The Role and Importance of Journalism

This assignment discusses the significance of journalism in a democratic society, highlighting its key roles such as reporting daily events and serving the needs of citizens. It emphasizes the need for unbiasedness and the importance of strong will to show reality to masses. The document references various books and journals that provide insights into entrepreneurial journalism, data-driven journalism, lifestyle journalism, and the tension between professional control and open participation in journalism.

JOURNALISM

Contents
INTRODUCTION...........................................................................................................................1
TASK 1............................................................................................................................................1
Response to the press release.................................................................................................1
Self-sourced story written for print publication.....................................................................2
Self-sourced story written for news paper website.................................................................3
TASK 2............................................................................................................................................3
Critical evaluation essay.........................................................................................................3
CONCLUSION................................................................................................................................5
REFRENCES...................................................................................................................................7

INTRODUCTION
Journalism involves collecting information from various sources along with explaining the events
occurred to the public (Allan and Thorsen, 2009). The main purpose of this occupation is to make citizens
aware about different issues and ensure accurate actions are being taken by the communities and government.
Media is powerful tool through words, one can change the circumstances (Burns and Matthews, 2018). People
are widely influenced by the news displayed on their TV channels or newspapers editions. It will not be wrong
to say that journalists are the backbone of democracy. Journalist highlights the all sorts of events in truest
manner. In the report a portfolio has been prepared which includes response to the press release along with two
self-sourced story, one which is written for the print publication while the latter is written for the newspaper. In
the end critical evaluation has also been made which discusses the experience as journalist.
TASK 1
Response to the press release
Being a journalist it required to understand the stories before presenting it in front of the audience. After
analysing the press release of Biggin comprehensive school one can say that sports are effective means of
growth and development. As per the release the school allowed sport groups and local kids to use the pitch and
fulfil their desire of playing sports. The pitch can be used for variety of games such as footballs, hockey,
lacrosse and netball. This was a good decision on school's part. Encouraging young players by giving them
appropriate instruments certainly will improve the situation of athletes of a country. Though the school has also
benefited from this. As wider community have become part of it, they paying sufficient amount which is being
used by the school to buy the sports equipment. As students from local community did not have the advantage
of playing in a well maintained pitch, this decision was welcomed by the sports leaders like Peter Davis.
Though request had been made to allow using the pitch at weekends and at midnight, but the management did
not approve of it due to the inconvenience that can be faced by the people who are residing near the school. This
shows that apart from being thoughtful the school management is responsible as well. Another issue that sports
groups were suffering from was of floodlighting. Not being able to fully comprehend with this situation was the
reason that many of these groups find the decision as blessing. It is vital that proper tools and environment is
given to the players. Having proper floodlights at the field open gates for further opportunities. Due to this
productivity of players get improved as bad whether condition and playing at odd hours would not be problem.
More initiatives are required to be taken like conducting events involving indoor and outdoor games. Increase
participation will lead to increased possibility of attaining fruitful and healthy future. The school management
was facing hindrance from the planning commission, but the efforts become successful when approval was
gained to install floodlighting. People like Kenny Crookes can play major role in uplifting the position of sports
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by giving their support to the right cause. Actions like these gives chance to potential students to gain higher
growth in their career. More leaders should come forward and share their views. These strong opinions are the
ways to influence the society. Journalism is all about telling a story that can change the life of every individual.
This press release has become major source of inspiration for various other school. Similar measures need to be
taken by them if they also want to become part of this great cause.
