Role of Journalism in Society (Indian Context)

Role of Journalism in Society

                                                                     (Indian Context)

In India a democratic country, Media is considered as the ‘Fourth Pillar’ along with the Legislature, Executive, and Judiciary, the three other pillars. Media plays a crucial role in the democratic lives of the citizens of the country as it keeps people informed about the Socio-economic and Political state of Affairs. 

Media brings to limelight varied issues of concern that need to be dealt with and tries to place before us a coverage of events that are occurring around. Media also serves information today in a process that combines entertainment with a means of education. This is called Infotainment.

Role of Journalism:

Communication of News, Information, Updation and Education: 

The role of journalism is primarily to provide information and news. Journalism can be of varied types and a journalist can write or present various genre and styles. For instance, a journalist can cover daily, news, investigative news or write features on varied topics. A journalist today can also write and present varied stuff that may not qualify as hardcore news or journalism and this is a genre all by itself called Lifestyle journalism which is based upon news about Travel, Food, Luxury, Clothing, Automobiles, Fashion, Sex, etc,.  A journalist could write on environment or health. A journalist can also be a content writer.

Many Professionals from the world around be it Doctors, Lawyers, Environmentalists, Botanists, Zoologists, Engineers or IITians, have taken to journalism to make people aware and inform them on varied topics which cannot be presented by ordinary citizens. This rise of  Technical writers is indeed a boon as it creates a plethora of information on various topics, erstwhile unknown to many people. 

As a journalist who writes and/ or presents information to the people, it is important to remember that Journalism is a tool that epitomises information that is to be proclaimed on the wings of truth, authenticity, objectivity, loyalty and Honesty. The “Purpose of journalism is thus to provide citizens with the information they need to make the best possible decisions about their lives, their communities, their societies, and their government”. (www.americanpress institute.org, 2015).

Role as Mediator: 

It is the role of the journalist to inform, educate and stand as the voice of the people of the country. While, journalism of different genres is a requirement, News journalism has an important role to play. A journalist has to be the voice that acts as a mediator between the People and the Government. Agenda setting by journalists has led to important issues being discussed and decisions taken to support People's demands of justice. While, it has been doing that for many years, times have changed and the patterns have changed too. 

Role in Agenda Setting: 

While some issues have achieved success in grossing the media limelight, some urgent issues have deliberately been suppressed. Agenda setting on one hand has brought certain important news to the forum, but on the other hand, has given way to deliberately giving a spin to news and to often making the people think what media wants them to think. 

Journalism has fallen victim to economical pressures and in many cases death threats to loyal and brave journalists who have become victims to power ideologies, political battles, ideology gimmicks and economic fiasco. And this is not just the case in a country like ours, but world over. However, Online journalism has come as a respite as that which is sidelined by most TV channels tends to go viral over the net.

Role in Development and National Integration:

Historically, the story of Journalism especially in the ‘freedom struggle’ ages of India is a bold story of immense courage. While it began with Hicky’s Bengal Gazette being printed; It had a very challenging phase in the freedom struggle where, various freedom fighters implanted the spark of the freedom struggle in the hearts of Indian Citizens using printed literature. The Britishers wanted to ban this movement of Indian press which was blossoming in order to encourage the freedom fight. However, this was not to be. Gradually India gained freedom. The press found its voice speaking for the people of the country and for development causes. The journalists were not to cow down even during the Emergency. Therefore, Journalism has the important role of playing a catalyst in India's development measures, National Integration and fight for justice. India has a history of stalwart journalists just like many other countries. 

However, the arena drastically changed with the arrival of economisation and the need for TRPs to get ad revenue. Digitisation, Monetisation and Business has led to a media that often succumbs to the demands of economic demands. Hardcore business entities entered the Journalism arena and this was just the beginning of the downfall of objectivity in many cases of journalism. Advertisement moolah has become a prime necessity for most channels.

The meddling of Business manoeuvres and politicians have taken a toll on authentic journalism giving rise to a news reporting that has turned into a hob-nob for eye balls on Television debates and a politicising agenda for parties that wish to rule the rooster. As rightly said by Willams and Carpini, “it’s the power to set the “news agenda,” which determines which topics and issues are included in the news— and those which are omitted.” (Willams and Carpini, After Broadcast News p. 62-65).[1] 

There are journalists who have adapted to the economic scenario in order to safeguard their bread-winning jobs and the demands of their firms, while others have stood the ground and paid the price. A twist to tales with a high dosier of subjectivity in the news is today excepted as a clause acceptable to people. This is not justifiable and not to be considered as journalism. Bad news reporting or rather biased and unfair means of news reporting leads to an ill-formed public. It diverts the attention of the people from important concerns to trivial unimportant maters. In the long run, this trend could turn dangerous as people will lose regard for those who have woven lies under the mask of truth in the minds of people.  So, it is here that Journalism needs to undergo a rampant transformation.

