Media in society helps keep people connected. It gives individuals late breaking news and information that only media sources can provide. What would have happened if Americans could not watch the CNN News as the World Trade Center was being destroyed by terrorists on September 11, 2001? While the images of crumbling buildings invoked fear, without the media, things would have been worse. During 9/11, journalists and news anchors kept society informed and calm. Without them, chaos would have ensued. America could see President George Bush stating that the United States’ safety would be restored to full strength (Wood & Thompson).

Social media sites have helped to enact change, online petitions that are shared with friends prevalent. However, this instant access can prove dangerous, as many riots and political protests have resulted from society viewing videos of police officers abusing and shooting minorities for no solid reason, i.e. George Zimmerman. Media can also ruin the reputation of celebrities, photos of famous people doing drugs and acting out in tabloid magazines serving as a moral compass. My explanation of media roles is how the UK and United States view the media’s role: to inform, promote safety, enact change, and to act as a moral compass.

Online media has changed the role and definition of a journalist. With so many people blogging and working for online news sites such as Examiner.com, almost anybody can be a journalist. However, if people are not getting journalism training, how can society know that they are receiving accurate information? Instead of getting fresh, new material from journalist’s own interviews with people, many online “journalists” quote snippets from other news sources. I see journalists with traditional degrees having a hard time getting jobs in the future, online website owners keeping costs low by hiring amateur “journalists.” Eventually, journalists may be forced to work for online websites, journalism degree programs switching to online based curriculum. More unions for journalists may crop up, in an effort to preserve the profession.

I do not agree with Steward’s view that newspapers have little effect on people’s thinking. I know many people whose main news source is their local paper. While more online media sites are delivering news and have many followers, nothing can take the place of a headline that one sees on the front page of a newspaper in a grocery store or newsstand. Seeing major headlines in black, capital letters screams out the message, “This is important!” Hence, people will buy the newspaper and become more informed about current events. That immediacy and in your face exposure of a newspaper makes it hard for people to ignore, creating a conscious and subconscious effect on individuals from all walks of life.