Can a Journalist Be a ‘Professional’ in a Developing Country?

Abstract

A journalist is a professional to the extent that he conceives himself as employed by the public to serve the public. The author believes there is no situation in which a newsman does not have some freedom to develop the professional point of view.

Sports Journalists' Use of Social Media and Its Effects on Professionalism

“…From a sociological perspective, mass media scholars have debated whether journalism can even be considered a profession (Gerald, 1963;Head, 1963;Hodges, 1986;Kimball, 1965;Merrill, 1986;Rosten, 1937;Schramm, 1957;p. 345-347).…”

A literature review of approaches to the professionalism of journalists

“…In an address to journalists in a regional workshop of the African-American Institute, Head (1963) encourages African journalists to do their best to exercise professionalism in their jobs. He gently suggests techniques, such as the proper chronological placement of points in a story, and the use of formal objectivity in stories.…”

Putting Broadcast News in Context

“…The roles that journalists see for themselves can contribute to the types of stories they pursue or don’t pursue (Shoemaker & Reese, 2014). In 1963, Journalist Sydney W. Head told reporters, “Every single thing you do…is going to be colored by your orientation” (p. 596). That same year, Cohen (1963) discovered a duality in this orientation: “neutral” journalists simply dispensed information, while “participants” interpreted and challenged information sources.…”