Module 1: PRINCIPLES > Lesson 1: Journalism as Commitment and Profession

Overview
Journalism is both a commitment and a profession. Of course, there are claims that it is more a commitment
than a profession. There are also those who argue that it is more a profession than a commitment. The
history of journalism has given rise to various explanations on what it is and what it should be.
Objectives
At the end of the lesson, the student is expected:
1. To know the meaning of journalism.
2. To analyze the role of journalism in society.

Course Material
Various local and international books (e.g., Teodoro, McQuail) already provide definitions of journalism
and who is a journalist. What they have in common is that a journalist is essentially a person who covers
issues either as a member of a news media organization or a freelancer. The United Nations and other
international organizations (e.g., Committee to Protect Journalists) also have their own definition of
journalist but these are not substantially different from the generally accepted view that he or she engages
in reportage and is involved in the production of news.
Unlike other professions, a journalist does not require licensure examination or even a college degree
though accreditation is sometimes required for coverage at a certain beat or at a specific event (of course,
there is also a debate whether or not journalism is a profession, but we digress). In the process, any person
can become a journalist and this is expected given that this is an intrinsic part of press freedom.
As regards citizen journalism, it should be differentiated from “crowdsourcing” which the dominant media
are wont to mistakenly identify as an example of citizen journalism. The latter entails proper training of
ordinary citizens in the necessary skills and knowledge in journalism, including the principles and standards
especially when it comes to ethics (which is often violated even by some of the more seasoned journalists).
While there are no legal impediments to branding a person as a journalist or citizen journalist, adherence to
the standards of journalism (especially ethics) is most important.
In the final analysis, it is not the legal court but the court of public opinion that will assign “credibility” to
the journalist who fulfills the mission of shaping public opinion by providing relevant information. Then
again, the assignment of “credibility” may only be possible if the audiences are media literate. In other
words, a clear understanding of the nuances of journalism should be achieved not only by those involved
in it but also by the audiences it serves.
From the standpoint of media ethics, a person is considered a journalist if he or she adheres to the highest
standards of the chosen profession. Of course, a generic or pragmatic view would be to include as journalist
even the unscrupulous ones like entertainment journalists who also work as talent managers and political
reporters who moonlight as public relations consultants of certain politicians. Such undesirable ones are
either unaware of the conflict of interest in what they are doing or willing participants in nefarious activities.
In the process, ALL of those involved in the delivery of information (including bloggers, columnist-doctors
and other opinion writers) are technically considered journalists, whether we like it or not. This is the catch
when it comes to press freedom. However, self-regulation could work well in separating the chaff from the
grain, so to speak, but only if society has a critical mass for an audience.
Activities

20 18-16 15-12
CRITERIA VERY GOOD GOOD FAIR
Content Appropriate details support the Most details support main No details to support subject
subject matter. It has a relevant idea. It has a relevant matter. Information is not
and detailed content. information for the subject relevant.
matter.

1. Based on a recent news report you read, heard or watched, explain the importance of journalism in
shaping public opinion.
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