Introduction to Journalism PDF

AS2306 INTRODUCTION TO JOURNALISM Journalism plays a vital role in society by providing timely and accurate information, investigating issues, and holding individuals...

AS2306 INTRODUCTION TO JOURNALISM Journalism plays a vital role in society by providing timely and accurate information, investigating issues, and holding individuals and institutions accountable. Journalism holds immense importance in society as it acts as a watchdog, informing the public and providing a platform for diverse voices. It is a crucial bridge between the public and those in power, ensuring transparency, promoting informed decision‐making, and safeguarding democratic values. KEY CONCEPTS  Journalism is the profession and practice of gathering, verifying, and disseminating news and information to the public through various mediums such as print, broadcast, and digital platforms. It involves reporting on current events, conducting investigations, and providing analysis to keep the public informed and engaged. Journalism serves as a cornerstone of democracy, promoting transparency, accountability, and the exchange of ideas (Robert McChesney and John Nichols, 2010).  News can be defined as current information about events, developments, and issues of public interest and relevance. It involves gathering, verifying, and disseminating factual and timely information to the public through various media channels. (American Press Institute, n.d.) THE CORRELATION BETWEEN NEWS and JOURNALISM Journalism and news are closely interconnected, as journalism is the practice of gathering, verifying, and disseminating news to the public. News is the primary product of journalism, encompassing timely and relevant information about current events, issues, and developments.  Journalism as the Practice of Producing News: Journalism involves the process of researching, reporting, and presenting news stories to the public. Journalists gather information through interviews, observations, investigations, and other journalistic techniques. They verify facts, provide context, and present the news comprehensively and engagingly.  News as the Content Produced by Journalism: News results from journalistic efforts. It comprises accurate, timely, and relevant information about events and issues that impact individuals and society. Journalists play a critical role in filtering and curating news, ensuring it is reliable, balanced, and serves the public interest.  Journalism as a Gatekeeper of News: Journalism acts as a gatekeeper by selecting and prioritizing news stories for publication or broadcast. Journalists make editorial decisions based on the significance, impact, and public interest of the news. They are crucial in shaping public discourse and informing citizens about important events and issues.  News as the Medium for Journalism's Impact: The news produced by journalism serves as a means to inform, educate, and engage the public. It helps individuals stay informed about local, national, and global events, enabling them to make informed decisions, participate in public debates, and hold those in power accountable.  Journalism's Role in Quality News: Journalism holds a crucial position in upholding the standard and trustworthiness of news content. The fundamental principles of journalism, including precision, impartiality, equity, and openness, serve as guiding pillars in the creation of news. Journalists strictly abide by ethical norms to establish credibility and foster trust among their readership or viewership. 01 Handout 1 *Property of STI  [email protected] Page 1 of 10  AS2306 Overall, journalism and news are intrinsically linked, with journalism serving as the practice that produces news content. News, in turn, serves as the medium through which journalism informs and engages the public, fostering an informed citizenry and supporting democratic processes. THE ELEMENTS OF NEWS The elements of news, also known as news values or news criteria, refer to the factors that determine the newsworthiness or relevance of a story. While different sources may present slightly varied lists of news elements, here are some commonly recognized elements of news:  Timeliness. News should be current and up‐to‐date, providing information about recent events or developments. It prioritizes what is happening now rather than outdated information. Example: The reporting on the results of the 2022 national elections. This news carries significant importance as it determines the country's political landscape for the next term.  Impact. News should have an effect or significance on individuals, communities, or society as a whole. It focuses on stories that have consequences or implications for people's lives. Example: The extensive news coverage of Typhoon Haiyan (locally known as Typhoon Yolanda) in 2013 caused widespread destruction in the Philippines.  Prominence. News involving individuals or entities that are well‐known, influential, or notable is often considered more newsworthy. It includes stories about celebrities, public figures, or influential organizations. Example: Extensive media coverage of the presidential campaigns and speeches of major political figures, such as Leni Robredo and Ferdinand Marcos, Jr.  