- Media and Society
The media is best defined by the roles they play in society. They educate, inform and
entertain through news, features and analysis in the press. They also produce
documentaries, dramas, current affairs programmes, public service announcements,
magazine programmes and other forms of programming for radio and television. The media
is a conduit through which voices, perspectives and lives are brought into the public sphere.
In the last decade, Africa has witnessed a massive growth of on-line media, which is being
exploited by both urban and rural communities to access and deliver information for social
and business purposes.
The media also plays a critical role in facilitating social change and shaping public opinion
and attitudes. The media, through its reporting, can put a spotlight on critical developments
that impact negatively and positively on people’s lives, as well as bringing to the fore issues
that are often ignored and voices that are marginalised. The media’s agenda-setting
function often influences debate, thinking and priorities within society.
Research and data has shown how the media reinforces stereotypes, especially on issues
of gender, religion and culture. Women are often portrayed in subordinate roles to men.
When journalists look for sources for their stories, they often gravitate towards the powerful
people in any community, who are mostly men. Women are often portrayed in their
traditional roles as wives, mothers and care-givers, while men are seen as powerful,
resourceful, leaders and many such roles associated with power.
But, perhaps one of the most important roles played by the media within modern
democracies is the watchdog role; through which the media monitors the performance and
conduct of governments, to ensure that they adhere to the promises and expectations of
those who put them into power. Consequently, this role is often the source of conflict
between media, the state and its institution
2-Principles of Mass Communication
1.) Always Overcome the Communication Barrier
There is always a gap for the discrepancies to occur in the communication process. Information travels through the different mediums, so there are chances that it loses its meaning, or the receiver may fail to decode it. The barriers to communication can take any forms mentioned below:
Differences in perception
Incorrect filtering
Language indifference
Poor listening
Differing backgrounds
The job of a journalist is to apply various communication theories to overcome such effects that affect the information. This principle will prove to be a great mass communication assignment help for you.
2.) Narrow Down the Mainstream of News Source
When it comes to the sources or relevance of the news, journalists have to be very particular about which source is more trustworthy. Accountability is one of the crucial aspects of professional journalism. You have to take the onus of whatever you have written or published. Even though you can correct your errors, why to commit them in the first place? So, every journalist must know which source is most trustworthy and how to rectify genuine sources. This concept will further help you in preparing research-oriented principles of mass communication notes.
3.) Be a Watchdog to Society
The watchdogs are three-eyed people who keep an extra eye on society and different events happening in it. They have a greater sense of any wrongdoing or strange activity occurring in their vicinity. Similarly, journalists must be the watchdogs of society, and they must report any danger or anti-social activity to the readers or viewers. No doubt that the job demands at par precision but, the rewards are also great.
4.) Find Truth in Lies and Facts in Myths
Many a time, you will hear the news that is going viral. Your job is to dig the dirt and come up with the facts related to that news. Don't blindly publish or cast whatever you've heard or read from XYZ sources. Other reporters use various methods sometimes to gain TRP, but checking the fact is your responsibility before informing viewers or listeners. A journalist's job is to quote the facts related to any incident or person. So, if you haven't seen anything, don't believe it.
5.) Always Be Loyal to Your Profession
Looking into the influence of media on society, there are times when you might get money-making offers to adulterate or falsify the news and create a negative impression of an influential person. Apart from this, your superiors might ask to disguise the facts or negate them. But, you need to keep in mind that truth is like the sun, it may set down for a while, but it isn’t going anywhere. And once your audience understands the fakeness in your news, they won’t trust you again. So, always be loyal to your profession.
Journalism is what maintains democracy. It is also the force behind the progressive social changes.
3-Principles of Journalism
Five Core Principles of Journalism
1. Truth and Accuracy
Journalists cannot always guarantee ‘truth’, but getting the facts right is the cardinal principle of
journalism. We should always strive for accuracy, give all the relevant facts we have and ensure
that they have been checked. When we cannot corroborate information we should say so.
2. Independence
Journalists must be independent voices; we should not act, formally or informally, on behalf of
special interests whether political, corporate or cultural. We should declare to our editors – or the
audience – any of our political affiliations, financial arrangements or other personal information
that might constitute a conflict of interest.
3. Fairness and Impartiality
Most stories have at least two sides. While there is no obligation to present every side in every
piece, stories should be balanced and add context. Objectivity is not always possible, and may
not always be desirable (in the face for example of brutality or inhumanity), but impartial
reporting builds trust and confidence.
4. Humanity
Journalists should do no harm. What we publish or broadcast may be hurtful, but we should be
aware of the impact of our words and images on the lives of others.
5. Accountability
A sure sign of professionalism and responsible journalism is the ability to hold ourselves
accountable. When we commit errors we must correct them and our expressions of regret must
be sincere not cynical. We listen to the concerns of our audience. We may not change what
readers write or say but we will always provide remedies when we are unfair.
4- Tools of Gathering Information
1. **Interviews:
Gather firsthand information and quotes from sources.
2. **Research:
Use libraries, archives, online databases, and search engines for background information and fact-checking.
3. **Observations:
Directly observe events or situations for information and insights.
4. **Surveys and Polls:
Collect data to gauge public opinion or gather specific information.
5. **Documents and Records:
Access public records, government documents, and official reports for data and verification.
6. **Social Media:
Monitor social platforms for news, trends, and firsthand accounts.
7. **Data Analysis:
Analyze data sets for patterns, trends, and correlations.
8. **Source Verification:
Verify credibility and reliability of sources for accurate reporting.
9. **Freedom of Information Requests:
Use FOI requests for access to government records.
10. **Investigative Techniques:
Employ specialized techniques like surveillance, undercover work, or forensic analysis for uncovering hidden information.
5- Misinformation and Disinformation
In journalism, misinformation and disinformation are significant challenges that can undermine the credibility and integrity of news reporting. Misinformation refers to inaccurate or misleading information that is shared unintentionally, often due to errors in reporting or misunderstanding of facts. On the other hand, disinformation is deliberately spread false information with the intent to deceive, manipulate, or influence public opinion.
Both misinformation and disinformation can have serious consequences, ranging from public confusion and mistrust to the spread of harmful rumors and conspiracy theories. To combat these issues, journalists and news organizations employ various strategies such as fact-checking, verification processes, and responsible reporting practices.
Additionally, educating the public about how to identify reliable sources and evaluate information critically is essential in addressing the spread of misinformation and disinformation. By promoting transparency, accuracy, and accountability in journalism, we can work towards fostering a more informed and resilient society.
)_20240602_111545_0000.png)
