Independent Reporters For America Are Needed
Young Professionals...I came across an interesting video (13:20 minutes) you should consider watching which gives a nice overview of one of the reasons why we all found ourselves in some situations due to lack of independent news coverage. The video was produced by 60 Minutes and is called "Headlines, deadlines and bottom lines" and was posted on the website: Report for America on 60 Minutes.
There is a full length video (52:45 minutes) called the “Fall of Newspapers, Rise of Misinformation”:
I just became aware of this website and effort and would encourage those with an interest in investigative reporting, then check out what Report For America is all about.
It looks like some people were thinking when they moved forward with this effort. These are the type of things we need for more young professionals and for independent and local news sources so we can build communities.
The Young Professional
An important point of clarification as well, when I refer to “Young Professionals”, I am not referring to a particular age group. While there is a probability that there will be more numbers of younger aged people who consider themselves as “Young Professionals”, it is also keep in mind that anyone, regardless of their age, can consider themselves to be a young professional…if they are willing to stop doing things they know are the wrong way and actually be willing to move forward in their lives learning a new career, new hobby, new interest in other people, places and things…etc.
In my humble opinion, anyone regardless of their age….who chooses to make positive changes in their life through Hard work, Dedication, Training, and Education with the intent to help both themselves AND other people within their communities…are considered as “Young Professionals”…at least in my eyes and other people with similar views of the world. I also believe we should look at “our communities” as being larger than simply the area we currently reside. Our community is the world upon which we all live, and which gives us the essential resources needed for a sustainable and positive life. At some point when people start waking up and treating each other and the planet as the one true community we are all part of…then perhaps we will finally see the light and can start taking action and making positive changes in our lives and other people’s lives as well.
For those people who may not consider themselves as a “Young Professional” due to their own self-perceived age and limitations, I came across this article that is worth reading and doing further research if you are so inclined. The LinkedIn article is called “We've Always Done It That Way” by Charlotte Haye.
The only person who is holding back anyone from being a successful young professional…is the person who does not take personal responsibility for themselves. Any person of any age can be a young professional easily if someone with more experience and knowledge…through life experiences…shares their lessons learned in whatever way they choose, including volunteer work…then by default of giving back to your communities…you will experience growth in yourself that you either were not tapping into or more than likely, were simply not aware of the incredible potential that exists within each and every person.
Here are some GOOD lessons learned going forward with activities like investigative reporting…
Investigative journalism should be about seeking the truth and exposing lies and corruption. It should not be about building cases against people to force them under other people’s will and control.
You do not have to make other people look bad in order to make yourself look good. It is actually quite the opposite, you will make yourself look much better when you can highlight GOOD things are people are doing so we can all learn from each other and keep moving forward in a positive direction.
You do not need to embellish stories with the intent of making more money by distorting the truth. This may work in the short term but will always come back to bite you in one way, shape, or form. Be yourself and be authentic…especially when you are being an investigative reporter.
Most people can tell if the interest is in seeking the TRUTH or seeking money…which can lead to corruption.
Independent reporting allows people to make their own decisions based on facts or at least a perceived reality.
Keep it simple by stating the facts on the ground and sharing lessons learned.
If you look at things along these lines, then we would absolutely start seeing positive changes…in all of our lives.