Role as Gate-keeper:

Gate-keeping is another issue that leads to a massive amount of news from all over the country getting filtered. While the print media is still a better source of News and information, gate-keeping has led to a vast chunk of news especially from smaller towns never reaching a national platform. Most news channels barring a handful have become debate tables, with very little news from all over India about the needs of the people. These have turned into political pot-boilers debating on issues that evade other pressing issues that plague the country. The situation is also, not as bad as it could seem with authentic journalists heading towards social networking forums to present the voice of Truth.The newspapers both printed and Online, and the vernacular press are far better in their presentation of news. These also bring to you important international news which is sidelined by many channels. The major scams being exposed despite this unending trend of interference in media is an ode of triumph for the few motivated, honest and brave journalists. Though, these have to also pay the price as there are those who have succumbed to murders as a price of truth.

Conclusion: 

Years back, Roosevelt Theodore made a great speech wherein he summarises the role of a journalist. It can and should be remembered at any given point of time.  He said, “The power of the journalist is great, but he is entitled neither to respect nor admiration because of that power unless it is used aright. He can do, and often does, great good. He can do, and he often does, infinite mischief. All journalists, all writers, for the very reason that they appreciate the vast possibilities of their profession, should bear testimony against those who deeply discredit it. Offenses against taste and morals, which are bad enough in a private citizen, are infinitely worse if made into instruments for debauching the community through a newspaper. Mendacity, slander, sensationalism, inanity, vapid triviality, all are potent factors for the debauchery of the public mind and conscience. The excuse advanced for vicious writing, that the public demands it and that the demand must be supplied, can no more be admitted than if it were advanced by purveyors of food who sell poisonous adulterations. (Roosevelt Speech, 1910)[2]

Journalism schools need to train young minds to stand for the truth. Journalists need to understand, that it is better to have a smaller pay package and peace of mind then succumb to a bigger pay package and play with the minds of millions of Indians and fellow citizens who depend on you for information. Journalism is a noble profession. The vision of a growing empowered India demands a free voice of the journalist 'un'meddled by economic pressure, 'un'jostled by political demands and strengthened by its urge to stand as a voice of the people. 

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[1] The Role of Journalism in Society, Connections Med!aLit Moments, Consortium for Media Literacy, Volume No. 79, February 2016, https://www.medialit.org/sites/default/files/connections/The%20Role%20of%20Journalism%20in%20Society.pdf

[2] Roosevelt Theodore, The Man in the Arena, April 23, 1910, https://www.theodorerooseveltcenter.org/Learn-About-TR/TR-Encyclopedia/Culture-and-Society/Man-in-the-Arena.aspx

Elements of Journalism: Introduction to Journalism Notes-2

Elements of Journalism

Introduction to Journalism; Notes-2 for under graduate students

Bill Kovach and Tom Rosenstiel in their book ‘Elements of Journalism’ (2001), mentioned 10 elements which are highly recommended while teaching journalism and its nuances. These elements include:  

1. Obligation to tell the Truth
2. Loyalty to citizens
3. Verification of information
4. Practitioners’ Independence from subjects
5. Monitor those in power
6. Provide a forum for Public criticism
7. Keep news interesting and relevant
8. Keep news comprehensive and proportional
9. Maintain personal sense of Ethics and Responsibility
10. Citizens have rights & responsibilities

We explain the above elements bearing in mind the Indian context in the following words:

A journalist has the obligation to tell the Truth-

It is the duty of a journalist to report the truth in any given situation for people to be aware, gain knowledge and understand the reported event. The facts and details are to be verified and only then published, Personal Opinion does not count as a factual reporting of a particular event that has occurred. News Reporting unlike Feature writing should be factual, objective and accurate without bias.

Journalism uses the term Objective journalism ad Subjective journalism. Objective journalism is reporting the facts as seen, without distortion and in context. Subjective Journalism also called advocacy journalism is a biased form of journalism where the reporter reports the events with an intentional bias in order to portray the new to a particular party’s (self or another) benefit.