Self-sourced story written for print publication
People say strong will results in great outcome. In true sense this is the right way to put the struggle of
successful man in simple words. When we saw that country does not have enough platforms that supports
aspiring footballers, we decided to took matters in our hands. As a result, British American football association
was formed. The main motive behind opening this organisation was to encourage people to participate in
football. It was our dream to ensure that football holds special place in the heart and minds of people says the
founder. Taking this step was not easy, years of planning and efforts are reason that we are able to complete are
mission. Instead of having single national team, each of the province in UK have their own football team. This
league is getting popular because of unpredictable outcomes. In recent event, LANCASIRE WOLVERINES
won against NOTTINGHAM CAESARS. They lost last match against SHROPSHIRE REVOLUTION but in
this match, they outplayed NOTTINGHAM CAESARS. It was not a one sided game as LANCASIRE
WOLVERINES was falling behind initially but they turned the table in eleventh hour and ended on winning
side. By developing clubs, needs of wider section is fulfilled. Players like Lawrence Taylor are great examples
for the young generations to work hard and achieve success. His famous quote “I like companies that try and
breaks away from the norm”. This has been a constant inspiration for the organisation. The spokesperson of
Club, during interview, said “Football is giant game which requires strong planning and leadership”. Every
organisation should bring a change in the society. As the country suffers from lack of women footballers, this is
due to not getting support from society as well as government. We decided to focus our attention on the growth
and development of women's game. Series like Sapphire, diamond, opal were part of its measures which led to
increased participation of women in the game of football. The organisation is also effectively dealing issues like
child harassment in sports and increasing awareness regarding safety of participants. As per the British
American association formed alliance with Educare in which number of courses are being included. Several
sports leaders and bodies are now part of this. In the end it is concluded that love and passion for something is
very essential. Spokesperson of Club - “We are Not Backing Down! Following this goal gives the direction
to attain objectives.” Businesses and empires cannot be built in a day, struggles and risk are its part which
continues throughout the life of organisation. Not backing is down is the key no matter how many hurdles one
has to face.
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Tweet: “People talk about physical fitness, but mental health is equally important. I see people suffering,
and their families feel a sense of shame about it, which doesn't help. One needs support and
understanding. I am now working on an initiative to create awareness about anxiety and depression to
help people. #fight_against_depression.
Pull out quote: “Not Backing Down! Following this goal gives the direction to attain objectives.”
Self-sourced story written for news paper website
Britain was part of European alliance until 23 June 2016, when major decision was taken by the leaders
to separate UK from EU union. The decision was taken with to improve the country’s economy. Though
whether this decision was correct or not time will tell. Though this is certain that this action of government has
impacted the businesses. Over 50 provisions were included in the legislations. Theresa may who now is the
prime minister of UK was then formal secretary. After her party won election, this decision came into force.
Former prime minister said “The British people have made a clear decision. I think the country requires fresh
leadership. I do not think it would be right for me to try and be the captain”. The policy is facing major
backlash and criticism. At the time of interviewing Nemat Shafik, Director of London of Economics, she said
that there will be reduction in the per capita income because government has taken some wrong steps in past
and they do not have any plan for future.. They say major effects of this can be seen from that fact that there is
huge downfall in the economy. Inflation rose by 1.7 percent, reduction in the income level and downfall of GDP
can listed as the negative effects. Businessmen named These were the reasons which are questioning the
accountability of the government. Many found Theresa may incompatible as a leader due to this. The other side
of this story is that the concerned policy will have positive outcomes in the future. Some of the benefits are
related to having more control on the laws and regulation. The government found it important to deal with the
issues like immigration. It no longer have to follow the policies of European union. On the political front this is
would allow more freedom and liberty to make secure decisions. BREXIT has also provided financial benefits
to the country, initially billions of money were spent on the membership which now is being saved. Now with
the free trade policy different businesses have also welcomed the decision as they get to trade with the major
economies. Thus in the end it can be said that no decision is bad or good it is only the circumstances that shapes
the future. Nemat Shafik is also not sure about impact of Brexit as she is also asking the same question I.e.
“Was BREXIT good move? Remains to be seen”. With regards to the events that follows the exit of Britain,
twitter flooded with all sorts of tweets
Tweet: “victory for Brexit Britain” #TomorrowPapersToday #BBCpapers.
Pull out quote: “Was BREXIT good move? Remains to be seen”.