Proximity. News that is geographically or culturally close to the audience is often prioritized. It caters to the interests and concerns of the local community or target audience. Example: In‐depth reporting on the impact of urban development projects, like the construction of new infrastructure, within specific cities or municipalities.  Conflict. News often focuses on conflicts, disputes, or controversies as they generate interest and engagement. It covers clashes of opinions, competing interests, or confrontations. Example: News coverage of the territorial disputes in the West Philippine Sea (South China Sea) involving conflicting claims with China and other neighboring countries.  Human Interest. Stories that evoke emotion, curiosity, or empathy in readers or viewers are considered human‐interest news. They often feature unusual or extraordinary circumstances, human triumphs, or challenges. Example: Profiles of individuals who have overcome adversity, such as stories about successful Filipino entrepreneurs or inspiring tales of resilience in marginalized communities.  Oddity. It refers to unusual or quirky events that capture attention due to their uniqueness or unexpected nature. These stories often provide an element of surprise or amusement to the audience. Example: Reporting on a bizarre world record, such as a Filipino artist creating the largest artwork using unconventional materials like food or recycled materials. 01 Handout 1 *Property of STI  [email protected] Page 2 of 10  AS2306  Progress. It focuses on stories highlighting advancements, improvements, or positive changes in various aspects of society, such as science, technology, health, or education. These stories often inspire hope and optimism. Example: Covering innovative initiatives or breakthroughs in renewable energy technology in the Philippines, showcasing the country's progress towards sustainability.  Gender. It includes stories and perspectives that address gender‐related issues, gender equality, and experiences. It aims to provide balanced and diverse coverage by incorporating a gender lens. Example: Reporting on the challenges faced by Filipino women in male‐dominated industries or featuring success stories of LGBTQIA+ leaders in various fields. THE HISTORY OF THE PRINTING PRESS (The Printing Press and the Changing World, n.d.) The printing press revolutionized the way information was disseminated and played a crucial role in the spread of knowledge and the development of modern society. Here is a brief overview of the history of the printing press: WHEN WHAT IMPORTANCE 7th‐13th Century During this period, books are The 12th to 13th centuries witnessed the (Age of religious meticulously crafted by hand, emergence of the merchant class and a manuscript book predominantly comprising growing curiosity about the world beyond. production) religious texts that are During this time, universities were painstakingly created as a form of established throughout Europe, serving as devotion. significant hubs for transforming people's connection to books, education, and religious scriptures. 13th‐15th Secularization of book production Books began to be produced not as objects of Century worship but as a source of explanation about the observable world. 1452 The printing press was invented by During this period, transformative Johannes Gutenberg in Mainz, technologies such as paper, oil‐based ink, and Germany. the winepress were introduced, revolutionizing the process of book production. However, Johannes Gutenberg's pivotal contribution to printing was the invention of a punch and mold system, enabling the efficient mass production of the movable 01 Handout 1 *Property of STI  [email protected] Page 3 of 10  AS2306 type used for reproducing entire pages of text. One of the most significant early achievements of the printing press was the production of the Gutenberg Bible in the 1450s. It marked the first major printed book in the Western world and demonstrated the potential of mass‐producing books. The 1500s The printed book quickly became By 1501, Europe alone boasted an impressive onwards a regular object in the world. By number of 1,000 printing shops, collectively 1501, there were 1,000 printing responsible for producing a staggering 35,000 shops in Europe, which had titles and distributing approximately 20 produced 35,000 titles and 20 million copies. This rapid proliferation of million copies. printed material signified the profound impact of the printing press and its ability to make books more accessible to a broader audience. THE HISTORY OF THE PHILIPPINE PRESS (Malinao, 1991; Tuazon, n.d.) The history of the Philippine press is intertwined with the country's struggle for independence and the development of its democratic institutions. WHEN WHAT IMPORTANCE 1637 Tomas Pinpin, a Filipino printer, During the same period, there were few was already issuing the Sucesos impressive efforts to disseminate news in Felices, a Manila newsletter. England and American colonies. 