Why Journalism

The Oxford Advanced Learner’s Dictionary defines journalism as ‘the work of collecting and writing news stories for newspapers, magazines, radio or television’. The definition is limited in the sense that it does not cover what or how or why!

Truly journalism is the fourth pillar of democracy and not simply a profession. With the duty of the profession of journalism come many responsibilities. A journalist is a true messenger, an honest guide and the voice of the voiceless. Of late after continuing with the Official Secrets Act, 1923, and later bringing The Copyright Act, 1957, and the Contempt of Courts Act, 1971 the government has also recognised the power of press.

Let’s not forget that a journalist is also a human being. That human beings wherever they are suffer with certain vice and virtues. But the fact remains that a journalist has to be more conscientious than what others are supposed to be. That, a journalist won’t be a journalist, if, he or she craves for money. That a journalist has to be a link between the masses and the classes, the ruler and the ruled, the people and the state. That a Journalist's first obligation is to the truth. That its practitioners must maintain an independence from those they cover. That it must serve as an independent monitor of power.
I believe that my background and experiences are proof of something called humane at the centre of my thought process. I honestly have faith in the ethical obligations of this profession. For me the greatest joy would be if I can bring hope to those in grief, trust for those who have lost faith and love for those who are hated.
I think that human being should be at the core of any planning. The way industrialization and globalization is submerging the rural, the simple and the gentle voice, humanity is doomed to loose. Might is right can’t be true as might can’t be measured on any single criteria. The criteria when expanded will include every single human being as there can be no human being without a single good quality.

Journalism can play and has played in recent times an active role in rooting out corruption. Journalism can lead to the citizenry being active, society being conscious and in turn a dynamic democracy.

Globalisation has brought with it business conglomerates who control the Press. The result — profits are given more importance than journalistic ethics and people are losing faith in the Fourth Estate. The fundamental role of the press to inform and empower citizens is endangered. A free and independent press is essential to human liberty. No people can remain sovereign without a vigorous press that reports the news, examines critical issues and encourages a robust exchange of ideas. An unbalanced emphasis on profits and financial growth weakens the foundation of journalism as a public trust. In such a situation the responsibility increases even more.