What is Journalism and Mass Communication? Definition, Scope, Features & Importance

Introduction to Journalism and Mass Communication

Meaning and Definitions of Journalism and Mass Communication

What is Journalism? Journalism is the process of gathering, verifying, analyzing, and presenting news and information to the public. Journalism definition can be stated as “the activity or profession of writing for newspapers, magazines, or news websites or preparing news to be broadcast” (Oxford English Dictionary). Journalism has a long and rich history, and some of the pioneers and innovators of journalism are considered as the father of journalism, such as Benjamin Franklin, Joseph Pulitzer, and Walter Cronkite.

Journalism also follows certain criteria and standards that determine the selection and presentation of news stories, known as the news values in journalism, such as timeliness, relevance, proximity, prominence, impact, conflict, novelty, and human interest. Journalism also employs various methods and techniques that suit the nature and purpose of the news stories, known as the types of reporting in journalism, such as hard news, soft news, investigative reporting, feature reporting, opinion reporting, and specialized reporting.

Mass communication is the process of transmitting and receiving messages to and from a large and heterogeneous audience through various media channels, such as print, radio, television, internet, and social media. Mass communication can be defined as “the process by which a person, group of people, or organization creates a message and transmits it through some type of medium to a large, anonymous, heterogeneous audience” (McQuail, 2010).

Mass communication can also be defined as “the study of how people and entities relay information through mass media to large segments of the population at the same time” (Encyclopaedia Britannica).

Evolution of Journalism and Mass Communication

Journalism and mass communication have evolved over time, influenced by the social, cultural, political, and technological changes in the world. Some of the key stages and milestones in the history of journalism and mass communication are:

The invention of writing and printing: The invention of writing and printing enabled the creation and distribution of written records and documents, such as books, newspapers, and pamphlets. This marked the beginning of journalism and mass communication to spread information and knowledge to a wider audience.
The emergence of yellow journalism and investigative journalism: Yellow journalism was a style of sensational and exaggerated reporting that emerged in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, especially in the United States. Yellow journalism aimed to attract and influence the readers by appealing to their emotions and prejudices. Investigative journalism was a style of in-depth and critical reporting that emerged in the same period, especially in Europe. Investigative journalism aimed to expose and challenge the corruption, injustice, and abuse of power by the authorities and institutions.
The development of radio and television: Radio and television were the first electronic media that enabled the transmission and reception of audio and visual messages to a mass audience. Radio and television revolutionized journalism and mass communication by providing a more immediate, interactive, and diverse way of informing and entertaining the public.
The advent of digital and social media: Digital and social media are the latest and most advanced forms of media that use the internet and mobile devices to create and share information and messages. Digital and social media have transformed journalism and mass communication by providing a more accessible, personalized, and participatory way of communicating and engaging with the public.

Nature and Features of Journalism and Mass Communication

Journalism and mass communication have some common and distinctive nature and features that characterize their functions and roles in the society. Some of the nature and features of journalism and mass communication are:

Public service and social responsibility: Journalism and mass communication have a public service and social responsibility to inform, educate, and empower the public and to uphold the values of democracy, freedom, and justice. Journalism, and mass communication should adhere to the principles of journalism, and the journalism ethics that guide their professional conduct and standards.
Diversity and plurality: Journalism and mass communication have a diversity and plurality of forms, formats, genres, styles, perspectives, and voices that reflect the variety and complexity of the world and its issues. Journalism and mass communication should respect and represent the diversity and plurality of the audience and the sources of information and messages.
Creativity and innovation: Journalism and mass communication have a creativity and innovation of methods, techniques, tools, and technologies that enable the production and dissemination of information and messages. Journalism and mass communication should embrace and explore the creativity and innovation of the media and the communication.

