JOURNALISM NOTES

Meaning of Journalism

Journalism is the occupation of reporting writing, editing, photographing or broadcasting news or of conducting any news organisation as a Business. The word ‘Journalism’ is derived from the word ‘Journal’ which means a daily resister or a diary-a book Containing each day’s business or transactions. This includes news – paper no matter whether they are published daily or weekly .it also means a magazine to whatever section of the audience it caters to.

 When a person writes for a newspaper, magazine or a journal, such writing is called journalism. Journalism thus means communication of information about daily event condensed into a few word, sound or picture We know that man by his nature is curious to know what is going on in the world around him .Journalism satisfies this vital human need by providing him and other member of the public with the relevant and requisite information. While a historian records what happened in the past, a journalist report on current events and latest news.

The Chambers 20^th Century Dictionary defines journalism as “the profession of conducting or writing for public journals.” According to the Webster’s Third International Dictionary, journalism means “the collection and editing of material or current interest fro Presentation, publication or broadcast .” in other word journalism means communication of information to the public by any media, be it a newspaper, radio, or T.V A Person engaged in journalism is called a journalist.

Journalism draws its inspiration from the present. It depicts the situation as it develops. It is the day to day operation of gathering and transmitting news. It affects everyone. It concerns you, me and the society at large. If a journalist delays reporting of news even by a day, nay, even by a few hours it becomes stale. It is not like writing a book at your leisure. Journalism, to be effective, has got to be always kept on the move.

 For journalism, one does not need a journal of any specific length. A journal irrespective or the fact whether it consists of newspaper of a single sheet meant for as small scale unit, village or a town or a newspaper or a magazine having world –wide circulation.

The role of a journalist is not confined to merely reporting the news and events. He is also responsible for interpreting and commenting on the news and events. Thus a journalist’s main Function is to give out “News and Views.” The views to be expressed need not be those of his own. He can elicit and report the knowledgeable cross- sections of people.