Journalism used to matter. Local papers across the country would churn out hundreds of local stories covering issues that appealed to their readers. At dinner, families would gather around to watch the evening news. Student journalists would aspire to join the ranks of esteemed professional reporters, seen as respected harbingers of the truth. And none of this was haphazard. An affinity with journalism is engrained in the Charter of Rights and Freedoms — journalists are the only professionals whose work is recognized by the constitution. But nothing should be taken for granted anymore. Local journalism is in shambles. Journalists can hardly afford to live in the expensive cities that hold most media jobs. The Oval Office is infested with a president who hates reporters. And, social media has replaced fact-based journalism.