Tom Rosenstiel started off a panel on “finding a new definition of journalism” with a wonderful litany of roles the professionals can play. He began by saying that he — and we — hope we are past the argument about who is a journalist — everyone can do journalism — and that the definition of news itself has exploded. In this world without gatekeepers, then, professionals can find important roles, including:
* authenticating information
* making sense of information
* uncovering information
* monitoring the debate and making sure many views are heard
* convening people
* enabling.
I like that. My list:
* moderator
* enabler
* educator.
