Apr 14, 2016 3 min read

My university writing classes are filled with bright young students planning for careers across the spectrum of media and communications. Many hope to get into public relations or marketing; some are headed for careers in broadcasting or corporate communications.

And every semester there are a couple of the die-hards – students who want to become newspaper reporters. Their work is some of the best that crosses my desk. Typically, they got their start on middle and high school newspapers; some have grown up in families on whose doorsteps landed more than one paper every day. Finding the news and writing about it is something they’ve always considered interesting, worthy and maybe a little bit glamorous.

Except for the glamorous part – the real work of reporting is sweaty, grimy and rumpled – they’re right about that. Especially the important part. There’s almost nothing more important than honest, objective journalism.

Sadly, newspaper reporting is becoming unsustainable. In a time when daily papers are shuttering, or cutting back on home delivery of print editions, there are fewer opportunities for what we used to call “shoe leather” reporting – meaning a good reporter could expect to wear holes in his soles while chasing the facts.

This morning I read an article in Forbes magazine listing the 10 worst jobs in America. Topping the list was newspaper reporter. According to CareerCast.com, reporting jobs are expected to decrease by 9 percent over the next decade.

My students are aware of the shift from print newspapers to digital, and of how the way we get our news has become splintered and truncated. They wisely are preparing for the changing landscape by supplementing their journalism studies with classes in digital and social media.

But I’m dismayed to tell them they may not be able to build a lifelong career covering a beat for a print newspaper. If they are lucky enough to do so, it will likely be with a family-owned paper such as this one, which every day shows a commitment to the community and to the importance of good journalism.

Newspaper reporters are important, particularly those who cover local government. The cub reporter who covers school board meetings is directly connected to the process that determines the success or failure of the school.

When my children were younger and thinking about what they might like to select as careers, I would point out that a doctor is important, and so is the engineer who designs our cars. But some days, the most important person in our lives is the woman who cuts our hair, or the plumber who sets things right.

The reporter who writes about the school board vote, or about new police, is often one of the most important people in our lives.

Also on the worst-job list was firefighter. That’s a shame, too. Some days the most important person in your life is the man or woman who races to put out the fire in your child’s school. And often, on that same day, an equally important person will be the reporter who follows the tip that the fire might have been arson.

We need them both.