Types Of Journalism (Categorized On The Account Of Beats)
Agricultural Journalism: Also known as agricultural
communication, it is dedicated to spreading information on agriculture related
topics. It deals with the scientific aspect of it, as well as the business
part. Information or news about food, fiber, natural resources, renewable
energy, rural development, etc. comes under this category. Scientists,
businessmen and general consumers, all benefit from the agricultural
journalism.
Arts & Culture Journalism: It is a fast growing journalistic
field. In this type of journalism, the main focus is to spread the news and
information amongst the audience, about the various forms of art like: film,
literature, music, dance, drama, etc. The trends and development in the world
of arts is analyzed and reported to the people. Also, the cultural part is well
taken care of; the information of one culture to another is spread through this
type of journalism. Arts & culture journalism includes: news on languages,
history, festivals, etc.
Celebrity Journalism: This is purely for the entertainment
purposes. The audience gets attracted to the lives of celebrities from all
walks of life and wants to know each and every little detail of their lives,
whether it is their professional life or personal. When the audience demands
for such information, then it becomes the duty of the journalism to provide
them whatever piece of information they need. Interviews, gossips, etc. comes
under the category of celebrity journalism.
Business Journalism: This type of journalism is dedicated to the
business world. Due to the wide-spread globalization, business journalism has
found brand new variety and dimensions. Whatever new technological innovation
or a product launch takes place in any part of the world, it potentially
affects every other economy. To keep people update about these every changing
nuances of the business world, the role of business journalism becomes all the
more crucial in today’s time and era.
Crime Journalism: This type of journalism reports the exact
occurrence and details of the crimes that takes place in the different parts.
It needs a lot of investigation to come up with a well-informed piece of crime
news.
Community Journalism: Community journalism is dedicated to a
specified community; the news and events of a particular area, being reported
to the people of that particular area.
Civic Journalism: In this type of journalism, the audience is
the important element and the main source of news. The civic journalism is
basically reporting of the views and opinions of a group of people or just one
person, to the rest of the world, effectively on the topic that affects a large
number of people.
Weather Journalism: People rely for the information on climate
and environment on journalism, especially the people from the areas that are
often affected by natural disasters, like: tornados, cyclones, volcanoes,
hurricanes, etc. In such cases, weather journalism becomes a life saver,
informing people about the potential dangers.
Scientific Journalism: Scientific developments and other
information from the world of science is reported to the rest of the world
through scientific journalism. It is a very reliable source of information
because the people or the journalists informing the audience are in fact
scientists themselves or well-educated in that particular field.
Online Journalism: Also known as the cyber journalism, this is
the major reason how the news became a global aspect. The world is joined
together through internet, a piece of news from a small corner of the world,
with a potential to affect the whole world, becomes a wave on the internet in
no amount of time. Online journalism or cyber journalism is the conglomeration
of all the other types of journalism, put together in coherency on the
internet.
Fashion Journalism: Fashion is apparently a widespread field in
the world. With fashion journalism, people are kept up-to-dated about the new
trends and developments in fashion.
Lifestyle & Food Journalism: This type of journalism caters
to the kind of audience that is interested in news on entertainment, music,
shopping, décor, designing, gardening, leisure, etc. Food is another important
factor in today’s world and people want to be informed about different
cuisines, different trends in the food industry, reviews on the restaurants,
etc.
Travel Journalism: Since the boundaries of the world are merging
into each other, due to the globalization, people are interested in seeing the
world. This type of journalism exposes the different parts of the world to its
audience and people benefit from it in the form of getting information about
various important practical details about these places, like: attractions,
estimated expenditure, living facilities, food, etc.
Education Journalism: Education Journalism provides the details
about the various aspects of the educational sector. Generally, teachers,
researchers and students benefit from this type of journalism.
Environmental Journalism: Environmental safety is a big issue and has
become all the more important in today’s scenario. Journalism dedicated to the
environment sector, informs the people about the changes, variations and
developments in the environment, so that people can make an informed and wise
decision, environmentally.
Medical Journalism: Health, safety, diseases, cures,
precautions, etc. fall under this category. It is crucial to spread this news
and let common people be informed about it, for their well-being.
Financial Journalism: Facts and figures of the financial sectors all
over the world are covered under this category. It is beneficial for the common
man to follow financial journalism, so that he can make an informed decision
financially, knowing how the world economy is affecting his life. It is all the
more necessary for businessmen to follow financial journalism.
