| The purpose of this exploratory study was to review and examine the attitudes of professors and journalists concerning the feasibility of credentialing in local TV news. This study employs nonprobability, purposive sampling. The sample consisted of 24 respondents: 12 local TV broadcasters working in newsrooms, and 12 professors teaching journalism. 54% of the sample identified as male, with the remaining 45% female.;To assist in achieving a greater understanding into the feasibility, desirability, and perception of credentialing local TV journalists, 15 open-ended questions were developed to conduct qualitative interviews. The 24 interviews are semi-structured and open-ended in nature.;The interview responses served to answer the two research questions: RQ1: What is the feasibility, desirability and attitude of credentialing local TV journalists as expressed by professors of journalism? RQ2: What is the feasibility, desirability and attitude of credentialing local TV journalists as expressed by local broadcast TV journalists?;The findings indicate most practitioners of journalism desire new entrants into the profession to hold a college degree, while half of the professors interviewed do not desire such. Throughout the interview process, credentialing of journalists remained a difficult concept for many participants to grasp. A major concern centered on the overall effects of credentialing to the participant and their colleagues. Others champion credentialing as a final effort to bring stability, relevance, and professionalism to a discipline they view as being under threat of extinction.;Keywords: credentialing, journalism, accountability, certification. |
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