Unit 1

Introduction to Journalistic Concepts

Journalism

• Journalism can be defined as an act of writing news related themes for print and non-print media.

• It also involves a complex process of taking information and placing it into context. A journalist is always faced
with the burden of telling the truth.

• Journalism serves as the watchdog and whistleblower for society. It combines everything from “hard news” to
politics, public affairs, softer news (human interest and celebrity stories).

• In other words, journalism is also a source of entertainment. And most importantly, modern journalism also gives
lifestyle messages, medical

• The majority of people across the globe rely on journalism for information.

• A journalist must have a specific set of skills, first an education in journalism, and then the ability to write
excellent, or otherwise a nose for news. Hence, a journalism student must understand what the course is all about.

• Journalists are considered a special breed of people.

• Journalists are professional and very cautious and conscious. They always tend to check their sources, wording,
quotes, and even spelling.

• They are required to adhere to journalistic standards and ethics. They make mistakes, but they always know how
to come back.

• They always abide by deadlines, datelines, and bylines and they give credit to their sources. Journalists report
without fear or bias on the developing stories. This is perhaps the reason becoming a journalist may be hard than
many think.

• Journalism is one of the backbones of modern society. It has been serving generations, as the watchdogs and
whistleblowers, ensuring balance in e every aspect of human existence. Even though technology has changed
things today – with the introduction of social media and the internet, the essence of journalism remains the same.
For a beginning journalist, it is critical to understand all the aspects of the industry. Note that journalism touches
almost every area of society; hence it is one of the most important subjects in the world.

Definition

• Journalism is a form of communication based on asking, and answering, the questions Who? What? How?
Where? When? Why?
• Journalism is anything that contributes in some way in gathering, selection, processing of news and current
affairs for the press, radio, television, film, cable, internet, etc.

• Journalism is a discipline of collecting, analyzing, verifying, and presenting news regarding current events, trends,
issues and people. Those who practice journalism are known as journalists. Journalism is defined by Denis Mc Quail
as ‘paid writing for public media with reference to actual and ongoing events of public relevance’

• The word “Journalism” is derived from the word “Journal” which means a daily register or a diary – a book
containing each day’s business or transactions.

Journalism can also be defined as :

• The collection and editing of news for presentation through the media

• The public press

• An academic study concerned with the collection and editing of news or the management of a news medium

• Writing characterized by a direct presentation of facts or description of events without an attempt at

interpretation

• Writing designed to appeal to current popular taste or public interest

Meaning

• The words journalist journal and ‘journalism are derived from the French‘ journal’ which in its turn comes from
the Latin term ‘diurnal is’ or ‘daily’.

• The Acta Diurna, a handwritten bulletin put up daily in the Forum, the main public square in ancient Rome, was
perhaps the world’s first newspaper. Later, pamphlets, gazettes, news books, news sheets, letters came to be
termed as ‘news paper’. Those who wrote for them were first called news writers and later journalists

Nature of journalism

• Timely reporting of events

• Not just fact-finding media analysis.

• Dissemination of news and views about the society.

• Modern journalism feeds five areas of mass communication – Newspapers and Periodicals, Radio, Television,
Films, Advertising & Public Relations.

• Media of mass education,

• who, what, where, why, when and how,

Scope of Journalism

• In today’s world people want to know about the current information regarding politics, sports, weather,
entertainment or so on, it is possible through mass communication.

• The scope of mass communication increasing day by day. It is the best source to collect information from all over
the world.

• Mass Communication considering the fourth pillar of any state.

• Journalism investigating and analyzing the matters and discuss it with experts.

Functions of Watchdog

• A free and independent press is fundamental to a democratic society and allows us to live with liberty.

• An independent news media uses its watchdog role to investigate and report on government overreach and
wrongdoing and hold those in power accountable for their actions.

• You can’t have democracy without a free press

• Because of press freedom, we get to decide what news, information and entertainment to consume.

• The government does not have the power to select which media to allow.

