بحث حول the press

 بحث حول the press

Introduction :

Information about the surrounding world is a necessity that man has always and unceasingly felt, and the free flow of opinions and information is both the stake and the condition of all democratic life.

 Thus, the media transmit information but each does it in its own way, the peculiarity of each lies in the difference in the medium used, whether it is written or audiovisual.

Currently, the press plays an important role in our daily life because it presents the most consulted source of information. And starting a new day can only be done by reading a newspaper.

1.      Definition of the press

The written press can be defined as "all means of disseminating written information, which includes in particular daily newspapers, periodicals and organizations related to the dissemination of information". The word "press" originates from sheets of paper to be printed. (Definition taken from: Fr.Wikipédia.org / wiki / Written press).

According to an article published by the Education Resource Center citizen, on World Press Freedom Day. The latter designates "all the written information media having different categories which are classified according to the rate of publication, content, nature and medium of dissemination".

For Patrick CHARAUDEAU, “the press is essentially an area scriptural, made up of words, graphics, drawings and sometimes still images, on paper ". (CHARAUDEAU, P. 1997: 123). This is because, this set inscribes this means of communication in a written tradition (in the narrow sense) which is essentially characterized by a distanced relationship between the one who writes and the one who reads, aware of the physical absence of the 'emission and the receiving instance, one vis-à-vis the other, a conceptualization activity on the part of the two instances to represent the world, which ensures that what has been written remains as a trace to which we can constantly come back: the one who writes to correct or erase, the one who reads to recall or recompose his reading. (CHARAUDEAU, 1997.: 125).

2.     The functions of the press

Regardless of whether it is a major national daily or not, the aim is above all to communicate. But that's not the only function the press performs. Indeed, the latter constitutes an essential intermediary for the dissemination of news and for updating knowledge.

·        The information function: read for information

 The main function of the press is to transmit, explain and comment on current political, economic, social and cultural news, either nationally or internationally. By means of this function that the press expresses opinions concerning facts which influences the orientation of the choices of its readers.

·        The distractive function: reading for distraction

 Besides its informative function, it has a recreational purpose, leaving aside the knowledge of the concerns of the outside world. A newspaper must arouse the pleasure of submitting to fun and recreational sections prepared for it. Crosswords, tests, cartoons, jokes, information about sports or shows. These two functions occupy the 1st place and justify the existence and the motivation of the press and its reading.

·        The sociological function; read to fit in

 Today, the press is concerned with the social integration of individuals into society as a whole and into the different groups that make it up. Therefore, it ensures them the dissemination of civic, moral and cultural values ​​through dialogue between them and the world.

·        Psychological function: reading to feel better

 Still according to Albert, P, "It is clear that through reading the press, that the psychology of its readers is rebalanced". (Albert, P. 1968: 30).

3.     Forms

There are several forms of journalism with diverse audiences. Thus, journalism is said to serve the role of a "fourth estate", acting as a watchdog on the workings of the government. A single publication (such as a newspaper) contains many forms of journalism, each of which may be presented in different formats. Each section of a newspaper, magazine, or website may cater to a different audience. (Gerald Stone, and all, 1997: 19).

·        Access journalism – journalists who self-censor and voluntarily cease speaking about issues that might embarrass their hosts, guests, or powerful politicians or businesspersons.

·        Advocacy journalism – writing to advocate particular viewpoints or influence the opinions of the audience.

·        Broadcast journalism – written or spoken journalism for radio or television.

·        Citizen journalism – participatory journalism.

·        Data journalism – the practice of finding stories in numbers, and using numbers to tell stories. Data journalists may use data to support their reporting. They may also report about uses and misuses of data. The US news organization ProPublica is known as a pioneer of data journalism.

·        Drone journalism – use of drones to capture journalistic footage.

·        Gonzo journalism – first championed by Hunter S. Thompson, gonzo journalism is a "highly personal style of reporting".

·        Interactive journalism – a type of online journalism that is presented on the web

·        Investigative journalism – in-depth reporting that uncovers social problems. Often leads to major social problems being resolved.

·        Photojournalism – the practice of telling true stories through images

·        Sensor journalism – the use of sensors to support journalistic inquiry.

·        Tabloid journalism – writing that is light-hearted and entertaining. Considered less legitimate than mainstream journalism.

·        Yellow journalism (or sensationalism) – writing which emphasizes exaggerated claims or rumours.

·        Global journalism - journalism that encompasses a global outlook focusing on intercontinental issues. (Corcoran, Mark, 2012: 57)

 

4.     Obligations of Journalism

·        Journalism's first obligation is to the truth

Democracy depends on citizens having reliable, accurate facts put in a meaningful context. Journalism does not pursue truth in an absolute or philosophical sense, but it can- -and must--pursue it in a practical sense. This "journalistic truth" is a process that begins with the professional discipline of assembling and verifying facts. Then journalists try to convey a fair and reliable account of their meaning, valid for now, subject to further investigation. Journalists should be as transparent as possible about sources and methods so audiences can make their own assessment of the information. (Heflin, Heflin, 2015: 63)

 

·        Its first loyalty is to citizens.

While news organizations answer to many constituencies, including advertisers and shareholders, the journalists in those organizations must maintain allegiance to citizens and the larger public interest above any other if they are to provide the news without fear or favor. This commitment to citizens first is the basis of a news organization's credibility, the implied covenant that tells the audience the coverage is not slanted for friends or advertisers. Commitment to citizens also means journalism should present a representative picture of all constituent groups in society.

·        Obligation of verification.

Journalists rely on a professional discipline for verifying information. When the concept of objectivity originally evolved, it did not imply that journalists are free of bias. It called, rather, for a consistent method of testing information--a transparent approach to evidence--precisely so that personal and cultural biases would not undermine the accuracy of their work. Journalism has developed various techniques for determining facts, for instance, it has done less to develop a system for testing the reliability of journalistic interpretation. (Heflin, Heflin, 2015: 63)

·        Independence and Neutrality

Independence is an underlying requirement of journalism, a cornerstone of its reliability. Independence of spirit and mind, rather than neutrality, is the principle journalists must keep in focus. While editorialists and commentators are not neutral, the source of their credibility is still their accuracy, intellectual fairness and ability to inform--not their devotion to a certain group or outcome. In our independence, however, we must avoid any tendency to stray into arrogance, elitism or isolation. (Heflin, Heflin, 2015: 64)

Conclusion:

The proliferation of the Internet and smartphones has brought significant changes to the media landscape since the turn of the 21st century. This has created a shift in the consumption of print media channels, as people increasingly consume news through e-readers, smartphones, and other personal electronic devices, as opposed to the more traditional formats of newspapers, magazines, or television news channels. News organizations are challenged to fully monetize their digital wing, as well as improvise on the context in which they publish in print. Newspapers have seen print revenues sink at a faster pace than the rate of growth for digital revenues.