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The Power of a Journalist Voice

The First Amendment states, “Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of
religion, or prohibition 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 grievance.” Back in the 1700s, the meaning of freedom of speech is meant in a
different way than it is today. The evolution of technology give mass media the opportunity to
communicate to the world quicker than in the 1700s. Overall, the First Amendment is a by-
product to point out the government flaws so they can immediately address the truth to the
nation.

The First Amendment reminds me of the power of what I can do with my talent as an
journalist. I am able to have opportunities to use my talents to benefit the nation or community.
From having the choice to advocate for justice, the overall power of truth in storytelling show
evidence to the nation of what is going on. For me, the First Amendment is exercised daily by
journalist to give the general public updates of behind the scenes in the White House. Overall,
this amendment gives me an opportunity to have a career where I can be the messenger instead
of one who generates slander.

Nevertheless, there are multiple ways that I take advantage of the First Amendment. For
instance, certain laws such as Sunshine Laws is one component that allows the First Amendment
to work efficiently. Sunshine laws are governed by a selected number of states where public
access to governmental records are readily accessible. In North Carolina, I have an advantage to
investigate on events or people who I am curious on reporting through the government statute, or
known as G.S. 132(A). Basically, G.S. 132(A) gives anyone the opportunity to all documents,
videos, documentaries, et cetera in the state. As an a journalist, I am able to use the First
Amendment to investigate factual data informing truth to an public audience.

Abiding by the First Amendment isn’t too hard to comply. I make sure that I am respectful of
anyone from different backgrounds of life. The amendment gives me the opportunity to learn
about others freely by having the opportunity to ask questions. But in society today, other groups
like the KKK or White Supremist do not like others based on individualism and culture which
makes it hard for the First Amendment to truly protect everyone.

In my career I plan on using the amendment frequently on all my social media platforms. I
noticed with a story that I covered with Aggie News and Views, the more I gave snippets of
information, the more the audience took the time to watch the full story. The First Amendment
through social media is a new source in this generation that will grasp people attention in a
timely manner.

During my tenure at North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University, I utilize the
First Amendment by covering news stories, producing radio shows, and writing articles. What
I’ve noticed overall is the power of research and asking questions. The more curious that I am
about a situation that hasn’t been resolve, I will keep asking and getting all answers to collect the
data to produce a story that will correct the issue at hand.

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