What is journalism for you?

Journalism is a multifaceted profession and process that serves several critical functions in society. Here are some key aspects of what journalism entails:

Gathering and Reporting Information

Journalism involves the collection, assessment, creation, and presentation of news and information. Journalists are trained to gather information from various sources, verify its accuracy, and report it to the public through different media channels such as newspapers, magazines, radio, television, and online platforms35.

Types of Journalism

There are various types of journalism, including:

• News Journalism: Reporting on current events, such as crime, politics, and local or national news.
• Feature Journalism: Writing in-depth stories on specific topics.
• Investigative Journalism: Uncovering corruption, fraud, and other significant issues, often in politics or business.
• Data Journalism: Using data and statistical analysis to provide context and explain news stories.
• Columnists: Writing opinion-based pieces that analyze businesses, organizations, or political issues.
• Beat Journalism: Focusing on specific subjects like sports, business, politics, or arts and culture24.

Ethical Principles

Journalism is guided by a set of ethical principles, including:

• Seek Truth and Report It: Being honest, fair, and accurate; verifying information; clearly identifying sources; and holding those in power accountable.
• Minimize Harm: Treating everyone with respect and showing compassion for those impacted by a story.
• Act Independently: Serving the public, avoiding conflicts of interest, and remaining neutral.
• Be Accountable and Transparent: Taking responsibility for one’s work, explaining ethical choices, and promptly correcting mistakes2.

Public Service

Journalism is meant to serve the public good by providing accurate and verified information. It helps people understand current events, offers context, and brings recognition to important issues and marginalized communities34.

Challenges in Modern Journalism

In today's fast-paced media environment, journalists face challenges such as the need for speed, the risk of misinformation, and the lack of time to delve deeply into stories. Despite these challenges, the role of journalism remains crucial in providing context, correcting mistakes, and punishing fraud23.

In summary, journalism is a vital profession that involves gathering, verifying, and reporting information to the public, guided by strong ethical principles and a commitment to serving the public good.