Principles of Journalism

Journalism as a profession is done based on its own principles. These are directives that journalists have developed through their practice. The principles of journalism could be summarized as "ABC", that is, accuracy, balance and credibility. These three are the elements that should always be maintained in journalistic practice.

The other principles also include:

• First obligation is to the truth


• First loyalty is to the people


• Its essences is a decipline of verification


• Maintain an independence


• Serve as an independent monitor of power


• Providing the forum for public opinion or critism.


• Strive to make a significant space


• keep news comprehensive.

Elements of Journalism

The elements of journalism are:

News: It is the basic element of journalism. In fact, the practice of journalism is there just because of news.Journalist: Professional communicator, on whose practice the journalism is there.

Audience: There is probability that news is received by heterogeneous and widely dispersed audiences. Audience is the target, the ultimate goal.

Media: Media refer to the means or tools through which the news travels to the audience.

Use of modern technology.

Importance of Journalism

"Journalism is a guardian that never sleeps and protects freedom of the people" - Winston Churchill"

Were it left to me to decide whether we should have a government without newspapers or newspapers without government, I shall not hesitate a moment to prefer the latter." - Jefferson

"Newspapers are the schoolmasters of the common people". - Henry Ward Beecher

The importance of journalism comes from the people's right to opinion and expression. Since right to opinion and expression would not be a reality without the press. People today depend greatly on the press for being informed. Journalism is taken as inseparable part of any democratic system. The press plays a vital role in democratic society. It is an institution in its own right. The press has earned the recognition of 'Fourth state'. Journalism is the 'voice of the voiceless' and it plays the role of 'watch-dog' in our society. It is strong bridge between concerning authorities and the people. It handles all public issues. In fact, press is the people's open forum. Press makes such an environment where people get information and be prepared to take part in democracy. People's participation is the foundation of democracy. Press is the pillar of democracy.

Definitions of Journalism

"Journal refers to newspaper, periodical; daily record of events; diary; account book; part of shaft or axle resting on bearings"; "Journalist refers to the person writing for or editing newspapers etc"; "Journalism refers to the work of Journalist". - Oxford English Dictionary

" Journalism The trade, technique or profession of reporting news for the public by various means. Hence, newspaper journalism, broadcast journalism, magazine journalism and so on." - George A. Hough in "News Writing"

" Journalism is the profession of collecting facts and writing for public. It is a tool of communicating news and information through writing in newspapers, magazines and periodicals and broadcasting through radio and television." - N.C Pant and Jitender Kumar in 'Dimensions of modern Journalism'

"Journalism is an art, work and service as well. Until someone thinks his responsibility is to impart knowledge and to show way to public through his journals. he never becomes a journalist though trained enough. A true journalist should also remember that he can only receive strength through commercial and professional power of journal." - H. Wikhem Steed