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TASK 2
Critical evaluation essay
Journalist are responsible for spreading awareness about the major as well as minor events happening in
the country. They collect the information and distribute it across the masses. Working as journalist has taught
me to be more responsible towards the society. Journalist mainly plays the role of story teller. Letting people
know about every single details as to what, when and how particular event happened are important
responsibilities. Apart from this it is also equally vital to collectively work with others. Taking orders and
guidance from editors and strong communication skills to pursued people and to make them accept the belief
that you hold. In order to write effectively about the subject, collecting data is the first task (Marchionni, 2013).
This can be done by conducting interviews or capturing the event through camera. For me this was the toughest
part. I used to get major anxiety from crime scenes or in case if any terrorist attacks and accidents happening.
Before I decided to make journalism as my career I was aware with the challenges that one has to take in this
field. But knowing about something and facing it are two different things, still I pursued my dream. Initially my
mental issues cause lot of trouble but with time I learned to accept the beauty that comes with this profession.
While interacting with people helps me in understanding their struggle. Even after facing difficult situations
many of them do not stop and continue to live happily. As stories are hidden in every individual therefore I
learned to overcome the difficulty of finding story by observing and analysing everything happening around me.
Though journalism is all about investigating but what needs to be done with the amount of information is
equally important. Deciding whether to publish a certain piece of information requires courage. I often faced
dilemma regarding what is right or wrong but one of my peers once told me that journalist are there to share the
information instead of forming a judgement upon it. Patience and time are the necessary sources to find good
story. Most of the time people were not willing to express themselves freely. This was major roadblock which
was affecting my work. To overcome this issue, I practised the art of communicating effectively with victims.
One has to be open minded and be helpful towards others. Signs of sympathy and empathy should be there
while interviewing people. This would help getting valuable information.
News authenticity are completely based on the accuracy of the data hence while collecting information it
should be verified alongside. Any mistake in this profession have serious implications. This comes under the
ethical responsibilities of a journalist. I have to be accurate and present my stories with full facts and figures.
Misinterpretation of facts are serious issues which many people ignore. For this purpose, I have to conduct
extensive research in order to understand both the side of the story. In case even if there is a need to take the
help of others I ensure that take their permission in order to give due credit. Fairness and accuracy are the two
pillars of journalism. One who cannot be fair with the society if he is not fair with his job. It illegal to disclose
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the identity of individual with taking his permission. Duty to protect the privacy of respondents should be first
foremost priority (Newman, 2017).
My main audience are the people who live in small towns as due to their lack of knowledge about is
going around globally, I make sure that they are timely informed about everything. The articles which I wrote
follows all the necessary guidelines of good writing. Though there is always room for improvement. It is
essential that articles are written in precise form. Giving too many details can cause disinterest while too less
details leads to misconception amongst the audience. The more people identifies and related themselves with
the story, the more they become aware and responsible towards the environment. For example, one of my
colleague's written article had to face lot of backlash as it was too harshly written against the certain
community. Being cautious about surrounding and writing by keeping in minds about the beliefs and values of
people are equally important (Peters, 2012).
After writing stories I have learned to be more faithful. Understanding different aspects also improves
the knowledge and ability to take wise decisions. My main purpose of writing an articles like the success story
of British American football association was to create more awareness about the sports. Many aspiring athletes
will find this piece of information beneficial. Knowing that there are platforms like these which are contributing
towards the growth of by giving equal opportunities to every individual is going to increase participation among
the masses. While collecting information about this subject I had to take interview with management and
athletes who are now part of the organisation. Their positive cooperation during interview helped me lot, they
were patience and kind enough to respond to my queries though it took lot of time as I have to go through
permission process. To ensure that organisation's image becomes better, wrong information was given by the
staff. This also helps me to understand that one can not completely rely on the respondents response. During
the initial years of my practice I adopted the discipline of putting non biased opinion and analysing the all the
aspects of subject matter. Story on BREXIT was also based on this principal. As per the information discussed
it was understood that the decisions taken for the greater good have positive and negative consequences. Many
of my media have failed to see the positive side of this story which I ensured to include in my story. The reason
for doing so was to have more discussion regarding this matter. Having preconceived notions causes blindness,
people failed to understand that there might be positive end to certain situations. I felt sense of accomplishment
when I interviewed different businessmen and media outlets who have written about this subject in their reports.
