The press is one of the most important protectors of freedom of expression in democratic societies. Everyone should be able to freely express their thoughts and opinions. Therefore, open and unrestrictive access to the press contributes to guaranteeing freedom of expression. However, although there is no formal education requirement for practicing journalism, graduates of communication faculties are privileged in legal regulations related to the press profession. This privilege reveals a paradox. The strict imposition of educational or other requirements can undermine the ability of the press to represent all segments of society. This balance between educational requirements for the journalism profession and preferences in hiring remains an important topic of debate on journalism education and professional practice. In discussing the limitations of the journalism profession and the role of journalism education, the research highlights this contrast through examples of famous journalists who succeeded without formal training.
Freedom of the press, Journalism education, Career choice