In a democratic country like India, subjective journalism has done a lot of harm with a biased reporting in a context of its given rich and varied cultural heritage. On the other hand, there are a large number of Objective journalists who have retained the honest and worthy respect of the journalistic profession. According to the American Press Institute, “Then journalists try to convey a fair and reliable account of their meaning, subject to further investigation” (American Press Institute).

A journalist should practice loyalty to the citizens-

In any given Media institution, there is a pressure to follow the dictate of the owners and the advertisers. Good journalism requires loyalty to the country and its Citizens. It is the duty of the journalist to be the voice of all people, irrespective of their socio-cultural background. 

Ignoring certain people belonging to the nation and speaking only for a selected few shows prejudice and lack of representation of the citizens in their entirety. This further could lead to loss of credibility before the people. The arena today, is run over by Conglomerates and media houses who run the rooster in the field of News channels. Journalists are often accused of succumbing to Political and Economic pressure due to high maintenance costs of a channel and survival instincts. This is a wrong trend. As stated in the American Press Institute, “Journalists must strive to put the public interest – and the truth – above their own self-interest or assumptions”.

A journalist should verify the information before reporting-

Authenticity and Factual information are a must! Journalists are responsible for what they print, report or upload. A false rumour could cause chaos in today’s digital world where news spreads fast. Hence, it must be the priority of a journalists to cross check facts, talk to multiple witnesses and sources, check for both pros and cons, before reporting any news. If a news report appears on a known forum, people tend to circulate the same. A false report could lead to damage of reputation for someone, cause chaos and harm to citizens.

A journalists’s practice of profession should be independent from those they cover-

The American Press Institute rightly says that “Journalists must avoid straying into arrogance, elitism, isolation or nihilism”. Basically, the meaning of this statement is that Journalists should not succumb to the pressures of corruption.

Economics, Party Politics and business interference are just the top of the iceberg in the list of things that could hamper the authenticity of reports and coverage of news. Today, it is a known and widespread phenomenon. There is a dangerous trend which leads to compromise of values by many journalists. Those who have not compromised often turn to the Internet to appeal to the citizens and air their views.

A journalists duty is to monitor those in power-

In a Democracy, the media is considered to be the fourth pillar. It plays the Watchdog role and has to take on the responsibility of reminding the other three pillars of judiciary, executive and legislature of the country of their duties and responsibilities towards the nation.  Journalists play the watchdog role and are called to challenge those in power who do not fulfill the obligations of the positions. It is very important that media reports successes and failures, incomplete jobs and scams in an unbiased way so that people are aware of the happenings around them.

Journalism should provide a forum for public criticism and compromise-

A journalist is often called to be the 'Voice of the Voiceless'. All voices must be audible through a journalistic forum, thus aiding people who need their voices and demands to be heard by the government. Journalism provides this forum.

The trend in India today, is to choose particular statements spoken by politicians and raise debates, the endless cycle of such debates often negates news that actually requires a face and a forum to be expressed. Trivial statements are exploited to raise TRPs (Target Rating Points) which ultimately are not what Journalism is meant to stand for. A debate should represent all viewpoints in a vividly clear manner and help garnered to arrive at a good consensus where the issue that needs attention gains momentum.

A journalist should keep news interesting and relevant-

It is important that journalists figure the knack of keeping their readers hooked on to their respective platforms be it traditional or digital media. American Press Institute rightly mentions that, “Journalism is storytelling with a purpose. It must balance what readers know they want with, what they cannot anticipate but need”.

A journalist should keep news comprehensive and proportional-

It is required of a journalist to not sensationalise one event, negate another and stereotype a third in order to garner TRPs for one’s publishing forum. While diverting the people’s view the journalist creates a road map of news information which is unreliable for the people to travel or journey onto. Those who resort to such gimmicks in the long run lose credibility as at some point or the other the audience, the reader, the viewer recognises the pattern of deceit or unrealistic motive.

A journalist should have a sense of ethics and responsibility-

The role of a journalistic seems larger than life, however, it is all about being honest to one’s profession, country and its people. An integral journalist follows the moral compass of his/her heart while discerning what news is and how it should be communicated. A journalist cannot be irresponsible while communicating news that may be sensitive and lead to chaos in the country and at the same has to challenge an existing wrong with full gusto and proof. A journalist should not go by rumours that are deliberately planted and enter into trolling and maligning people with proper proof or reason that a particular problem needs to be brought to the limelight.

