Journalism and democracy

    I love this quote by George Lewis.
   “When there’s a disconnect between the truth and the official version of what happened, I think it’s our obligation as journalists to jump all over that," Lewis said during a recent speech. 
   "Journalists have become intimidated, self-censored, too reluctant to dispute the official version of events in recent years.  What happens when journalists pull their punches, pander to their audiences, sell out to commercial interests? What happens when we fail in our mission to comfort the afflicted and afflict the comforted?  I’ll tell you what happens: society loses – big time.” 
   This comment solidifies one of the reasons journalists help protect democracy.
   Would Kenneth Lay, Richard Nixon or former Illinois governor Rod Blagojevich gotten away with it their corruption if it wasn't for the diligence and resourcefulness of journalists?
   Would more Hurricane Katrina victims still be suffering if the media hadn't been on the scene to document the death and destruction?
   Would there be more dead dogs if it weren't for theToledo Blade, who spearheaded a media campaign to oust the Lucas County Dog Pound warden, Tom Skelton. He was known for putting down all pit bulls that entered his cages, no matter the temperament. The Blade has taken more than a few hits for being relentless in this cause, but has their coverage protected the afflicted - defenseless dogs?
   What do these examples that have to do with democracy? Well, everything. It begins with the First Amendment. Freedom of the press allows journalists to report on their communities, which includes our own government and other powerful organizations that control our lives.
   Press freedoms are granted to anyone who feels obliged to tell the truth for the sake of democracy, and it traditionally began with scholastic journalists. But that's changing because of citizen journalists and social media.
   No matter what the age or credential, there should be no disconnect between the truth and the official version of what happened. Below are five core concepts of journalism as stated in the Elements of Journalism:
1. Never add anything that was not there.
2. Never deceive the audience.
3. Be as transparent as possible about your methods and motives.
4. Rely on your own original reporting.
5. Exercise humility.
   As long as student, legacy and citizen journalists follow these principles, society wins - big time.