I want you to consider a few things next time you are compelled to say something like "The media isn't" or "Why won't the media...?"

The antipathy toward journalists perhaps never has been greater and this job is dangerous right now. They are being shot, shot at, beaten and arrested -- despite clearly identifying themselves as journalists -- simply for doing their jobs. Still, they report b/c it's important

The industry is being squeezed. The combination of the pandemic and years of mismanagement means a lot of journalists are furloughed or have lost their jobs. The people who normally would be out keeping watch over their communities in such a critical time can do none of that work

Covering protests and demonstrations is HARD. Things move quickly. Reporters are taking video, audio & photos, writing and reporting, storytelling, and trying to ascertain facts where they are not always clear. Situations can turn on a dime. It's tiring and traumatizing.

Covering these stories just got more difficult. With curfews set and the National Guard being mobilized, journalists are losing access to their own cities. Public transit is shut down in a giant swath of Chicago, closing off downtown and some densely populated neighborhoods

By no means does this mean journalists are infallible. We aren't. That we don't need to constantly examine and adjust how we do our jobs so that we fairly, ethically and safely report what's going on. We do. It doesn't mean you shouldn't scrutinize our work. You absolutely should

It does mean that journalists at outlets big and small are working their asses off to do this most critical of jobs at this most critical time in our country's history. And they are doing so under incredible strain and pressure.

So the next time you think "the media" isn't doing something, isn't covering something, know that they are working very hard to do this and to connect you with the information you want.

Press pause before you accuse the media of not covering something. Consider how you came across the information or images. It could be it is something you witnessed. It could be we missed it. Or it could be you're sharing something reported ... by the media. Think on it.