Introduction to Media
and Communication UNIT 4 JOURNALISM, DIGITAL MEDIA
AND SOCIETY
Structure
4.0 Introduction
4.1 Learning Outcomes
4.2 Understanding Journalism
4.2.1 Concept and Definitions
4.2.2 Evolution and Growth
4.2.3 Changing Forms of Journalism
4.2.4 Emerging Challenges
4.3 Digital Media and Journalism
4.3.1 Digital Ecosystem and Media
4.3.2 Journalism in the Age of Digital Media
4.3.3 Society in the Digital World
4.3.4 Case Studies of Digital Journalism
4.4 Journalism and Society
4.4.1 Journalism and Society: A Symbiosis
4.4.2 Changing Form of Journalism and Social Impact
4.4.3 Social Responsibility of Journalism
4.5 Journalism, Digital Media and Society
4.5.1 Role of Digital Media in the Empowerment of Society
4.5.2 Future of Journalism in the Age of Digital Media
4.5.3 Impact of Digital Journalism on Society: Case Studies
4.6 Let Us Sum Up
4.7 Further Readings
4.8 Keywords
4.9 Check Your Progress: Possible Answers
4.0 INTRODUCTION
The modern era has witnessed a profound transformation in how news and
information are disseminated, shared, and consumed. Digital media's advent
has revolutionised journalism's landscape, significantly impacting society at
large. By blending traditional reporting with the power of technology,
journalists now have unprecedented avenues to reach and connect with their
audiences.
At its core, journalism is a vital pillar of democratic societies, acting as a
watchdog, holding power accountable, and informing the public. However,
with the rise of digital media, the traditional boundaries of journalism have
expanded, giving rise to new challenges and opportunities, blurring the line
between professional journalism and citizen reporting.
50
,a Journalism, Digital
This paradigm shift has implications not only for the media industry but also
Media, and Society
for society as a whole.
Thus, this unit will delve into the multifaceted interactions between
journalism, digital media, and society. We will examine the impact of social
media platforms on news consumption patterns, the challenges journalists
face in navigating the digital landscape, and the ethical considerations that
arise in this new media ecosystem.
4.1 LEARNING OUTCOMES
After going through this unit, you will be able to:
• understand the impact of digital media on journalism and society;
• recognise the role of journalism as a pillar of democratic institutions;
• explore the challenges and opportunities presented by digital media in
journalism;
• develop critical thinking skills to evaluate the reliability and credibility
of news sources in the digital age; and
• acquire knowledge about the interplay between journalism, digital
media, and society in an ever-evolving media landscape.
4.2 UNDERSTANDING JOURNALISM
From investigative reporting to storytelling, journalism plays a pivotal role in
our society by uncovering truths, shaping public opinion, and holding those
in power accountable. Get ready to explore journalism's principles, practices,
and impact as we unravel its significance in our world today.
4.2.1 Concept and Definitions
Some prominent definitions of Journalism are given below:
"Journalism can never be silent: that is its greatest virtue and its greatest
fault." - Henry Anatole Grunwald
"Journalism is printing what someone else does not want printed. Everything
else is public relations." - George Orwell
"Journalism is the first draft of history. It is the medium through which news,
ideas, and opinions are communicated to the masses. It plays a crucial role
in fostering democracy and facilitating public discourse."- M. Chalapathi
Rao
"Journalism is about telling stories that matter. It is the pursuit of truth,
driven by a commitment to social justice. Journalists are responsible for
highlighting the marginalised, questioning authority, and amplifying diverse
perspectives."-P. Sainath
"News is what somebody does not want you to print. All the rest is
advertising." - William Randolph Hearst
51
, Introduction to Media
and Communication Journalism is the art and practice of gathering, verifying, and presenting news
and information to the public. It involves investigating stories, conducting
interviews, and reporting on relevant and significant societal events.
