The word “journalism” is taken from the French word “journal” (daily list or report of activities) which comes from the Latin word “diurnal” which translates to “daily” meaning it is therefore defined as a communication of day to day information.
Journalism is the activity or discipline of writing factual information in order to give awareness to people about events, issues, and celebrations that have happened, are happening, or will happen in the nearest time possible.
It most especially draws information from the present and the information provided affects everyone. It is delivered using various tools such as (1) technology & gadgets – for news reports broadcasted on television or radios, (2) print – for information written/encoded on newspapers, magazines, and other print media, and (3) the internet –where information is delivered through social media, links, and websites.
It is part of our humane instinct to be interested in news, facts, and the truth because it is information that feeds our mind and curiosity. This is what makes journalism important in our lives.
Our decisions are affected based on the awareness and knowledge we hold about a particular person or situation. Our choices on which political figure(s) to support are justified based on what we know about their background and what the media releases, and journalists give awareness with the global, environmental, and economic concerns and gives us information about the issues affecting society.
This is what makes journalism different from literary criticism, creative writing, literary writing, and other forms of writing because is it a form of communication that provides information based on credible and verified sources that will unify the people.
The press/media cannot release information that is fictitious, perspective or theoretical-based because it needs research and investigations in order to have reliable information that is backed up with evidence for the people to believe and trust because it is the purpose of journalism to educate every single individual with the truth.
It is the nature of journalism to provide timely reports of information to the citizens specifically to answer the questions “what, when, where, why and how”, give entertainment to the public, serve and promote community welfare as a whole, be the voice for the silent and to influence.
It is divided into three major divisions: written, oral and visual journalism which all constitute being channeled through print, audio and audio-visual. Newspapers and magazines fall underwritten journalism and are delivered through print media which are classified as periodicals (publicized weekly, monthly or bi-monthly).
Radio broadcastings and podcasts fall under oral journalism and are delivered using audio technologies/gadgets for the people to listen to. Television and documentaries fall under visual journalism and are delivered using audio and visual representations.
Due to the constant advancements of technology, the scope of journalism in today’s period has increased the same way communication channels are finding new ways to access and deliver information. Journalism has now expanded in the domains of social media and online links & websites.
Our ethics, principles, and beliefs govern how we live so it is professional to have tenets in jobs and professions as well, which requires the obedience of responsibilities and oaths.
Although these tenets may differ from other work environments, every journalist still shares the same common responsibilities in providing real and accurate information to the people.
This principle is truthfulness, objectivity, and accuracy which refers to the journalists’ duty to seek and deliver the truth to the media without obscuring any part of it is what makes them a reliable and trustworthy source.
Journalists should take responsibility for the accuracy of their work and must verify their sources before releasing statements and of course, avoid plagiarism and misrepresentations. Another tenet is unbiased media coverage which refers to having a neutral stand on the information being reported.
In journalism, data is not linked with personal emotions, gains, or impartiality, it is linked with fairness. Informing people with biased data is unjust because they can’t be able to decide on their own nor will they gain the knowledge they deserve since the whole story is torn into two and only a one-sided portion of it is delivered for them.
Freedom of the press is important because it plays a vital role in informing citizens about public affairs and monitoring the government’s actions. The people need to know what goes on in the government and what issues are surrounding them in order for them to gain awareness.
Independence is the absence of external control and influence on an institution or individual working in the media. This principle is about being liberal from political figures or people from the higher class who want to control the news or be biased in order to control the people’s perspectives.
Journalists should avoid conflicts and refuse gifts and favors intended for impartiality. Minimize harm refers to showing compassion and must be sensitive to those who may be affected by the news coverage and must respect privacy. There must be a balance in providing the public with information that may cause potential harm or discomfort.
The press accordingly has 7 functions:
The Political Function – provides information about politics which will help the people form their own political decisions. It is also a goal of journalism to prevent abuses of power by government officials.
The Economic Function – The press must provide information about advertisements, businesses, products, and goods.
The Sentry Function – The press must not only provide information about what has happened but must keep updating with the latest events.
The Record-Keeping Function – The press must have a record of what goes on within the local, international and global levels.
The Entertainment Function – The goal of this function is to provide a lighter shade to divert the seriousness of the news.
The Social Function – The press must be part of a community where people can communicate and share information back and forth. It is about discussing social situations.
The Marketplace Function – The press serves as the marketplace of ideas. Newspapers and TV news are places where people can voice out their concerns and problems and may be presented with solutions and justice.
It is the functions and duties of the press to provide information that is reflected on editorial policy, be unbiased and live up to the moral obligation of balancing the people’s interest and gains while providing data, and to give respect and importance to the tenets of journalism.
Since it is a tenet, duty, and responsibility in journalism to minimize harm and to balance the interest and gains of the public in order to avoid dangers and revolt, it is an advantage to have limitations in the press.
Freedom of expression as we know it has its own ups and downs because although we may have the privilege to speak our opinions, we are still responsible and accountable when we offend others with our (tone or choice of) words.
In the freedom of speech, people are free to give their thoughts, perspectives, and even false information, which is why the press is given limitations because if this freedom is not used in a moral or righteous way, it will cause misinterpretations and injustice.
It is an instrumental and conditional good in terms of providing information that will, in turn, help the public in a well-informed manner with their decisions but if this instrument is abused or misused, it will become a threat and stir confusion and misinterpretations to the public that will limit their ability to choose the right choices as citizens.
It is also important to avoid racism, justification of terrorism, and speaking on behalf of someone or something without their consent, approval, or without proof because it is a misuse of freedom and providing false information that will affect or ruin someone’s credibility or cause harm to their reputation is a crime called defamation, libel or slander.
