In a world where information is everywhere, and instant, it is often easy to forget that reliable, independent, fact-checked reports are essential to the way we interact with one another.

Social media may be a wonderful way of communicating, but who hasn't seen a misguided comment or a guess be passed off as fact?

As we have seen over recent years, elections can be swayed and reputations tarnished by false information.

All of which makes the value of good local journalism even more essential in this era of fake news.

This week marks Journalism Matters, an annual event held by the News Media Association - and formerly known as Local Newspaper Week.

It looks to shine a spotlight on the "force for good" which quality journalism delivers.

But what of those looking to make a name for themselves in an industry which has evolved into a far more diverse animal than anyone could have predicted?

Traditionally a highly competitive industry, what are the first steps for the budding reporter of tomorrow?

The University of Kent has become renowned for its Centre for Journalism. Its BA (Hons) Journalism course has been the breeding ground for many a successful journalist looking to gather the multitude of skills needed for a successful career.

Key to its course is the ability to secure the crucial National Council for the Training of Journalists (NCTJ) Diploma in Journalism so many media companies now demand. It includes a grounding in local government, court reporting, shorthand and media law.

Based at its Medway campus, students get to train in state-of-the-art newsrooms complete with dedicated radio and television studios and editing and production facilities. Those enrolling learn to write and report in text, on air and for the internet.

They also have regular access to work placements with the likes of the KM Group and other news organisations. It is even home to KMTV, the KM Group's popular local TV channel it operates in conjunction with the institute.

Ismail Khwaja graduated last year and now works for the KM's kmfm radio station.

He explains: "Much like the bustling nature of journalism, on the course you’re quickly introduced to its main aspects – print, online, radio and TV – and have the industry-standard equipment and software at your disposal to work with.

"A particular advantage is the fact the lecturers all worked within and made significant contributions to the field, giving you a clear insight into how it all works and its history – before later exploring how the industry is evolving and trying innovative tools.

"During my time studying, I had the opportunity to be an intern with KMTV. I helped produce live news shows, film TV packages and appeared on-screen."

Charlie Harman is another graduate. He now works for the KM as a reporter.

He explains: "Lectures on improving online hits and sharpening writing proved especially useful in my day job as a reporter and pinpointing the most newsworthy angles in a story has now become second nature thanks to my tutelage over the three years.

"A firm grounding in the industry's history, while not immediately seeming helpful, allows you to learn from the mistakes of others and take extra pride in continuing the heritage passed down through the centuries."

It, like all newsrooms, has had to embrace the changes in the way journalists today operate. The expectation today is for news to be delivered instantly online. And with social media often skewing the facts, the need for sound, accurate reporting, shared on the likes of Facebook and Twitter, has never been more essential.

With no two days the same, the profession has certainly faced challenges in recent years adapting to new platforms and accessing revenue streams, yet the rewards remain compelling from those wanting to get to the heart of stories, in whatever medium, that have a direct impact on their audience.

As Henry Faure Walker, vice chairman of Journalism Matters organiser the National Media Association, explains: "Local media is the most trusted source for local news and information; more than three times more trusted than social media.

“As a sector, we must continue to remind all our audiences of the essential role local news brands play in communities the length and breadth of the UK.”

Tim Luckhurst is head of the University of Kent’s Centre for Journalism and director of KMTV. He is a former editor of the Scotsman and has worked for BBC News as a producer, editor and reporter in the UK and abroad.

In 1852, Henry Reeve of the Times explained that journalism exists to "find out the true state of facts, to report them with fidelity, to apply to them strict and fixed principles of justice, humanity and law, to inform as far as possible, the very conscience of nations and to call down the judgment of the world on what is false, base or tyrannical".

Some 160 years later, Alan Rusbridger of the Guardian, celebrated the power of modern reporting. He believed it "could change the minds of governments, inspire thinking, defy censorship and give a voice to the powerless and previously voice-less". Paul Dacre of the Daily Mail pointed out that it also exposes "the crooks, the liars and the corrupt".

There is much that deserves exposure in our world of fake news, rapacious social media and bitter political controversy. Much also that is false.

Sadly, though, journalism can look like a strange career choice. After all, why would anyone want to be a reporter when the President of the United States calls honest journalists liars and repressive regimes around the world are determined to censor free speech?

The simple answer is that quality journalism has never been more important or more exciting. The challenges facing humanity range from global warming to video assistant referees. And, whether the story is important or simply intriguing, our fellow citizens want to learn about it immediately and in detail.

We all need journalists to keep the powerful honest and accountable to the people they serve. And today this essential service can be delivered via social media as well as in print on radio and television. Our multimedia century requires multi skilled reporters who can sort facts from rumours and give engaged consumers journalism that meets their needs.

The University of Kent’s award-winning Centre for Journalism was set up to teach these watchdogs of the future. We have been doing it with great success since 2008 and our graduates now work in top newsrooms everywhere from here in Kent, to London, Paris and Hong Kong. They deploy the sword of truth on behalf of excellent news organisations including the KM Media Group and BBC News, The Financial Times, ITV and Sky News.

School leavers can join us as undergraduates to study for our BA in Journalism. Graduates can complete their education in a single year on our MA in Multimedia Journalism. Each of these qualifications is accredited by the National Council for the Training of Journalists, the professional body that has guaranteed standards in journalism training since 1947.

Each degree includes work experience in a professional newsroom and the opportunity to work at KMTV, Kent’s local TV station which is based in state of the art studios in the Centre for Journalism.

Of course, journalism is not just important. It is enormous fun too. Working together in teams to produce important stories is never predictable. Every day brings a new challenge and the chance to interview people you would love to meet.

You can find our more at www.kent.ac.uk/journalism or contact us at journalism@kent.ac.uk.

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