MODULE 1
FOUNDATION CONCEPTS OF CAMPUS JOURNALISM
Lesson 1
Time Table: 1.5 hours
Topic Learning Outcomes:
At the end of this module, you are expected to:
a. define journalism;
b. identify the different forms of journalism;
c. give examples of the different forms of journalism.
Enabling Activity
Welcome! This is your first module on CAMPUS JOURNALISM. Before we start with our first
lesson, paste a picture of a journalist you admire the most. Provide also reason/reasons
behind your admiration for the journalist whom you have chosen.
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WHAT IS JOURNALISM?
Journalism is everywhere; where there are media, there is journalism. It is the presentation
of information in periodicals and newspapers through writing. Humans have an inherent
curiosity to learn what's new or novel. The journalists feed this interest by publishing about
current affairs and news in newspapers and journals.
Journalism is stimulated by the events happening in the present and depicts the developing
situation. Gathering and transmitting news is a day to day process that makes an impact on
everyone. It is about the society that includes you, me, the country, and the world in general.
Information must reach the readers as events occur. The journalists’ job is not limited to just
covering and publishing the news and events. They are also responsible for making
interpretations and giving opinions on the news and events.
Fields of Journalism (By Medium)
One of the most basic ways to define journalism fields is by the medium through which it's
provided. These fields of journalism require similar reporting and storytelling skills but have a
different way to disseminate the information.
Print/Online Journalism: Some journalists write articles and blogs for print or online
publications, like newspapers and magazines.
The printed newspaper is part of the print
journalism.
1https://careerwiki.in/2016/12/27/print-journalism/Career Wiki
Following the dynamic changes in
technology, print media has advanced to
online publications.
2https://careerwiki.in/2016/12/27/print-journalism/Career Wiki
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Broadcast Journalism: Reporters who share news on the television or radio, or through
video or audio online are broadcast journalists. While print or online journalists focus more on
writing skills, broadcast journalists may have more technical video and audio production skills.
4https://enchos.com/mike-enriquez-trends-social-media/
3https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m4IUMMfG5JM
Photojournalism: Photojournalists tell stories through photos. Their photos may sometimes
accompany written stories or stand on their own.
5https://www.seamedu.com/blog/what-is-photojournalism-
how-can-i-pursue-a-career-as-a-photojournalist/
Multimedia Journalism: This is a combination of written, broadcast, and photojournalism to
create interactive and engaging stories to appear on the web.
7https://www.ua.aw/2018/04/12/challenges-for-media-journalism-in-
times-of-transformation/ 6http://mediashift.org/2011/01/learning-how-to-teach-
multimedia-journalism007.html
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Types of Journalism Writing and Reporting (By Content)
Types of journalism can also be divided based on what it covers. These are a few traditional
types:
News Journalism: This is reporting on daily events from crime to politics, on a local or national
scale.
Feature Journalism: Features are generally longer than news stories, allow for more
creativity, and delve deeper into a topic.
Investigative Journalism: Investigative journalists work to undercover corruption and fraud,
often in politics or business.
Opinion pieces, columns, reviews, and analysis pieces: These types of pieces are based
more on opinion, but do have elements of journalism and are featured on TV shows, radio
programs, newspapers, and more.
An increasingly popular type of journalism is data journalism. With all of the data that is
available in this day and age, data journalists have the skills to be able to find trends in
numbers that tell a larger story.
Scope and Nature of Journalism
Before getting into the skills of writing journalistic articles, anyone must have a fixed
understanding of the scope of modern day journalism. Huge as it is, journalism is everywhere,
just as media takes an integral part in all of our lives. Where there is Ilk media, journalism
exists. As a field that is worth working, journalism is one of the most prestigious careers one
can get today. The tools of communication and technology are television, the printed media
and radio. The internet is a more recent addition to this list. Many students are getting attracted
to this field nowadays because a career in journalism can be challenging as well as highly
rewarding.
Journalism is concerned, primarily, with the collection and dissemination of news through the
print media as well as the electronic media (http://entrance-exammeilscope-of-journalism/).
This involves various areas of work like reporting, writing, editing, photographing, broadcasting
or cable casting news items. It covers the printed media that comes in the form of broadsheets,
tabloids, newsletters and magazines.
