Introduction

• Author: Mark Bourrie
• Pages: 1-5

1

Introduction

I went to law school aer working in the media for more than thirty

years. My journalism had been published in Canada’s best newspapers

and in magazines, including legal publications. I was fortunate enough

to have taught at one of the country’s largest journalism schools. Jour-

nalism is a great way to make a living. Journalists are eyewitnesses to

history on large and small stages. ey get to satisfy their curiosity on

someone else’s dime and to learn how things work. It’s a fantastic way

to make a living and, like most journalists, I probably would have done

it for free.

I believe journalists have an obligation to keep themselves educated

and informed. As professionals, they need continuing education that

keeps them up to date on important issues and on changes to their cra.

ey also need some expertise on the issues they cover. In the mid-twenti-

eth century, journalists explained the world to readership that had grade

school and high school educations. Now, the typical reader and viewer

has a university education, some technical or academic expertise, and

easy access to information from media sources throughout the world.

Many can’t be blued by reporters and opinionists who don’t know their

le. Journalists who aren’t keeping up, or who are not bringing some-

thing new to the table, are likely to nd their careers stalled. is is espe-

cially true as more people realize the value of solid journalism. People

with access to high-quality information will get ahead. ose who won’t

or can’t keep well-informed will stagnate socially and economically. So