My understanding is that it is not about whether someone is called a journalist or not. What's important is whether or not they are doing journalism. A journalist's work proceeds from an adherence to the principles of truthfulness, an allegiance to citizens, and to informing rather than manipulating. A journalist has an ultimate commitment to the truth. They have an unwavering loyalty to the citizens and act as watchdogs to those in power. A journalist strives to present news that is comprehensive and proportional. They are storytellers that make the significant interesting and relevant.
Journalists are fundamental to democracy. They allow citizens to be self-governing by providing them with information. Information can so freely be shared by dozens of mediums in the world today, and almost anyone can share it. But journalism is so much more than just communicating. A journalist works to make their society better. They carry on the conversation of the people in their community and give a voice to the voiceless.
Journalism is a profession, but it is also a higher calling of serving others. It is clear that many journalists will risk everything to give the people information so that they may be sovereign. I hope to do the same in my career someday.
I think John Hughes said it best when he called journalism "a magical career."
