Background The connection between political reporting and political democracy was theorised as closely intertwined. So much, so that scholar James Carey concluded that journalism is another name for democracy (1996). "You cannot have journalism without democracy, he wrote. As journalism scholars have suggested, journalism - especially political reporting - is historically associated with democracy and politics (McNair, 2000). My 2018 "portfolio of journalism work" is deeply connected to the notions of democracy and politics. Contribution This portfolio tries to address - by well-researched and crafted stories - the impoverishment of political writing in the news media. This is fundamental in the context of Max Weber's suggestion that journalism "remains under all circumstances one of the most important avenues of professional political activity" (in Gerth & Mills, 1946: 98). The contribution this portfolio also aims to achieve is contextualised by Waisboard's question whether "journalism can contribute to strengthening effective and democratic states." (2000a). Significance The portfolio is significant concerning its contribution to the understanding of the global political space and dynamics. It is, besides, a contribution to international political reporting understood as one of the fundamental genres of journalism. The portfolio includes stories published in well-respected national and international publications. They are global publications that examine - intellectually and thoughtfully - contemporary political issues. One of the pieces included in this portfolio - "Cuba's Constitutional Reforms Step Towards Right Direction" - was published by "The Globe Post" - the flagship news outlet of The Globe Post Media, a US digital media organisation, delivering quality political news, analysis and commentary. This story was syndicated around the world.
History
Subtype
- Original Textual Work
