Journalism is concerned with the communication of information through various media and involves the collection and dissemination of news through writing, speech or visuals.

Nature of Work

The gathering, processing and presentation of news in the form we finally receive it is a complete task that requires close coordination of a number of inter-related disciplines. These range from research, writing, editing and proof reading to photography, sketching, layout and production. 

All these aspects are covered by the broad term Journalism. This chapter deals exclusively with the print media. Radio, television and video journalism are covered separately under the respective headings of television and radio and filmmaking.

Major Tasks Performed

Various elements go into the publication of a newspaper or periodical. Division of duties varies slightly between the two and depends also on size and editorial organization. In general the major tasks performed in a paper are:

REPORTING

Which implies coverage of any kind of event to get a story. Wherever possible, reporters research the background of a subject before beginning firsthand investigations. They ask questions at press conferences and listen to responses to questions asked by others, to collect information. 

They also conduct interviews and visit the site of a major occurrence to gain firsthand experience for their report. Whatever the issue they are expected to present a clear, unbiased account of the facts they have gathered and particularly in controversial cases to include points of view of all those involved. 

Reporters must compose stories quickly and meet tight deadlines. Accuracy, brevity and speed are the most important factors. Occasionally, they might be on a story for several weeks researching its background and/or waiting for developments. They work irregular hours, including weekends. They travel frequently, often to remote areas or trouble spots to cover the action.

CORRESPONDENT/SPECIALIST REPORTING

Involves reporting either on a topic of specialization, or from a place other than the paper's headquarters. Special correspondents often report on general news for the most part covering their area of expertise only as the need arises. Their aim is to interpret and explain news, and comment on the events, trends and causes behind it. 

Specializations can range from politics, foreign affairs, finance and law to sports, culture or health and environment. There is no set means of acquiring a specialization. It could be gained through academic qualifications, work experience, or as a reporter from spending many years on the same beat. Most national papers retain reporters in major cities to cover local and regional news. They could be residents with background knowledge of the area, or experienced journalists, who have made a special study of the region. 

Due to funding constraints, very few Indian papers send their reporters on extended postings abroad. Many foreign correspondents are attached to another agency or network and are commissioned by editors here to dispatch news either at regular intervals, or as developments of interest to Indian readers occurs. 

Few correspondents concentrate only on specialist writing. Those who do, such as syndicate columnists usually contribute to several papers at the same time. The number of specialists/correspondents working for a paper depends on its size, circulation and resources.

NEWS/FEATURESEDITING

Is usually a task assigned to journalists with good organizing skills. This is primarily a desk job that involves little or no reporting. News and features editors control reporting staff, allocate assignments and attend editorial conferences. These designations are held mainly on dailies and weekend papers but could, in some cases, apply to magazines covering a variety of general topics.

SUB-EDITING

Is detailed copy-editing. Sub-editors are required to re-write stories to fit the space assigned; spruce up introductions and language, proof copy for spelling and punctuation; and sometimes give the story a `slant' or focus of interest. 

They write headlines and sometimes, in consultation with the night or assistant editor, compose page layouts. Subbing is a desk job that involves teamwork and is always done under tight time constraints. Sub-editors on newspapers work in shifts and therefore are on duty at odd hours.

FEATURE WRITING

Is more descriptive and detailed than news reporting and can cover any topic of general interest.
Features are longer than news items and explore a subject in greater depth. They are usually written by experienced journalists or specialists. Reporters may combine reporting with feature writing. Often, freelancers are commissioned to write features for regular or weekend papers.

COLUMNS

Like feature writing are handled by experienced journalists who contribute regularly to a publication. Topics can be general, usually a look at something from the writer's personal viewpoint or specialized, if the columnist is an expert on a particular subject. 

Sometimes, writers from other papers, or novelists are invited to contribute their articles on a regular basis and are called guest columnists. Commentators and critics, who review developments in special areas like politics, sports, consumer affairs, music, art or literature are also usually columnists.

LEADERS/EDITORIALS

Are written by the editor, a special correspondent or an experienced journalist and are full-length expressions of editorial opinion on a topic of current interest.

SKETCHES/CARTOONS

Range from cartography, graphics and illustrations that enhance a story to caricatures and cartoons
that comment on public figures or events.

PHOTOGRAPHY

Involves accompanying reporters on assignments to take pictures that support a news story,
feature or interview. Photojournalism is a growing field and is covered in more detail in the chapter on photography.

Other Departments

Other, non-journalistic elements included in the publication of a newspaper or periodical are:

PRODUCTION

Encompassing all aspects of composing, plate making and printing which in large publications is carried out in the paper's own press. 

ADVERTISING

Responsible for soliciting advertisements; fixing tariff; collecting materials and ensuring those advertisements are carried in the right position and date.

LEGAL

Staffed by press law experts who handle all legal matters on behalf of the publication. 

CIRCULATION

Keeps track of readership and is responsible for distribution.

PUBLIC RELATIONS

Liaises between paper and public, as well as government and other institutions.