Thank you, journalists.
Thank you for covering countless local government bodies so Hoosiers can learn what decisions are being taken or contemplated that will impact their level of services and tax obligations. It’s not uncommon for you to be the only person attending beyond the governing body and staff.
Thank you for working crazy and unpredictable hours because news refused to happen on an 8 to 5 schedule.
Thank you for covering trial courts across the state. The court system needs press coverage to maintain its place as a co-equal branch of government and the press needs the court to preserve the right to gather news and write critical stories without fear of reprisal lawsuits.
Thank you for covering sports and entertainment stories, which help form the social fabric of our communities.
We should all try not to take for granted what journalists do and the importance of our First Amendment guarantees.
Thank you for writing those heart-wrenching and heart-warming feature stories that spark the best reactions in our communities – leading people lend a helping hand or donate to a worthy cause.
Thank you for covering state agencies and state legislatures. Most citizens would not have a clue as to what policies are being created or implemented that impact our lives without your constant vigil.
Thank you for taking the time to do the intensive, investigative journalism. For decades, journalists have uncovered unjust circumstances, corruption or ineptitude. Those stories have resulted in reforms or criminal prosecutions or changes in state and national statutes.
Thank you for capturing and sharing images, whether still or video. The adage remains true – a picture is worth a thousand words.
Thank you for putting yourself in harm’s way to report on wars, revolutions, terrorism, natural disasters, famines, or civil unrest. The Newseum in Washington, D.C., keeps adding too many names of journalists who have died trying to bring forward the best attainable version of the truth in horrific settings.
Thank you for penning editorials and opinions designed to spark local discussions on issues or questions that vex and divide a community. Sparking a dialogue that can move a community forward by breaking down barriers, challenging the status quo, or demanding action.
Thank you for working for less money than you could make doing public relations. Hopefully, making a difference in the world helps make up the difference.
And thank you, to students at Ball State University who secured a proclamation from Gov. Eric Holcomb designating March 13 as ‘Thank a Journalist Day.’ It serves as a reminder of the invaluable service provided by hardworking professionals around the state who tell the stories of their communities.
We should all try not to take for granted what journalists do and the importance of our First Amendment guarantees.
— Steve Key, executive director & general counsel, Hoosier State Press Association
