The Challenges and Importance of Journalism in the Media Landscape.
The Practice of Journalism
Examines contemporary social, professional and intellectual concerns with the practice of journalism. Three lecture hours a week for one semester. May be repeated when topics vary. Prerequisite: Graduate standing.
In the journalism world, “big J journalism” refers to investigative and enterprise stories that aim for a high-quality information level. It also includes sponsored content, which can be produced by anyone — think brands, news outlets or custom publishers.
Media business
Traditionally, media business has been defined as the process of acquiring and maintaining a high-quality audience through the production of news. It involves understanding stakeholder expectations, markets, products, competitors, and financial terminology. Those who understand these issues are best equipped to make sound decisions about media investment and operations.
Back in the day, your radio or TV station’s news ratings were based on what came out of the microphone and onto the screen. This is referred to as capital J journalism, and it’s something that journalists are still largely proud of.
Sponsored content, on the other hand, introduces a more flexible style of information-gathering that doesn’t necessarily need to follow all the processes of both big J journalism and high-quality information. It can be produced by a broader set of contributors, including brands, blogs, or any custom publisher. These new entrants pose a strategic challenge to traditional entertainment and media companies. But those with a clear vision and the strongest talent will have an edge in a media landscape that continues to grow more crowded and complex every day.
Journalism
As its name suggests, journalism involves the gathering and dissemination of news and information. Its aim is to provide truthful and timely news about important events, and serve the needs of society. This is a demanding profession, and journalists risk their lives in dangerous places and put themselves in conflict with powerful people in the pursuit of the facts. They also endure the rigours of editing, and they must make sure that their work is accurate and unbiased.
Moreover, a journalist must understand how to report and write in different formats. He or she must also know how to handle the pressures of a deadline, and be comfortable using technology.
In addition, a journalist must have strong leadership skills and be able to inspire others to pursue the truth. He or she must be able to identify and respond quickly to changes in the media landscape. It is also essential for a journalist to be able to connect with the public and be able to communicate difficult issues in an easy-to-understand way.
Media ethics
The global media ethics debate focuses on what norms should guide journalists in making decisions about what to publish. It is a debate that has become increasingly important as we move towards a world of mixed news media, where amateurs and professionals alike write blogs, tweet, post to Facebook, and broadcast or print for their audiences. This world requires a new set of ethical guidelines that are consistent across all platforms.
Journalists must be able to show compassion for the people affected by their work and balance the need for public information against potential harm or discomfort. They must avoid using offensive or confronting sounds, images and words. They should also respect people’s reasonable rights to privacy unless it can be outweighed by the public interest.
They should also be transparent with their audiences, explaining their processes and choices clearly and honestly. They should avoid promoting a particular viewpoint or political agenda, and be wary of accepting favored treatment from donors or special interests. They should also be prepared to respond quickly to questions about the accuracy or fairness of their coverage.
Media literacy
Media literacy is the ability to analyze and think critically about media messages. It includes understanding how media are created and examining the social, cultural, and political implications of their content. It also involves evaluating media ownership, commercial intent, and bias. Media literacy is important because it allows students to become active consumers of media and to make informed decisions about what they read, watch, and listen to.
The feature writing ESPN does — often called “capital-J journalism” — is something employees are proud of, whether it’s Thompson’s story on Tiger Woods or Tom Junod’s deep dive into the dissension in the Seattle Seahawks locker room or Fainaru’s piece on how the Syrian national team is being used as a propaganda tool by their government. These stories can have a profound impact on society, and they deserve to be seen.
Gracie Gilligan, a former high school student, realized that media literacy is a key skill for young people in the 21st century. This resource provides educators with tools and workshops to help students learn how to recognize the power of media messages and determine what is credible.