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The steemit platform can be used to enlighten the public through valid and verified news. And this has a lot to do with journalism....

Last year when I was receiving some training through the Udemy courses on Journalism, I learned a lot of things that I feel would be interesting to share.

In a world that is fast-paced, interconnected and constantly evolving, the most powerful weapon which plays a huge role in shaping public opinions, showcasing transparency and even holding power accountable is journalism.

Citizens of a particular region, country or province could get access to first-hand, reliable and unadulterated information to guide their everyday decisions.

Just like a watchdog, journalism checks and monitor the necessary functioning of democracy. It presents information in a manner that is not biased and sheds more light on insignificant but critical issues in society.

Due to the fact that journalism has the power to inform, expose and bring transparency to government and individual action, we realize that a lot of orders have been followed, rules have been kept and most laws cannot be broken.

Journalism serves as a voice for many who have little or no opportunity to lend a voice, it amplifies their concerns, highlights social inequalities, sounds danger, creates awareness, makes advertisements and lots more.

Ethical responsibilities of journalists

• They must be accurate in all information passed to the general public.

• They must be fair and unbiased in their mode of presentation and never exactly take sides

• Reports made should be based on verified facts or multiple sources so as to feed readers and listeners with reliable information.

• They should strive to present diverse perspectives instead of only one fact

• They should avoid in whatever capacity they can, conflict of interest and be transparent about their sources.

Challenges associated with journalism

• Due to the abundance of news sites online, the audience cannot exactly distinguish credible information from authentic journalists and fraudsters.

• The safety of most journalists is also threatened especially if they publish articles that will implicate a group, individual or government.

• In most parts of the world, there is a threat to freedom of speech making it difficult to express oneself.

During my university years, one of my lecturers once told me that "there is freedom of speech, but freedom after the speech is not guaranteed" 😁, as funny as this statement might sound, there is an atom of truth in it in my Nation.

Despite these underlying challenges, journalism has had an enduring impact on society. It has exposed corruption and scandals, there has been ab in-depth reporting on social issues, health-related issues and lots more which has in effect sparked a change.

It has created empathy, fostered understanding and united communities and cultures around the world.

It is therefore important that we as consumers of information, support quality journalism, choose our source of information wisely and appreciate the vital role of journalism.

So when you are about to share the next local news, please verify and have all the details at hand. By the way, we need more news. Bring it On!

Perhaps, some journalist in the blog like @ayijufridar and @paholags can share their views or thoughts on this topic based on their experience.

Even if you are not a journalist but have some cool thoughts to share on this topic, please feel free to share through the comment section or you could make a post and tag me, I will like to read your opinion, thanks.

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