What is journalism?

Journalism is the activity of gathering, assessing, creating, and presenting news and information. It is also the product of these activities.

Importance of Journalism:  If we talk about the importance of Journalism its important to the world because it is current and relevant. This also makes it entertaining. People tune in to the news (whether on TV, the radio, newspaper, or internet) because they want to see what is going on in the world. Journalism is responsible for the spreading of current ideas. Additionally, journalism is an important way to view the past. By re-reading old articles, or reviewing archived news clips from different points in history, according to one journalist “We have the ability to see how the public reacted to an event at the time its happening”.

Journalism is important to the world because we are now a global economy and almost a global society. We really do need to know what is happening around the world, because little events thousands of miles away in places we have never heard of can have a ripple effect. The earthquake in Japan and the unrest in the Middle East, as well as Greece’s financial woes, demonstrate the impact events in other places have on us.

The importance of journalism comes from the people’s right to opinion and expression. Since right to opinion and expression would not be a reality without the press. People today depend on the press for being informed. Journalism is taken as inseparable part of any democratic system. The press plays a vital; role in democratic society. It is an institution in its own right. The Press has earned the recognition of ‘Fourth Estate’. Journalism is the ‘voice of the voiceless’ and it plays the role of ‘watch-dogs’ in our society. It is strong bridge between concerning authorities and the people. It handles all public issues. In fact, press is the peoples open forum. Press makes such an environment where people get information and be prepared to take part in democracy. People’s participation is the foundation of democracy. Press is the pillar of democracy.

Importance of Journalists: The Real-world journalists are often driven by similar motive and their thirst for the next big is understood by the role they play as gatekeeper of information. Today, journalists work in all kinds of mediums like digital, print, mobile and more and that expansion of access has only increased their importance to modern society.

·        Staple of Democracy

According to the Society of Professionals Journalists, the primary responsibility of journalists is to shine a light on matters of public importance with the ultimate goal of upholding democracy and the freedom of the people. To do this, journalists seek out information that helps public stay informed about their communities, government and those in power.

·        Seeking Truth

More than just presenting honest information, a journalist must make sure that report is highly accurate and fair, giving voice to all sides of an issue. Journalists must also strive to work in a timely manner, often with daily deadlines, so the public can make informed decisions about pressing matters.

·       Beyond Bias

Ideally, journalists present facts and statements that are untainted by bias with the purpose of allowing the viewer or reader to draw his own conclusions. They seek out expert sources and firsthand witnesses to serve as the heart of any story, and they construct a narrative that fairly represents those voices. Journalists accurately paraphrase sources, or quote them verbatim, and name them directly. This transparency is intended to provide the journalist’s audience with practical, highly informed data that empowers citizens, according to the Project for Excellence in Journalism.

Similar to that there are few responsibilities of journalist, the main principals of journalism are; Accuracy, balance and Credibility. One of the responsibilities of journalist is to maintain their principals in their reporting. The information should be based on truth and facts which provides accurate news. Apart from that, journalist is responsible for giving space to every one without biasness. While reporting should be balanced. If we compare the same news from two or three different newspapers, we find distinction in terms of how much one reporter is leaned towards certain groups or political parties. on the other hand, citizens/ audiences should have some sort of faith

over media. Without credible information, there would be no trust on PRESS and could have no strength. Thus maintaining accuracy and balance provides credible information

What every Young Journalist need:

They have to have a sense of how to give an interview and ask questions. You need  relevant sources. You want to establish a list of Internet resources for quick, effective answers to your questions – where can you get the statistics to package with the color and quotations you get. But all of these come with working in a set strategy.

There are few basic things:-

1.     Audio recorder:  Ideally you need one that can transfer files onto your computer via a USB port and creates MP3 files. Many journalists still refuse to use audio recorders. They say, and sometimes rightly so, that they aren’t paying attention to the speaker. Get over it. Take studious notes, but don’t be afraid to go back to the audio.

2.     Point and click camera: If you’re strapped for cash, it’s no necessity, but whether you buy it or not, familiarize yourself with a digital cameras, preferably one that can shoot video. If you can, get one and go nowhere without it. Make it one with you. Make it the anchor of your mobile journalist kit.

Scope of Journalism:

Journalism is a field that is worth working. It is one of the most prestigious careers one can get today. As one might be aware the tools of Communication and Technology are television, the printed media and radio. The internet is a more recent addition to this list. A lot of students are getting attracted to this field nowadays. This is mostly due to the fact that a career in journalism can be challenging as well as highly rewarding.

Those who are interested in a career in the field of journalism must be completely confident and should have a good personality. It is also needed by them to have the capability to write and present correctly. In addition to this, an inquisitive mind and good communication skills will be most beneficial for them. Awareness about the present and a sincere interest towards current affairs is necessary as well.