Why We Need Journalism? A Response to Why Pursue a Career in Journalism

In his provocation, Matt Powers calls for scholars to study the cultivation and their management, and for scholars to cease to believe that a career in the news is worthy of one’s investments. Powers suggests that scholars of journalism study why people choose journalism, who chooses to commit to it, and what the consequential implications are for these jobs and society. While the call for new research is timely and thought-provoking, my response contextualizes this call within existing research on the sociology of journalism and journalism studies. I also ask for actionable solutions to help policy-makers, managers, journalists, and other news actors support those entering journalism.