Journalism 101 – What is Journalism?

Flat lay composition with equipment for journalist on grey table

Journalism is a form of art and science that is predicated on truth. It is a discipline that uses tools and media to create news and documentation for the public. The field of Journalism actually got its name from the Greek word Journalismus which means “writer”. Today, Journalism has become an important part of our everyday lives. A person who considers himself/herself as a professional journalist should have the following qualities:

A person who considers himself a professional Journalist should be passionate about writing, since he/she would be reporting on current affairs, sports, politics, health, education, business and the like. The field of journalism actually got its name from the Greek word Journalismus which means “journalist”. Today, Journalism refers to a number of different types of people’s work, including freelance journalists, newspaper reporters, television reporters, radio producers, book publishers, magazines, and news media organizations. A journalist can work in any field imaginable, since most newspapers and magazines are now required to have a minimum amount of published stories for publication every month.

In essence, Journalism is an independent field of news media organization that relies on sources’ honesty and accuracy in reporting. Journalism as a whole has three distinct characteristics that set it apart from other fields; transparency in data, accountability, and a strong sense of ethics. This is why, in recent years, many organizations such as the Associated Press, The New York Times, and CNN have dedicated themselves to high standards of ethics, and increased professionalism. Many citizens rely on these types of media sources when breaking news, especially in matters of national importance, such as natural disasters and political drama. Thus, whether you consider yourself a journalist, a blogger, a news watcher, or just someone who enjoys reading the papers, one thing is certain: Journalism helps make the world a better place.

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