1 What is Journalism?

This chapter introduces the role of journalism in society, the characteristics of news, and the responsibilities of journalists. We’ll also explore how journalism differs from other types of media and communication, and why media literacy matters more than ever.

Journalism’s Role in Society

At its core, journalism serves as the public’s eyes and ears. In free societies, journalists have a duty to expose truths, highlight injustices, and empower citizens with accurate information. From covering city council meetings to international conflicts, journalism forms the connective tissue between people and the power structures that govern them.

Journalism plays a crucial role in a democratic society. It informs the public, holds those in power accountable, and serves as a watchdog. Often referred to as the ‘Fourth Estate,’ journalism operates as an independent check on government, businesses, and other institutions. Unlike advertising or public relations, journalism’s core function is to provide the public with relevant, verified, factual information.

What Makes Something ‘News’?

News is not just about what happens—it’s about what matters. Journalists make daily decisions about coverage based on how stories will resonate with audiences. Understanding news values helps reporters prioritize what gets published and how it’s framed. These values aren’t rigid rules, but guiding principles that evolve with the public’s interests and needs.

Not all information qualifies as news. Journalists use a set of criteria known as news values to determine whether something is newsworthy. These include:

– Timeliness: Is it happening now or recently?

– Proximity: Is it happening close to the audience?

– Impact: Does it affect a large number of people?

– Conflict: Is there a disagreement or struggle?

– Prominence: Are well-known people or institutions involved?

– Novelty: Is it unusual or surprising?

Hard news stories focus on significant, time-sensitive events, while soft news features may explore human interest or background topics.

Objectivity, Fairness, and Accuracy

Good journalists do not simply present both sides—they seek the most accurate side. While striving for objectivity, reporters must be mindful of fairness: ensuring marginalized voices are heard and facts are not distorted through false balance. In today’s polarized environment, accuracy often requires deep context, not just equal airtime.

These are the cornerstones of ethical journalism. Objectivity means reporting without personal bias. However, complete objectivity is difficult—journalists must aim to be fair and accurate by verifying facts, quoting sources correctly, and including multiple viewpoints.

The Journalist’s Toolbox

The modern journalist is expected to do more than write. They shoot video, design infographics, post on social media, and analyze data. Despite technological advances, core values like curiosity, clarity, and ethical responsibility remain essential. Digital tools may change, but the foundation of journalism—getting the story right—remains unchanged.

Journalists rely on a range of tools and skills. These include researching, interviewing, fact-checking, and writing clearly. Most journalism in the U.S. follows the Associated Press (AP) Style, which standardizes grammar, punctuation, and usage for clarity. Journalism also happens across platforms—print, broadcast, online, and social media all require slightly different approaches.

Careers in Journalism

The journalism field is more diverse than ever. Beyond traditional newsroom roles, journalists now work in podcasts, nonprofit newsrooms, data journalism hubs, and multimedia storytelling teams. The gig economy has also expanded freelance opportunities, requiring journalists to master branding, pitching, and digital distribution alongside reporting.

Journalism includes many roles, such as reporters, editors, photojournalists, producers, and digital content managers. Newsrooms may be organized by beats (topic areas), platforms, or geographic focus. Journalists may work as freelancers or full-time staff, and the lines between traditional roles continue to evolve with technology.

Media Literacy and You

Media literacy is more than just fact-checking. It’s the skill of navigating a noisy information environment, discerning credible sources, and recognizing how algorithms and media ownership affect what we see. As future journalists—and as consumers—students must learn to question, verify, and think critically.

In today’s media landscape, it’s important to recognize bias, evaluate sources, and understand media ownership. Misinformation (inaccurate info) and disinformation (deliberately false info) are increasingly common. As both consumers and producers of media, students must critically assess the credibility of what they read and share.

Key Terms and Concepts

• Journalism – The profession and practice of gathering, assessing, creating, and presenting news and information to the public.

• News Values – Criteria journalists use to determine newsworthiness, such as timeliness, impact, proximity, and novelty.

• Objectivity – Reporting facts without personal bias or opinion; striving for neutrality and fairness.

• Verification – The process of confirming facts and sources to ensure accuracy in reporting.

• Bias – A tendency or prejudice that can influence how information is presented or interpreted.

• AP Style – A standardized writing style used in journalism for consistency in grammar, punctuation, and usage.

• Misinformation – False or inaccurate information that is spread, regardless of intent.

• Disinformation – Intentionally false or misleading information, often spread to deceive.

• Fourth Estate – A term that refers to the press and news media as a vital part of a democratic society, acting as a watchdog on power.