Journalists As Watchdogs

Journalists have a role as watchdogs.

Windy March came to visit with us this week, and he taught me a valuable lesson.

While it is journalists jobs to report on the news, and inform citizens about what is going on, it is their duty to be a watchdog on politics and to report it to the people. For ordinary Americans, it is too hard to keep an eye on everything that happens in politics on a national, state and local level.

People do not have the time or the resources to keep track of every bill that is passed, or discussed. People have too many things going on, so they rely on the media to tell them what is important, what is being passed, and what is “fishy.”

The role of media on the public’s interests is very important, because the media is responsible for providing information to their audience, and that information directly affects people when it has to do with politics.

The best way for journalists to be watchdogs on politics, is to keep a close eye towards them, and everyone around them. This would be extremely hard to do if it were not for Public Records.

Windy explained to us how valuable Public Records can be in reporting on politics, and politicians.

One thing that Windy reminded us of, that can often be mistaken by journalists and citizens, is that although there are some politicians trying to get away with a lot of things, there are probably more of them that are trying to help and do good.

With public records, we are able to separate the two types of politicians and we are able to keep an eye on everything that is going on.

Public records can be a valuable source for journalists, but it is that tool along with many others, such as observation, interviewing and researching that helps to make a well-rounded journalist.