Why reporting is more important than ever—and how BCIT helps students step into the role of the journalist

There’s a lot of dubious reporting out there. Case in point: you’ve probably heard the rumour that journalism is in terminal decline, and that traditional news media are dying out due to the rise of digital platforms.

If you fact checked this, as you would in any newsroom, you’d quickly discover that the opposite is true: quality journalism is more important than ever before, and our news media have been proactively embracing a range of platforms and channels. Some are steeped in tradition, like television and radio, while others are pushing the envelope, like social media and podcasting. 

There couldn’t be a more opportune moment to renew the role of the journalist. At a time when websites are overflowing with clickbait and sponsored content, trustworthy reporting from reputable sources is desperately needed— and BCIT is committed to training new generations of curious, critical thinkers who aren’t afraid to go out and tell the stories that need to be told.

A bright outlook for journalism in BC

Contrary to misconceptions that journalism is going nowhere, WorkBC forecasts that the profession will see 0.9% growth between now and 2024, and a further 0.7% growth by 2029. Part of that is due to the evolving nature of news media, as organizations engage with more audiences on more channels, but part of it is due to demographic shifts. A whopping 76.2% of job openings in the next 10 years are expected to be replacements for retiring journalists, while 23.8% of new jobs are going to be a result of economic growth.

Increasing public interest in specialized news sites is creating new jobs as well, allowing them to focus on topics that fascinate them—such as investigative journalism, sports reporting, or subjects like music, fashion, and entertainment. In the digital age, there are also greater opportunities for journalists to collaborate with publications across the globe, whether they’re working as staff reporters or freelancers.

The challenges in journalism today

The internet can be both a blessing and curse for modern journalism—and for anyone seeking information that they can trust. There are so many platforms out there, and authoritative sources are outnumbered by those with ulterior motives—after all, it’s easier to make up fictions than to find facts. Since the role of a journalist is to report the news accurately and fairly, here are some of the issues they face in the field:

• Legitimate news media have to contend with impostor news sites that hype yellow journalism—groundless headlines designed to grab attention and get a reaction, typically with the goal of generating ad revenue. In the best case scenario, these stories are harmless, generic trivia trying to cash in on trendy topics. In the worst case scenario, they’re deliberately designed to troll readers. Just think of all those tabloids decrying celebrity scandals that never happened.
  
  
• There’s also a proliferation of gonzo journalism from people who aren’t journalists. While reporters for many publications tend to personalize their storytelling through first-person observation, the internet has taken this concept and run wild with it as bloggers, influencers, and laypeople present their anecdotal opinions and biases as fact.
• Fake news started out as another term for yellow journalism that tries to hook audiences with false headlines and fantastic claims—but then high-profile populists started using it to describe and discredit the press. Fake news was an especially big issue during the 2016 US presidential election, and there are some audience segments around the world, including here in Canada, who believe that the mainstream media are guilty of such practices.
• With the spread of fake news, we often hear the term media bias in reference to the idea that news organizations purposely misrepresent certain individuals or ideologies. While many publications do bring their own angle, tone, or perspective to their stories, responsible, objective reporting remains the number-one priority for professional journalists.

Pursuing the truth, wherever it leads

All of these issues highlight the need for more journalism, not less of it. Society gains immeasurable value from having insightful, knowledgeable, and accountable professionals willing to step into the role of the journalist, ask tough questions, verify the facts, and get the answers.

The School of Business + Media at BCIT is the only business school in British Columbia with an offering dedicated solely to Broadcast and Online Journalism. The full-time diploma program grants students opportunities to bring their reporting and storytelling to both traditional and online platforms. 

For those who would rather work from the recording studio, there’s also a full-time diploma program in Radio Arts and Entertainment that prepares students for work in a wide range of media that includes radio broadcasts and streaming, podcasts, audio books, sports coverage and web series. 

If you prefer to operate behind the scenes, the Television and Video Production diploma program trains you in all aspects of the production process, from lighting and filming to editing and sound mixing. You gain plenty of experience and graduate with a full portfolio of professional work.

SEE MORE: BCIT embraces changing industry with rename of its business school

Whether you’re interested in print or digital media, or passionate about broadcasts, webcasts, or podcasts, there’s no shortage of fulfilling job opportunities awaiting you in the field of journalism. BCIT continues to offer applied education in a format appropriate to the unfolding global situation. The School of Business + Media is accepting applicants for its upcoming intake of the program. Explore the Broadcast and Media Communications programs at BCIT, or contact a program advisor for more information.