Journalists — Shut Up and Listen

Since the Gutenberg press and the steam powered engine made mass printing possible, journalists have thought that they were the prime movers of conversation. Up until the age of social media, it seemed as though communication was a steadfast stream of knowledge consumed via print. Journalists talked at their readers and decided what was newsworthy. Today, journalists have a variety of tools to better listen to the communities they serve. The internet and social media opened pathways for genuine engagement and understanding. Yet journalists seem to be stuck in analogue times.

Would it be radical to say that conversations do not start with journalists but rather, with people? If journalists decide to switch up their approach to reporting, it could revolutionize the world of news and gain back the public trust. Right now, journalists treat the news as a product rather than a public service. Hence the quote above. I think it’s time for journalists to use their tools and know-how to help communities find solutions to their problems. They can use the internet and social media as a means of thoughtful listening. After hearing these concerns, journalism is then elevated through action.

Take for example, the “Hack the Mold” project done by the CUNY Graduate School of Journalism and the New York Daily News two years ago. Hack the Mold utilized crowdsourcing and in depth reporting to engage public housing tenants experiencing problems with mold in their apartments. While the project was engaging, this question popped up: was mold the greatest concern in this community or were there more pressing issues that needed to be addressed?

That is the fault of many journalists including myself. During my first class with Jeff Jarvis, I realized that I also have difficulty letting go of what I think the story should be. I can easily recall stories that could be improved with one simple question — is this something that you think I should cover?

The nation needs journalists who can understand the public. The media should not further drive a wedge between people. Before journalists go into their communitues to report, they need to make an effort to understand the individuals in their communities and their complexities. So journalists should shut up and listen. Listening is where solid journalism begins.