• Our exposure to a variety of viewpoints encourages self-expression and debate and helps us make informed
decisions about our community and country.

• This core freedom also entertains us, provides a “first draft of history” and spurs some of us toward activism.

• At its best, the press connects us and provides information we rely on to participate in public life – protecting all
our freedoms.

Role of Press in Democracy

• Article 19 of the Constitution of India guarantees the right to freedom of speech and expression and is typically
invoked against the state. However, despite the constitutional protection, journalists and media outlets in India
have faced a range of challenges, including threats, attacks, and intimidation from government officials, politicians,
and non-state actors.

• Media is the engine that drives democracy forward, based on the quest for truth, justice, and equality. In today's
digital age, the need for journalists to uphold standards of accuracy, impartiality, and responsibility in their
reporting is paramount to successfully overcome the challenges posed by the rapidly changing media landscape.
What Role does Media Play in Promoting Democracy?

• Providing Information

• Holding Leaders Accountable

• Encouraging Public Debate

• Educating Citizens

Principles of Journalism

• Truth and Accuracy

• Independence

• Fairness and Impartiality

• Humanity

• Accountability

Print Media

• Print media is one of the oldest and basic forms of mass communication.

• It includes newspapers, weeklies, magazines, monthlies and other forms of printed journals.

• A basic understanding of the print media is essential in the study of mass communication

Broadcast Journalism

• Broadcast Journalism is a way of presenting news to the public; electronically or through radio transmission,
some of the medium in broadcast journalism are Radio, Television and the Internet.

Digital journalism

• Digital journalism is an interactive medium where the comments and reactions to a story are quick, editors and
writers are constantly put on the spot by the readers making them more accountable
 UNIT 2
Mass Media

Mass media

 Mass media here means communication through a number of physical transmission modes such as print,
audio, visual, audio-visual and electronic forms to a general mass of common persons, irrespective of their
position, intellectual attainments, or social status.
 It is a means by which almost all current human affairs are collected, recorded and disseminated for the
consumption of any common person. It is an instrument by which the general common public are kept
informed of political activities of a state, international relations between countries, economic and
business affairs, industrial relations, games and sports, cultural events and entertainments, and a host of
other subjects

MODES OF MASS MEDIA

 Print media - primarily newspapers and popular magazines,

 Radio broadcasting,
 Television and audio-visuals,
 Public relations,
 Advertising and Advertisements.

SCOPE AND FUNCTIONS OF MASS MEDIA

 The functions of mass communication are to entertain, inform, instruct, persuade influence, shape and
sell all types of messages and information to large mass audiences.
 The scope of mass communication could comprise almost every subject in which a society is interested.
Although radio and television programmes devote most of their listening and viewing time to political
events and activities, and entertainments, other programmes include aids to students in their learning
process, information to industry and industrialists, general programmes of historical and geographical
interests for non-specialists, travel and tourist information, and many others to inform the public on
different matters.
 The nature of the contents have to be simple and in the language of ordinary persons who would not,
generally, have acquaintance with the jargon of a subject. All elements of mass communication require
high intellectual and imaginative inputs. Expertise in multimedia technology gives unlimited scope to
obtain the best results in mass communication.
Advocacy Journalism

 Advocacy Journalism is a type of journalism that aims to bring attention to a particular issue or cause and
promote a particular viewpoint or perspective on that issue. It is characterized by a strong, partisan voice
and a focus on promoting social change or activism.
 Unlike traditional journalism, which strives for objectivity and impartiality, advocacy journalism seeks to
actively influence public opinion and policy on a particular issue. This type of journalism often involves
working with advocacy organizations and other interest groups to bring attention to an issue and drive
change.

