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What is Journalism Studies?

The study of how journalism works, changes over time, and its role in democracy.

Why Study Journalism?

To understand journalism’s role in informing society and supporting democracy.

Ethics of Journalism

Core Values:
✅ Truth
✅ Accuracy
✅ Fairness
✅ Impartiality
✅ Accountability

Journalism Ethics Summary

• Ethics = rules that guide journalists

• Helps protect the public, tell the truth, and stay fair

• Requires constant reflection

Core Ethics Principles

• Accuracy

• Fairness

• Transparency

• Truth & verification

• Independence

• Minimize harm

Media Ombudsman

A neutral person or office that handles complaints about media.
Helps fix unfair or false reporting.

Clickbait

Over-the-top or misleading headlines to get clicks.
Hurts trust and spreads false info.

Sensationalism

Shocking, emotional reporting to get attention.
Example: Fake videos during the skirmish caused fear.

Privacy vs Public Right to Know

• FOI (Freedom of Information): Lets public access government info

• UK: FOI Act 2000

• Malaysia: Official Secrets Act

• Journalists use FOI to reveal issues like public fund misuse

Article 10 – Freedom of Expression

Everyone has the right to express opinions and receive information.

Libel

False info that harms someone’s reputation.

Court Restrictions

Rules that stop media from reporting certain things about a trial.
This is to:

• Protect young people (juveniles) involved in a case

• Make sure the trial stays fair and isn’t influenced by public opinion

Contempt of Court

When someone breaks court rules that protect a fair trial.

Examples:

• Publishing info that could influence the judge or jury

• Refusing to give up sources when the court asks

🛑 It can lead to punishment (fine or jail)

Conflict Reporting

Reporting news during wars or violent events.

Challenges:

• Fake/recycled videos

• Biased headlines

• Physical danger to journalists

• False info from influencers

Harm Minimization in Conflict

• Check truth using OSINT & satellite

• Avoid drama (sensationalism)

• Include all voices (especially minorities)

• Stay accurate and fair

Fourth Estate

Traditional media (e.g. newspapers, TV)
✅ Holds power accountable
✅ Professional journalism

Fifth Estate

The public using digital platforms (e.g. Twitter)
✅ Fact-checks the media
✅ Shapes opinions online

Algorithmic News Feeds

News chosen by algorithms on social media
🛑 Based on likes, not truth
🛑 Causes echo chambers and filter bubbles

Confirmation Bias

You believe info that matches what you already think and ignore the rest.

Echo Chamber

You're only surrounded by people who agree with you, so your views are never challenged.

Filter Bubble

Algorithms only show you what you like, hiding other opinions.

Embedded Journalism

Journalists join military units during war.

✅ Access to frontline
🛑 Controlled by military
🛑 Lacks independence

Deepfakes & AI

Fake videos/images created with AI.
❗ Confuses the truth

Partisan Media

Shows only one political side
📰 Examples: Fox News
🛑 Increases division

Bipartisan Media

Tries to show both sides fairly
🛑 Hard to maintain due to audience & algorithm pressure