In the first chapter of “The News about the News” we learn about the concepts of good journalism and bad journalism. What I found so interesting is the effects good or bad reporting can have on a community and general public.

“Good journalism does not often topple a president, but it frequently changes the lives of citizens, both grand and ordinary.”

What I loved most about this quote from the book is the very last part, about changing the lives a people both ‘grand and ordinary’. Journalism doesn’t have to be focused on strictly politicians, CEOs, presidents, etc. It can also be focused on the average Joe, because after all, journalism is for the everyday person.

“Good journalism holds communities together in times of crisis, providing the information and the images that constitute shared experiences.”

In national crisis’, like the 9/11 terror attacks and any school shooting, a good journalistic reporting can unify the nation in an amazing way. And that’s what drives me to be involved in journalism, because that ability is such a beautiful thing.

And then there is bad journalism. Its this reporting that causes so much criticism towards the media and journalists alike.

“Bad journalism — failing  to report important news, or reporting news shallowly, inaccurately or unfairly — can leave people dangerously uninformed.”

For instance, with the CNN reporting of the Boston marathon bombing, it caused so many people to think they were safe when really the suspects were still at large. This puts the citizens, as well as the police officers and FBI agents at risk of getting hurt.