: Why Publishers will Choose a Professional Journalist rather than a Citizen Journalist

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(406 Words)
Many publishers will choose a professional journalist rather than a citizen journalist. They will cite various reasons for this, which include the following.
They think they will have more accurate information
A publisher may be concerned that a citizen journalist will not have accurate information. A citizen journalist may not have had the training and learned the importance of checking all of the facts. They may not even know how to check everything. They may get facts from places that seem reputable but are not. They may also not have the same access to sources that a professional journalist has. A professional journalist is likely to have had it drilled into them through school and/or experience that it is all-important to provide accurate information. Even one story with inaccurate information can have far-reaching consequences for a publisher, and they may be more worried with a citizen journalist.
They are more comfortable with their writing
Most professional journalists are excellent writers. They have likely had to be evaluated by others to gain the position that they currently hold. They have already proven to someone that they can write quality work. Anybody can just say that they are a citizen journalist and start writing. A publisher may feel that they will have to do more editing or worry more about their writing style with a citizen journalist. It is important for work to be professional and written without mistakes.
They may feel that they will take the work more seriously
For a professional journalist, writing is their livelihood. They are likely to take it very seriously since it is how they make a living. They have decided to make it their life’s work. Although many citizen journalists are serious about writing, a lot of them have other jobs that are their main focus. Many of them just do writing as a side hobby. A publisher may think that a professional journalist will have more focus or take the work more seriously. They may think that they will be better at meeting deadlines because they are accustomed to them and know their importance.
Of course, the biases above are not always true. Many citizen journalists are very professional, take their work very seriously and always check their information. Some professional journalists have issues with this. However, these are the perceptions, which at times are true, that can cause a publisher to choose a professional journalist over a citizen journalist.