Journalism Basics

What is journalism? Define!

Journalism is….

the practice of investigating and reporting events, issues and trends to the mass audiences of….

….all kinds of media• Books• Newspapers• Magazines• Radio• TV• Movies• Recordings• Digital media• Social and mobile media.

What is the role of journalism?

Journalism….

--Provides citizens with accurate, reliable, impartial information they need to function in a free society.

--Is a watchdog to the government, business and other powerful public and private entities.

--Offers a forum for public criticism.

--Gives a voice to the voiceless.

In the U.S., freedom of the press is protected by….?

1st Amendment of the U.S. Constitution

Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the government for a redress of grievances.

What are the qualities of a good journalist?

Persistent

Good writer,

Excellent Storytelling

skills

Curious

Prepared, Hard-working

Trustworthy

Trusted

Skeptical

Liar, Liar

News wherever, whenever, however, from whomever

PR or “spin” has become BIG BUSINESS!

PR vs Journalism?

Journalism is….

• the practice of investigating and reporting events, issues and trends to the mass audiences of print, broadcast and online media such as newspapers, magazines and books, radio and television stations and networks, and blogs and social and mobile media.

Public relations is:

Creating understanding for or goodwill toward a

company, person, product

Case Study: BP Oil Spill 2010

1. More than 200 million gallons of crude oil pumped into the Gulf of Mexico for a total of 87 days, making it the biggest oil spill in U.S. history.

2. 16,000 total miles of coastline affected.

3. Gushing well was capped in July 2010, but oil still washed up on shores.

4. The initial oil rig explosion killed 11 people and injured 17 others.

WWJD? (what would journalist

do?)

http://www.cbsnews.com/video/watch/?id=6490509n

Crisis Management Strategy?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hoOfIR4Vk1o

Next Class, Tuesday 9/19

• No News quiz!

• We’ll continue talking about trust, the rules of journalism, the changing state of the industry and PR vs journalism.