The press looks out for all of us

STAFF EDITORIAL

With the national climate becoming more bizarre by the day, Twitter serving as an actual news source for a good portion of our population, and false information littering the Internet, the need for ethical, legitimate journalism is more critical than ever.
Granted, those in the media have a tough job right now. With the leader of our nation declaring war on the press, ordering media blackouts and throwing around “alternative facts,” being a journalist is certainly becoming more challenging.
But that is only more of a reason to be the fact-checking, myth-busting, truth-telling machines that we should be. Our future as a nation has become more uncertain. That means good journalism, not the fake stuff that permeated social media during the last election cycle, is more relevant than ever.
The established media is the cornerstone of those checks and balances that keep government honest. In accordance with our constitutional mandate, which is outlined in the 1st Amendment, we keep a close eye on the system and report on it, holding people in power accountable.
We know you are all thinking about what’s going on in the White House, but the press is important on the local level too. At Cal State Dominguez Hills, the Associated Students Inc. is our government. Our majors are our political parties. Academic Senate creates our legislation. Students are our civilians. They all need a watchdog.
And we, The Bulletin, are it. It is our job, obligation really, to report the facts on all of these parties, which hold our university together. The job of the press is one we take to heart.
It begins here for most of us — those who plan to break into the professional world of journalism — providing truthful news to this community so that we can some day report on the important things happening in the world outside of CSUDH.