A reporter is a
type of journalist who researches, writes, and reports information to present
in sources, conduct intervies, engage in research, and make reports. The
information-gathering part of a journalist's job is sometimes called
"reporting" in contrast to the production part of the job such as
writing articles. Reporters may split their time between working in a newsroom
and going out to witness events or interview people. Reporters may be assigned
a specific beat or area of coverage. The Term "Journalist" may include
various types of editors, editorial writers, columnists, and visual
journalists, such as photojournalists. PhotoJournalists means journalists who
use the medium of photography. Journalism has developed a variety of ethics and
standards, while objectivity and a lack of bias are often considered importnat,
some types of jouurnalism, such as advocacy journalism, intentionally adopt a
non-objective viewpoint.
Lippmann as a
journalist argued that most individuals lacked the capacity, time, and
motivation to follow and analyze news of the many complex policy questions that
troubled society. They did often directly experience most social problems, or
have direct access to expert insights. These limitations were made worse by a
news media that tended to over-simplify issues and to reinforce stereotypes,
partisan viewpoints and prejudices. Lippmann believed that the public needed
journalists like himself who could serve as expert analysts, guiding citizens
to a deeper understanding of what was really important. Journalists may expose
themselves to danger, particularly when reporting in areas of armed conflict or
in states that do not respect the freedom of the press. Organizations such as
the committee to Protect Journalists and Reporters without Borders publish
reports on press freedom and advocate for journalistic freedom.