A Journalist’s Dilemma: The good, the bad and the personal

Truthfully, I’ve always wanted to be a journalist. Maybe it started with watching Kermit the Frog reporting live from Sesame Street—who knows? Journalism always seemed like the perfect blend of knowledge, information and storytelling from Oscar the Grouch to Mr. Snuffleupagus.

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This may sound cute, but calling yourself a journalist carries a level of responsibility that even a college degree cannot prepare you for.

One of the first questions in journalism school is: Is the media a friend or foe? That’s the kind of question that keeps a journalist awake at night. The truth? It’s neither fully good nor entirely bad. Most of us in the industry believe that if we share the truth, a well-informed audience can take it from there.

But here’s where it gets tricky—especially for local journalists. Objectivity suddenly feels a little more personal when you’re writing about people you know, like your neighbor, your friend’s family, or even your local mayor. It’s one thing to cover national politics; it’s another to write about a crime story when you recognize the last name. Our Davidson Local team talks through this frequently. 

The Double-Edged Sword of Media

I get why people are skeptical of the media. I’ve been misquoted before. I’ve had my words twisted. It’s frustrating. But I can also say that most journalists genuinely want to get it right.

The power of the media is undeniable. At its best, it informs, empowers, and sparks change. At its worst, it strains relationships, stirs controversy, and invites criticism. I’ve had politicians tense up the second I walked into a room. My friends constantly joke, “This is off the record, right?” And honestly, that’s fair. Everyone has a story they want told—but unless they write it themselves, it’s coming through someone else’s lens.

The lines have blurred even more with the rise of social media. Suddenly, anyone with a phone can claim to be a journalist, but without the accountability that comes with it. The question remains: is the media a friend or an enemy? The answer isn’t black and white.

When the Job Gets Personal

For me, journalism has never just been a job—it’s personal. I learned that the hard way covering a story on Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women (MMIW). One of my sources was murdered for speaking to the media. A friend had her house shot at for holding a government agency accountable. I was invited into a community to report on a case because locals feared for their safety. But in the end, I had to step back—because even though I was willing to take the risk, they hadn’t signed up for it.

It took six long years before justice was finally served. Corrupt officers were fired and arrested, a nine-year backlog of rape kits was processed, and investigations that had been ignored were reopened. But those years took a toll. At one point, I had to step away for my own mental health. My counselor once asked me, “What would you do differently?” And honestly? I’m still searching for that answer.

The Good, the Bad and the Ugly

At its best, journalism is a watchdog for the people. I’ve worked on investigations that helped find missing women, exposed police corruption, and amplified silenced voices. I’ve also steered clear of stories that didn’t meet journalistic standards, even when they were compelling.

But let’s be real—journalism isn’t perfect. The 24-hour news cycle has fueled a need for controversy and fear-driven headlines. News corporations are often controlled by a handful of powerful people, and social media has created echo chambers that spread misinformation like wildfire.

The biggest challenge is balancing the public’s right to know with the responsibility of reporting fairly. I’ve learned the hard way that protecting sources isn’t just ethical—it’s sometimes a matter of life and death.

So… Is the Media Good or Bad?

The answer depends on who’s telling the story—and how responsibly they wield that power.

I’m grateful for the times when the media has brought justice. If you want to continue this conversation, join us on Feb. 27th at 6 pm for an open discussion. Several media outlets, including legacy media to Davidson Local, have influenced this discussion. Bring your questions, concerns, and stories because this conversation is far from over. I deeply appreciate my admired journalist friends, Michael Hewlett and Elisabeth Strillacci, for continuing a conversation about Justice & Journalism.. 

We also understand the criticism when it falls short. But at the end of the day, my life's work remains the same: to tell the story, even when it’s difficult. Sadly, with grammar mistakes and all! I also know that behind every headline is a real person, and how we tell their story can change things forever.