Journalism under fire

We’ve all done something in our lives that has ruffled a few feathers, placed a cat among the pigeons, or bent people’s noses out of shape. It might have been saying something we shouldn’t have, telling a secret by accident, or just generally doing whatever the hell we like. Whatever the scenario, not everyone is applauded all the time.

However, one category of people should be able to hold a “get out of jail free” card: Journalists.

Its only recently I’ve seen first hand how tough journalists have it. To deliver an honest review, give a not-so-balanced opinion or to point out something everyone was thinking, but no one was saying is a difficult task. And to receive the schtick about it afterwards can be even harder. Esp in a small-ish college like DCU.
I didnt always feel like this. Last year I was very insulted by someone in our college newspaper. I felt that the article in question was directly related to me and took it ridiculously seriously. My point was, why hide behind a pen? If you need to say something, say it to my face! (God…you wouldn’t guess I grew up in Brooklyn would ya?!)

But actually, for journalists, making their work personal, creating a stir and above all, being honest – is sometimes part of the job description. If they didnt, where would all the readers be?

So bravo to some of DCU’s student journalists. Say what you need to say, ‘cuz no one else will.

Read some stellar stuff here: http://www.redbrick.dcu.ie/~pubsoc/