As regards to its etymology, journalism comes from the Latin word, diurnal, which means daily.
That is why there is the word journal — a daily register of one's activities. Hence, journalism
is a communication of day-to-day information, whether through sounds, pictures and words.
Few places where journalism may appear include newspapers, magazines, televisions, radios
and the internet.
Newspapers are the oldest and most traditional format for the inclusion of journalism. They
are regularly scheduled publications containing news of current events, informative articles,
diverse features and advertising. Indeed, newspapers originally started life as 'journals', from
which the word 'journalism' is derived. During the 19th century, American journalists relied on
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sensational stories that were used to excite or anger the public, rather than to inform them.
This form of journalism became known as `yellow' journalism. Accurate and fact-based
reporting became popular again around the time of World War II, when the restrained style of
writing gained resurgence. Newspapers played a large role in the development of freedom of
expression. Inside sources with the ability to 'leak' stories to the press often choose
newspapers first over any other medium due to the perceived willingness of their editors to
expose corruption and lies among otherwise respected institutions.
Magazines, on the other hand, are publications containing a variety of articles that are
generally published on a regular schedule, whether it be weekly, monthly or quarterly. They
usually take a much more relaxed format than newspapers, with a more informal style to their
writing. They are also usually focused on a particular subject or area of interest, whereas
newspaper articles can cover almost any topic. First published in 1731 in London, The
Gentleman's Magazine is considered the first general-interest magazine. Its editor, Edward
Cave (who wrote under the pseudonym `Sylvanus Urban'), was one of the very firsts to use
the term 'magazine'.
Television news journalism, including radio, is known as news broadcasting and is produced
locally in a newsroom or by a broadcast network. It sometimes also includes such additional
material as sports coverage, weather forecasts, traffic reports, commentary, and other
material that the broadcaster considers relevant to the intended audience. Most major
television channels offer regular news broadcasts throughout the day.
Internet communications have excelled in the last decade or so of course, taking the way news
is published with it. There are now an uncountable of reputable and not-so-reputable sources
of information on the internet. Everything from digitized versions of the very newspapers that
headed up the first print media movements hundreds of years ago, to independent bloggers
reporting their own stories from the comfort of their own laptops. Because of this, opinions are
much easier to come by, and users can seek out the same story from multiple sources to get
more of a balanced view more than they ever could in the past. These make the scope of
journalism to be very broad indeed, as almost every form of media these days can be used
as an expression of opinion or conduit of information.
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Your Turn
1. Based on the given definition of journalism, give 3 words or phrases related to
journalism.
1.
Journalism
2. 3.
2. Using an appropriate graphic organizer, identify the different forms of journalism and
provide examples of these forms.
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GRAPHIC ORGANIZER RUBRIC
Criteria 4 2 1
3
Organization Extremely well Organized. Somewhat Poorly organized.
organized. Structure allows organized A
Order & reader to move structure allows clear sense of
structure of through reader to move direction is not
information is content without through some evident. Flow is
compelling and confusion. of the content frequently
flows smoothly Flows smoothly without interrupted.
confusion. Flow is
sometimes
interrupted.
Content Thorough and Complete Shows some Shows
insightful understanding of understanding of incomplete
understanding of content content understanding of
content material
Creativity Enthusiastically uses Use of materials Shows some Shows minimal
materials and ideas and ideas for use of materials effort for
for enhancement enhancement and ideas enhancement of
materials and
ideas
Ideas Insightful and well Ideas are Ideas are Ideas are unclear
considered ideas considered; somewhat on few connections
making multiple more than one topic; makes some
connections thoughtful connections
connection is
made
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Lesson 2
Time Table: 1.5 hours
Topic Learning Outcomes:
At the end of this module, you are expected to:
a. identify the tenets of journalism;
b. name the functions and duties of the press;
c. compare and contrast journalism and literature;
d. explain freedom of the press.
Deferring Differences: journalism & literature
With the resources you have, read the definition of journalism and literature and write them
in the space provided for you.
journalism literature
Do journalism and literature have something in common?
In what way do journalism and literature are the different?
