JOURNALISMChapter 1

Journalism

• gathering and reporting of the news or THE SEARCH for TRUTH

Journalist

• Person who gathers and reports the news– Reporters – TV anchors– Radio Correspondents

Journalist

• Person who provides the financial, managerial and technical support that is necessary to transmit the news – Publishers– Station Owners– Directors– Camera Operators

JOURNALISTS

• Four-fifths of what the average person learns about the world “comes filtered through the observations of a journalist.” -- Howard K. Smith

• Shape the perception of reality• Must be truthful, fair, and ethical

Weekly Newspapers

• Published once a week• Connects small communities• Thriving• Cheaper price• Cover day-to-day activities• Readers know what their neighbors are doing.

Daily Newspapers

• Published once a day• Connects large towns, cities and statewide

communities• Struggling

Credibility

• Degree to which public believes what it reads and hears

• Price for being wrong = NO ONE LISTENS!• Always double-check for accuracy.

Verify

• Check for accuracy• Find two or more people to confirm

information.• Does the press get in the way society solving

its problems?• Is it fair to compare the news media to

politicians?

Objectivity

• Lack of personal feelings or bias• Be fair, balanced and objective– Give each side its chance to be heard. What is the

minority view?

First Amendment

• Amendment to the U.S. Constitution that provides a right to free speech and a free press

Journalism as a Spotlight

• Set agenda for public issues by – choosing to cover certain stories – Giving priority or prominence• Placing certain stories on front page or at the beginning

of broadcasts

Journalism as a Spotlight

1. Provide information2. Act as a Lookout

Journalism as a Database

• Scores• Weather forecasts• Classified Ads• Governmental Budgets• Current Mortgage Rates• Maps• Carts and Graphs

Commentary

• Personal view offered in a radio or TV program

Journalism as an Open Forum

• Place to share thoughts and ideas

Public Journalism

• Style of journalism that seeks to revitalize public life and to promote a sense among members of the public that their institutions actually belong to them.

• What do ordinary people think of the issues discussed in the media?