Annotated Bibliography Summary: The Sociology of the Professions and the Problem of Journalism Education

   Anderson, C.w. “The Sociology of the Professions and the Problem of Journalism Education.”       Radical Teacher 99 (2014): 62-68. Web. 26 Feb. 2017

Professor C.W. Anderson, in his article "The Sociology of the Professions and the Problem of Journalism Education", showcased in depth the extent to which his university, the College of Staten Island, is not only taking precautionary steps to unravel the reasoning behind the crash of available jobs in the journalistic market, but is also taking into account all of the possible ways in which students with a heart for journalism can succeed in this new world. As show on page 63 of his article, saying, "As documented by the Pew Research Center’s State of the News Media 2013, ‘estimates for newspaper newsroom cutbacks in 2012 put the industry down 30% since 2000 and below 40,000 full time professional employees for the first time since 1978…" this article constantly reviews the proven struggles graduates have faced for decades, highlighting the exact ways in which the job market has both fallen through larger corporations and risen with private businesses. Anderson's purpose in writing this article was to educate possible journalists regarding the tangible likelihood of difficulty they may face, while also accentuating the accuracy of alternative journalistic careers.

There were several quotes within this article that I found would not only help me with my research, but would also provide me with a perspective that differed my mentor: journalism's popularity, along with its relevancy, is in a rapid state of decline. In saying, "And then, at some point, comes the class I dread. The baldest version of the title is 'How to Get a Job.' Because the problem is, I don’t actually have an answer." (Page 63), Anderson brings the real issue to light; he proves that even he, a professor of journalism, cannot provide a way in which stability is ensured. This is further expanded upon of page 66, when he states that many professional writers, and scholars alike, did not even consider journalism to be a viable and stable career choice any more. He goes on to say, “What is worse, neither entrepreneurial journalism nor the teaching hospital model really addresses the professionalization challenge—the fact that the value of journalistic professionalism is ever more in doubt as technologies democratize access to media production.” (Page 66), which only further proves his point of view to be even more bleak than originally anticipated, forcing the reader to truly ponder upon how this crisis came to be, as well as the ways in which society as a whole can mend the bridge.

Because this article was written by a professor of journalism at the College of Staten Island, indicating Anderson's professionalism and experience, it represents a true, first-hand account of how the job climate is affecting graduate students. It is also a featured, reliable source on the Galileo webpages.

Through my current Essential Question, "What realistically profound challenges could I possibly face in the future through entrepreneurial journalism, and in what ways am I able to better prepare myself for a successful journalistic career in this job climate?", I've constantly pondered the issues that face the world of journalism today, and contemplated the ways in which I, as an individual writer, could leave my own impact in this realm. Because this article showcases a more negative side to the equation, focusing on the lack of jobs and experience within this profession, it has broadened my perception on the matter. Now, I am able to take this source and compare it with the more optimistic side of the entrepreneurial journalism career choice; this will allow me to more accurately and effectively shape my research with little to no personal bias, while also expanding my understanding of a possible profession!