My Journalism 200 Blog

Journalism and the way history is told goes hand in hand. Every great story has not been told had some major event in history not taken place or was about to take place. News organizations have used their ability to write intriguing stories to define this country. Roger Streitmatter has examined the connection between history and journalism and has listed out methods on how the news media has shaped this country. The list includes methods like how journalists are not afraid to break from the pack, have stood up against major American figures, and as Streitmatter states, “the most important characteristic that has allowed news organizations to shape American history has been an acceptance not of the power of the news media but of the limitations of that institution.” This meaning that although journalists may have started the fire in one topic, the institutions were always the ones to bring change. Throughout history, journalism’s best reporters have either been right by its side, ahead of it, or right behind.