Do you believe journalists truly serve you, the citizen? Why or why not? What should be done differently so that you, the citizen, are effectively served?

As a U.S. citizen, I believe journalists serve a true purpose.  Without journalists, who would do the necessary investigating that produces the news we all obtain our information from? Nobody.  We would not have the ability to pick up a newspaper and know what is going on in countries all over the globe.  We wouldn't even have information concerning events occurring in our own country.  Being a journalist requires much time and effort.  Some journalists risk their lives just to spread the news and make others aware of what is happening in different locations
The only improvement that needs to be made in journalism is credibility.  Journalists today are slacking on integrity and their loyalty to the citizens.  Verification should be a priority among journalists, but not many are showing that quality in today's news.  Some newspaper companies publish information based on what other newspapers produced.  They have the thought that publishing information first is more important than taking the time to make sure what they are publishing is even correct information.
Journalists play an important role in today's society.  It is vital to be up to date on public affairs occurring nationally and globally.  Without journalists, this information would not be available to the public.  The credibility of journalists affects whether they can be trusted as reliable sources or not.  Journalists today should focus not on being the first publish the news, but on being reliable by always posting facts.  By changing this aspect of journalism, journalists would serve an even greater purpose to citizens.

Connor Friedersdorf discussed the purpose of journalism in his blog. To view this blog, click here.