In discerning what journalism is for, it is useful to remember that it is an "ism," a philosophical or belief system, and not an "ology" that we can study empirically. It is a philosophy that holds that creating an accurate record of events benefits communities and society as a whole by laying the groundwork for informed public discourse.

As with all evolving belief systems, however, there is no settled doctrine or orthodoxy on what journalism is for, and there is evidence of this muddle across all media platforms today. Still, these five journalistic purposes hold true for me:

Journalism is for the community, serving its needs and interests above all others.

Journalism is for those navigating change --  sometimes devastating change -- who are in need of a rudder.

Journalism is for those who don't understand the question or the answer.

Journalism is for the satisfaction of the curious and the vexation of the complacent.

Journalism is for telling the truth of ourselves to ourselves.