Everything changes at a very fast pace in this busy and happening world. And what happens when the source of all our news i.e. media too redefines itself. Journalism, which was once about sincerely penning your thoughts and letting people know what’s happening in various parts of the world, is now about creating news rather than investigating news.
It’s a revolution in media industry that first came through the cable television, then satellite and now online versions of newspapers is augmenting the news media scene. In olden times, news was that which came from newspapers or word of mouth. Today the term ‘news’ is not just about informing, but also about doing it fast, effectively and also analyzing it for Gen X. Being in the eye of public domain has created a tremendous pressure on the publication as well as news channels.
With various multimedia options – from streaming video online to downloadable applications, blogs and mobile alerts, the options are varied for today’s reader. Journalists are working harder than ever to cater to their readers. From live reporting, interviewing, analyzing the facts to the digitalization of news on blogs and official websites, the job is easier said than done. Journalists who want to set their articles apart as truthful and comprehensive have began giving public access to their sources.
Playing an active role in the process of collecting , reporting, analyzing, and disseminating news and other information was the definition of journalism in olden times. Today it is defined as – Revelation , current events, gossip, new information, imparting facts. There is no ‘News’ anymore rather just about anything is news today.
E.g. Famous bollywood actress Aishwarya Rai’s marriage controversy or we can say a tea-gossip that Ms. Rai will change her name after marriage was unbelievable. To some extent it may be news for entertainment and gossip lovers , however television channels carried 30 minutes slot in this very subject.
The media ecology, with its additional agency of interactivity, democracy and with a new domain of bloggers and citizen reporters has extended the medium to further discuss a set of issues and opportunities that extend beyond familiar boundaries. The news business and political journalism have now experienced such incredible changes as specialized news, financial news and sports 24- hour cable satellite service.
Today social media has also changed journalism. It’s an extension of those practices which are now an essential component of any news organizations strategy. However , an increase in competition has also led organizations to distinguish themselves from less responsible outlets by being more transparent about how they do their work. Due to all this newsmakers face increasing competition to cover all the pertinent stories and reach sources before their competitors . The biggest change which has occurred is increased involvement of the audience , which has morphed from the occasional letter in to an active citizen participating in polls and giving feedback through emails.
Understanding online journalism, impact of technology on journalism, journalism in digital age, print media v\s television media are some of the terms that define modern journalism.
The basic rule of good journalism is- “ Tell the story right, tell it well,” or “ If you cant be funny, then be interesting.”
– Mrinalini Singh –