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Consider the explanation below:
All journalistic ventures are grounded on facts, on truth and on actuality. Redundant as it may,
facts are the foundation of all the ambits of journalism.
Journalism and literature are both forms of writing, consumed by the public and have relative
style. They may be guided by set rules. Literature is based on the wandering imagination of a
writer. It is categorized into prose and poetry. Journalism, on the other hand, has main genres
that include news, editorial and features. Journalistic genres follow the strict method of dividing
ideas through paragraphs while literature has a variety of forms and styles.
For instance, Jonas, a writer, wishes to come up with a story about ghosts. He now starts
imagining the appearance of the ghosts and creates a plot which includes the conflict, the
climax and the resolution of the conflict. Jonas is writing a literary piece.
Marla, on the other hand, also writes about ghosts. However, before she starts writing about
them, she interviews persons who have allegedly seen them. The appearance of ghosts,
including the persons' beliefs about them, is written into an entertaining way. Hence, the output
is packed with facts.
In this case, Jonas writes a literature, a short story in particular while Marla does a feature
story, a journalistic article. Jonas writes based on his imagination while Marla writes based on
facts.
Tenets of journalism
Do you aspire to be a journalist? Let me know by writing your thoughts on your space.
Going into the road of journalism entails not only knowledge but also responsibilities.
Hence, their journalists are bound by strict guidelines. Journalists have rights, but they
must bear on shoulders the duties to serve the interest of the public.
1. Responsibility.
Journalists should always be aware of their obligations to their readers to write
the truth whatever it costs. For this reason, journalists must be brave enough to
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defend facts and the truth behind the news. In this sense, the journalists' main
responsibility is to be the transmitter of veracity in any issue, and that they are
liable not to the company but to the public.
2. Freedom of the Press.
As a basic right, freedom of the press should be safeguarded by the people of
media. In this case, any topic under the sweltering heat of the sun may be written
so long as there is no infraction to the existing laws of the land.
3. Independence.
Putting forward the life of one or two persons by slashing the welfare of the
general public is a clear violation of this tenet. It, therefore, means that the
services of a journalist should be committed to the interest of the general public
and not driven by the interest of money called "envelopmental journalism."
4. Objectivity, Truthfulness and Accuracy.
Checking the veracity of data and information before they are published is an
example of being accurate and truthful. Since facts are the solid foundation of
journalism, media men should not therefore conceal the truth by fabricating
facts and by publishing misquoted statements and erroneous statistics.
Objectivity, on the other hand, is simply avoiding conflicts of interest on the
treatment of the articles and on the way arguments and news are written.
Partisan news and biased interviews violate the ideals of journalism; ergo, a
journalist should know the difference between news and opinion. Readers and
journalists alike, believe that newspapers should be objective. Thus, reporters
receive training from those who know journalistic rules, and learn to resolve
whatever conflict they may have.
Teel and Taylor (1983), as cited by Pangilinan (2012), suggested guidelines to
attain a balanced story whenever journalists face controversial issues.
a. Stick to the facts.
b. Never insert your personal opinion.
c. Be discreet in the use of adjectives.
d. Avoid cheap shots.
e. Somebody with something to say deserves a forum.
f. Assess your alliances. Remember that you are an observer, not a
participant.
g. Listen to your editor.
5. Fairness.
The whole point in advocating objectivity is to be fair in presenting
information in any journalistic field. Remember, the public will see the
topic according to the way journalists present it; hence, reporters should
exercise telling the truth and putting information in the right perspective.
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In this vein, journalists should always present both sides of the coin, both sides of the
argument, both sides of controversial issues. They should set both avenues for the
opposing parties to ventilate their arguments and points of clarification. With this in mind,
journalists, too, must respect the privacy of individuals, unless, there is a warrant of a
public right. In case there is a mistake, true journalists should rectify the said error, thus
the errata in newspapers.
Kinds of imbalanced reporting
There are worthy concepts that novice journalists must be wary about.
These concepts that kill balanced reporting must be avoided.
