an introduction to journalism

• Journalism is the gathering, writing and editing of materials for news sources such as newspapers and television. Journalism is one of the most important professions. It informs the citizens about in their community, their nation and the world.

-The World Book Encyclopedia

• Journalism-The activity or profession of being a journalist

• Journalist-A person who writes for newspapers or magazines or prepares news or features to be broadcast on radio or television

-Oxford Dictionary

• Journalism-The profession of gathering, writing, and editing news. As observers, reporters and commentators on the rest of the society, journalists enjoy a unique status that amply justifies their designation as the fourth estate.

-New Encyclopedia Britannica

• Accuracy

• Independence

• Fairness

• Transparency

• Professional Responsibility-Poynter Institute

• “To act as a mediator or translator between the public and policy making elites”

-Walter Lippmann

• “Journalists should do more than simply pass on information. They should weigh the consequences of the policies being enacted”

-John Dewey

• Providing Information• Education• Facilitate discussion• Entertainment• Voice for the Voiceless• Great Equalizer• Record Keeping• First Draft of history• Watch Dog on power