Political Journalism: This is hardcore journalism with news
coverage related to: political leaders, policies, parties, campaigns, events,
etc. Again, the journalists try to be as un-opinionated as possible, but this
category in journalism is so dynamic and affects the world policies that some
of the political journalists are famous for their highly opinionated outlook.
Sports Journalism: This includes covering a sports event, the
performance and opinions of the sportsmen, etc.
Journalism Education
Journalists, also referred to as reporters and correspondents, have bachelor's
degrees in either communications or journalism.
All journalism majors take courses in editing, journalistic ethics,
reporting, feature writing, photojournalism and communications. Additional
coursework is determined by whether a student is focusing on print or broadcast
journalism. Students either take courses to strengthen their writing skills or
to learn radio and television production techniques. Those concentrating in
online media learn software and web design skills, as well as how to combine
text with graphics, photo and video media. Undergraduate students also benefit
from professional internships with media outlets, completed either during the
summer or during the semester.
Career Options
Print journalism and broadcast journalism are the two major areas in
which a journalist might work. As both text-based and broadcast news is
becoming increasingly digitized, both of these career areas have some online
media focus.
Print Journalist
There are positions available in print (newspapers and magazines) and
online media. Some journalists report on facts alone, while others, such as
columnists, create content based on both facts and opinions. Journalists often
specialize in certain fields, such as politics, entertainment, sports or
weather.
Broadcast Journalist
Broadcast journalists may choose to be either newscasters or
correspondents with radio and television news outlets, as well as on the Web.
Newscasters are more commonly known as news anchors, who present and introduce
news packages. Correspondents conduct research and deliver news reports from the
field.
Career Information
Many journalists begin their careers with smaller publications or
broadcast networks, often as general assignment reporters assigned to news that
is pertinent to that outlet's audience. As they gain experience and build a
portfolio of reports, they are assigned to more difficult and in-depth stories.
After years of reporting, many journalists go on to become editors,
producers, supervising reporters and even station managers and publishers. They
may also have the opportunity to advance to larger networks and publications.
Journalism as a Profession
It is the role of the Journalism to spread information about every
relevant happening in the world. Newspapers, radio, television and more recently
the new media-internet has completely revolutionized the way news used to
broadcast. Journalists have a very significant role to play in this practice.
Today a journalism as a career stands not only for a prestigious
profession but also for a challenging career option. Journalists play a key
role in the growth of any nation. The core purpose of journalism is to inform,
educate and enlighten the masses on various issues revolving them.
As the new world has time and again, verified the saying that the pen
and the camera is mightier than the sword, numerous opportunities for
journalists have been generated all around the globe.
Today straightforward reporting of events is no more adequate, more
specialization and professionalism in journalistic practices is being required.
Therefore today, a wannabe journalist specialises in diverse areas, such as
politics, finance and economics and the like.
Mass communication, ten years back, used to have only a few students
studying this field but with the passage of time, more and more people are
getting interested in this profession and enrolling themselves in various mass
communication colleges. It offers vast job opportunities in different areas
like newspapers, journals, advertising firms, radio, production houses,
publication houses and Television. Mass communication careers are build on
creativity, ability to work in a challenging environment, dedication towards
one's work and the determination to finish work within deadlines. Mass
communication jobs offer good remuneration packages and not to mention,
professions like that of radio jockeys and anchors can bring you to fame
instantly.
Role and responsibilities of Journalist
Journalists report on and write about issues important to the public. Journalists
educate the public about events and issues and how they affect their lives.
They spend much of their time interviewing expert sources, searching public
records and other sources for information, and sometimes visiting the scene
where a crime or other newsworthy occurrence took place. After they've
thoroughly researched the subject, they use what they uncovered to write an
article or create a piece for radio, television or the internet.
Reporting Duties
Before journalists can write about a subject, they must first gather
information. They usually conduct several interviews with people involved in or
having knowledge of the subject. They may also go to the scene of an event,
such as a crime or an accident, to interview witnessees or law enforcement
officers and to document what they see. In addition, they often search public
records or other databases to find information and statistics to back up their
stories. Researching a story is often similar to conducting an investigation,
and journalists must sometimes ask difficult questions. They may have to invest
a lot of time tracking down information and people relevant to the story.
Working With People
Even though a news article bears a single journalist's byline, the
process requires significant collaboration. How good a journalist's story is
often depends on how adept he is at communicating and working with others. For
example, journalists take instruction from their editors regarding what angle
to approach when writing a story, how long the story should be and whom to
interview. They also need strong people and communication skills so they can
persuade sources to talk to them. Journalists frequently approach people they
don't know, whether when reporting from the scene or calling to request an
interview. If they're uncomfortable around strangers, they'll make others
uncomfortable as well, making it less likely that people will want to be
interviewed.