1. Yellow Journalism.
This is simply sensationalizing a story or an issue. It is a type of journalism
that presents little or no legitimate well-researched news and instead uses
eye-catching headlines to sell more newspapers. Techniques may include
exaggerations of news events, scandal-mongering or sensationalism. Most
showbiz stories are grounded on this type of journalism which appeals to the
curiosity of the readers and viewers.
2. New Journalism. The new journalists expanded the definition of journalism
and of legitimate journalistic reporting and writing techniques. They also
associated journalism with fiction when they described their work with phrases
such as "nonfiction novel" and "narrative techniques of fiction." In so doing,
they ignited a debate over how much like a novel or short story a journalistic
piece could be before it began violating journalism's commitment to truth and
facts. This approach represents a return to the roots of social reporting which
was used in Charles Dickens' fiction.
3. Advocacy Journalism. This is a genre of journalism that, unlike propaganda,
is fact-based but supports 'a specific point of view on an issue. Advocacy
journalists are expected to focus on stories dealing with corporate business
practices, government policies, political corruption and social issues.
Arguably, advocacy journalists serve the public interest in a way similar to
muckrakers or whistle blowers. Most advocacy journalists reject the supposed
objectivity of the mainstream press as a practical impossibility, and some
others take the position that the economic censorship exerted by corporate
sponsors is no different from political censorship.
4. Stylistic Journalism. It emphasizes imaginative, stylized writing of stories
and considers newspapers as "the literature of immediate fact."
5. Editorializing.
This is giving the reporter's opinion rather than the fact. It may also mean the
expanding of news about an insignificant happening to give publicity to a
subject.
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Functions and duties of the press
If you have fully made up your mind to go into the path of journalism and the media, you
have to be acquainted with your vast roles and primordial functions.
1. The quality of the newspaper must be reflected in the editorial policy. It is more
than just a business because it also reflects and influences the life of the whole
academic community.
2. Newspapers must have integrity and readers' confidence.
3. Newspapers may educate, stimulate, assist or entertain. It is therefore a moral
responsibility to balance public interest and the gains.
4. The fundamental quality of the newspaper rests on the quality of the content and
the kind of editorial product. It is responsible for the rise of the readers' educational
level and resurgence of an articulate, active young generation.
5. Freedom of the press encompasses responsibility of the newspapers. Freedom of
the press and responsibility are inseparable. Responsibility of the press means
truth in the news — truth tempered with mercy, decency and humility.
6. The press must practice the principles of journalism without bias and self-interest.
Limitations of the press
Pulitzer prize-winning author David Broeder (USA Today, Aug. 12, 1987) as cited by
Pangilinan (2012), averred that reports are flawed. Hence, reports are not that complete
and may bear mistakes. The limitations of the press may be traced upon the timeframe
within which an article should be submitted for publication. Remember that journalism
secures the freshness of the information. Therefore, when a journalist is in a hurry to beat
the deadline, he may not have enough time to reach all the sources of information.
Subsequently, reporters will be unable to present the story in as many perspectives as a
journalist should showcase.
This implies that readers or the information-consuming public should judge very critically
the articles, the reports, including the photos. Readers should know how to ask questions
that are left unanswered, in the same manner when journalists dig for facts and additional
information.
Another limitation of the press is its proneness to be manipulated by the powerful, the
elite and the politicians. Broeder (1987) as cited by Pangilinan (2012) pointed “...every
good politician will attempt to work well with the press. If you live in a country where public
opinion ultimately decides public policy any politician who is at all serious is going to try
to manage public opinion, and that means working with the press. So they all do it.”
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Your final Tasks
Instructions: Do the given task below. Make sure to follow the instructions given properly.
Your output will be graded based on the rubrics seen in your syllabus (refer to the “Graphic
Organizer Rubric”).
Using a Venn diagram, compare and contrast the nature of
TASK 1: journalism from the scope of literature. Illustrate your answer in a
long bond paper.
Argue in not more than 200 words but not less than 150 words
TASK 2: whether the freedom to write is an absolute freedom. Cite concrete
instances, if possible. Write your answer in a one whole sheet of
yellow paper.
Get three newspapers. Using the T-chart, assess the articles according
TASK 3: to the tenets of journalism. Make sure you include the picture of the
articles you chose with your output.
STRENGTHS WEAKNESSES
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