What is Journalism?

Journalism is difficult to define. A journalist, in particular a professional and ethical journalist has many roles and expectations to fulfil and as technology continues to change so do these roles and functions. Journalists are expected to provide the public with the truth, and be the watchdogs of society whilst presenting the information gathered in objective manner. They reach their audience by presenting information, ideas and opinions to the public. They also seek to record history, question, entertain and scrutinise. Clearly such an important role comes with responsibility to their audience and society. Peter Cave, a former presenter of the ABC’s AM program defines journalism as “...the simple answer is a journalist is an intermediary between the people who want to know information and the sources of information...at the same time, the journalist is a filter of information...and that’s where the danger lies.” ( Cave cited in Tapsall & Varley, 2001, p. 6) Although it can be difficult, journalists strive to present objective views, and part of this is ensuring that the public has all the facts, to make an informed opinion. Furthermore it is the sense of public duty that separates journalists from those in other professions who also present information and ideas to the public- their motivation should be completely separate from any personal or commercial interests.
Beyond this social responsibility and passion, journalists also need to be a ‘jack of all trades’ with a huge array of skills necessary. They need strong communication skills, obviously excellent writing abilities, a working knowledge of technology, interview skills, ability to work under pressure, good listening skills and a desire to ask questions and seek the truth.
However these expectations of journalism can be viewed as idealistic, with various other pressures ruling what is considered news and what gets reported, and how it is reported. News outlets are attempting to appeal to different audiences, and this impacts on how the information is communicated, at the same time they try to please the employer, thus the focus shifts so that journalists priorities are to be commercially profitable rather than acting as a fourth estate. And in reality it must be acknowledged that journalism and the media is a business, and they have to make concessions to continue to be profitable. This however has had a negative impact on the way the public views journalists- the growing commercialism of the media, has made the public question journalists integrity, and it has caused some to view them in a negative light- seeing journalists as dishonest and being ruled by commercial interests. “The reporter was once, at the most basic level, communicating with an audience. But in today’s high concept journalism, where the most complex ideas must fit into a black and white box, reporters are no more than assembly line workers packaging information. (Underwood cited in Tapsall & Varley, 2001, p. 24) Hurst and White also add “The trouble is that facts may be sacred but they do not necessarily convey a true picture. While journalists often defend themselves against allegations of unethical practice by saying they just want to reveal the facts, the process of news gathering and presentation means that facts are selected, weighted and often discarded in the production of any news story.” ( Hurst & White cited in Conley & Lamble, 2006, p. 23) And the expanding use of technology further impacts on journalistic style and content. “Some argue this has led to a victory of style over substance.” (Grattan cited in Burns, 2002,p.5) Also the growing presence of technology has also lead to a shift in the way the audience receives their news and also allows them to participate in a much more active way.
While the challenges faced by journalists are often a complex balance between the publics’ interests and your employer’s commercial interests, it is the role of the modern journalist is to negate these challenges to the best of their ability with an understanding that they have the power to act responsibility and professionally. “...every decision is at once an ethical decision, a professional decision and a commercial decision.” (Burns, 2002,p. 10)

Resources

Burns, S. L 2002, Understanding Journalism, Sage Publications, London
Conley, D & Lamble, S 2006, The Daily Miracle: An Introduction to Journalism, 3rd edn, Oxford University Press, New York
Tapsall, S & Varley, C (eds) 2001, Journalism: Theory in Practice, Oxford University Press, Victoria