And that's not an easy question.
In fact, if you ask around, a lot of people may tell you that they shouldn't.
They say journalists get the story wrong, that they sensationalize it.
That they broadcast false information, that they make up sources,
that they are obsessed with trite news and gossip, and that they're terribly,
terribly biased.
And you know what?
Some are.
Let's just get that one out of the way.
Just like the rest of society, there's some bad actors in journalism.
The difference between us and
the rest of society Is the visibility of these bad actors.
When we screw up, it's in a very public way, it's the nature of the job.
And it is unfortunate because it also tarnishes the reputations of
the many excellent and trustworthy journalists reporting out there.
Some journalists are among the hardest working, altruistic, and
noblest people that I know.
No one got into this work because they were motivated to become rich.
Most journalists seek justice.
They want to right wrongs, hold officials accountable,
shine light in dark places, explain a complex world.
They want to help get the best truth out.
These are all trust-engendering motives.
And the more you can demonstrate them in personal interactions you interview or
in the work that you produce, the more likely people are to trust you.
Sometimes the institution you work for may give you a bit of a trustworthy glow,
sort of a institutional legacy built on repeated good work.
But it really comes down to you building your own trustworthy brand.
Regardless of where you work, behave ethically and report honestly.
Build that body of work that you can point to when someone asks,
why should I trust you?
Remember, there's nothing that compels anyone to talk to a journalist,
we don't have subpoena power we can't get a court order.
So smart journalists are always thinking of reasons for people to trust them.
Why would they talk to you?
Maybe it's because no one really listens to them.
You can be that trustworthy and sympathetic ear.