Legal Responsibilities
In addition to serving the public interest, journalists must also
follow the law, especially regarding the confidentiality and privacy of the
people they interview or write about. For example, while journalists often tape
record their interviews to ensure accuracy, federal and state laws generally
make it illegal to record a conversation without the permission of the other
party. In this case, journalists must tell their sources they're recording the
interview before it begins. Journalists must also understand the laws regarding
libel and invasion of privacy. If a journalist is careless when reporting
criminal allegations against a person, for example, he could face a defamation
lawsuit if the accusations are proved untrue.
Ethical Responsibilities
Some aspects of a journalist's job are not subject to any kind of law
but are just as important. Journalists must strive to present an accurate,
well-balanced explanation of the stories they cover. For example, they have an
obligation to present all sides of an issue, and to conduct extensive research
and talk to several sources knowledgeable about the subject. If they present
only popular opinion, or if they conduct minimal research without fully
exploring the subject, they don't give readers and viewers the information they
need to understand the implications of the event or issue. Journalists must
also be honest with the people they interview, telling them before talking to
them what the article is about and that they plan to quote them in the piece.
Scope of Journalism in Print media
Reporter: As a reporter of a newspaper, magazine, news agency,
radio or television channel, your job will be to report with speed, clarity and
accuracy. The intellect to distinguish a story and objectivity will be very
important in this role.
Correspondent/Special Reporter: To be a reporter for a
particular purpose, you must have thorough knowledge in a particular field like
politics and sports etc. You must also have the ability to read between the
lines and explain the news on the basis of your understanding.
Feature Writer: A feature writer’s job revolves around writing
in-depth stories and observations on specific topics.
Leader Writer: They are concerned with putting across their
views on news topics through editorial columns only.
Proof Reader: Proof Reader’s job is to evaluate and compare
proofs with the edited copy. For this job one must possess skills in grammar,
spelling and punctuation.
Editor: Editor is the key head whose chief responsibility is to
ensure uniformity and continuity of the print media. He/she presents the
newspaper in an eye-catching fashion.
Columnist: As a columnist, one writes for a particular segment in the
newspaper or magazine. Your column would highlight your viewpoint concerning
any topic under the sun like fashion, politics or films and the like.
Critic: In order to be a critic, you will have to be well-read
and experienced. Irrespective of the field one must have comprehensive
knowledge in the subject concerned.
Photo Journalist: To become a successful Photojournalists or in
simple words, visual reporter one must be swift in taking pictures which
represent a news-story and be willing to work in difficult conditions.
Furthermore, He/ she should have the skills of writing appropriate captions and
knowledge of the technical aspects of photography.
Cartoonist: you have to artistic and humorous to get recognition
as a cartoonist. A cartoonist comments on public personalities and other
happenings in a satirical manner.
Scope Options with the Electronic Media
Researchers: Researchers' jobs revolve around doing the research
work for the channel or the site. To be a researcher, you must be creative and
inquisitive.
Broadcast Reporters: a broadcast reporter must have good
communication and presentation skills coupled with a nose for news.
Presenters: Good communication skills, command over speech,
diction and language, general knowledge, intelligence and the ability to be
composed in stressful conditions are essence for this job. Additionally,
presenter must also have a control over words and a good quality of face
expression to convey the right tone of the news.
Scope of
web media
The emergence of new media: Web MediaWeb Media
The Internet as a global electronic community, interconnecting millions
of people is fast emerging as an influential medium to change viewpoints. It
has many USPs over other media forms of journalism.
It provides updated news content at no cost. The web journalist has to
make the news sharp and interesting. Here, editing and presentation of the news
is the most important activity since many web surfers tend to scan the pages
and not read them entirely.
Further, eye-catching captions and key facts are necessary. Hence in
order to become a web journalist one must be capable of writing precisely and
concisely.
A journalist salary has good growth potential. You can expect to start
off with a salary of Rs.6000-Rs. 10000 as a trainee. As a reporter, you can
expect to make Rs.12000 - Rs.18000. Editors draw a salary of
Rs.20,000-Rs.35,000 besides Perks like housing and traveling concessions are
also provided.
Code of
ethics in Print media, Electronic Media (Radio & TV )
Editorial Ethics
1.
Newspapers/journalists shall avoid presenting
acts of violence armed robberies and terrorise activities in a manner that
glorifies the perpetrators’ acts, declarations or death, in the eye’s of the
public.
2.
Glorification/ encouragement of social evils to
be eschewed
3.
