Introduction to Journalism

Early School Journalism

Before 1900-the principle was that “where there is a student body there is a need for a news organ”

School publication was just a dotted account with little significance other than the birth of the school publication.

1920-literary essay had given way to the feature story.

1920-poetry abdicated its position to the columns, news story

suggested interpretation, and editorial entered the paper.

Four Distinct Types of Publication emerged:

Newspapers The annual-now called yearbook Magazine Handbook

*half of the school papers that are published today began between 1920 to 1940.

School Journalism Today

Student journalism is never stationary, it always responds to student ingenuity and changing times, and the present period is exceptionally active one, with significant trends.

School papers sphere of news coverage today has noticeably become broader.

Definition of Journalism

“literature in a hurry” –Jose A. Quirino

“ Something that embraces all forms in which and through which the news and comments on the news reach the public. All that happens in the world, if such happenings hold interest for the public, and all the thought, actions, and ideas which these happenings stimulate become the materials for the journalist.”-F. Fraser Bond

Functions of Journalism

1. Inform the public through the news coverage

2.Influence and mold the public opinion

3. Amuse or entertain the public

4. Serve and promote community welfare as a whole

Scope of Journalism

Journalism covers three channels or areas of mass communication:

1. Audio

2. Audio-visual

3. Print

Definition of Campus Journalism

Campus journalism is defined as “that enjoyable activity of the staff of the campus paper in collecting, organizing and presenting news, writing editorials, columns, features, and literary articles, taking pictures, cartooning, copy reading, proofreading, dummying & writing headlines”.

Functions of the Campus paper

A. Aid to the students1. provide an opportunity for interesting writing;2.give students the opportunity to learn how to read newspapers;3.act as a stimulus to better work.4.develop students’ power of observation and discrimination

Functions of the Campus Paper

B. Aid to the School & Community

1. educate the community as to the work of the school

2. publish school and community news;

3. create & express school opinions;

4. make known the achievements of the school to the community.

Sections of the Campus Paper

A. News Section

B. Editorial Section

C. Features/Literary Sections

D. Columns: Sports, Fashion, etc.

E. Review

Qualities of a Good Journalist

1.Resourcefulness- a good journalist is supposed to be resourceful in order to gain access credible sources of information and to gain success to all important event.

2. Critical- in order to separate truth from propaganda and dogmas that may distort truth.

Qualities of a Good Journalist

3. Objective- a journalist is supposed to put aside personal biases and should not let his emotions cloud his judgment.

4. Conscientious- a journalist is not supposed to use his influence in order to meet personal objectives and should be well aware of the consequences that may result from his actions.

You need to be thinking “ I want to be the best” and be prepared to take all the necessary steps to get this.

*Specific skills: articulate, confident and be good at working to strict guidelines.

*Compare yourself to real broadcast journalist- take notes of what they do well ( and what they aren't doing well ).

*Learn from your mistakes.

If you want to succeed you’ll definitely need to be

headstrong. Always think “ What do I need to do to

achieve my goals?”