Purpose to has
Journalism: A Service or a Business?
Journalism, the profession of reporting or delivering news and Information to the public, is the fourth pillar of a democratic state-the other
three being judiciary, executive and legislative. This service is given immense Importance because it plays a crucial role in society. From
Informing people to entertaining them with interesting stories, this field covers every Issue, toplc, or event under the sun. Journalism has a rich
history and follows a set of principles and values. It is simultaneously dynamic, adapting itself to changing tastes and trends, and consistent in its
role of educating people on issues that matter.
The principles of journalism have undergone changes with the changing dernands of news consumers. Journalism, which began with the
to educate, has branched out to Inform and entertain the masses through Infotainment. Gradually, however, the line between
Information and entertainment has started to blur and now most people prefer watching news or following a new development for its
entertainment or sensational value rather than for its Informational value. A gossip plece about a celebrity's life or a political scandal easily
becomes the talk of the town, while a serious news plece about war or human rights violations receives much less attention. This universal trend
become a vicious cycle, where the demand for sensational news articles trumps the genuine need for credible Information.
Though there are multiple reasons for this trend, popularity and monetary gains are two of the major contributing factors. Journalism, like
many
y other services, has become commercialized and under the disguise of reporting and exposing misdeeds, it is shamelessly being sold. A
few media institutions have brought nothing but disgrace to the art by becoming mere puppets in the hands of powerful corporations and
politically influential individuals. News programs have turned absurd and seem be tailored to amuse specific political parties. Many of the
present day media organizations are desperate institutions that look to make a quick buck and gain momentary attention
Similar to the products on supermarket racks, news has become a lucrative commodity that can be easily sold and bought. Additionally,
falsified and unverified news reports further disrespect the profession. Journalists, who were once the watchdogs of impartial distribution of
Information, have become vulnerable to the lure of the dollar. There have been many incidents where reputed news organizations have
broadcasted unverified and eventually untrue news stories to boost their ratings or please sponsors.
Journalism began with the sole aim to serve the public, not as a means for
rreporters and corporations to increase their bank balance. Today's
news reporting is ripe with the narrow, self-centered attitude of running a business. Though there are groups on the Internet that have been
formed to check the quality of news that is covered, many stories go unnoticed. Of course, media organizations have the right to earn a living.
However, if news remains a commodity rather than a necessity, it would favor only to the needs of the highest bidder. Sensationalizing news
causes more harm to public interest than rumors ever could. Journalists shoulder a huge responsibility and have the power to change or even
form public opinion on important political, economic or social issues. Instead of dancing to someone's tune, news organizations should exercise
discretion in reporting events and aim to create a well-informed society.
to
Reset
Next