Major Types of Journalism and Mass Communication

Journalism and mass communication can be classified into various types based on the media, the audience, the purpose, and the content of the information and messages. Some of the major types of journalism and mass communication are:

Print journalism and mass communication: Print journalism and mass communication use the printed media, such as newspapers, magazines, and books, to convey information and messages. Print journalism and mass communication can be further divided into subtypes, such as tabloid journalism, business journalism, sports journalism, and literary journalism.
Broadcast journalism and mass communication: Broadcast journalism and mass communication use the electronic media, such as radio and television, to transmit and receive information and messages. Broadcast journalism and mass communication can be further divided into subtypes, such as news journalism, entertainment journalism, documentary journalism, and talk show journalism.
Digital journalism and mass communication: Digital journalism and mass communication use the internet and mobile devices to create and share information and messages. Digital journalism and mass communication can be further divided into subtypes, such as online journalism, multimedia journalism, data journalism, and social media journalism.
Citizen journalism and mass communication: Citizen journalism and mass communication use the personal and participatory media, such as blogs, podcasts, and videos, to generate and distribute information and messages. Citizen journalism and mass communication can be further divided into subtypes, such as grassroots journalism, activist journalism, collaborative journalism, and crowdsourced journalism.

How to Make a Career in Journalism and Mass Communication

Journalism and mass communication offer a wide range of career opportunities and possibilities for those who have a passion and aptitude for communication. Journalism and mass communication require a combination of skills and qualifications, such as:

A degree or diploma in journalism and mass communication or a related field: A formal education in journalism and mass communication or a related field can provide the theoretical knowledge and practical skills required for journalism and mass communication. It can also help to gain exposure and experience in the field through internships, projects, and assignments.
A portfolio or resume of journalism and mass communication work or projects: A portfolio or resume of journalism and mass communication work or projects can showcase the abilities and achievements of the journalism and mass communication professional. It can also help to demonstrate the quality, diversity, and originality of the journalism and mass communication work or projects.
A network of contacts and connections in the journalism and mass communication industry: A network of contacts and connections in the journalism and mass communication industry can help to access the opportunities and resources available in the field. It can also help to learn from the experiences and insights of the journalism and mass communication professionals and mentors.
A passion and curiosity for communication and learning: A passion and curiosity for communication and learning can help to keep abreast of the latest trends and developments in the journalism and mass communication field. It can also help to explore and experiment with new and innovative ways of communication and improve the communication skills and knowledge.

Importance of Journalism and Mass Communication

Journalism and mass communication have a significant importance and influence on the society, culture, politics, and economy of the world. Journalism and mass communication have the following importance and functions:

Informing and educating the public: Journalism and mass communication provide the public with the information and knowledge that they need to understand and participate in the world. Journalism and mass communication inform and educate the public about the events, issues, and ideas that affect their lives and interests.
Entertaining and engaging the public: Journalism and mass communication provide the public with the entertainment and enjoyment that they seek and deserve. Journalism and mass communication entertain and engage the public with the stories, characters, and emotions that appeal to their senses and feelings.
Persuading and influencing the public: Journalism and mass communication provide the public with the persuasion and influence that they want and expect. Journalism and mass communication persuade and influence the public with the opinions, arguments, and messages that shape their attitudes and behaviors.
Empowering and mobilizing the public: Journalism and mass communication provide the public with the empowerment and mobilization that they demand and deserve. Journalism and mass communication empower and mobilize the public with the voice, platform, and action that enable them to express and assert their rights and interests.

Conclusion

Journalism and mass communication are two interrelated and overlapping fields of study and practice that deal with producing and disseminating information and messages to a large and diverse audience. Journalism and mass communication have a significant impact on the society, culture, politics, and economy of the world. Journalism and mass communication have evolved over time, influenced by the social, cultural, political, and technological changes in the world. The scope of journalism is wide and diverse as journalism covers a wide range of topics, issues, and fields.

In summary, the ever-changing realms of journalism and mass communication shape our world. Stay informed, be aware, and actively engage in the discourse that molds our collective understanding.