Meaning & Definition of Journalism

Meaning & Definition of Journalism

• Journalism is the production and distribution of reports and news about recent events.
• It includes citizen journalists who use methods of gathering information and literary techniques.
• Journalistic media include print, television, radio, internet, and, in the past, newsreels.
• Journalism is the activity of gathering, assessing, creating, and presenting news and information.
• Journalism can be distinguished from other activities and products by its characteristics and practices.
• These characteristics make journalism vital to democratic societies, as the more democratic a society, the more news and information it tends to have.

Key Aspects of Journalism

• Journalism is a form of communication based on asking and answering questions (Who? What? How? Where? When? Why?).
• Journalism is anything that contributes to gathering, selecting, and processing news and current events for various media like press, radio, TV, film, cable, and the internet.
• Journalism is a discipline of collecting, analyzing, verifying, and presenting news regarding current events, trends, issues, and people.
• Journalists are those who practice journalism.
• Journalism is defined by Denis McQuail as "Paid writing for public media with reference to actual and ongoing events of public relevance."
• Journalism at its core is the act of gathering, verifying, and disseminating information to the public.
• It helps keep societies informed and hold powerful individuals and institutions accountable.
• Journalism has certain specialized areas (editorial, design, printing) and routines, and divisions of labor in newsrooms and printing presses, working to deadlines.

Skills in Journalism

• In earlier times, typewriting and shorthand were essential skills in journalism.
• Today, computing and Desktop Publishing Toolkit (DTP) skills are in demand.

Journalism as a Profession

• Journalism is a profession that differs from others like medicine, law, and teaching.
• While other professions require specific educational qualifications and training, journalism doesn't have these strict requirements.
• Anyone can enter the profession regardless of background or experience.
• Journalism is an "open" profession.
• It lacks a specific body of knowledge that defines both the profession and its relationships with clients (readers, advertisers, ad agencies, public relations, etc.).

Journalism as a Business

• Journalism is a business and trade involving regular publishing for profit.
• News is the primary product.
• Successful journalism depends on attracting advertisers and readers through marketing strategies focused on circulation and readership.

Main Characteristics of Journalism

• Accuracy: Presenting factual, verified information is crucial.
• Objectivity: Striving to report news without bias or personal opinion, presenting multiple perspectives on issues.
• Timeliness: Reporting current events and information immediately.
• Public Interest: Covering topics relevant and important to society.
• Accountability: Holding those in power responsible for their actions via investigative reporting.
• Ethics: Adhering to professional standards and ethical guidelines for gathering and reporting information.
• Independence: Maintaining editorial autonomy from external influences like advertisers and political entities.
• Transparency: Being open about sources and methods in reporting.
• Fairness: Providing balanced coverage and giving voice to various stakeholders in a story.
• Clarity: Presenting information clearly, concisely, and understandably.

What Journalism Covers

• News: Current events, trends, and happenings impacting people and communities.
• Features: In-depth explorations of specific topics often with human interest angles.
• Commentary: Analysis of news events and issues, offering perspectives and opinions.
• Investigations: Uncovering truths and exposing wrongdoing through research and careful reporting.

Who Practices Journalism

• Reporters: Research, interview sources, write or broadcast news stories.
• Editors: Verify information, fact-check content, and oversee published work.
• Photojournalists: Use photographs to tell stories.
• Broadcast journalists: Report and present news on radio and television platforms.
• Data journalists: Utilize data analysis and visualization to uncover patterns.

Where Journalism Happens

• Traditional media: Newspapers, magazines, radio, television.
• Digital media: Online news websites, blogs, podcasts, social media.
• Independent journalism: Freelance journalists, smaller, non-profit news organizations.

Impact and Evolution of Journalism

• Journalism plays a vital role in informing citizens, fostering public discourse, and promoting democracy.
• The digital age transformed journalism, offering new opportunities for accessibility and innovation, but also challenges like misinformation, media consolidation, and economic pressures.