Understanding Journalism – A personal interpretation

Through this essay I will be answering the questions, ‘What is journalism to me?’, ‘How has journalism changed in India over the years?’  and ‘What is its significance in a Communication and Media, Psychology course?’.

What is journalism to me?

I used to think journalism meant opinion writing on current affairs, it did not strike to me the need for people to state said current affairs. I always expected journalists to be people who told people how to think about a certain topic. However, recently I have begun to realise the importance of objective delivery of facts as a crucial facet of journalism. The press looks to provide the public with all possible facts and opinions, however contradictory, so as to let the audience form their own educated opinion on a matter.

Journalism implies the collection, curation and dissemination of information for public interest. It serves a social function in spreading awareness and encouraging the public to think about certain topics through the content chosen. Unlike film or content, journalism caters not solely to the demands of the audience, but also to the needs and requirements of the citizens, especially within a democracy. It is the primary means through which popular opinion is formed and sometimes, controlled.

How has journalism changed in India over the years?

As in most fields, ownership of media capital is a central factor in determining the quality, rigour and authenticity of journalistic content produced by outlets. By looking at the ownership patterns in India, we can trace the evolution of journalism from the 1940s to today.

Newly independent India mainly practise journalism through newspapers. The Freedom movement inspired the public to raise their voices through journalism and was used by freedom fighters and revolutionaries as a powerful tool against the British. Newspapers enjoyed readership among the literate. However, information rarely reached India’s rural population and supported government policies instead of highlighting their pitfalls. With the advent of radio and telecommunication, journalism could cater to a wider audience. However, these mediums were heavily regulated by the government.

The emergency of 1975 displayed what an overstep of government control can look like for journalism. The watchdogs of the government were muzzled down and made to sign praises of the government policies. The basis of such attitude was the claim that the press was inciting violence and divisive narratives among the public. However, the need for review of each piece of news published by the government, threatened the basic integrity and objectivity required to perform the profession.

Through the rest of the 20^th century, journalism evolved to suit the higher literacy, better technology and increasing complexities within the new democracy of India. The liberalisation and privatisation wave initially benefited the media industry heavily. The free media market boomed with more than 400 channels and media companies establishing themselves. While information was widely available, it set the atmosphere for market forces to blow the sails of the media. In contrast to the current state of the media, it is useful to note the endurance of rigorous and extensive coverage of atrocities like Gujrat riots, 2002.

Recently, ownership of media outlets has begun to be heavily consolidated in the hands of a few capitalists, choosing revenue and profit over any journalistic principles. We also see an increasing interference of the government into media affair, with crackdowns on journalists and activists and a hold on public opinion formation. This is clear through the biased, instigating and polarizing coverage by large media outlets and proliferation of hate through social media platforms. Political parties have continued to use social media as an unregulated space to spread dangerous information under the banner of official news. We must consider these developments while presenting information to an ever inattentive audience. It is vital for today’s journalists to fight for a space where we can uphold the core tenets of the profession.

What is its significance in a Communication and Media, Psychology course?

Journalism is a fundamental in studying communication and media, since it allows students to apply media theory to real life challenges in reporting and writing. It deals with communication styles towards particular audiences and analysing media structures and formats in a way which could assist journalism too. Students also study journalism alongside individual and societal temperament and psyche. Psychology provides various insights into the appropriate methods of information dissemination. Within theories such as Mean world syndrome, there is a connection between the media content chosen and individual behaviour. We must consider the influence of both subjects to achieve a balanced, objective practice of journalism. It must take into consideration the content, the perspectives displayed, the influence on the audience, the language used, cultural equations and many others.

Journalism has gradually become more fascinating to me as I have studied and explored the subject and practice. The impact of words and pictures to change the course of society draws me to this profession. Not only do I find joy in being of use to a larger group of people, but I also love learning new facts, finding connections and drawing conclusions between . I look forward to practicing this as a career.