In a world that has become digitally advanced and dependent on technology as a whole, print journalism is undoubtedly dwindling. Lately, there have been notable layoffs and large shifts in the constantly changing field of journalism, which is concerning for individuals looking to pursue a career in that field. During this time of widespread dismissals, this raises the question of whether it is ethical to continue partaking in institutes that solely focus on journalistic education.
According to an article by Fast Company, one can see the overlapping issues of individuals passionate about pursuing a career in journalism and the alarming statements of these positions experiencing layoffs. According to the article, “Media layoffs have been brutal. Just this year, Business Insider announced it was cutting 8% of its editorial staff, National Geographic laid off all its staff writers, and the Los Angeles Times slashed its newsroom by a quarter.”
However, individuals like Craig Newmark, the founder of Craigslist, are combating this issue by offering assistance to these journalistic institutes. In the Fast Company article, it states that Newmark invested $20 million into CUNY Journalism School in 2018 and recently donated $10 million to CUNY Journalism School again, with the intention of starting the 2027 school year tuition-free.
By providing students access to a free education, this allows great opportunities for students to indulge themselves in their passion for reporting while helping the journalism field grow. The dean of CUNY Journalism School, Graciela Mochkofsky, even stated, “Journalism schools, and particularly affordable journalism schools like ours, open doors to the industry that otherwise for a lot of people will never be open.”
One of the many issues that can be traced to the large decrease in media positions is the constant change and evolution in the journalism world. For these institutions to build up their status and create successful graduates, they must be willing to adapt to the times. There are various mediums where news can be spread, whether through TV broadcasts, social media or other similar means of communication, these institutes must be able to provide practices and teaching to navigate not only through these different platforms, but also issues that can arise in working in such a field.
“Schools must adapt; these are not the journalism schools of the past,” said Jake Nelson, an assistant professor at CUNY. “CUNY prides itself on teaching a multitude of disciplines; I took classes in audio editing, photo, and basic coding, some of which were helpful, others less so.”
Although it can be terrifying to pursue a career in a field that is diminishing, institutes such as CUNY are a great example of providing an education for a student’s future and shining a beam of hope in the world of journalism.
Given that individuals in the journalism field are facing challenges such as mass layoffs, it is important to recognize the value of journalism programs and educational institutes. Now more than ever, it is important to prepare and train the next generation of journalists who can and will possess the ability to navigate through the constantly changing world of media with creativity and adaptability alongside traditional reporting skills.
Through hard work and determination, journalistic communities can ensure that these professions not only survive but thrive in the years to come.
