I am starting this thread to post notes of journalism. A major work is done by myself however few topics are copied from internet, whose sources I don't remember. due credit goes to the contributors as well. I am working on these noteses and will keep posting as they get prepared.


Journalism
Introduction

Journalism is a profession of writing for newspaper and magazines.
Two important works are done:
1. collection of news
2. dissemination of information
Journalist: One who is attached to the profession of journalism is called journalist.

Importance of Journalism:

Journalism is an import profession. Its importance can not be denied in modern world. It is universally acknowledged that pen is mightier than sword. Journalism is highly important because

1. It protects society from aggression.
2. It becomes the voice of society and don’t let any one to exploit it.
3. It protects human rights.
4. It serves a s mirror and project the images of politician and leaders etc.
5. It challenges act of autocracy and dictatorship
6. World has become global village, people stay connected through mass media around the world.

Consumers of journalism:

1. Public masses
2. government
3. NGO’s
4. Organizations
5. youngsters
6. professionals
7. businessman
8. students etc

Functions of journalism:
following are the functions of journalism
1. Provide information
2. Influence people through opinions, advertisements, editorials etc.
3. Provide entertainment
4. Advertisement takes place
5. Educational function ( provide education to people on various topics)
6. Provide latest NEWS
7. Image building role ( it build image of a person as good or bad)
8. Defend propagandas of anti-state elements.
9. Builds public opinion.

The elements of journalism

According to The Elements of Journalism, a book by Bill Kovach and Tom Rosenstiel, there are nine elements of journalism [1]. In order for a journalist to fulfill their duty of providing the people with the information, they need to be free and self-governing. They must follow these guidelines:
1. Journalism's first obligation is to the truth.
2. Its first loyalty is to the citizens.
3. Its essence is discipline of verification.
4. Its practitioners must maintain an independence from those they cover.
5. It must serve as an independent monitor of power.
6. It must provide a forum for public criticism and compromise.
7. It must strive to make the significant interesting, and relevant.
8. It must keep the news comprehensive and proportional.
9. Its practitioners must be allowed to exercise their personal conscience.
10. Its the rights and responsibilities of citizens.
In the April 2007 edition of the book [2], they added the last element, the rights and responsibilities of citizens to make it a total of ten elements of journalism.

Guiding principles of Journalism:
Following are the guiding principles of journalism.
1. Journalist should always adopt rationale approach.
2. He should be neutral and impartial.
3. He should have a broad vision for journalism.
4. Journalist should remain updated with current events.
5. He should be scientific in his approach.
6. He should be professionally trained.
7. Journalist should be a patriot, familiar with norm, culture and taboos of society.
8. He should perform his duties in highest public interest.





Ethics of Journalism

American society of newspaper editors (ASNE) prescribed the following canons of journalism in 1923 which are as follows.
1. Responsibility:

The journalist should be a responsible man and perform his duties responsibly.

2. Freedom Of Press:

Freedom Of press shall not be used as a weapon against any one. Journalist shall report the news in its true sense and shall not try to make someone’s image.
3. Independence:

The policy of a newspaper should be independent and shall not favour any political or administrative figure. There shall be no bias and prejudices against any one.
4. Sincerity, Truthfulness And Accuracy: self explanatory

5. Impartiality:

The newspaper editor shall show impartiality. He shall stand neutral in all cases.
6. Fair play:

The journalist shall show a fair play. They shall not misuse their position and shall work in the best interest of society.
7. Decency:

The journalist shall not give detail of any unethical crime.