PR4P: In the age of so-called fake news, what measures should journalists take to assert the integrity of their profession?
JR: Do double due diligence. If you’re going to make an assertion, make sure you can back it up. Even on small things, check your facts. Get the damn facts straight. When you come right down to it, this whole think about Fake Journalism has made it so there is no better time to be a journalist. Look at how journalists at the New York Times or the Washington Post are doing investigative reporting and breaking news on a regular basis. They’re doing damn good work. There’s a lot of fake news coming from Russian bots. Call them out when you see them.
PR4P: What advice do you have for someone starting out today as a journalist?
JR: Be prepared to make very little money. If you want to make money get into broadcast. Write for organizations that you believe in. Always write from the heart. Get into the conversation. I consider myself an advocate. I get people interested in art and culture. That’s a worthy cause. Hopefully, my work stimulates people to get involved with the arts, to go to a museum or the theater.
PR4P: What current trends and changes occurring in the industry are shaping the future of the media?
JR: Twitter is not a healthy thing for media. It creates a herd mentality where everyone takes off on whatever’s trending. I’m concerned about fake news. More and more people can’t tell the difference between fake news and reality. We need to adhere to facts.