Journalism means writing of newspapers or magazines. It is the communication of information through writing in periodicals and newspapers. The people have an inborn desire to know what’s novel or new. This curiosity is satisfied by journalist through their writing, in the newspapers and journals on current affairs and news.
Definition
The word journalism is derived from journal, which means a daily register or a dairy. Today the word journal also connotes a newspaper published every day or even less often or a magazine. Thus journalism means the communication of information reading the events of a day through written words, sounds or pictures And a journalist is a person who writes for or conducts a newspaper or a magazine. He is also called a pressman.
The earliest journalism’ is connected with periodical journalism. A periodical is printed at a regular and fixed interval A periodical can be called a newspaper if it appears at least weekly in recognized newspaper format and has general public interest.
In the modern era, the press is called the “Fourth Estate” of the state. It enjoys a very important and significance place in society and plays an essential and vital role in democratic process.
Bond F. Fraser says: Today the term journalism embraces all the forms in which and through which the news and the comments on the news reach the public All that happens in the world, if such happening hold interest for the public, and all though, action and ideas which these happenings stimulate become the basic material for the journalist.
Leslie Stephen: Journalism consists of writing for pay on matters of which you are ignorant
Says Eric Hodgins of Time Magazine: Journalism is the conveying of information from here to there with accuracy, insight and dispatch, and is such a manner that the truth is served, and the rightness of things is made slowly, even if not immediately more evident.
According to Websters third International Dictionary means “The collection and editing of material of current interest for presentation, publication or broadcast.
What is journalism with example
Investigative Journalism:
One of the most impactful forms of journalism is investigative journalism. An example of this is the Watergate scandal, which was investigated and reported by journalists Bob Woodward and Carl Bernstein from The Washington Post in the early 1970s.
Overview:
- Event: A break-in at the Democratic National Committee headquarters in the Watergate office complex in Washington, D.C.
- Initial Report: Woodward and Bernstein began investigating the incident, discovering that the break-in was part of a larger campaign of political espionage and sabotage conducted on behalf of the Nixon re-election committee.
- Process: Through detailed and persistent reporting, including interviews with sources (one famously known as “Deep Throat”), reviewing documents, and cross-referencing information, the journalists uncovered a wide range of abuses of power.
- Outcome: Their reporting contributed significantly to the eventual resignation of President Richard Nixon.
This example highlights the role of journalism in uncovering the truth, holding those in power accountable, and providing the public with crucial information about their government and society.