The latest issue of the IFAJ newsletter contains an interesting survey. It’s really just one question, “What dangers do you face in your work as an agricultural journalist or editor?” The choices are:

You may choose more than one answer.

Failing to try new ideas
Budget cuts
Media convergence
Losing journalistic integrity
Freedom of expression
Emergence of new media – blogs, internet news sites etc
No time to look ahead
Physical dangers
Other dangers – please explain

I was kind of taken back at first at the concept of “danger” to agricultural journalism jobs. I took this to mean that someone is afraid. Perhaps afraid that they’ll have a job? I’ve always lived with the idea that there is no such thing as job security, that the only way I can secure an income for myself and my family is to work hard and do the best job I can. Maybe I’m missing something here. I believe we’re in a period of unbelievable opportunity in ag journalism. I don’t care if you’re a freelancer or work for a major corporation. If your job is in jeopardy then be looking for something else because there’s a lot of opportunities out there.

I realize that there may be situations within the IFAJ membership in other countries that I’m not aware of that is prompting this kind of survey. There are still countries where there is no such thing as “freedom of the press” for example. There are countries where physical danger exists just to survive. I can’t even imagine what working in those situations are like. At least here in America I do believe we’ve got it good and the only danger I see is the first choice listed above, “Failing to try new ideas.”

What are your thoughts on this? Feel free to comment.