Citizens have rights & responsibilities and can contribute as Citizen Journalists-

The technological boom and availability of the Internet on handheld devices of communication like mobiles and notepads, etc, has led to many people capturing videos and pictures of incidents, events and disaster and posting them online thus becoming part of a huge movement called Citizens journalism. Secondly, many are adept at Social networking, thus commenting on articles and writing Blogs, which gives an all-round perspective. However, caution needs to be practiced as Public relation and advertising teams are often hired to sow news and opine on networking forums. Many newspapers and news channel encourage Citizen journalism in order to encourage the people to contribute to their own welfare news that could lead to growth in Society and also retain the audience.

These are the elements of good Journalism.

Concept and Meaning of Journalism: Introduction to Journalism -1

Introduction to Journalism- Notes by Sr Michelle Mathias fsp

Concept and Meaning of Journalism

Etymology:

The Etymology of the word JOURNALISM, journalist or Journal is traced to the Ancient Greek word hēmeroúsios or from the roots of the word diurnus which means ‘daily’, or from the Latin word diurnalis or diurnal. The word when traced historically had the meaning of either making a daily record (Swift) or the management and conduct of a journal or periodical work (Sir R. Peel). A journalist was considered as ‘A writer of Journals:- the Manager of a periodical work.’  (Worcester et al., 1860)

Definition:

The Cambridge Advanced Learner's Dictionary & Thesaurus describes journalism as ‘The work of collecting, writing, and publishing news stories and articles in newspapers and magazines or broadcasting them on the radio and television.’[1]

The American Press Institute defines Journalism as ‘the activity of gathering, assessing, creating, and presenting news and information. It is also the product of these activities’.

Journalism can be defined in varied ways in today’s arena given the versatility of this profession. In simple words, it could be defined as a searching, collecting, assessing, and editing of news or information which could be published or presented on a given Media forum that could include press (newspaper or magazine or books), radio, television or the Internet.

An individual or individuals writing about things that have happened as in case of news reports, or an opinion generating piece called feature, or a feature on any given topic that informs people are called ‘Journalists’. They work in Newspapers, Magazines, Radio or TV Channels and today they are also accomplished on the Internet.

Journalism is a noble profession that requires a lot of in-depth knowledge, reading, curiosity, style of writing and passion for the job. It has to be practiced with a sense of ethics. A lack of which could lead to chaos as people could be wrongly led by false information.

Journalism today as a plethora of forums to communicate. Journalism could be a broadcast journalism with the use of Traditional journalism techniques or it could be Online Journalism with the use of Digital technology.

Some of the forums of journalism include:

•          News Reporting:  A journalist gathers a news and either writes an article or reports about the same for a news channel either on Radio or a television or an internet forum. This could include an event, an occasion, a tragedy, a disaster or an investigative news piece.

•      Feature writing: News or Information can be transformed into a detailed style of writing or an opinion generating piece through feature writing. It could be a review of a movie or a book.

•         Discussion and Debate boards: The editorial page could carry articles with opinionated pieces of diverse opinions contrasted. Radio, internet and TV channels host debates and discussions moderated by renowned journalists.

Online Journalism:

• Blog writing: News or information is also published in feature style writing on forums called blogs on the internet. The blog could also be made creative with videos, video links or pictures.

• TV Channels have recognised the power of the internet and have websites dedicated to the same. They run simultaneous news on these websites and provide reading matter.

• Many journalists have turned to the internet for hosting their own shows, chat shows, reviews, humorous takes, interviews, opinionated pieces, etc.

• Many Citizens today report news and send videos and pictures thus giving a boost to the phenomenon of Citizen Journalism.

• Wikis is another huge platform of information that is available for free. Many writers contribute to writing on this forum in order to benefit millions of people. 

• Mojo Journalism- The latest concept in journalism that basically means Mobile journalism. It is a kind of reporting wherein field reporting of events, stories or multimedia content occurs using smaller, connected mobile devices like smart phones, DSLR cameras, Laptops or GoPros. This phenomenon has largely contributed to Citizen journalism too. Glen Mulcahy, Founder of Mojocon says, “Mobile Journalism is about empowering the individual storyteller to use whatever consumer technology they have available to them to make the best possible visual story that they can. I would like to think that Mobile Journalism definition can be extended to other mobile devices beyond smartphones, like DSLR cameras, laptops, GoPros.”

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[1] https://dictionary.cambridge.org/dictionary/english/journalism