Modern Journalism

 Modern journalism is the one that has adapted to the new habits of readers: tight deadlines and zapping
between sources of information.
 Today, relying on only one source to receive all of your news and information seems unheard of.
Newspapers are still around today, but we have so much more to go along with them. We don't have to
wait an entire day for our news anymore – we wait mere seconds.
 Now we see the news as it's happening instead of getting recaps of it the next day. With the rise of the
internet and the 24/7 news station, we have an abundance of news sources directly at our fingertips.
 Journalism as a whole has changed in response. Instead of having time to fact check, journalists are urged
to be the first to break the story. This rush to first often leads to misinformation being published, causing
confusing and sometimes outrage.

Mobile Journalism

 Mobile Journalism or MoJo.

 Format of digital journalistic storytelling that exclusively uses mobile phones.
 Story can take any form – audio, video, text, graphics, animation or a combination of all of these
 Definition: Mobile journalism can be defined as the process of gathering and delivering news using a
smartphone or tablet.

Advantages of MOJO

 Lower cost
 It’s Flexible.
 It’s Empowering
 It’s Discreet
 It’s Friendlier
 It’s Safer
How Can I Become a Mobile Journalist?

 Always be prepared.
 Have your gear handy.
 Know your equipment.
 Keep your phone charged.
 Use airplane mode.
 Don’t delete anything.
 Get out there.
 Show up.
 Keep your eyes open.
 Know how to tell your story Check,
 and double check, everything.

Challenges of Mobile Journalism

 Working alone
 Limited camera
 Limited audio
 Data dependence
 Battery
 Storage capacity

Community Journalism

 Community journalism is locally-oriented, professional news coverage that typically focuses on city
neighborhoods, individual suburbs or small towns, rather than metropolitan, state, national or world
news.
 If it covers wider topics, community journalism concentrates on the effect they have on local readers.
 Television, radio, cable, and print newsrooms all over are experimenting with a new concept called
community or “civic” journalism.
 They offer much in employment, satisfaction, income, service, and ownership. A reason for the success of
these, newspapers is their “friendly neighbor” relationship with readers.

Community journalism

 Community journalism are increased diversity, greater depth and context of the news coverage, and a
stronger understanding of the various communities that make up a particular viewing area.
 Story development
  Newsroom discussions
 Source development
 Finding story ideas
 Community mapping
 Recognizing other world views

Guidelines for Successful Community Journalism

 Clear internal communication is a must.

 A bottom-up approach to coverage within the news organization.
 Managers need to sit on their hands and listen.
 Create time for reporters, producers, and photographers to build community connections and sources.
 Create spaces and times for meeting with a variety of diverse community groups and leaders.
 Allot air-time for community conversations to be heard

Community Radio in Bangalore

 Sarathi Jhalak- Hosakote Bangalore R.

 Radio Siddharatha- Tumkur
 Radio sarang- mangalore
 Radio panchajanya- DK
 Radio Ninda- Ujire
 Radio manipal- Udupi
 Radio Active- Banglore JGI groups
 Antarvani – Gulbarga

Community radio in India

 Radio awaj- Gujrat

 Radio vikalp – Jharkhand
 Radio Jagruti – Jharkhand
 Radio Mattoli – Kerala
 Radio mann - MP

UNIT 3
Communication
Definition of Communication

 Communication is transfer of information from one person to another, whether or not it elicits
confidence. But the information transferred must be understandable to the receiverCommunication is
giving, receiving or exchanging ideas, information, signals or messages through appropriate media,
enabling individuals or groups to persuade, to seek information, to give information or to express
emotions.
 This broad definition includes body-language, skills of speaking and writing. It outlines the objectives of
communication. It emphasizes listening as an important aspect of communication.

What is Communication?

 Communication is the actionable transfer of information from one person, group, or place to another by
writing, speaking, or using a medium that provides a means of understanding.
 Every communication consists of a minimum of one sender, a receiver, and a message. The transmission
of a message from sender to recipient risks being affected by many things because communication
impacts how people interact.
 These include the location, medium used to communicate, the cultural situation, and the emotions
involved.
 However, communication helps people to interact and share various aspects of life.

