Most journalists have special training – either achieved at a school of journalism (university, university of applied science) or attained on the job. Still, complaints about a lack of professionalism cannot be ignored. Even journalists themselves complain about their colleagues. (Elder) journalists notice that (younger) journalists have little expertise (cf. Meier et al. 2011). They are uncritical; they have no opinion of their own (cf. Medienkritik-schweiz.ch). Even more, they lack inspiration, they avoid investigation and they focus on emotions rather than on facts (which needed to be gathered). A former editor-in-chief put it this way: “The work ethic and the will to do journalism has vanished. The problem is that most of them believe that emotions are enough. However, investigation is needed” (Medienwoche.ch).
Tabloids, free sheets and online media not only legitimize but also glorify this style of journalism and reinforce the tendency towards deprofessionalism (FOEG 2010).
Yet, journalists are not the only ones to blame. Under the constraints caused by the media crisis, the quality of journalism also suffers. Professionalism can be better safeguarded if resources are abundant.
