Journalists’ new outlet: Repurposing our skills to meet today’s demand

By Suzanne McDonald
Designated Editor

Purists will cross their eyes at the notion of journalists becoming corporate advocates. Hey, we gotta eat, right? There’s a place for us, it’s just unfamiliar.

Never before has written communication played a greater role in everyday decision-making. Few decisions, especially major ones, are made without research. Journalists should pay heed.

Companies, meanwhile, should also listen up. Research does not constitute poring through mass infusions of blatant self-promotion.

Here we have: Peanut butter and jelly. Throw in a high regard for ethics, and everyone wins:

• Journalists, after retiring that title, will get to eat;
• Organizations/Corporations will be heard, and most importantly will have the opportunity to listen;
• Best of all, buyers win overall: They’re heard; they buy; they get what they want.

Isn’t that the mission of journalists: to educate in an unbiased manner?

Blogging and community-building, hosted by corporations and nonprofits, is our new medium.