Newspapers shall not allow their columns to be
misused for writings which have a tendency to encourage or glorify social evils
like Sati Pratha or ostentatious celebrations.
4.
Covering communal disputes/ clashes
5.
News, views or comments relating to communal or
religious disputes/clashes shall be published after proper verification of
facts and presented with due caution and restraint in a manner which is
conducive to the creation of an atmosphere congenial to communal harmony, amity
and peace. Sensational, provocative and alarming headlines are to be avoided.
Acts of’ communal violence or vandal-ism shall be reported in a manner as may
not undermine the people’s confidence in the law and order machinery of the
State. Giving community-wise figures of the victims of communal riot, or
writing about the incident in a style which is likely to inflame passions
between the tension, or accentuate the strained relations between the
communities/ religious groups concerned, or which has a potential to exacerbate
the trouble, shall be avoided.
6.
Headings not to be sensational/ provocative and
must justify the matter printed under them
7.
In general and particularly in the context of
communal disputes or clashes;
a.
provocative and sensational headlines are to be
avoided;
b.
Headings must reflect and justify the matter
printed under them;
c.
Headings containing allegations made in
statements should either identify the source making it or at least carry
quotation marks.
8.
Caste, religion or community references
9.
In general, the caste identification of a person
or a particular class should be avoided, particularly when in the context it
conveys a sense or attributes a conduct or practice derogatory to that caste.
10.
Newspapers are advised against the use of word
“Scheduled Caste” or “Harijan” which has been objected to by some persons.
11.
An accused or a victim shall not be described by
his caste or community when the same does not have anything to do with the
offence or the crime and plays no part either in the identification of any
accused or proceeding, if there be any.
12.
Newspaper should not publish any fictional
literature distorting and portraying the religious characters in an adverse
light transgression of the norms of literary taste and offending the religious
susceptibilities of large section of society who hold those characters in high
esteem, invested with attributes of the virtuous and lofty.
13.
Commercial exploitation of the name of prophets,
seers or deities is repugnant to journalistic ethics and good taste.
14.
Reporting on natural calamities
15.
Facts and data relating to spread of epidemics
or natural calamities shall be checked up thoroughly from authentic sources and
then published with due restraint in a manner bereft of sensational-ism,
exaggeration, surmises, unverified facts.
16.
Paramount national interest
17.
Newspapers shall, as matter of self-regulation,
exercise due restraint and caution in presenting any news, comment or
information which is likely to jeopardise, endanger or harm the paramount
interests of the State and society, or the rights of individuals with respect
to which reasonable restrictions may be imposed by law on the right to freedom
of speech and expression under clause (2) of Article 19 of the Constitution of
India.
18.
Publication of wrong/incorrect map is a very
serious offence, whatever the reason, as it adversely affects the territorial
integrity of the country and warrants prompt and prominent retraction with
regrets.
Challenges from other media: Radio, TV, Web &
Film etc
The newspaper industry was facing challenge from
digital media as well as broadcasting media.
Reading the paper 'The changing role of the News
Media in Contemporary India' during the 72nd session of the Indian History
Congress here, he said the access to internet and broadband is growing rapidly,
although unevenly, across the developing world.
Appreciating China's development in this area, Ram
said the country has more than 500 million internet users as compared to 100
million in India.
The impact of digital revolution on print journalism
and on broadcast is considerably stronger and a tipping point is likely to
arrive sooner in China than in India, he said.
A large number of people are reading newspapers
digitally, Ram said.
"Worldwide printed newspapers, with a reported
circulation of 519 million, reach an estimated 2.3 billon people every day, 20
percent more than the internet.
"But the terms of trade are shifting
remorselessly in favour of the web, mobile, and newer interactive digital
platforms," the Editor-in-Chief said.
Ram said many newspapers have excellent websites
offering rich, many-sided, multi-media content, including long-term features,
investigative articles and thoughtful analysis.
"Several journalism schools round the world now
take digital journalism seriously. It is still mostly free-to air but some
major western newspapers have begun to price their digital content and some new
revenue streams have opened up," he said.
"Mobile platforms and tablets led by the I-pad
hold promise, with several newspapers and television channels coming up with
innovative and attractive apps," Ram said.
He urged newspaper industry particularly vernacular
media not to exaggerate the circulation figures of their publications.
"Growth trends in circulation and readership
are especially strong in the Indian language sectors of the press, led by
Hindi.
"But the buoyancy and implications of this
development need not be exaggerated as it comes on the back of extreme under
pricing of cover prices and dumping of hundreds of thousands of copies that go
straight to the Raddi market."
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