1.2 Who are you?

Journalism is an important profession; it plays a vital role in society. So your work is just as important as that of a farmer, a politician, a doctor or a scientist.

But your work is also quite different, and so are your priorities.

Remember that you are a journalist, not a scientist. Bear in mind also that you are not a teacher, although you have to explain many things to your audience. Neither are you a literary writer, although you need to write in such a way that people will enjoy reading your stories.

Your job is to inform your audience in an effective and enjoyable way and to do "watchdog journalism," which involves analysing controversial issues. It does not matter whether you are freelance or permanent staff; or whether you are an editor-in-chief or a reporter — you are a professional journalist and you are delivering an important service to society.

Profession	Service to society:
Farmer	food, energy
Politician	democracy, legislation
Medical doctor	treating patients, public health
Scientist	knowledge, technology, search for truth
Teacher	education
Literary writer	art, fiction, entertainment
Journalist	information, public debate, "watchdog"

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