Learn about the essential functions of journalism and why it is crucial for a well-informed and democratic society. Discover how journalism informs, educates, and advocates for social justice.
The press performs a very important role as a means of mass communication in the modern world. The press tries to inform its readers objectively about what is happening in their country and the world at large. To bring certain developments into the focus, editorial comments on the news are also play a very imperative role in eliminating undesirable conditions prevailing in society Sometimes, newspapers carry campaign for some highly desirable civic projects and serve society in this way.
Functions of Journalism, Being A Journalist You Must Know.
1. Information
This function of journalism intends to inform the masses that include all reports, news and happening concerning their daily lives It does not include any information involving or concerning the pursuit of leisure* But it does cover all news regarding government, politics, foreign affairs, weather, accident, business, labour, education etc. This function consists mostly of matter, which is given, in news broadcast, on the radio and T V as well as in the news columns of the newspapers and magazines.
2, Education
The need for interpreting and explaining the news in our day and age is readily manifold because even the specialists at times become baffled by their own fields of knowledge The ordinary mortal caught in a maze of economics, science or invention needs to be led by the hand through its intricacies. Accordingly, the present day journalism see to it that, along with its announcement of a fact, event or theory, the reader or listener also gets explanation, background material, interpretation and diagrams. These are all aimed at helping an individual to achieve a better understanding of the significances of what he/she reads or hears.
- Guidance
From the earliest days journalism has sought to influence mankind Journalism endeavors to sway the minds of men through the printed words, cartoons, and pictures as they appear in newspapers, magazines, pamphlets and books and through the spoken word over the air. To meet these ends it uses all the nuances of arguments and all the devices of propaganda. News is the raw material of opinion and opinion may be indicated without a word of comment being uttered by the way in which the news itself is announced, either prominently or inconspicuously Avowedly the newspaper strives to influence its readers through its articles of opinion, its editorials, its cartoons, and its signed columns Avowedly the radio seeks to influence through its commentators, its interviewer and its many speakers who advocate varying’ points of views.
- Entertainment
Side by side with its most serious roles as a purveyor of information, interpreter and molder of opinion, journalism lays increasing emphasis on its function as an entertainer Under this function can be included all types of fiction like comic stripes, stories amusing aspects of every day life etc. It also includes factual material, sports news, theatre reviews and hobby columns, which deals with leisure The entertainment function of the press is very important. This function only competes for space and time with other functions, but it can also exert indirect influence and impart information, incidentally.
Ideological function.
Journalism is an ideological tool and allows you to strengthen a certain type of behavior and action in the consciousness of society. Performing an ideological function, journalism creates a certain stereotype and style of behavior in the creation of a person, thereby programming a person for specific actions. Journalism has the power to influence and create public opinion and influence mass consciousness. Thanks to the implementation of the ideological function in journalism, the ability to form one or another public opinion appears, which influences public choice and mass behavior.
Social control function
This means that journalists become independent monitors of power and leaders who have a strong influence on people’s lives. Apart from that, journalists also monitor every activity carried out, and encourage or motivate those in power not to do things that are contrary to what they should be.
Entertainment function
According to Rusman Latief in the book Cinematography Journalism (2021), the entertainment function means that journalism does not only present news, but can also be an informative entertainment medium. This means that the information conveyed to the public contains elements of entertainment. In this case, the entertainment in question is more directed at processing words of information that can cheer up the heart. However, the information conveyed to the public must remain accurate, correct and balanced.
In conclusion, the functions of journalism are crucial for a well-functioning society. From informing the public to holding power to account, journalism plays a vital role in shaping our world. It is essential that we support and protect the work of journalists so that they can continue to fulfill their important functions in society.