Journalist are also required to constantly update their skills therefore I am learning new ways to gather data for
the subject matter. Digital medium has provided great help, thousands of people share their ideas and opinions
on platforms. This goes both ways as people are attaining and spreading the knowledge. My overall experience
from this module was enlightening I became sure, Journalism holds significant place in the democratic society.
Due to this, every citizens of country are given fair chances to put forward their views and share their
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experiences (Pavlik and Bridges, 2013). I needed to learn more from peers and seniors regarding improving
editing skills. Discussion with co-workers and indulging in brainstorming can lead to the development of new
and creative ideas (Howard, 2014).
CONCLUSION
From the above report it has been concluded that journalism is necessary create awareness among
people. It requires great deal of commitment and accountability. Media helps in influencing the lives of people,
therefore stories that inspires should be told. This work is done by the journalist as they are said to be
storytellers. In order to write effective articles, it is important that people develops intellectual as well as
interpersonal skills. Collecting information from accurate sources and presenting them fearlessly is magnificent
role played the people of this profession. Press release on the other are the ways to inform public about the new
issues. It puts light on the unheard stories which needed to be heard by all the sections of the society for
achieving growth and development. Different types of roles are being played by the journalist the most essential
ones are reporting about the daily events and serving the democratic needs of the citizen of country. Biasedness
towards anyone or anything has no place in this profession. One needs to be extremely opinionated and have
strong will to show the reality to masses.
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REFRENCES
Books and journal
Allan, S. and Thorsen, E. eds., 2009. Citizen journalism: Global perspectives (Vol. 1). Peter Lang.
Burns, L. S. and Matthews, B.J., 2018. Understanding journalism. Sage.
Cohen, N. S., 2015. Entrepreneurial journalism and the precarious state of media work. South Atlantic
Quarterly. 114(3). pp.513-533.
Harcup, T., 2015. Journalism: principles and practice. Sage.
Howard, A. B., 2014. The art and science of data-driven journalism.
Hermida, A., 2010. Twittering the news: The emergence of ambient journalism. Journalism
practice. 4(3).pp.297-308.
Kristensen, N. N. and From, U., 2012. Lifestyle journalism: Blurring boundaries. Journalism Practice. 6(1).
pp.26-41.
Lewis, S. C., 2012. The tension between professional control and open participation: Journalism and its
boundaries. Information, Communication & Society, 15(6), pp.836-866.
Marchionni, D. M., 2013. Journalism-as-a-conversation: A concept explication. Communication theory. 23(2).
pp.131-147.
Newhagen, J. E. and Levy, M. R., 2013. The future of journalism in a distributed communication architecture.
In The Electronic Grapevine (pp. 15-28). Routledge.
Newman, N., 2017. Journalism, media, and technology trends and predictions 2017.
Nielsen, R. K., 2015. The uncertain future of local journalism. Pre-publication version of chapter in Rasmus
Kleis Nielsen (ed.).
Pavlik, J. V. and Bridges, F., 2013. The emergence of augmented reality (AR) as a storytelling medium in
journalism. Journalism & Communication Monographs. 15(1). pp.4-59.
Peters, C., 2012. Journalism to go: The changing spaces of news consumption. Journalism Studies. 13(5-6).
pp.695-705.
Thorson, E., Wicks, R. and Leshner, G., 2012. Experimental methodology in journalism and mass
communication research. Journalism & Mass Communication Quarterly. 89(1). pp.112-124.
Online
BAFCA partnership with educare 2019. [online] available through:
https://www.britishamericanfootball.org/news/bafca-announce-partnership-with-educare-#.XOfE7XUzab8
Brexit 2019. [online] available through:
<https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-politics-32810887>
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