The Evolution of Communication Media

 In the 20th century, communication media underwent significant transformations, from the rise of radio
and television to the advent of the internet and digital platforms in the 21st century. These changes have
drastically altered how news spreads and how audiences interact with content. Today, effective
communication relies heavily on understanding audience behavior across various types of mass media.
 Marshall McLuhan, a renowned media theorist, famously stated, “The medium is the message,”
emphasizing the impact of the medium itself on society. This idea remains relevant as we navigate an era
dominated by digital platforms. Public relations agencies and media companies must adapt to these
evolving communication landscapes to maintain relevance and engage effectively with their audiences.

Types of Communication

 Verbal – It is a method that uses speech in the form of speaking to convey a message or information. It is
the most popular and effective mode of communication, usually practiced during video conferences,
phone calls, presentations, one-on-one conversations, and meetings. It supports both nonverbal and
written communication.
  Nonverbal – It is basically a practice of gestures, facial expressions, and body language to send
information. It can be implemented intentionally and unintentionally when communicating. For instance,
a person can smile unintentionally when they hear an interesting piece of information or a pleasant idea.
 Written – It is all about typing, printing symbols, numbers, letters, and writing to send a piece of
information. Sometimes used to record information for evidence or reference purpose. In general, the
written style of communication is used in books, blogs, pamphlets, memos, and letters to share and
spread information. In the workplace, e-mail is a common example of written communication.
 Visual – It uses art, photographs, sketches, graphs, charts, and drawings, to pass on the information. It is
used especially during presentations to present to give a visual effect and support written or verbal
communication.

Communication Process

 Sender – Here, the sender conceptualizes the idea or the conversation he wants to convey it to the
recipient.
 Encoding – Now the sender starts the encoding process where he utilizes words or non-verbal means to
translate the thought into a message.
 Message – After encoding, the sender receives the message that he wants to send. Communication
 Channel – The sender then decides through which medium or channel he/she wants to send the message
to the recipient. They must choose the channel to have an effective and correct interpretation of a
message to the recipient.
 Receiver – The receiver receives the message and tries to comprehend in the best possible way.
 Decoding – In this step, the receiver translates the sender’s information and tries to perceive it most
suitably.
 Feedback – It is the last step of the communication process that assures the recipient, has received the
information and understood correctly as the sender designed it.

Levels of Communication

Intrapersonal Communication

 Meaning: ‘intra’ means ‘within’ hence intrapersonal communication is ‘self talk’ or “talking with oneself”.
 Definition : Intrapersonal communication is about talking to ourselves, reflecting human selfawareness.
The internal thought process which decides our behaviour, attitude, planning and controlling our day to
day activities.

Interpersonal Communication

 Meaning: Any communication which involves two parties, sender and receiver or a small group of people.
Interpersonal means within the group, department or any institution.
  Definition: The flow of communication which is inside the department or organization is called an
interpersonal communication. It is an internal communication, can be formal or informal communication
and is held with 4/5 people at a time. It can be face to face communication, telephonic or through emails.

Group communication

 Is communication that takes place within small groups, projects, teams or departments. It involves
coordinating ideas and opinions.
 Is the exchange of details between three or more individuals in an organization that shares the same
mission and wants to discuss.

Mass Communication

 Definition: Any communication which is extended to a much larger segment of people and is conducted
with the help of media, newspaper, telecast or broadcast etc then it is called mass communication

Models of Communication

Aristotle’s Communication Model

 Aristotle, a great philosopher initiative the earliest mass communication model called “Aristotle’s Model
of Communication”. He proposed model before 300 B.C who found the importance of audience role in
communication chain in his communication model. This model is more focused on public speaking than
interpersonal communication.
 Aristotle's Communication Model is one of the earliest communication models. It’s simple and focuses
mainly on how a speaker can influence an audience. Here’s an easy way to understand it:

