In 1704, the first regularly published newspaper in the United States was printed by John Campbell in Boston. In 2019, we live in a world where we can access anything at the drop of a hat.
We get notifications straight to our smartphones about anything from the newest arrival of the latest fashion trend, to celebrity engagements and what is happening in the political arena. What fascinates me the most about newspapers today, is that they have come a long way.
With its original purpose being printed to inform farmers about weather and harvesting information, to now being filled with articles about the community, job opportunities, cartoons, world puzzles, are a few examples that shows how versatile newspapers can be. Newspapers have survived decades and have learned to adapt to keep up with society and the constant changes and growth with technology.
With the birth of the newspaper, also came the birth of journalism. Without writers who want to get the scoop on the latest that is happening in the world, the newspaper would have died.
Journalists play such a huge role in educating people. It is their sole responsibility to bring all the facts to the table from the research and interviews the conduct for their story. It is important that as a journalist they present news accurately.
Accurate news helps to battle ignorance in modern day society. It is hard to blame someone for not knowing something about topics if they were never taught. So with the proper information provided by journalists, people are able to see multiple points of view, get accurate information, and grow to be open to new things.
Instead of getting stuck in a cycle of reading the same wrong information being recycled. As we know, ignorance breeds ignorance. Journalists that bring accurate news on a consistent basis allow the newspaper to be used as another tool to help educate others.
However, with all the good that came from those who do journalism for the right reason, there are some journalists who love to take things out of context to make them very negative. There are journalists that will spin stories to make the topic or person of interest appear worse than the truth they uncover.
Some journalists do it for the views to become famous and develop a reputation in the journalism world. Some even bend the truth in their articles to help cover up what is actually happening in regards to the story they are following.
So with all of that being said, why should ACU students read the Optimist? Well one good reason students should read the Optimist, is because we provide information on all of the events that happen on campus and in Abilene. From the West Texas Fair, to Ethnos, Summit and so much more.
The Optimist is also good for students to read because of the constant spotlight that we shine on students and staff for achieving incredible milestones and making history. What could be better than learning about current students and alumni from your very own news source on campus?
Lastly, the best reason in my opinion to read the weekly issue of the Optimist is it is free. Most well known newspapers such as The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, The Washington Post, to name a few that are still continuing successfully with digital copies and regular printed copies. These three well known and respected newspapers have a monthly prescription that you have to pay that ranges from $3.75 a week (New York Times), $10 a month (Washington Post) to $19.50 a month (Wall Street Journal).
However, with the Optimist that is not a worry at all, students have access to the issue for free every Friday after Chapel and online at acuoptimist.com.
