Merrill's arguments against the professionalization of journalism

¶ … Merrill's Arguments

In journalism, the term professionalism has often been considered to be a standard that everyone in the media will follow. As they share a common set of goals and values about their passion for communicating different events that are occurring. This has often led to the assumption that journalists have a unique place in society. Where, many people will assume that they follow a professional set of standards and guidelines. In Merrill's Arguments, he claims that the idea of professional standards is nothing more than a myth. This is because there are no, clearly defined standards or examinations that someone will be required to meet, in order to enter this career field. Instead, all they need is the ability and intellect to write effectively. This is significant, because it is the heart of Merrill's claim, that professional standards for journalism are doing more harm than good. (Merrill, n.d.)

As a result, Merrill considers two different possibilities that could be occurring in the career field: the standardization of journalistic styles and the possibility of former editors / writers working at journalism schools. The standardization of journalistic styles; is where various educators (who have worked mainly in academia) are creating new standards in the field. As they tend to focus on the traditional forms of journalism education such as: proof reading and following the proper format. This is problematic, because it is punishing individuals for having any kind of creativity. In the field of journalism, this one of the core principles that helps: a writer and editor be able to adapt to the news environment. When you reduce the overall amounts of creatively, you are allowing the media to play a passive role in reporting the news. Where, many individuals will follow the standard formats for reporting and story ideas. At which point, the more provocative stories will often be ignored. (Merrill, n.d.)

A second possibility that Merrill examines is: former editors and writers working at journalism schools. This is important, because these individuals are taking their experience from the real world and they are using it, to help prepare students for the challenges they will face. Once this occurs, it means that many individuals will begin to have creativity and flexibility when it comes to their writing style (as this is often emphasized throughout the industry). At which point, they can be able to counter balance the effects of the more traditional schools. (Merrill, n.d.)

What Merrill concludes, is that the field is being overly influenced by academia. As there are a large number of schools and journalism departments that are following more structured formats. This takes away from the professionalism of the field, as it discourages creativity and flexibility. According Merrill, the only hope for any kind of professional standards, is for those who have worked in the industry to share their knowledge with others. This is how the media can be able to maintain its independent spirit, which plays a vital role in the way the news is reported. (Merrill, n.d.)