Getting worse

15 years ago I started to study Journalism. I think I always wanted to be a Journalist. During the Olympic Games held in Barcelona I tried to write a newspaper with my sister. When I played with my videogames I use to narrate the matches as if I was in the stadium. Obviously, Journalism is not only about narrating or writing, but things like these probably helped me to decide my future. After 15 years I am disappointed and I have lost faith in this profession.

When you tell people that you work as a Journalist, normally, they think it is a great job. They respect it despite in the last years the point of view of some people has changed due to some programs or professionals that give a very bad image.

I continue thinking that Journalism it’s a very respectful career or job but it is true that in the last years we have some examples that don’t help us.

I studied a lot and worked hard during all my life to become a Journalist. It cost me a lot to have an opportunity and I have worked thousands of hours (and I continue doing it) to achieve part of my dreams. I think I have a good academic training and I like to keep updated. I do really think that I deserve what I have been able to get.

However, this is not the reality. In the last years it looks like everyone can work as a Journalist. I receive a lot of calls saying that “I have a blog and...”. I am sorry but I don’t think that writing in a blog or chatting in a radio program gives you the same authority as a Journalist. Do you imagine a lawyer or a doctor working without studies? When it has happened, it has been newsworthy and the people involved have been thrown out.

Journalists have to fight for a job with politics, ex football players, celebrities or anyone who thinks that can work as a journalist. I don’t imagine a football player designing a house. 

I think our academic training  is important. Obviously, it is not a scientific career or you don’t have to read thousands of books, but all the things you do during the four years of University is important.

I think Journalist is in trouble and somebody should act. Maybe the Journalist School should force the newspapers, radio and press departments to contract people that have the career and that are collegiate members. I don’t know, but we have to try to be a respectful job. I know many times are the shame journalists who spoiled our profession but things can’t continue like these.

As I wrote a few months ago, we have to stand up for ourselves because we have to change things. I know that there have been meetings in the past and good wishes but nothing has been done. Do you have any idea?