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

(Merrill, n.d.)
To support these different conclusions, Merrill highlights specific articles and examples from people within the industry, about the changing levels of professional standards. A good example of this can be found, with him discussing the ideas of Louis Lyons (a legendary journalist). He emphasized that all potential journalists should have the ability to learn vs. A formalized education. This is because; the majority of what they will learn about in the industry is through on-the-job training. (Merrill, n.d.)

The unstated assumption of Merrill's Arguments is the fact: that someone who has a passion for writing; can have more a satisfying career in journalism (in comparison with an individual, who has formalized training). This is because your enthusiasm, will determine how quickly you learn and the overall quality of your writing.

Bibliography

Merril, J. (n.d.). The Professionalization of Journalism.