1. Speaker: This is the person delivering the message (like a teacher, politician, or presenter).
2. Speech/Message: What the speaker is saying (like a lesson, a speech, or any message).
3. Audience: The group of people listening (like students, voters, or an audience).
4. Effect: The goal is to influence or persuade the audience through the message.
Aristotle emphasized that the speaker must understand the audience to craft a message that will
effectively persuade them. In short, the success of communication depends on how well the speaker can
convince or move the audience.
Harold Lasswell model

 Harold Lasswell developed his communication model during the time of World War II, primarily
to analyze media propaganda and its effects on public opinion. As a political scientist, Lasswell
was deeply interested in understanding how messages were disseminated through various
channels to influence the masses.

 Developed by American political scientist Harold Lasswell, Lasswell’s model of communication is

a simple, linear model that helps to understand the process of mass communication. This model
is widely used in various fields like mass and medium media analysis, interpersonal
communication, group communication, and communication process analysis

What is the importance of Lasswell’s model of communication?

 Lasswell’s model of communication forms one of the basic theories to analyze communication
sciences. Laswell theory played a significant role in understanding the message and delivery of
the propaganda messages in the post-world war scenario. Also, it formed the base from which
many other theories of communication were developed.
  Lasswell’s model of communication has been a foundational framework in the study of mass
communication and media analysis. Despite its limitations and criticisms, it remains a valuable
tool for understanding the basic components of the communication process. As communication
continues to evolve with new media and technologies, researchers will likely develop even more
comprehensive and nuanced models to better reflect the complexities of human communication

 Harold Lasswell’s communication model is a simple way to understand how communication

works. It breaks the process down into five key questions:

1. Who: The person or group sending the message (the communicator, like a TV anchor or a speaker).
2. Says What: The actual message being communicated (like news, an advertisement, or a speech).
3. In Which Channel: The medium used to send the message (like TV, radio, social media, or a newspaper).
4. To Whom: The audience receiving the message (like viewers, listeners, or readers).
5. With What Effect: The result or impact of the message (like informing, persuading, or entertaining the
audience).
It’s a linear model, meaning it flows from the sender to the receiver, focusing on the impact or effect of
the message. It helps us understand not just the message but also how and why it affects people.

Shannon and Weaver Model of Communication

 In 1948, Shannon was an American mathematician, Electronic engineer and Weaver was an
American scientist both of them join together to write an article in “Bell System Technical
Journal” called “A Mathematical Theory of Communication” and also called as “ShannonWeaver
model of communication”.
  This model is specially designed to develop the effective communication between sender and
receiver. Also they find factors which affecting the communication process called “Noise”. At first
the model was developed to improve the Technical communication. Later it’s widely applied in
the field of Communication.

Criticism of Shannon-Weaver model of communication

•One of the simplest model and its general applied in various communication theories
•The model which attracts both academics of Human communication and Information theorist to leads
their further research in communication
•It’s more effective in person-to-person communication than group or mass audience
•The model based on “Sender and Receiver”. Here sender plays the primary role and receiver plays the
secondary role (receive the information or passive)
•Communication is not a one way process. If it’s behaved like that, it will lose its strength. For example:
Audience or receiver who listening a radio, reading the books or watching television is a one way
communication because absence of feedback
•Understanding Noise will helps to solve the various problems in communication

The Shannon and Weaver Model of Communication is often called the "mother of all communication
models" because it explains how communication works, including the potential for misunderstandings.
Here’s an easy way to understand it:

1. Sender: The person or device that wants to send a message (like a person talking or a computer sending
an email).
2. Encoder: Turns the message into signals. For example, when we talk, our brain and mouth turn
thoughts into words, or when typing, a keyboard converts thoughts into text.
3. Channel: The medium or way the message is sent (like voice, phone, or email).
4. Noise: Anything that can disturb or change the message. Noise could be literal (like static on the phone)
or figurative (like misunderstandings or distractions).
5. Decoder: Turns the signals back into a message that the receiver can understand. For example, the
listener’s brain decodes the words back into ideas.
6. Receiver: The person or device that gets the message (like the listener, reader, or computer receiving
an email).

