Moscow-Pullman Daily News Blogs

My boys made this a memorable Father’s Day, with my oldest adding to the list of possible professions he would consider.

For several years, he was stuck on becoming a paleontologist and has added a couple of new ones each month. Last week, he decided that it wouldn’t be bad if he became a reporter. So he took out the Reporter’s Notebook I had given him and started pitching story ideas to me.

It was interesting to hear a soon-to-be 8-year-old tell me what he thought it meant to be a reporter. It also was interesting to hear his take on why he thought it would be a fun occupation. It won’t surprise me if his interest in becoming a reporter only lasts a month or so, but it did get me thinking about what I would say if he approached me with the same idea in about 10 years.

I know the industry is in a state of flux, but I still believe journalism is a vital profession. I’ve read a good number of posts by journalists who say they would cringe if one of their kids said they wanted to follow in their footsteps. Granted, I have a decade to think about it, but I am probably more optimistic about the future of journalism and think there is still a need for professional reporters and editors.