What is Journalism?

It is commonly defined as an act of writing for publication in newspapers and other periodicals, embracing all thoughts and actions that have significance and interest to the readers. It is also considered as the “first rough draft of history”. What does it mean? It means that journalism is the one that first records history. Happenings or events can be predicted through analyzing and getting deeper into the current events or what we call as “news”. The one that does this rough drafting of history is called “journalist”.

Journalism was born from the Latin word “diurnal” which means “daily”. Journalism started mainly back to the times of ancient Egypt when messengers ran to the pharaohs to report oral reports and town criers sang important announcements in streets or public places and to ancient Rome when short bulletins of battles, fires and elections known as “acta diurnal” or “daily events” were posted up in public.

Category of Three

Yes, journalism is divided into three categories:

• Written – it is the printed medium which includes magazines, books, periodicals, etc.
• Oral – it is the broadcasted one where in news, reports, etc. are usually aired in the radio
• Visual – it is the  medium through televisions and movies

Truth!

If cell is the building blocks of a living organism, well it is Truth that builds journalism.

There are many types of journalism. Some of these are: Ambush journalism,  Celebrity or people journalism, Churnalism,  Convergence journalism,  Gonzo journalism, investigative journalism, News journalism, Science journalism, Sports journalism, and many more. Well, all of them needs and seeks for truth. But not all truth can be considered into journalism. You should be able to sense as a journalist how this truth should affect the public and that truth should always come from the public interest for it not to be trashed.

Significance?

Discussing these things, giving time to it, breaking your nerves form analyzing it, what for? Studying journalism isn’t just about passing the course. It isn’t just about earning money. It isn’t just about impressing your girlfriend. Journalism is about public service. It is about giving the public what they need and somehow what they want. Journalism will not only benefit them. It is also you who will benefit from it. You can know things which you don’t know yet through researching and further reading because journalism requires it. Always know the significance of what your doing so that your hard work and effort will not be trashed easily.

Afraid?

Journalism is a big business to one’s life. It can really push you up if you’re just going to focus on it and give some emphasis on it. On your way, you’ll encounter challenges and sometime your going to commit mistakes but don’t you worry. Mistakes are part of life and part of learning thins. Don’t mind the people that stabs you as long as your not ruining somebody’s life. With these mistakes you should be able to learn from it. You should be able to correct it the next time around for a better you.