Introduction to Print & Electronic Journalism

Introduction to Print & Electronic Journalism

• Journalism encompasses various forms, including print, electronic, and digital media.
• It involves disseminating news and commentary to the public.
• Journalism's core function is to inform, influence public opinion, and entertain. This also includes reporting, analyzing, and commenting on important events.

Early School Journalism

• Before 1900, school publications were common but had limited significance.
• The purpose was to satisfy the need for a student-body-associated news outlet.
• School publications were often simple, straightforward accounts of happenings in the school.
• By 1920, literary essays were replaced by feature stories as a standard.

Types of Publications

• Newspapers, yearbooks, magazines, and handbooks are distinct publication types.
• The annual publication, now called a yearbook, magazines, and newspapers are common. Handbooks are also mentioned as an example category.

Definition of Journalism

• Journalism is frequently described as "literature in a hurry".
• Journalism is defined as "something that embraces all forms and methods used to convey news and commentary".
• It encompasses all happenings deemed significant to the public.

Functions of Journalism

• Journalism's primary function is providing comprehensive news coverage to the public.
• Journalism also shapes and influences public opinion.
• It plays a role in entertainment as well.
• Journalism assists in promoting community welfare.

Scope of Journalism

• Journalism utilizes three mediums: audio (radio), audio-visual (television), and print (newspapers).

Print Journalism

• Print journalism had a significant moment of excellence in the early 1970s.
• The investigation of a scandal against a well-known public figure made use of printed media.
• Competition grew with the introduction of online and cable news.

Print vs. Electronic Journalism

• Newspapers globally share a similar structure, with the front page highlighting major political headlines.
• This format includes articles on local, international, business, cultural, and sports news.
• Light features are often at the end of the publication's sections.

Digital Journalism's Emergence

• The rise of digital journalism significantly affected print publications.
• Initially, the Internet was dependent on print journalism for content.
• Transition to digital was also influenced by the development of the Internet and easily accessible content via this medium.

Reasons for Delayed Adoption of Digital Journalism in Arab Countries

• Initial concerns arose about the impact digital platforms would have on traditional print media sales.
• High costs were associated with creating high-quality sites.
• Maintaining the quality of the website content and presentation.
• Maintaining the desired reader base through physical copies and print formats.

Digital Journalism's Growth

• Digital journalism attracted advertisers, impacting print advertisements.
• Digital-era journalism took hold and attracted advertisers away from traditional print journalism.
• Adaptability and advancements of digital technology led to content diversification. Social networking sites became more significant sources of news.
• Increased use of multimedia (videos, audios, photos) and engaging content helped to strengthen news platforms.