The New Grub Street

So, there's been talk for the past few years about journalists needing a license in order to practice journalism. There are debates on both sides of the issue, but the latest, from a senator in Michigan has me dumbfounded. What I find interesting is that his reasoning for journalists to have a license is to ensure journalists are credible and, as the article quotes him, to ensure they have "good moral character." I'm not sure what a license will do for morals. As we've seen the past few years, a CPA exam doesn't mean accountants will always act with moral conviction, and we all know the reputation of many lawyers, despite passing the Bar exam. Let's not even talk about the lack of licenses for politicians, such as the one proposing this bill, and the power they wield in governing this country. In fact, it's an affront to the profession of journalism. How many organizations have an official code of ethics, like the Society for Professional Journalists? How many college programs of study include a course in ethics? Nearly all journalism programs do. In my mind, that argument just doesn't fly.

Another reason this politician gives is that media apparently is in a state of utter chaos. Apparently no one can differentiate between legitimate news sources and those that spout mindless drivel and lies. I think he should have a little more faith in the judgment of the population in general. In fact, many people are concerned about "citizen journalists" who take it upon themselves to report the news when they have no credibility as a journalist. The proliferation of bloggers, online start-up news organizations, etc. reminds me of what was known as Grub Street in 18th-century London. After freedom of the press was established in London, a proliferation of new writers began writing and publishing because it was easier to do. Much of what was published was of low quality and many lies were also published. Because of it, Grub Street came to have a bad reputation as housing writers whose writing can't be taken seriously. Eventually, as often happens, the market righted itself, and the best writing and writers rose to the top.

I have a theory that we are now experiencing a new "Grub Street." Since the Internet has made publishing even easier than before, many people have decided to publish their views and "news" online. However, the cream always rises to the top. The intelligent, respected, and thoughtful bloggers and citizen journalists rise by gaining a following and reputation. Serious news sources become popular by their quality of news coverage and commentary. In my opinion, all of this worry about citizen journalists and lack of credibility is unnecessary. As the Internet matures, the new Grub Street will right itself, and the best, most credible journalists will rise to the top no matter where they come from or where they publish.

So, take a deep breath, Senator Patterson. Credible journalism isn't dying, so there's no need to create a government-controlled press. We still believe in the First Amendment; we're not China, and from the beginning, a free press has been necessary as the proverbial watchdog of government.