Assigned to Kendra and any virtual student interested in addressing this activity.

Learning Objective:Describe and discuss the essential role journalism plays in a democracy

In an era of digital delivery of information and social networks, where everyone is a publisher and average citizens can attract tens of thousands of followers on Twitter, does American democracy need journalists to provide information dissemination, accountability, representation, deliberation and conflict resolution? Some could argue that the role of traditional journalists in fulfilling these needs has become even more important—others could argue that it’s become less important.

Write down the five needs, and then write next to each whether the role of traditional news outlets has become more important, less important or stayed the same. Discuss your general thoughts on how the needs have changed, or not changed, in importance.

Please create a post and then comment on your peers’ posts for the other two activities.