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.

Journalism is gathering, processing, and dissemination of news and information related to the news to an audience.
The word applies to both the method of inquiring for news and the literary style which is used to disseminate it.

In a democratic society, however, access to free information plays a central role in creating a system of checks and balance, and in distributing power equally amongst governments, businesses, individuals, and other social entities.

Access to verifiable information gathered by independent media sources, which adhere to journalistic standards, can also be of service to ordinary citizens.

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.


Difference between journalism and mass communication

Journalism is about news reading, reporting and writing.

Journalism is a profession of reporting,editing,photographing and presenting news.

Main component of Journalism is to Communicate the data/information.that is called Communication in Journalism.

Though Mass Communication is a part of the profession journalism,Yet In modern terminology,journalism is called Mass Communication.

Because in Mass communication,Modern equipments are used to broadcast news.

Mass Communication is for large group of audience.

Mass communication is a broader term which includes also Journalism, Advertisement, Anchoring,Radio, Television, Newspaper, magazines.