Introduction to Digital Journalism PDF

Meaning & Definition of Journalism Lecture (1) Dr. Hany M. Ali ALLPPT.com _ Free PowerPoint Templates, Diagrams and Charts  Journalism is th...

Meaning & Definition of Journalism Lecture (1) Dr. Hany M. Ali ALLPPT.com _ Free PowerPoint Templates, Diagrams and Charts  Journalism is the production and distribution of reports & news on recent events. The word journalism applies to citizen journalists using methods of gathering information and using 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. It is also the product of these activities. Journalism can be distinguished from other activities and products by certain characteristics and practices. These elements not only separate journalism from other forms of communication, they are what make it indispensable to democratic societies. History reveals that the more democratic a society, the more news and information it tends to have.  Journalism is a form of communication based on asking & answering the questions: Who? What? How? Where? When? Why? Journalism is anything that contributes in some way in gathering, selection, processing of news & current affairs for the press, radio, T.V., film, cable. Internet, etc.  Journalism is a discipline of collecting, analyzing, verifying & presenting news regarding current events, trends, issues & people. Those who practice journalism are known as journalists. Journalism is defined by Denis McQuail as: "Paid writing for public media with reference to actual & ongoing events of public relevance".  Journalism, at its core, is the act of gathering, verifying, and disseminating information to the public. It plays an important role in keeping societies informed, holding powerful individuals and institutions accountable and sparking dialogue on important issues. As craft, journalism involves specialization in one area (Editorial, Design, Printing) For the reporters & sub-editors for instance, it entails writing to a deadline, following routines in workplace, while respecting the divisions of labor in the newsroom and the printing process. In earlier times, knowledge of typewriting and shorthand were the main skills demanded. But today, computing & DTP skills are in demand for all areas of journalism.  As a profession, it is markedly different from other established professions like medicine, law, managing or teaching. While the established professions require some specialized educational qualifications and training to be enrolled to them, journalism does not make any such requirement essential.  There is no bar to anyone entering the profession, no matter what one's educational background or professional experience is. From the very beginning, journalism has been, and still, remain an "open" profession. Also, journalism has no special body of knowledge that defines the profession and marks its relationship with its clients (readers, advertisers, advertising agencies, public relations official, others). As a business and trade, journalism involves publishing on a regular basis for profit, with news considered as the primary product. Hence, there is the need to attract advertisers and readers, through marketing strategies, which focus on circulation and readership.  Journalism is the practice of gathering, verifying, analyzing, and presenting news and information to the public. It involves reporting on events, issues, and trends of public interest through various media channels such as newspapers, television, audio, online platforms, and social media. The main characteristics of journalism include: Accuracy: Presenting factual, verified information is important in journalism. Objectivity: Striving to report news without bias or personal opinion, presenting multiple perspectives on issues.  Time: Reporting current events and information immediately. Public interest: Covering topics that are relevant and important to society.  Accountability: Holding those in power responsible for their actions through investigative reporting. Ethics: Adhering to professional standards and ethical guidelines in gathering and reporting information.  Independence: Maintaining editorial autonomy from external influences, including advertisers and political entities. Transparency: Being open about sources and methods used in reporting.  Fairness: Providing balanced coverage and giving voice to various stakeholders in a story. Clarity: Presenting information in a clear, concise, and understandable manner for the intended audience.  These characteristics help ensure that journalism serves its role as a pillar of democracy, informing the public and facilitating informed decision-making.  key aspects of journalism: What it covers: News: Current events, trends, and happenings that impact individuals and communities. Features: In-depth explorations of specific topics, often with human interest angles. Commentary: Analysis of news events and issues, offering different perspectives and opinions. Investigations: Uncovering truths and exposing wrongdoing through research and reporting with great attention. Who practices it: Reporters: Research, interview sources, and write or broadcast news stories. Editors: Verify information, fact-check content, and oversee the quality of published work. Photojournalists: Use photographs to tell stories and visually complement written narratives. Broadcast journalists: Report and present news on radio and television platforms. Data journalists: Utilize data analysis and visualization to uncover patterns and inform stories.  Where it 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. Impact and evolution: Journalism plays a vital role in informing citizens, fostering public discourse, and promoting democracy. The digital age has transformed journalism, bringing new opportunities for accessibility and innovation. However, challenges like misinformation, media consolidation, and economic pressures also exist.