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Journalism is a tough job, but somebody's got to do it
By Gheni_Platenburg in Demographics & Dockets
March 27, 2012

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Have you hugged your local reporters lately for the work they do?

OK. Well, maybe you haven’t literally hugged them, but a kind word every now and then would be equally appreciated.

A recent story out of Joyner, Ark., exemplifies the kind of danger reporters often put themselves into to bring readers/viewers the news on a daily basis.

Last week, WREG reporter April Thompson and photographer Ben Short were investigating the death of Wilton Gourdeaux, an elderly man who was allegedly killed by his family members.

Because Gourdeux's family members had been arrested thompson and Short went to the residence to likely get commentary.

Thompson and Short turned to leave after it was clear that no one was home, but they were soon met by a man in a truck, according to the Huffington Post.

The media outlet reports the man, later identified as Brandon Odom, then began smacking Short’s camera and yelling at the news team to stop filming and leave the property.

When Thompson told him he could not touch the camera, Odom reportedly returned to his truck and pulled out a gun.

Thompson and Short returned to their vehicle and called the police and Odom was later arrested.

Thompson and Shorts' ordeal was not an isolated incident.

Award-winning war journalist Marie Catherine Colvin died earlier this year while covering the siege of Homs in Syria for the British newspaper The Sunday Times.

Even locally, Advocate reporters are sent out to hostile scenes or to conduct interviews on subjects that may result in threats to our safety.

Don't get me wrong, reporters are not victimized on the job every day, becoming part of the stories they are covering.

But it does happen.

Journalists put in countless hours and go the distance to bring you the news.

After years of studying and completing internships, a typical day for a working journalist includes doing background research for stories; actually doing the reporting; shooting photos and video; using social media to enhance, update and share the stories; and also blogging about the stories.

Admittedly, journalists do make mistakes from time to time, but we always strive to do our best.

Like public servants and veterans, we choose to be journalists because we want to help serve the public by delivering timely, accurate and interesting reports of what is happening in their community and other communities throughout the world.

It is a tough job, but somebody’s got to do it.

While our job is unique in that we publish our own hate mail, we are still humans with feelings. To receive a kind word of appreciation for our hard work and the danger we sometimes put ourselves into, does a heart good.

This concept transcends journalists.

It is something we could all do more of with each other, no matter if you work in a fast food restaurant or you are the attorney general.