1811 Del Superior Govierno Historians referred to this newspaper as the first regularly issued in the country. 1846 La Esperanza Edited by Felipe Lacorte and Evaristo Calderon, it was referred to as the first daily (newspaper) and managed to flourish for three years. 1893 El Ilocano The first local publication 1893 El Hogar The first publication for and by women 01 Handout 1 *Property of STI  [email protected] Page 4 of 10  AS2306 1889 La Solidaridad Its first editor was Graciano Lopez‐Jaena, but he was soon succeeded by Marcelo H. del Pilar. La Solidaridad was a political propaganda paper with a liberal, reformist orientation dedicated to fighting reaction in all its forms. Throughout its course, La Solidaridad urged reforms in both religion and government in the Philippines, and it served as the voice of what became known as the Propaganda Movement. 1898 Kalayaan (Liberty) It was a newspaper advocating for political reform, the only issue of which was published and served as the official organ of the revolutionaries. La Independencia The most widely read newspapers of the revolution. El Heraldo de Iloilo La Libertad The American regime saw the introduction of new newspapers published mostly by American journalists. The Manila Times One of the first newspapers published during the American regime 1900 Manila Daily Bulletin Published during the American regime 1908 Philippine Free Press The Philippine Free Press is a weekly English news magazine, making it the Philippines' oldest weekly English periodical. 1920 The Philippine Herald A pro‐Filipino newspaper 1939 When World War II broke out, all Only the Manila Tribune, Taliba, and La publications except those used by Vanguardia were allowed to publish under the Japanese were disbanded. regular censorship by the Japanese Imperial Army. 01 Handout 1 *Property of STI  [email protected] Page 5 of 10  AS2306 1945‐1972 The Post‐War Era to Pre‐Martial Dubbed the "Golden Age" of Philippine Law Period journalism, this era witnessed the rise of a press that earned recognition as "the freest in Asia." However, this period also saw the press being compelled into a "marriage of convenience" with influential business enterprises and political factions. 1972 Martial Law was declared by the One of Marcos' initial actions was the seizure former president and dictator, and command over privately‐owned Ferdinand Marcos, Sr. newspapers, magazines, radio and television stations, and other forms of media communication. Editors and journalists found themselves among the first targets, facing arrests and imprisonment. Only two publications, the Daily Express and Bulletin Today (Manila Bulletin), were permitted to resume operations. A new newspaper, the Times Journal, was allowed to launch one month following the proclamation. These media outlets eventually became known as the "establishment press." 1980s Alternative press emerged to Publications of the alternative press were the counter propaganda churned out following: by the pro‐government media.  WE Forum and Pahayagang Malaya ‐ Jose Burgos  Veritas ‐ Felix Bautista and Melinda Q. de Jesus  Business Day (Business World) ‐ Raul and Leticia Locsin  Inquirer ‐ Eugenia D. Apostol and Leticia J. Magsanoc Samizdat or Xerox journalism These were news clippings, mostly from foreign publications, censored for mass dissemination by the regime, which provided an accurate reading of developments in the 01 Handout 1 *Property of STI  [email protected] Page 6 of 10  AS2306 country. The emergence of campus The nationalistic fervor was also strongly journalism manifested among the youth through campus publications that have taken an activist stand on national issues. Notable among them were:  The Philippine Collegian ‐ UP‐Diliman  Ang Malaya ‐ Philippine College of Commerce (now Polytechnic University of the Philippines)  Pandayan ‐ Ateneo de Manila University  Ang Hasik ‐ Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila  Balawis ‐ Mapúa Institute of Technology Women journalists proved to be Among these courageous women journalists equally if not more daring than were: men in their writing  Eugenia D. Apostol (publisher)  Betty Go‐Belmonte (co‐founder, Philippine Star)  Letty Magsanoc (journalist and editor)  Arlene Babit (essayist)  Ninez Cacho‐Olivares (journalist)  Domini Torrevillas (columnist)  Melinda de Jesus (journalist)  Tina Monzon‐Palma (broadcast journalist)  Malou Mangahas (journalist)  Sheila Coronel (co‐founder, Philippine 01 Handout 1 *Property of STI  [email protected] Page 7 of 10  AS2306 Center for Investigative Journalism)  Ceres P. Doyo (columnist) 2000s Today, there are hosts of daily The top three (3) newspapers with the biggest broadsheets and tabloids claimed daily circulation are Philippine Daily published in Metro Manila. The Inquirer, Philippine Star, and Manila Bulletin. combined circulation of these newspapers is estimated to be only about 7 million, including pass‐on readership. Tabloids, with an average cost The most popular tabloids are