There are some who would say that this is not a good time to be a journalist. The field is changing rapidly and radically, and instability is largely the result. However, it is a great time to be in journalism in terms of ability to influence the sea changes occurring in the industry. As newspapers grapple with transitioning to online, multimedia formats and financial questions such as whether or not to charge for access to their online content, the opportunities for a new generation of serious journalists with training in multiple media formats are diverse and significant.

Journalism is not going away anytime soon; in fact, it is essential to promoting a healthy and active democracy. It encourages an informed readership, providing contextualized facts while allowing the reader to draw conclusions about the information presented. As Bill Keller, executive editor of the New York Times, has stated, quality journalism “that involves experienced reporters going places, bearing witness, digging into records, developing sources, checking and double-checking, backed by editors who try to enforce high standards,” is a universal need. While the technology used to deliver information may change, the demand for accurate information will not.

I am a part of that new generation. Serious, high-quality journalism will be reborn, with creative, innovative new ways of delivering content.