Jimmy Breslin: A reporter's moral center_Jan 21

I really enjoy Jimmy Breslin's writing. I like the fact that he is real. He says what he thinks without cutting any corners, or beating around the bush. Breslin knows what he believes and what he stands for. I definitely agree with the fact that he definitely operates using his own moral center. If something or someone contradicts his moral beliefs, he will not support it/them. I repsect that. All to often, journalists, reporters, etc., let their own beliefs or morals be altered by their surroundings. Makes you wonder if they really have any morals at all???
In my opinion, I think Breslin's writing can be defined as literature. Literature can be defined as writings in which expression and form, in connection with ideas of permanent and universal interest, are characteristic or essential features, as poetry, novels, history, biography, and essays. Breslin's writing certainly combine expression (of his opinions and moral center) and ideas of universal interest. I would not, however, classify Breslin's writing as journalism. Journalism is defined as writing that reflects superficial thought and research, a popular slant, and hurried composition, conceived of as exemplifying topical newspaper or popular magazine writing as distinguished from scholarly writing. Jimmy Breslin's writings are not superficial in the least. His writings are the complete opposite of superficial, as he isn't concerned with what is popular or favored by society. Instead, Breslin is concerned with his moral center, and he does not and will not sway from what he feels is right and just. In contrast, reporting is making or presenting an often official, formal, or regular account of. This certainly classifies Jimmy Breslin! He reports what he sees and/or hears, giving an accurate account of the story to the audience. I would much rather read a reporter's report rather than a journalists' obscure tweaking that might hold a little bit of the original story in it.
Journalism is a process of gatekeeping- a series of gatekeepers (from writers/reporters to editors). Reporters are those who go out, find news stories, and reports them through writing or broadcasting. Gatekeeping is the process through which ideas and information are filtered for publication. The internal decision making process of relaying or withholding information from the media to the masses. Gatekeeping occurs at all levels of the media structure - from a reporter deciding which sources are chosen to include in a story to editors deciding which stories are printed, or even covered. With that said, a reporter's story is more believable, because you know it is an accurate account, complete with not tweaks or altercations.