The key idea in this model is that "noise" can interfere with the message, making it harder for the receiver
to understand the sender's original intent.
Berlo’s Model of Communication

Berlo’s Model of Communication is known as the SMCR model, which stands for Source, Message,
Channel, and Receiver. It focuses on the different elements that affect communication. Here's an easy
breakdown:

1. Source (S): This is the person who sends the message. The effectiveness of communication depends on
the sender’s communication skills, knowledge, attitude, and social system.
- Example: A teacher explaining a lesson.
2. Message (M): This is the information the sender wants to convey. It includes the content, structure, and
the way it is presented (language, gestures, etc.).
- Example: The teacher’s explanation about a historical event.
3. Channel (C): The method or medium used to transmit the message. It involves the five senses: hearing,
seeing, touching, tasting, and smelling.
- Example: The teacher speaking to the class (using sound/hearing).
4. Receiver (R): The person or group who receives the message. The effectiveness depends on the
receiver’s communication skills, knowledge, attitude, and social system (same as the source).
- Example: Students listening to and understanding the teacher.

Berlo’s model emphasizes that communication is influenced by both the sender and receiver’s skills,
knowledge, and background. If these factors don’t align well, the message may not be understood as
intended.
 UNIT 4
Theories of Press

Normative theories
• Normative theories were first proposed by Wilbur Schramm and other experts in their book called “Four
Theories of the Press”.
• At first the word “Normative Theory” was pronounced in USA during the height of ‘cold war’ with
communism and soviet. Often it called as western theories of mass media.
• A Normative theory describes an ideal way for a media system to be controlled and operated by the
government, authority, leader and public.

Types of Theories
• Authoritarian theory
• Libertarian theory
• Social responsibility theory
• Soviet media theory

AUTHORITARIAN THEORY
• Authoritarian theory describe that all forms of communications are under the control of the governing
elite or authorities or influential bureaucrats.
• Authoritarians are necessary to control the media to protect and prevent the people from the national
threats through any form communication (information or news).

Libertarian Theory of Mass Communication

• The libertarian theory is just the opposite of the Authoritarian theory of mass media where information
is controlled by the state or the authorities.
• Theory believes in freedom of thought and individualism,
• No censorship and government must not hold any power to control and suppress media.
• All of the people are subjected to interpret and decide which information they need and the
authenticity of the information,
• Press should not restrict any information, even criticizing the policies

Major Features of Libertarian Theory of Mass Communication

• There is absolute freedom to media, media plays the role of a watchdog.
• In libertarian theory, there is freedom of thought and expression.
• There is also freedom of information and individualism.
• No censorship of any kind is to be done.
• There is high competition among alternative ideas and thoughts.
• The government does not own the media and media is a different body in the functioning of the state.
• Media is accountable to the law of the country.
• Media must follow a code of conduct.
• Media encourages pluralist truths like both side of the same story.
• The media accepts a Laissez-faire approach in which there are not many set rules that they have to
follow. They can work as they want.

Strengths of Libertarian Theory of Mass Communication

• Media can give true information without any control.
• There is no censorship.
• All individuals can express their opinions and thoughts in the media openly.
• The theory encourages healthy competition among the thoughts and ideas.
• Every work will be transparent to all.

Weaknesses of Libertarian Theory of Mass Communication

• Media might not always act responsibly.
• Individuals might not always have good intentions and ethics.
• People can not always make rational judgments.
• Freedom of different type of people, their ideas, opinions, school of thoughts, and group objectives can
be in a conflict.
• Media can misuse its power and harm other people’s privacy and dignity.
• Media might defame, cause sedition, libel or slander, be immodest, publish obscenity and cause trouble.
• Media might challenge the security of the state.