4.2.2 Evolution and Growth
Journalism in India has a rich and extensive history that can be traced back to
the colonial era. The first newspaper, The Bengal Gazette, was established in
1780 by James Augustus Hickey. However, it faced challenges and was shut
down in 1782 due to its outspoken criticism of the British administration. The
British introduced independent press or participatory journalism during the
colonial period in India. However, they also imposed restrictions on the
Indian media to control the spread of nationalistic sentiments. One significant
measure was the Press Act of 1910, which allowed the local government to
demand a security fee for any content deemed offensive towards the
government. This act resulted in the prosecution of nearly 1,000 newspapers.
In response to such censorship, the All-India Newspapers Editors' Conference
was established as a defender of press rights in the country.
Historical, technological, and societal factors have driven the evolution and
growth of journalism in India. The profession has expanded its reach,
embracing new mediums and empowering citizens to engage actively with
news and information. Journalism continues to evolve, adapt, and play a
crucial role in shaping public discourse and promoting an informed society.
4.2.3 Changing Forms of Journalism
Journalism in India has witnessed significant transformations in recent years,
driven by evolving technology, changing media consumption patterns, and
societal shifts.
Digital Journalism: With the advent of the Internet, digital journalism has
gained prominence, offering new ways to gather, produce, and consume
news. Online news portals, blogs, and social media platforms have become
popular sources of information.
Data Journalism: Data journalism involves analysing and visualising
complex data sets to uncover meaningful stories. It enhances transparency,
facilitates in-depth reporting, and empowers audiences with data-driven
insights.
Example: Mongabay-India published a series of articles that used data to
show the impact of climate change on India.
Citizen Journalism: Citizen journalism enables ordinary individuals to
participate in news production. With the proliferation of smartphones and
social media, people can capture and share news events in real-time.
Multimedia Journalism: Multimedia journalism combines various formats,
such as text, images, audio, and video, to present news stories in a more
engaging and immersive manner. It caters to diverse audience preferences.
Mobile Journalism: Mobile journalism, or MoJo, involves using
smartphones and mobile devices to gather, edit, and publish news content. It
52
and Communication UNIT 4 JOURNALISM, DIGITAL MEDIA
AND SOCIETY
Structure
4.0 Introduction
4.1 Learning Outcomes
4.2 Understanding Journalism
4.2.1 Concept and Definitions
4.2.2 Evolution and Growth
4.2.3 Changing Forms of Journalism
4.2.4 Emerging Challenges
4.3 Digital Media and Journalism
4.3.1 Digital Ecosystem and Media
4.3.2 Journalism in the Age of Digital Media
4.3.3 Society in the Digital World
4.3.4 Case Studies of Digital Journalism
4.4 Journalism and Society
4.4.1 Journalism and Society: A Symbiosis
4.4.2 Changing Form of Journalism and Social Impact
4.4.3 Social Responsibility of Journalism
4.5 Journalism, Digital Media and Society
4.5.1 Role of Digital Media in the Empowerment of Society
4.5.2 Future of Journalism in the Age of Digital Media
4.5.3 Impact of Digital Journalism on Society: Case Studies
4.6 Let Us Sum Up
4.7 Further Readings
4.8 Keywords
4.9 Check Your Progress: Possible Answers
4.0 INTRODUCTION
The modern era has witnessed a profound transformation in how news and
information are disseminated, shared, and consumed. Digital media's advent
has revolutionised journalism's landscape, significantly impacting society at
large. By blending traditional reporting with the power of technology,
journalists now have unprecedented avenues to reach and connect with their
audiences.
At its core, journalism is a vital pillar of democratic societies, acting as a
watchdog, holding power accountable, and informing the public. However,
with the rise of digital media, the traditional boundaries of journalism have
expanded, giving rise to new challenges and opportunities, blurring the line
between professional journalism and citizen reporting.
50
,a Journalism, Digital
This paradigm shift has implications not only for the media industry but also
Media, and Society
for society as a whole.
