Journalistic Outputs and Academic Expectations

Abstract

Academic writing is normally emphasized in institutions of higher learning not only for the primary purpose of building knowledge and enhancing scholarship, but it also constitutes a part of a conscious endeavour to raise the world rankings of these institutions. It is in this very context that journalistic writing, which is considered by some as having less academic rigour compared to academic writing, is often relegated to secondary importance. This commentary, however, argues that well-researched investigative pieces and other forms of extended journalistic writing such as op-eds should be given due recognition by academic institutions. Furthermore, such journalistic writing is especially important and relevant for journalism educators as they have a professional obligation to write extended journalistic pieces for the benefit of fellow academics, students of journalism and the larger community.