Abante and of half the broadsheets, enjoy a People’s Journal. higher circulation and seem to be preferred by readers in the C, D, and E income brackets. Digital Media and Online The proliferation of the internet and the Journalism advent of digital technology transformed the media landscape in the Philippines. Online news platforms emerged, providing alternative sources of news and information. Established news organizations, such as ABS‐ CBN, GMA Network, and major newspapers, launched their websites, expanding their reach and engaging with digital audiences. The rise of social media platforms, such as Facebook and Twitter, empowered citizens to participate in news reporting and share information. Citizen journalists played a role in breaking news stories and providing real‐ time updates during crises and events. Throughout its history, the Philippine press has played a crucial role in informing the public, shaping public opinion, and advocating social and political change. Despite challenges and periods of repression, it continues to be a vital pillar of Philippine democracy. 01 Handout 1 *Property of STI  [email protected] Page 8 of 10  AS2306 TYPES OF JOURNALISM There are several types of journalism, each with its own focus and approach to reporting news and information. Here are some common types of journalism:  Print journalism. It encompasses newspapers, magazines, and other printed publications. It involves gathering information, conducting interviews, and writing articles to inform and engage readers. Print journalists may specialize in areas such as news reporting, feature writing, investigative journalism, and opinion pieces.  Broadcast journalism. It utilizes television and radio platforms to deliver news and information. Journalists in this field report live, conduct interviews, and present stories in a visual or audio format. It includes news bulletins, investigative reports, documentaries, and talk shows.  Digital Journalism. Journalism has evolved to include digital platforms with the advent of the internet and digital technologies. Digital journalism encompasses online news websites, blogs, podcasts, and social media platforms. Journalists in this field leverage multimedia elements, engage with audiences, and adapt to the changing landscape of online news consumption.  Photojournalism. It combines photography and journalism to capture and convey stories through visual imagery. Photojournalists document events, people, and places, providing a powerful visual narrative that supplements written news articles. Their work often appears in newspapers, magazines, and online publications.  Investigative journalism. It involves in‐depth research, analysis, and reporting to uncover hidden truths, corruption, and societal issues. Investigative journalists often dig deeper into stories, interview sources, review documents, and bring important matters to public attention. Their work plays a critical role in exposing wrongdoing and promoting accountability.  Opinion journalism. It focuses on expressing personal viewpoints, interpretations, and analyses of current events and issues. Opinion journalists provide commentary, editorials, and columns that contribute to public discourse and encourage critical thinking. They often express subjective opinions but are expected to be well‐informed and backed by evidence.  Feature writing. It focuses on in‐depth, narrative storytelling beyond the basic facts of news. It often highlights human interest, context, and rich storytelling techniques.  Sports journalism. It covers news and stories about sports events, athletes, teams, and sports culture. It includes match reports, athlete profiles, analyses, and sports feature stories. 01 Handout 1 *Property of STI  [email protected] Page 9 of 10  AS2306 References Kovach, B. & Rosenstiel, T. (2021). The Elements of Journalism, fourth edition: What Newspeople Should Know and the Public Should Expect. Crown Dean, W. & Rosenstiel, T., (n.d.). Journalism Essentials. American Press Institute. Retrieved June 11, 2023, from https://www.americanpressinstitute.org/journalism‐essentials/what‐is‐journalism/ Aimone, L. (2010). Eight elements of news. Retrieved January 31, 2019 from http://www.slideshare.net/loganaimone/eight‐elements‐of‐news#btnNext Torrosian, R., (2021). Elements of News and News Writing in 2021. Retrieved June 11, 2023, from https://ronntorossianupdate.com/elements‐of‐news‐and‐news‐writing‐in‐2021 Become a Journalist: Report the News! Specialization. (n.d.). Retrieved June 11, 2023, from https://www.coursera.org/specializations/become‐a‐journalist?action=enroll Argus Vision. (2013). Elements of news. Jelsoft Enterprises Ltd. Paron, K. (2018). A NewsHound's Guide to Student Journalism. McFarland & Company Prewriting the nature of news. (2013). Retrieved January 31, 2019, from http://www.courses.vcu.edu/ENG‐ jeh/BeginningReporting/Prewriting/natureofnews.htm The Printing Press and the Changing World. (n.d.). Retrieved January 31, 2019, from http://www.communication.ucsd.com 01 Handout 1 *Property of STI  [email protected] Page 10 of 10