On Journalism

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On Journalism

'News is service, service by the members of the Fourth Estate to the

greater social weal.'

Journalism is all about providing citizens with complete and accurate

information regarding the political and social events that will affect

their lives. It is about a sacred, selfless mission to THE PEOPLE.

Even if we are to make allowances for the fact that commercialism has

slightly crept into and slightly eroded the above institutional goal

of the press, substantiated by the rising number of tabloid and

plainly gossip publications, to call it a mere 'branch of the

entertainment industry' would be, to put it simply, a wrong and

ignorant statement.

The press plays such a pivotal role in the society that its influence

and estimate far exceeds mere entertainment value. A perusal through

the functions and impacts of this great institution will clearly

illustrate this.

The press is one of the pillars of democracy, promoting and

safeguarding its values. By faithfully reporting the proceedings of

the legislative and political organs of the democracy, journalists not

only provide essential information to the public but also act as a

check to the ruling power. In other words, a free press prevents the

government from going about doing as it pleases. The link between

press freedom and democracy was in evidence in Venezuela in mid April

(2002) and before that in Peru. In both nations it was demonstrated

that democratic legitimacy may be measured by the respect for press

freedom and the guarantees provided to ensure its existence.

Journalism goes beyond preserving democracy, it actually promotes and

enhances it. It h...

... middle of paper ...

... the entertainment industry.

Journalism, in its true sense, is and always has been all about

serving the people through their basic right to know. Not a few lives

have been laid down on this altar for the sake of The Call, defending

and upholding its values. Throughout the pages of history, journalism

has threaten the 'mighty', upheld the rights of the downtrodden, put

forth the views if the public, raised a voice on behalf of the

voiceless and done noble service to the people. The very expression 'A

pen is mightier than a sword' speaks volumes about the power of this

institution of the press.

Therefore, I conclude that journalism is not a branch of the

entertainment industry, but is an instrumental enterprise in the

safeguarding of the democracy and basic freedoms and which provides

true service to the people.

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