Thread by @IreneGentle

Thread warning: In a surprise to, well, probably no one, I have strong beliefs about news and journalism. So on World News Day, I wrote this to try to explain why I care about it so much. thestar.com/news/canada/20… @TorontoStar #WorldNewsDay #newsmatters

Assuming you haven’t been waiting all your lives to read every word, I can summarize: News is often about very bad things, and can be tough to read. But if we hide or ignore the bad things that happen, no one has the chance to stand up and make them better #WorldNewsDay

Journalism exposes wrongs, which allows a person (or people) to see it and say no. It can introduce that person/people to the world in a story, showing others that something CAN be done. #WorldNewsDay

If you think news can be too depressing to read, remember journalists turn toward that depressing thing and explore it, because that is their job. They do it because what might look hopeless may not be, if someone takes notice, and says ‘no. I want to fix this’ #WorldNewsDay

Journalism is frequently about change. And journalism is always about people. Even when it is about policy, it is about people, because policy is a framework people live within. We should always look to see the people in the policy. #WorldNewsDay

Journalism can change laws. It can change lives. It can help build community. It can help connect people. It can help distill, decipher and decode. It can remind us of the best of humanity. It can unite. #WorldNewsDay

At certain times and in certain places, this work is done at great risk to journalists’s lives and freedom. Across the globe, journalists put themselves at risk for the sake of public interest. #WorldNewsDay

This (and more) is why I believe in news. More importantly, @kathyenglish asked how YOU feel about news and put these terrific responses in her column today. Thank you to all who wrote in. You made many of us very happy today. thestar.com/opinion/public… #WorldNewsDay

There is also an event tonight with many incredible Canadian and US journalists. I will be speaking briefly on misinformation with @CraigSilverman. @thecribby is a featured journalist. If you have time and interest, please join us all worldnewsday.org #WorldNewsDay

Finally, times are tough for legacy and digital native media. The journalists I know do incredible work in challenging conditions, because they care. If there's someone you admire in the media, maybe reach out with a quick note to let them know their work matters. #WorldNewsDay

For our part, we take our commitment to journalism and to you very seriously. We appreciate the trust you put in us, and work tirelessly to respect it. If there is something you want us to do better, contact us [e-mail] #WorldNewsDay

Your support matters a great deal. You make the difference in change journalism. Thank you to those who bravely tell their stories in media, to those who work to make a difference in their world, and to those who support media's role in society.