Summary of the Elements of Journalism
Introduction
The ‘Elements of Journalism’ is a set of
professional and ethical standards journalists are expected to fulfill in the
course of dispensing news and information to the public. Equally, the set
of ‘elements’ seeks to explain the larger positive goals of journalism. In
other words, the intrinsic values of the very purpose and standard of
journalism are summed up as the Elements of Journalism.
The ‘elements’ were
first proposed by US journalists Bill Kovach and Tom Rosenstiel
in their popular book Elements of Journalism: What Newspeople Should Know
and What to Expect. Published in
2006, the book is now considered the topmost authority for
reference and resource for every journalist – and those aspiring to be one.
The
Elements of Journalism
The Elements of Journalism
lists a number of imperatives that represent the very spirit of Journalism, its
purpose and goal.
According to the book, there are nine elements
of Journalism:
1.
Journalism’s first obligation is to the truth.
2.
Journalism’s first loyalty is to citizens.
3.
Journalism’s essence is a discipline of
verification.
4.
Practitioners of journalism must maintain an
independence from those they cover.
5.
Journalism must serve as an independent
monitor of power.
6.
Journalism must provide a forum for public
criticism and compromise.
7.
Journalism must strive to make the significant
interesting and relevant.
8.
Journalism must keep the news comprehensive
and proportional.
9.
Practitioners of journalism must be allowed to
exercise their personal conscience.
Summary
The ‘Elements of Journalism’ are not
necessarily exceptions nor are they rules unto themselves. They are more of a
rationalization of ethical paradigms, which completely represent the central
tenets of purpose rather than intent, for journalists. They are pragmatic standards
for newsmen as much as they are principles that embody the aspiration of
peoples for a freer, more democratic, productive and progressive society.
©2012 Al Ngullie ALL RIGHTS RESERVED This
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