Thus, this unit will delve into the multifaceted interactions between
journalism, digital media, and society. We will examine the impact of social
media platforms on news consumption patterns, the challenges journalists
face in navigating the digital landscape, and the ethical considerations that
arise in this new media ecosystem.
4.1 LEARNING OUTCOMES
After going through this unit, you will be able to:
• understand the impact of digital media on journalism and society;
• recognise the role of journalism as a pillar of democratic institutions;
• explore the challenges and opportunities presented by digital media in
journalism;
• develop critical thinking skills to evaluate the reliability and credibility
of news sources in the digital age; and
• acquire knowledge about the interplay between journalism, digital
media, and society in an ever-evolving media landscape.
4.2 UNDERSTANDING JOURNALISM
From investigative reporting to storytelling, journalism plays a pivotal role in
our society by uncovering truths, shaping public opinion, and holding those
in power accountable. Get ready to explore journalism's principles, practices,
and impact as we unravel its significance in our world today.
4.2.1 Concept and Definitions
Some prominent definitions of Journalism are given below:
"Journalism can never be silent: that is its greatest virtue and its greatest
fault." - Henry Anatole Grunwald
"Journalism is printing what someone else does not want printed. Everything
else is public relations." - George Orwell
"Journalism is the first draft of history. It is the medium through which news,
ideas, and opinions are communicated to the masses. It plays a crucial role
in fostering democracy and facilitating public discourse."- M. Chalapathi
Rao
"Journalism is about telling stories that matter. It is the pursuit of truth,
driven by a commitment to social justice. Journalists are responsible for
highlighting the marginalised, questioning authority, and amplifying diverse
perspectives."-P. Sainath
"News is what somebody does not want you to print. All the rest is
advertising." - William Randolph Hearst
51
, Introduction to Media
and Communication Journalism is the art and practice of gathering, verifying, and presenting news
and information to the public. It involves investigating stories, conducting
interviews, and reporting on relevant and significant societal events.
4.2.2 Evolution and Growth
Journalism in India has a rich and extensive history that can be traced back to
the colonial era. The first newspaper, The Bengal Gazette, was established in
1780 by James Augustus Hickey. However, it faced challenges and was shut
down in 1782 due to its outspoken criticism of the British administration. The
British introduced independent press or participatory journalism during the
colonial period in India. However, they also imposed restrictions on the
Indian media to control the spread of nationalistic sentiments. One significant
measure was the Press Act of 1910, which allowed the local government to
demand a security fee for any content deemed offensive towards the
government. This act resulted in the prosecution of nearly 1,000 newspapers.
In response to such censorship, the All-India Newspapers Editors' Conference
was established as a defender of press rights in the country.
Historical, technological, and societal factors have driven the evolution and
growth of journalism in India. The profession has expanded its reach,
embracing new mediums and empowering citizens to engage actively with
news and information. Journalism continues to evolve, adapt, and play a
crucial role in shaping public discourse and promoting an informed society.
4.2.3 Changing Forms of Journalism
Journalism in India has witnessed significant transformations in recent years,
driven by evolving technology, changing media consumption patterns, and
societal shifts.
Digital Journalism: With the advent of the Internet, digital journalism has
gained prominence, offering new ways to gather, produce, and consume
news. Online news portals, blogs, and social media platforms have become
popular sources of information.
Data Journalism: Data journalism involves analysing and visualising
complex data sets to uncover meaningful stories. It enhances transparency,
facilitates in-depth reporting, and empowers audiences with data-driven
insights.
Example: Mongabay-India published a series of articles that used data to
show the impact of climate change on India.
Citizen Journalism: Citizen journalism enables ordinary individuals to
participate in news production. With the proliferation of smartphones and
social media, people can capture and share news events in real-time.
Multimedia Journalism: Multimedia journalism combines various formats,
such as text, images, audio, and video, to present news stories in a more
engaging and immersive manner. It caters to diverse audience preferences.
Mobile Journalism: Mobile journalism, or MoJo, involves using
smartphones and mobile devices to gather, edit, and publish news content. It
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