describe myself. From UGA Football games to neighborhood music festivals, being an Athens, Georgia native played a significant role into the shaping of my self identity.

Growing up in Athens, I was constantly surrounded by the music, art, food and culture of the diverse town. I was exposed to a variety of people with backgrounds exceptionally different than mine, which is ultimately what led me to journalism. I was intrigued by the idea of telling the stories of the people who made up the community that I love.

My journalistic journey didn’t start until my freshman year when I joined my schools magazine- the ODYSSEY Media Group at Clarke Central High School. Though I intended on furthering my journalistic skills, I primarily joined to get involved with my school community. I was unaware of the true impact practicing journalism would have on me, and how it would change my outlook on numerous topics. The stories I witnessed the upperclassman in my publication report on inspired me to come back my sophomore year, in hopes that I too could have the same impact. From politics to natural disasters, I was shocked by their ability to cover such mature topics with an exceptional amount of professionalism.

Following the deadly shooting at Apalachee High School, I read what felt like endless articles covering the political controversy sparked by the incident. It wasn’t until I read an article published by a student journalist at my school that I truly felt seen, heard and understood as a student. It was then that I was able to grasp the true importance and impact student journalists have on their community, and the essential role they play in ensuring that the student body is heard in a time where we often feel like the last priority.

As I continue my journey as a student journalist, I have made it my mission to be an outlet for student voices, opinions and stories. Not only this, but in a way that is diverse, accurate and balanced. It is the student body that shapes me as a journalist.