What’s journalism — and what’s not

We know that our community values its journalism. The generous contributions from readers and the steady support from our advertisers is evidence that you value the job we do in providing a weekly report on the goings and comings in your towns and in the region. But how about the larger world of American news consumers? A recent study by the Pew Research Center on “How Americans View Journalists in the Digital Age” reveals that most us put value on the role of journalists in society, even as they see their influence declining.

The study also explores the mixed views of Americans when it comes to the various types of content that journalists provide. Respondents in the study are either unsure about or actually don’t think that someone who compiles and shares someone else’s reporting, or offers opinions or commentary should be called a journalist. Someone who conducts his or her own reporting would be — yes — a journalist. The highest certainty about who Americans qualify to be journalists falls to anyone who writes for a newspaper, followed by television and radio reporters, including radio news show hosts. Newsletters, podcasts and social media posts largely fall into a “not-journalism” category. However, the study also found perceptions differed by age group. Four in ten adults aged 18 to 29 said that “someone who posts about news on social media is a journalist,” while in the ‘65-and-up’ group, only 14% considered social media posts as the work of a journalist.

Americans are most likely to see journalists as those who conduct their own reporting. The staff at The Lakeville Journal and The Millerton News produce original content. We are present at meetings, events, community fairs, sporting events and elsewhere in the community to report what we see and hear.We are journalists producing our own content.

In what might be a commentary on today’s world, the study found that 59% of Americans say journalists are “extremely” or “very important” to the well-being of society. But 49% also say journalists are losing their influence. In past surveys by Pew, journalists have been less trusted to act in the best interest of the public than other institutions and professions, including the military, scientists and police officers.

When it comes to what Americans want from their news providers: Honesty, intelligence and authenticity top the list. And those attributes are followed by kindness — meaning that it’s important to Americans at large that the people who provide their news display kindness. Americans care far less about wanting humor, charisma or popularity from their news sources.

In today’s polarized society, it is encouraging to see that Pew found three-quarters of Americans believe that journalists should report both sides of an issue or event, giving all sides equal coverage. That’s also in line with the perspective of U.S. journalists themselves, according to an earlier Pew survey.

What do you think?

How do you view journalism in the digital age? Who counts as a journalist? What matters most to you from a journalist? Do you agree that both sides of an issue deserve equal coverage?

Let us know by emailing publisher@lakevillejournal.com

(To read the full Pew report, go to: pewrsr.ch/4fDZmnll)

Latest News

Classifieds - October 23, 2025

Help Wanted

Weatogue Stables has an opening: for a full time team member. Experienced and reliable please! Must be available weekends. Housing a possibility for the right candidate. Contact Bobbi at 860-307-8531.

Services Offered

Hector Pacay Service: House Remodeling, Landscaping, Lawn mowing, Garden mulch, Painting, Gutters, Pruning, Stump Grinding, Chipping, Tree work, Brush removal, Fence, Patio, Carpenter/decks, Masonry. Spring and Fall Cleanup. Commercial & Residential. Fully insured. 845-636-3212.

Keep ReadingShow less
School spirit on the rise at Housy

Students dressed in neon lined the soccer field for senior night under the lights on Thursday, Oct. 16. The game against Lakeview was the last in a series of competitions Thursday night in celebration of Homecoming 2025.

Hunter Conklin and Danny Lesch

As homecoming week reaches its end and fall sports finish out the season, an air of school spirit and student participation seems to be on the rise across Housatonic Valley Regional High School.

But what can be attributed to this sudden peak of student interest? That’s largely due to SGA. Also known as the Student Government Association, SGA has dedicated itself to creating events to bring the entire student body together. This year, they decided to change some traditions.

Keep ReadingShow less
Student initiatives shake up Homecoming
The poster promoting the Homecoming dance boasted the event would feature dancing, games and a bonfire. Reactions to the planned move outside were mixed, with some students excited about the changes and others expressing a desire for tradition.
Provided

The weekend of Homecoming at HVRHS was packed with events including rival games under the lights, senior night, and a new take on Homecoming that moves it outside — and it wouldn’t have been possible without the students of Housatonic.

Orchestrating was no easy feat, especially considering much of the work was left up to the students.

Keep ReadingShow less
Housy takes on Halloween
Housatonic Valley Regional High School
File photo

As the chilly breeze settles in, Halloween approaches and the community yearns for spooky festivities — HVRHS has answered that calling. An event held annually for the past eight years, the HVRHS haunted house has returned.

The event is organized by the current senior and junior year classes — 2026 and 2027 respectively — and held to raise money that goes toward the junior and senior class’s activities such as senior week, prom, the senior class trip, and more.

Keep ReadingShow less