What is the Role of ther Journalist Essay Example

What is the Role of ther Journalist? Essay This essay will discuss the question what is the role of a journalist? Firstly, it will show that Britain has a free press and attempt to explain what free press means. It will then try to identify the different types of journalist common in the media today, with focus on print journalism. Additionally, it will argue that it is fundamental that all journalists abide by a professional and ethical code of conduct.  Britain has a free press. There is no censor and no licensing, and anyone can publish a newspaper provided he or she does not break the law in doing so. (Hogson, 1994, p.153). British press is private; the Government has no control over publication, nor is it allowed to own any shares in press companies and no aide is granted. However, British press does receive exemption from the payment of VAT. The press is allowed full access to Parliament, and Governmental operations are commented on daily in news reports. Britain however, has no written constitution and freedom of the press exists here by consensus only (Belsley Chadwick, 2006). Journalism in 2007, covers a much broader spectrum than ever before, the advancements of the Internet, satellite and cable television and mobile telephone technology has made news ever more accessible and its contributors more diverse.(Allan, 2005). Many newspapers have their own online editions, television stations broadcast news twenty-four hours a day and news updates can be obtained via text message through mobile phones (Harcup, 2004). All the information is constantly updated and it is not only journalists who supply it, indeed members of the public contact the media directly with breaking news and eyewitness accounts (bbc.co.uk). We will write a custom essay sample on What is the Role of ther Journalist? specifically for you for only $16.38 $13.9/page Order now We will write a custom essay sample on What is the Role of ther Journalist? specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer We will write a custom essay sample on What is the Role of ther Journalist? specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer Newspaper journalists come in many guises; it employs staff reporters whom are relied upon to provide the paper with its main news content. They are usually general reporters, who the editor of the paper assigns stories to cover and are generally required to investigate and or check facts (Harris Spark, 1996). Once briefed, it is their duty to ensure that all their facts are accurate, which is done using reference books, archives and newspaper cuttings files or by telephoning relevant sources. They are also accountable for ensuring that spellings of names, places and the titles of well known people are correct, which includes checking geographical and business information and backgrounds of people; additionally any information that they have found from references in previous news stories they have used. (Fleming et al, 2006) A newspaper is not comprised only of reports; it also includes opinion pages and gossip columns. On the opinion pages, writers are allowed (by the editor) to develop their own style and are an expression of the views and opinions of that writer. Fact checking and accountability is not as important here, although the reader must be made aware that this is opinion and not fact. Opinion pages often air controversial viewpoints of current news stories, hopefully encouraging reaction from readers, indeed a columnists success can be measured by the number of letters they receive (Hogson, 1994). Gossip columnists operate in a similar way, but focus on the famous and infamous current in the news and are generally found in tabloid newspapers, rather than broadsheets. Additionally there are often lifestyle columns, offering help, advice and up to date information on a variety of issues, including diet, health and fitness, decorating and home improvement ideas. Most newspapers include financial and business news in a separate section of the paper, not always on a daily basis. Sport is reported on daily and usually fills the back pages, although national games often appear on their front pages and many a tabloid features sporting scandals on its cover. In a recent article in The Observer, columnist Peter Preston comments on reports that newspaper circulation is in decline and the public is now using other sources to receive news. He argues however, using quotes from Carolyn McCall, the chief executive of The Guardian group that it is the tabloids, such as The Mirror, The People and The News of the World who are losing their readership. He claims that quality newspapers including the observer, The Telegraph and The Times have barely had a shift in circulation figures in the last thirty years. I would suggest that these figures could perhaps reflect the sometimes-huge mistakes that these papers have made in their reporting. As mentioned by Stuart Allen (2005), who begins his book with the story of The Mirrors mistake in printing pictures of Iraqi prisoners of war, which were later proven to be fakes. He claims that if proper sourcing were undertaken, the paper would have uncovered the hoax before publishing. Stories like this one undermine societys faith in the journalist. Therefore, Tony Harcups (2007) suggestion that the most important role of a journalist is to report the truth, could be fundamental to the future of newsprint. Harcup starts his explanation with a reference to a story from a 1963 American newspaper, which was the inspiration for a song by Bob Dylan. Harcup tells the story of Hattie Carroll, a black waitress, who was murdered by wealthy white farmer, William Zantzinger. He explains that the story started locally, but became national news when Zantzinger received only a six month prison sentence; which was also deferred to allow him time to farm his crops. Harcup explains that Dylan wrote the song The Lonesome Death of Hattie Carroll, with the claim that it was a true story. Dylan, like a lot of journalists, found he accused of manipulating the truth. However, unlike a journalist, Harcup writes that as a singer, Dylan was granted artistic licence: