Why Journalism Needs Youth
by James C.
Many times in our society when discussing the field of journalism the place of the youth are oftentimes neglected and left out. The youth of today are tomorrow's journalists, leaders and change makers. Through journalism the youth are able to share their experiences and stories with the rest of the world. Journalism needs young people as in today's digital age the youth are able to use social media and the internet to tell the stories of themselves and their communities. It is through the involvement of young people that journalism remains important, everlasting and relevant in today's world.
The purpose of journalism is to inform the masses on the events affecting their communities, societies, governments and nations. Journalism gives marginalized communities the opportunity to tell their stories and perspectives. Journalists have been critical to many movements for social change throughout history such the civil rights movement, women's suffrage, LGBTQ+ and Black Lives Matter movements. When adhering to its core principles and ethics, journalism is a tool that empowers the people, spurs social and political movements as well as creating tangible and everlasting change.
Youth journalism is a window into the ideas, stories and experiences of the youth and tells the stories of their communities and present realities. From school newspapers, podcasting, grassroot organizing and social media, young journalists have been critical to building bridges that span race, religion, gender and culture. In our day and age information is gold and journalism is an outlet that allows for youth to inform the masses on the ever pressing issues that affect youth all over the world. The importance of youth journalism lies within its ability to give the youth the opportunity to record and create the change they want to see in society.
The power of journalism is in its commitment to finding the truth and young people have the opportunity to use journalism as not only an avenue to share their experiences but as a way to change the world. It is because of young journalists that issues like racial injustice, mental health, gun violence and many other social and political issues have been kept in the forefront of our daily news consumption. Journalism needs young people because without the youth journalism has no future. It is young journalists who write the history of our times, empower the oppressed and challenge society's status quo.
