Basic Concept of Journalism

Book excerpt: Journalism is a form of communication, but it's distinct from other forms. It is unique because it's a one-way message, or story, from the journalist to the audience. It's most unique because the message isn't the journalist's personal story or subjective thoughts. Instead, the journalist acts as a conduit, narrating an objective story about something that happened or is happening, based on his or her observations and discoveries. Journalism can be distinguished from other activities and products by certain identifiable characteristics and practices. These elements not only separate journalism from other forms of communication, they are what make it indispensable to democratic societies. History reveals that the more democratic a society, the more news and information it tends to have. Journalism means writing for 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 the journalists through their writing in the newspapers and journals on current affairs and news. This book provides a lively and authoritative introduction to journalism in all its forms. The focus of the book is to show how journalists do their job, not only by explaining the process but also by hearing from those who do it on a daily basis. The book is a product of communication revolution and changing mass communication perspectives.