Social responsibility theory

• Social responsibility theory allows free press without any censorship but at the same time the content of
the press should be discussed in public panel and media should accept any obligation from public
interference or professional self regulations or both.
• The theory lies between both authoritarian theory and libertarian theory because it gives total media
freedom in one hand but the external controls in other hand. Here, the press ownership is private.

Critics of Social Responsibility Theory

• Avoids the conflict situation during war or emergency by accepting the public opinion.
• Media will not play monopoly because the audience and media scholars will rise questions if media
published or broadcast anything wrongly or manipulate any story. • Media Standards will improve.
• Media will concern all class audience rather than focus on higher classes in the society.
• Media may work autonomously but certain thing is controlled by the government and other public
organization.

Theory allows
• Everyone to say something or express their opinion about the media.
• Community opinion, Consumer action and professional ethics.
• Private ownership in media may give better public service unless government has to take over to assure
the public to provide better media service.
• Media must take care of social responsibility and if they do not, government or other organization will
do.

Soviet Media Theory

• Theory says the state have absolute power to control any media for the benefits of people.
• They put end to the private ownership of the press and other media.
• The government media provide positive thoughts to create a strong socialized society as well as
providing information, education, entertainment, motivation and mobilization.
• The theory describe the whole purpose of the mass media is to educate the greater masses of working
class or workers.
• The public was encouraged to give feedback which would able to create interests towards the media.

Critics of Soviet Media Theory

• Soviet media theory looks similar like authoritarian theory but the core part is different from each other.
• In authoritarian theory is a one way communication, there is no feedback allowed from the public but in
Soviet media theory is a two way communication at the same time the whole media is controlled or works
under the leadership.
• Private ownership is not allowed which leads the press without any restriction and it can serve people
without any authoritative blockades.
• Soviet media theory allows some restriction based on the nation interest rather than personal.

UNIT 5
 Photojournalism

Photojournalism
 Photojournalism can be defined as the process of using photographs to tell a story.
 Whereas conventional journalists will share their information by employing pen and paper (or
maybe a keyboard), photojournalists use a camera as their medium.
 A photojournalist will use images to tell the entire story, from start to finish, and if executed
properly a reader may not even need words to fully understand the message being presented.

What Is the Purpose of Photojournalism?

 A photojournalist’s role is to relate a story through photography. The goal is not only to take
pictures, but to hold the images up to the highest journalistic standards in an effort to convey the
truth. Not every one of a photojournalist’s images will pass the test, just as every traditional
journalist has to pitch multiple stories before one is accepted.
 All in all, using journalism in photography is a way to expose the average person to new and
different stories in an arresting and digestible way.

How Does Photojournalism Differ From Other Types of Photography?

 Anyone can take a picture, but not just anyone can be a photojournalist.
 There are two practical pillars of photojournalism: high ethical standards and a pursuit of
objective truth.
 While photography in its different forms may be a means of self-expression, or artfully showcase
truths about the human condition, the goal of photojournalism is reporting.
 The main purpose of photojournalism is to communicate a story and educate an audience.

Types of photo journalism

 Spot news photojournalism.
 General news photojournalism.
 Feature photojournalism.
 Sports action photojournalism.
 Portrait/personality photojournalism.
 Pictorial photojournalism.
 Illustration photojournalism

Caption Writing
A caption is text that appears below an image. Most captions draw attention to something in the image
that is not obvious, such as its relevance to the text. A caption may be a few words or several sentences.

Writing effective captions

 Check the facts. Be accurate with credit lines, details and anything else that might catch a
reader’s eye.
 Captions should add new information. Don’t merely repeat the story headline or summary, and
avoid stating the obvious elements that are captured in the image. The caption should add
context to the image, not just duplicate what the reader already sees.
 Always identify the main people in the photograph.
 A photograph captures a moment in time. Whenever possible, use present tense. This creates a
sense of immediacy and impact.
 Conversational language works best. Write the caption as though you are talking to a family
member or friend.
 The tone of the caption should match the tone of the image. Don’t try to be humorous when the
photo is not.