Journalism is a process of collecting, analysing and disseminating information in public interest. This means it is a profession with a strong element of social responsibility. That is why journalists are required to follow highest ethical standards-accuracy, balance, impartiality and truthfulness, independent of any commercial or political interests.

In one sense journalism began with beginning of social life. Moment men lived in association with one another, news had to be carried from place to place and ideas had to be communicated for criticism and correction. Gossip in marketplace for exchanging views was first (verbal) newspaper. Soto says. This is really essence of a journalist's work. He must inform, criticise and suggest. Media in Pakistan dates back to pre-partition years of British India, where a number of newspapers were established to promote a communalistic or partition agenda.

Newspaper Dawn, founded by Muhammad Ali Jinnah and first published in 1941 was dedicated to promoting for an independent Pakistan. Root of journalism comes from activity of gathering, assessing, creating and presenting news and information. Term ethics means set of values or standard but when this term is linked with journalism then it means conveying truth to general public through news and magazine. Journalism as a profession is gaining ground in these days. There is an explosion of information.  We are living in a fast changing world with a fast flow of information.

A large number of magazines and journals have come up. Journalism requires a special bent of mind.  First requirement of journalism as a profession is a keen interest in current events or day to day happenings. A budding journalist must understand political, social and economic movements going on in country and abroad. In fact, a journalist has to be a well-read and learned man. He must have a well-stocked mind.  

He has to be awake, alert and active. He must possess a sound memory. He must have an analytical mind. A journalist has a noble task to perform. He must present facts before people. He is an educator. He has to form and build public opinion. He must have an independent way of thinking. He must have courage of his conviction. He must not be biased or prejudiced against anybody or any organisation. A journalist must not forget fact that he is supposed to perform an important social duty. It is his bounden duty to properly educate masses in respect of their rights and duties. Journalism today offers vast opportunities to young men and women. It is a developing and expanding profession. Journalism is a noble and challenging profession.  But some journalists fail to do their duty. Enterprising young boys and girls who are good at creative writing should adopt journalism as a profession or as a hobby. Journalism is broadly divided into two categories.

Print, which consists of newspapers, journals, magazines, digests and news agencies and electronic, which consists of television, radio and internet. 

NEWSPAPERS: Newspapers never really fade away. Even when everything has gone digital, literally, spread of literacy and modern printing technology ensure that newspapers continue to shape opinions in global village of today. 

Career options-ASSOCIATE EDITOR: An associate editor needs to direct preparation of a section of newspaper or magazine. Preparation of news, featured articles and critical reviews, planning layout and assigning reporters and photographers is job.

SUB EDITOR: It needs you to sort contents of the material to be printed, rewriting articles to make them suitable for paper, improving language and giving suitable and attractive headlines.

EDITOR: He is key head who ensures consistency and continuity of newspaper or magazine. Job of editor is to present newspaper in an attractive manner and assure that it is highly utilitarian.

PROOF READER: A proof reader compares proofs with edited copy. It involves completing final text accurately. REPORTER: It is job of a key operator of a newspaper, magazine, news agency, radio or a TV channel which requires one to report with speed, clarity and accuracy.

CORRESPONDENT/ SPECIAL REPORTER: It requires detailed knowledge in a single field like politics, economics, sports etc along with ability to interpret and explain news on basis of awareness and WRITER, COLUMNIST, CRITIC, PHOTOJOURNALIST, CARTOONIST as well. In this age of electronic media, TV and Internet ensure that we are in touch with information and news 24/7 with speed and accuracy. This area has a lot to offer.

RESEARCHERS: They do all work for channel or site.

PRODUCTION WORKERS: Requires good organisational skills, ability to work self-sufficiently, self-confidence to deal with crisis situations and sensitivity.

FLOOR MANAGERS: Requires decent communication skills, leadership qualities to guide and instruct others.

TRANSMISSION EXECUTIVES: Requires knowledge of art of public relations, good levels of attentiveness and dedication.  

REPORTERS: They are primary source of news. To be a reporter one requires a good communication skill and ability to search and intricate on all that is important.

SOUND TECHNICIANS: It requires creativity, communication skills, a sense of sound effects and technical knowledge.

CAMERA WORKERS: Requires artistic sense, technical knowledge, ability to work in difficult situations and adaptability.

PRESENTERS: Requires good communication skills, skilled command over speech, diction and language, general knowledge, intelligence, ability to be articulate and composed in stressful conditions and a good quality of expression. Modern journalism is organised on a commercial scale.

There are international news agencies which collect and broadcast news all over world. A modern newspaper must also have on its staff competent artists, cartoonists, photographers etc. There must be advertisement managers and circulation managers. All these people who are on staff of a newspaper are known by general name of journalists, or newspapermen. Journalism has improved much of its methods with passage of years. First quality necessary is to have a news sense, to know what is important, in a word, to know what people would be interested in. perhaps, a journalist must know art of putting news and views that people want in proper form and perspective.

 A good journalist combines in him all these qualities of head and heart. Purpose of journalism is to provide citizens with information they need to make best possible decisions about their lives, their communities, their societies and their governments. Youth journalism is fundamental to create an appreciation for freedom of speech and expression among young people. Although media cannot resolve world's problems on its own, it can contribute to creating awareness and sympathy, helping raise funds and aid and encourage people to take action for those affected.

Published in The Daily National Courier, November, 08 2022

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