How Journalists' Views Are Formed

The attitudes demonstrated by journalists in Good News/Good Deeds focus groups weren't handed out with press cards or included with graduating journalists' diplomas. They came with the formal education of the reporters, and the culture of the newsrooms. They were formed along with the history and culture of journalism and media and they were reinforced by the behavior of not-for-profit leaders and advocates.

Unfortunately, the community sector is as invisible in journalism classrooms as it is to newsrooms. Students learn to write and, more rarely, they learn the observation and listening practice that will serve them in their work. Just as it is in other education experience, they take the test, they get the grade, then they do more of whatever got the best results. In newsrooms learning is the same, only more so. In few other businesses is there such potential for immediate gratification. The writing is done. The editor reviews. The story is in the paper or on the air. The reporter does more of whatever got the best results.

The problem lies in the fact that the media business is changing. Today, in a deregulated environment, media are driven more than ever by profits. There is less money for research, less time for in-depth reporting. Consequently, more attention, more time and space is devoted to shock and to schlock.