Journalism in Democracy Q&A

On Journalism
Q:  What is your definition of journalism?
A:  Journalism is the art of captivating and informing an audience.  It is the goal of a journalist to create a more knowledgeable and intelligent society through his/her writing.

Q:  How many different models of Journalism exist today?
A:  There are three models of journalism.
          Advocacy Journalism - Seeks social change and justice
          Traditional Elite Journalism - Seeks the truth to better inform the audience in their decision making
          Public or Civic Journalism - main goal is community problem solving
On Democracy
Q:  What is the definition of democracy?
A:  Democracy is a government in which the power is entrusted in the people or, in a more indirect version, the power is entrusted in those elected by the people.

Q:  What is the difference between "election politics" and "public politics?"
A:  I think that these two political strategies could be similar, save the ego of the politician.  When a political party begins to focus its entire campaign on pointing out the flaws of the other, "public politics" becomes very ugly.

Q:  What was the Lippmann v. Dewey debate?
A:  These two men argued through their writing in the 1920's over what constituted the best form of representative government.  Lippmann argued that the world was so large and complex that we can't trust the common people to be informed enough to make the right decision.  Dewey countered by saying without a healthy democratic government, no society could be trusted to make the right decision consistently.  He said that journalists should play the role of "fact finder" and that decisions would be still be made by public opinion.
On the First Amendment
Q:  What does the First Amendment say exactly?
A:  The First Amendment says, and I quote, "Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances."

Q:  Are any of the protections important in your life?
A:  Absolutely.  Without the First Amendment, I would not be able to express myself and be an individual.  I would not be able to practice my religion, or possibly even write this blog.
On Diversity
Q:  Everybody keeps talking about diversity: Why is diversity in religion, speech, press, assembly, and petition so important to a democracy?
A:  As I stated in the previous post about Journalism in Democracy, the true power of the common citizen is in his/her's right to express their opinion and individuality.  If we don't have these simple liberties, how can we possibly have a democracy?  If the power truly is in the hands of the people, whether direct or indirect, these rights should be for all to use and enjoy.

Q:  How do journalists and the First Amendment ensure that people hear diverse voices in the marketplace of ideas?
A:  Journalists work because of and along with the First Amendment to ensure the rights, safety, and liberty of the people.  This means that all people have a voice.  Every person has these rights, regardless or race or gender.  This is because of the First Amendment and the work of journalists to validate these rights.

Q:  Can you speak from personal experience about how diversity, protected by the First Amendment or championed by journalists, made a difference in your life?
A:  I can't speak from personal experience on this matter, but I think that is a good thing.  The fact that my rights or the rights of anybody I know have not been challenged is a testament to the protection of these rights that we have been given.