Journalism: Meaning & Principles

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Questions and Answers

Which of the following is NOT a key aspect of journalism?

News

Speculation (correct)

Features

Investigations

Investigations in journalism are primarily concerned with providing opinions on current events.

False

Who is responsible for verifying information and overseeing the quality of published work in journalism?

Editors

Digital journalism includes platforms such as websites, blogs, and __________.

podcasts Signup and view all the answers

Match the following journalism roles with their primary functions:

Reporters = Research and write news stories Photojournalists = Use photos to tell stories Data journalists = Analyze and visualize data Broadcast journalists = Report on radio and television Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary activity of journalism?

Gathering and distributing news Signup and view all the answers

Journalism is defined as unpaid writing for public media.

False Signup and view all the answers

What are the '5 Ws' that journalism seeks to answer?

Who, What, How, Where, When, Why Signup and view all the answers

Journalism is a discipline of collecting, analyzing, verifying & presenting news about __________.

current events Signup and view all the answers

Match the following characteristics of journalism with their descriptions:

Gathering = Collecting information from various sources Verifying = Checking the accuracy of information Presenting = Delivering news to the public Disseminating = Spreading information to a wider audience Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a form of journalistic media?

Email Marketing Signup and view all the answers

The more democratic a society is, the less news and information it tends to have.

False Signup and view all the answers

Who are the individuals that practice journalism?

Journalists Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary product of journalism?

News Signup and view all the answers

Journalism requires specialized educational qualifications to enter the profession.

False Signup and view all the answers

List two characteristics of journalism that help maintain its credibility.

Accuracy and Objectivity Signup and view all the answers

Journalism strives to report news without __________ or personal opinion.

bias Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of journalism?

Emotional bias Signup and view all the answers

Journalism includes reporting on issues that are important to society.

True Signup and view all the answers

What role does journalism play in democracy?

It informs the public and facilitates informed decision-making. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Journalism: Meaning & Definition

Journalism is the production and distribution of reports and news on recent events.
The term "journalism" applies to citizen journalists who use methods of gathering information and literary techniques.
Journalistic media include print, television, radio, internet, and, historically, newsreels.
Journalism is the activity of gathering, assessing, creating, and presenting news and information. It is the product of these actions.

Characteristics and Practices

Journalism is differentiated from other activities and products through specific practices and characteristics.
Essential elements of journalism are vital for democratic societies. A more democratic society tends to have more news and information.

Core Principles of Journalism

Journalism is a form of communication based on asking and answering questions, such as Who? What? How? Where? When?, and Why?.
Journalism encompasses activities contributing to gathering, selecting, and processing news and current affairs for various media such as press, radio, TV, film, cable, and internet.
Journalism is defined as a discipline that involves the collection, analysis, verification, and presentation of news concerning current events, trends, issues, and people. Journalists are those who practice journalism.
Journalism, at its core, is the act of gathering, verifying, and disseminating information to the public. It plays a significant role in keeping society informed while holding individuals and institutions accountable, prompting dialogue on critical issues.

Journalism as a Profession and Craft

Journalism, as a vocation, is notably different from established careers like medicine, law, or teaching. It does not require specialized educational qualifications, unlike other established professions.
There are no prerequisites or limitations for entry to journalism.
Journalism has always been and remains an open profession, regardless of educational background or prior experience
Journalism lacks a specific body of knowledge defining the profession or its relationships with clients like readers, advertisers, public relations officials, and other stakeholders.

Journalism as a Business

As a business and trade, journalism involves regularly publishing content for profit, with news serving as the primary commodity.
Profitability demands attracting advertisers and readers through strategies focused on circulation and readership.

Key Aspects and Practices

What it covers: News is about current events, trends, and happenings impacting communities and individuals. Features delve into specific topics, often with a human interest angle. This also encompasses Commentary and Investigations.
Commentary: Journalism analyzes news events and issues, presenting various perspectives and opinions.
Investigations: Investigative reporting uncovers truths and exposes wrongdoing through research and careful reporting.

Who Practices Journalism

Reporters: Conduct research and interviews with sources to create and convey news pieces.
Editors: Verify information, fact-check content, and ensure the quality of published work.
Photojournalists: Use images to present stories and complement written narratives.
Broadcast Journalists: Report and present news on radio and television platforms.
Data Journalists: Use data analysis and visualization to discover patterns and share information about the findings.

Where Journalism Happens

Traditional Media: Newspapers, magazines, radio, and television channels
Digital Media: Online news websites, blogs, podcasts, and social media platforms.
Independent Journalism: Freelance journalists or smaller, non-profit news organizations operate in various forms.

Impact of Journalism and Evolution

Journalism plays a vital role in informing citizens, fostering public discourse, and promoting democracy, particularly through digital media's impact.
The digital age has introduced accessibility and innovation in journalism. However, challenges such as misinformation, media consolidation, and financial pressures still exist.

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Description

This quiz explores the fundamental concepts and core principles of journalism. It covers the definition, practices, and characteristics that differentiate journalism from other forms of communication. Test your knowledge on the essential elements that contribute to journalism's role in democratic societies.