A Young Journalist’s Perspective on Change

[responsive]gcclogogif_350x101_transparent[/responsive]Journalism major Emily Balli, a student at Glendale Community College in Arizona, has a lot to say about her field.  And she shares her thoughts in this article in the school’s paper, The Voice.

“One thing I hear much too often when telling someone my major is, ‘Why is that your major? Isn’t journalism a dying field?’  Although I try my best not let comments like that get to me, at times I do find it rather frustrating and discouraging,” Balli writes.

“Rather than saying that journalism is a ‘dying’ industry, I like to think of it instead as an ever-changing, evolving, industry,” she continues.

Like many people her age, she tends to access quick information via her digital devices. Yet she understands and appreciates the value of print.

“In all honesty, if I could have it my way, I would prefer that papers and magazines be on both mediums, both print and online,” she reflects. “I truly see the advantage of both. …just because getting news online may be more convenient, doesn’t mean we have to completely stop printed media all-together.”

And she admits that print holds a special allure.

“Printed newspapers and magazines have been around for decades, and many people like myself really love and cherish it. There’s nothing quite like actually flipping through the pages of your favorite   magazine or drinking a cup of coffee in the morning while you read the daily news in the newspaper.”

Still, she knows the world is changing and there is room for both.

“Even though I prefer print and probably always will, I also think it’s okay that journalism is changing and is now being accessed in a different way. I think that that’s one of the really cool things about the journalism industry. It’s able to change and progress with culture and technology.”

It’s great to read about young journalists like Balli who are tuned into not only their own careers but the changes in their industry as well.