Understanding the functions that media must fulfill in

modern, free society

THE FUNCTIONS OF A JOURNALIST

Functions of Journalism•There are ways to determine how well journalists do their jobs.

•Traditionally, journalists in free society are charged with the following responsibilities or functions

The Political Function• Information on which we base political decisions• The Press is regarded as the “watchdog” of government and will cover in detail the activities of government. • It will fight attempts by government to do the public’s business behind closed doors. After all, it is our government!• It will watch for scandal and wrongdoing.• It will scrutinize budgets to see that the public’s money is being spent properly. • This function should be foremost of the press’s responsiblities…•Why?

The Economic Function•The public needs information about goods, products, and services.•Business, industrial, and agricultural news conveys this information, but so does advertising.•Advertising pays the bills!

The Sentry Function•The press watches society’s horizons…what is peeking over the horizon to challenge us tomorrow??•The press must report not only what is happening today, but also what is likely to happen tomorrow.•Examples?•Police brutality?• Insurance and health needs of an aging population?•Hate groups, bullying, and bias?Heard of these issues? You HAVE because they have become public knowledge due to the press bringing them to public attention?

The Record-Keeping Function•The mass media should reflect an accurate record of local, national and world news. •Who was elected to the school board? What bills passed in Congress? What happened to the price of oil?•This is a basic function of the media.•Consumers need to know basic things, including this data.

The Entertainment Function•Mass media consumers need diversion/distraction as well as information.•There has to be a “lighter” element to appeal to all ages and interests.

The Social Function

•Passing along the news created in a social situation in which people discuss their world

The Marketplace Function

•The press provides the forum in which all sorts of ideas are presented.•Gets people mobilized and makes them take action.

The Agenda-Setting Function•Journalists don’t tell us what to think, but they do tell us what to think about.•Media has the power to determine what we talk about as individuals and address as a nation.•If the media places more attention/emphasis on a topic, people begin to pay more attention to that issue•Who sets the agenda?