What follows is a brief vision statement by me for the staff of The Broadcaster. It is ambitious, a bit over-the-top rah-rah, and perhaps altogether a bit too much. However, as this is the beginning of a new era at The Broadcaster, I thought it apropos to “go deep.”
This is my vision, a manifesto, for The Broadcaster.
Before us is a dual task.
First, we are but caretakers. The Broadcaster existed before we were born and shall exist long after your graduation and my retirement. Honor and respect those who came before and the work they have done. With the means at their disposal, your journalistic forebears set a high standard and tradition of excellence. It is a challenge they issue to you: Do better.
Second, we are innovators. The Broadcaster was once printed as Gutenberg printed his bible, with cast, movable type in a dedicated print shop in our high school. It was once typed on typewriters and mimeographed. In time computers and desktop publishing software were used. Change is inevitable, necessary, healthy, and valuable.
“A foolish consistency is the hobgoblin of little minds, adored by little statesmen and philosophers and divines. With consistency a great soul has simply nothing to do. He may as well concern himself with his shadow on the wall.” Ralph Waldo Emerson
You are not here to mark time and do things as they have always been done. A slavish adherence to tradition is foolish. Yet there remain key tenets which journalists follow regardless of the changes in technology. The Society of Professional Journalists Code of Ethics shall be your’s as well:
- Seek truth and report it
- Minimize harm
- Act independently
- Be accountable and transparent
This is our time set the standard even higher for future generations of reporters, editors, and advisors at The Broadcaster.
Mr. Robert Sterner
Advisor