Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations

Journalists' views on rewards, challenges & threats of upholding Freedom of the Press

Newhouse Impact: Showcasing the research and creative activity of the faculty and students at the Newhouse School
Newhouse School

Opinions about journalists and journalism in the United States are widespread. But what do those working in the profession think? A survey of 1600 journalists uncovered thoughts on a range of topics. There's a lack of diversity, a desire to interpret more stories so the audience understands impacts, and a rise in threats to journalists largely through social media. At the same time, most respondents express satisfaction and fondness for the job despite the struggles and generally low pay.

On this Newhouse Impact, Dr. Lars Willnat, Professor of Communications and John Ben Snow Endowed Research Chair at Newhouse, shares findings from the latest edition of the American Journalist Study. He remains optimistic that despite the challenges, people still want to pursue the field, understanding its role in our democracy. Willnat also shares an international perspective on media bias and press freedom, which he notes in the US is waning.

Topic research and guest scheduling assistance by Maggie DiPatri. Our Newhouse Impact music was created by Kat Kollins.

Chris Bolt, Ed.D. has proudly been covering the Central New York community and mentoring students for more than 30 years. His career in public media started as a student volunteer, then as a reporter/producer. He has been the news director for WAER since 1995. Dedicated to keeping local news coverage alive, Chris also has a passion for education, having trained, mentored and provided a platform for growth to more than a thousand students. Career highlights include having work appear on NPR, CBS, ABC and other news networks, winning numerous local and state journalism awards.