Jack Ryder. Peter Parker. Clark Kent. What do they all have in common? In their alter egos they all work as journalists. Clark Kent is a reporter for the Daily Planet in Metropolis, Jack Ryder was a talk show host turned investigative reporter in Gotham, and Peter Parker is a freelance photographer for the Daily Bugle in New York. In comic books, journalism and heroes have been hand and hand since the beginning, going all the way back to Action Comics #1 with the Daily Star, before it was renamed the Daily Planet in issue 23. Historically, if we look at the reason why the heroes are linked to news is maybe that comic books originally started as reprints of comic strips of popular characters you could find in your local newspapers, starting with Famous Funnies #1.
Journalism is often times called the fourth pillar of democracy, a way to hold the government and people responsible for their actions. Maybe that's why so many heroes or people close to heroes are journalists. The hero has to hold the villain responsible for the actions they commit and bring them to justice. Being able to expose or bring to light an issue that needs attention is the most important thing for a journalist, and helps the community they live in. Much like the superhero, people like Lois Lane, Ben Urich, or April O' Neil have been able to look into criminals and bring to light the bad deeds they do to the public, while Superman, Daredevil, and the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles bring them to justice.
As of late, journalists and the news has become a hot button topic and issue. Its become politicized and divided. Much like how a superhero should do something when it comes to saving the day. If we look at the Marvel event, Civil War, in which innocent civilians are killed and heroes can either become apart of the Superhero Registration Act with Iron Man or become outlaws with Captain America. A hero can give up their identity and do what they are told or continuing being a hero, and knowing the cost that come with it. Journalism is the same, be called fake and choose sides of conservative or liberal, or do the right thing and act right down the middle, no matter the side.
SO, why do many heroes decide to pick up the pen and report. Its because they want to fight crime and corruption without the costume on. Superheroes and journalism have both been ridiculed in the past and will be in the future, but their is a bind between them that can never be broken.
