I think that the most important value for journalism is to tell the truth. When
journalism first began, people were soon addicted to it for want of
information. None of that information, however, is relevant if they stray in
any manner from the truth. There is no reason for one to read the newspaper if
it is only ridden with lies, for the reader would not learn anything of real
substance. Articles written by journalists are often used by the reader to draw
conclusions of their own about a related topic. In this case, the article the
reader has chosen is used as a puzzle piece in order to piece together with
other bits of information. Once enough information is gathered, the reader can
form their own opinion about the matter, but they would be unable to form a
solid opinion if they are misinformed by their sources. The truth is also
crucial when journalists are used for investigative purposes to expose someone
who may be at fault for criminal acts or wrongdoings. In these cases, it is of
utter importance for the writer to report exactly what they know to be true so
that there is no room for misinterpretation. If any key information is left out
or altered, the story could be completely changed, leaving the guilty free from
consequence, or, if it just so happens that they are indeed innocent, leaving
them locked in prison. For the reasons of correctly informing the public with
integrity intact, telling the truth is the utmost importance of any journalist.
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