Journalism entails many things and is generally recognised as vital worldwide. It has become a tool to evaluate freedom and democracy in social institutions. Journalism also covers information dissemination, vigilance, and criticism and creates a forum for public debate on controversial national issues.
Journalism is decoding significant information about society – news about the many things that matter to individuals, their communities, their culture, and their world, with necessary updates on local, national, and global events, keeping them up to date on different matters.
Fundamentally, it is about keeping the public informed, writing for newspapers, magazines, or news websites or getting news ready to broadcast.
In performing the role of content providers and professional communicators, Journalists help frame public opinion among all members of a society about critical issues of the day. Journalism is a rich and multifaceted social institution, a world with its norms, specific functions and roles, values, negative aspects, personnel, conditions, and mechanisms of operation. Its importance includes raising public awareness, ensuring political accountability, advocating for social justice, and promoting cultural understanding.
Journalism shares information through various channels such as newspapers, television, radio, and digital platforms that empower people to make informed choices. In emergencies or disasters, journalism is critical in providing timely updates that can save lives and reduce risks. As the Fourth Estate of the Realm, Journalism emphasizes its role as a crucial aspect of democracy by holding those in power accountable. Investigative journalism reveals corruption, misconduct, and misuse of power by holding public officials responsible.
READ ALSO: Print Journalism: It’s a time to rethink, to innovate – Oketola
A prominent Public Administration scholar, Ladipo Adamolekun, highlights the importance of journalism in society stating that it is the “oxygen of democracy; without it, the public cannot make informed decisions.” This accentuates how essential journalism is for fostering an informed citizenry, which is crucial for the functioning of a democratic society.
Throughout history, journalism has been a significant force for social transformation. It sheds light on the challenges faced and often brings attention to social disparities like poverty, gender biases, human rights abuses, and racial injustices, creating public conversations around these critical issues. By raising awareness, journalism can spark movements and rally public opinion, encouraging substantial reforms.
Journalism encourages cultural appreciation and understanding among diverse populations in an increasingly interconnected world. Some narratives showcase various cultures, thereby fostering mutual respect and understanding among different communities through coverage of cultural events and human-interest stories.
Empathy and cooperation between nations are only possible because of the insights into international issues that journalists offer. They inform the public about global challenges such as climate change and human rights violations, motivating collaborative action across borders. Journalism plays a crucial role in the economy by offering essential information that supports trade and investment decisions, shaping the economic landscape. Business journalism keeps consumers and investors informed about market trends, aiding them in making informed financial decisions based on comprehensive analyses. Reporting on economic matters heightens consumer awareness of products and services available in the market.
Journalism is vital for nurturing an informed society. “Journalism is what we need to make journalism work”, says Walter Cronkite, a revered journalist, and news anchor. It is not limited to reporting facts but is about creating an informed society capable of addressing complex issues and navigating complex social structures. As society continues to progress with technological advancements, journalism remains vital for the well-being of democracy.
Abolaji is a Mass Communication student of Covenant University, Otta, Nigeria