WHAT IS JOURNALISM?

'When you are not well informed, you will be deformed'

By Victoria Bisola Adeusi

Imagine missing a program that would have been beneficial to you, all because you needed to get the information on time. Having the information at the right time will ensure you take advantage of an incredible opportunity. The power of information on decision-making should be emphasized, and we should pay attention to journalism's relevancy in acquiring this information.

What is Journalism?

Journalism is a form of writing that tells people about things that happened that they might not have known about already after verification of facts has been carried out. It is differentiated from other writing techniques because it is a discipline of verification. Meaning it is writing that entails facts and the truth about the facts.

According to Bill Kovach and Tom Rosenstiel in their book, The Elements of Journalism, the principles and purpose of journalism are defined by something more fundamental: the function news plays in people's lives". This implies that the discipline is purposeful because there are people whose information(news) is vital, and journalism can make this information available to them.

The News

News is that part of communication that keeps us informed of the changing events, issues and characters in the world outside. 'The principal value of news is as a utility to empower the. A well-informed man that has power. For instance, knowing your right as a citizen of Nigeria gives you a certain kind of power.

Bill Kevach and Tom Rosenstiel gave some elements of journalism:

• Journalism must provide the truth

• Its first loyalty is to the citizens

• Its practitioners must maintain independence from those they cover.

• It must serve as an independent monitor of power.

• It must strive to keep the significance, exciting and relevant.

• Its essence is a discipline of verification.

More than just clarifying what journalism is and how important it is to the people is required. Discussing the intermediary between the discipline and the people, The Journalists, is essential.

Who is a Journalist?

A journalist is a curious observer who searches for, analyzes and publishes facts (news). One of the famous names given to journalists is 'Truth seeker' because that is what they do. They do not just rely on the surface-level material in news stories; they dig deeper to discover truths that may have been overlooked. They do not form stories from emotions but from facts and truth. They are neutral people that write for the benefit of the people.

Are Journalists Always Pessimistic?

This depends on your definition of pessimism. If being a committed observer, challenging and holding people in power accountable or always being ready to seek and reveal the truth is what you refer to as being pessimistic, then they are.

The relationship between people and journalists exists because of the information they acquire through curiosity, examining society's unseen corners. Curiosity is not born out of a want for trouble but to improve society. They question things to ensure that all is fair and equitable and for people to hold accountable if it is not.

Stereotypical Thoughts about Journalists

"They are always ready to criticize even if it is a good thing" and "They are bitter because they know they can't be politicians" are examples of some stereotypical ideologies about journalists. They critique and review issues through objective points of view, never biased. Only the facts about an issue or the people involved in an issue will be talked about. Facts cannot and will not be made up to satisfy or appease anyone. Journalists are always ready to checkmate, challenge and hold people accountable for their actions. Journalists can be seen as unprofessional when they give room for emotions, personal relationships and other spheres of their life to control the pen. Journalists are essential and needed for any given society to thrive properly.