GOOD JOURNALISM.

Story by: Kuchando Bintu 

       In contemporary times, journalism has become one of the most important parts of human life and survival. Journalism seen as the fourth arm of government has its primary responsibility to the society and its inhabitants making it almost very impossible to live without the services of journalists. Interestingly, the advent of sophisticated machines and advanced technology has made it even easier to carry out the activities of journalism but the question is “do journalists carry out their duties in the right manner? If they are, in what manner makes it appropriate then?”

“Good” as a word means approved of, high standard, satisfying or right.

Journalism on the other hand according to Ahuja 2011, is the activity of gathering, assessing, creating, and presenting news and information.

Hence, the term good journalism can be defined as the approved form of gathering, assessing, creating, and presenting news and information in a professional order. Profession as a keyword enlightens the fact that, journalism is a profession and like other professions, has got a set of rules and principles guiding and acting as a check on how the activities of journalists is carried out. This is to say that, journalism has ethics and standards which comprise of good practice applicable to journalists. In broader sense, there is quit outnumbered elements of good journalism but here, we would like to discuss just a few values of what good journalism is.

     Honesty. Journalists must provide news that is truthful and reliable. This value is what really separates journalism from other forms of communication. Truthfulness goes deeper than just accuracy and eliminating completely misinformation and disinformation. Presenting true news also adds to the credibility of a news site and a journalist. Truth and honesty is not only important to the journalist but also very keen to the wellbeing of the citizens and the nation at large.

     Independence and objectivity. Journalists should avoid topics in which they have to financial or personal interest that will provide them a particular interest in the subject matter as that interest may introduce bias. Influence from external forces like government, media owners and financers must be completely avoided.

     Fairness and diligence. Journalists are expected to present facts with much sincerity as possible without fusing into it personal emotions. When presenting news, journalists are to avoid impartiality and neutrality, presenting other point of views and sides to a story where these exist. It is therefore completely unacceptable to slant facts to favor a side of interest. Also, a journalist should gather and present pertinent facts to provide a good understanding to the subject reported.

     Accountability. A journalist at all cost must be accountable for work or news provided to the public. Journalist should also be ready to accept criticism and consequences. Being accountable also includes admitting to information presented, making changes or amendment to work when the needs arises and be able to stand criticism when criticism.

The above are some basic characteristics of a good journalist in cause of performing their duties and owing their responsibility to the citizens in quest for democracy.