My Career Is Backed By The First Amendment
Start writing a post
Politics

My Career Is Backed By The First Amendment

We don't have the freedom of speech to talk about weather or sports

131
My Career Is Backed By The First Amendment

For four years of my college experience, I was involved in my college's student newscast. I started by operating news camera three, which was the most challenging camera to maneuver. Camera three moved back and forth from the weather wall to the anchor desk and sometimes in less than 10 seconds. (not the easiest) You learned a lot. I eventually moved up through the ranks and ended my time at OU Nightly as the Senior Producer. Which meant I was in control of more than just a camera. I oversaw the whole newscast plus all the Producers. I worked hard throughout my time as a college journalism major. I found out a lot about what being a journalist means currently.

Student journalists are dodged more than any other journalist. You don't have the credibility of a paid company to back you. You don't have a jacket, hat, mic flag or any other regalia representing a news company you work for. They avoid you like the great plague. People often say, "No one trusts the media." "You are entering a dying career." "You aren't going to make a lot of money." None of that means anything to me. I'm backed by the First Amendment. I'm backed by ethical journalism. I'm backed by a community that believes in current events, justice, and democracy.

This month I sat in a hard plastic chair at the end of my college graduation and read a statement that gave me chills. Surrounded by a group of 20 something-year-olds we read aloud an amendment that quite literally, will define our entire careers.

We read: Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion or prohibiting the free exercise thereof, or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press, or the right of the people peaceably to assemble and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.

I had several opportunities to not go into the news industry. I could have chosen not to follow my career path. I could have kissed my journalism diploma goodbye. I could have listened to the people who aren't aware of the importance, significance, and strength it takes to tell the news every day. But I like to follow the path less traveled. I like to remain on my toes. I like to be entertained, but even more so I like the freedom of speech. I want to continue to give a voice to the voiceless and I will do so as I embark on my next adventure as a new producer. We don't have the freedom of speech to talk about whether or sports. We have the First Amendment so we can talk about the things people are too scared to talk about and do the research on. We have the First Amendment right to change the world, one news piece at a time.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Featured

6 Things Owning A Cat Has Taught Me

This one's for you, Spock.

5230
6 Things Owning A Cat Has Taught Me
Liz Abere

Owning a pet can get difficult and expensive. Sometimes, their vet bills cost hundreds of dollars just for one visit. On top of that, pets also need food, a wee wee pad for a dog, a litter box with litter for a cat, toys, and treats. Besides having to spend hundreds of dollars on them, they provide a great companion and are almost always there when you need to talk to someone. For the past six years, I have been the proud owner of my purebred Bengal cat named Spock. Although he's only seven years and four months old, he's taught me so much. Here's a few of the things that he has taught me.

Keep Reading...Show less
Featured

Kinder Self - Eyes

You're Your Own Best Friend

7090
Kinder Self - Eyes
Pexels

It's fun to see all of the selfies on social media, they are everywhere. I see pictures with pouty lips, duck lips and pucker lips. I see smokey eyes, huge fake lashes and nicely done nose jobs, boob jobs and butt lifts. Women working out in spandex, tiny tops and flip flops. I see tight abs and firm butts, manicured nails and toes, up dos and flowing hair. "Wow", I think to myself," I could apply tons of make-up, spend an hour on my hair, pose all day and not look like that. Maybe I need a longer stick!"

Keep Reading...Show less
Featured

Rap Songs With A Deeper Meaning

Rap is more than the F-bomb and a beat. Read what artists like Fetty, Schoolboy Q, Drake, and 2Pac can teach you.

25338
Rap artist delivers performance on stage
Photo by Chase Fade on Unsplash

On the surface, rap songs may carry a surface perception of negativity. However, exploring their lyrics reveals profound hidden depth.Despite occasional profanity, it's crucial to look beyond it. Rap transcends mere wordplay; these 25 song lyrics impart valuable life lessons, offering insights that extend beyond the conventional perception of rap music.

Keep Reading...Show less
Featured

21 Drinks For Your 21st Birthday

Maybe don't try them all in one day...

4574
21 Drinks For Your 21st Birthday

My 21st birthday is finally almost here. In honor of finally turning 21, I thought I'd share 21 fun drinks since it's finally legal for me to drink them.

Some of these drinks are basic, but some of them are a little more interesting. I thought they all looked pretty good and worth trying, so choose your favorites to enjoy at your big birthday bash!

Keep Reading...Show less
Politics

Ancient Roman Kings: 7 Leaders of Early Rome

The names and dates of the reigns of the first four kings, as well as the alternation of Sabin and Latin names, are more legendary than historical. The last three kings, of Etruscan origin, have an existence which seems less uncertain.

6279
inside ancient roman building
Photo by Chad Greiter on Unsplash

It is evident that all this is only a legend although archeology shows us little by little that these kings if they did not exist as the ancient history, describes them, have at least in the very Outlines were real as chief of a shepherd’s tribe. The period when kings ruled Rome could estimate at 245 years.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments