Functions of journalism Journalists and the publications they work for all serve important functions or roles in our society. Here are 8 main functions the media should serve:

1. Political  Journalists should be the watchdog of the government  Includes following the activities of elected officials, keeping track of how tax dollars are spent, making sure government activities remain public, etc.  Most important job of the press

2. Economic  Journalists should provide information about goods, services and products  Stories about a new business, industry trends in consumer spending, agriculture news or anything involving our economy  Could also be advertisements in a publication or Internet site

3. Sentry  Journalists should report on what is likely to become news tomorrow  Upcoming problems or trends that could affect everyday life  Lack of social security funding, impact of mortgage foreclosures, future tax increases or budget cuts could be examples

4. Record Keeping  Journalists should keep records of local, national and world news or topics important to readers  Records would include elections results, obituaries, sports results, divorces, marriages, crimes would be examples

5. Entertainment  Not everything a journalist does must be serious; entertaining items are also important to many readers  Comics, feature stories on unique people or hobbies or events, gossip or advice columns, the FYI section

6. Social  Journalists should inform readers about upcoming events  Community or event calendars, movie reviews, theater openings, cultural events

7. Marketplace  Publications should provide a forum for everyone’s ideas and opinions  Letters to the editor, columns and editorials, covering protests by citizens, following up on tips or ideas to reporters from citizens, blogs

8. Agenda-Setting  Journalists should tell people what to care and think about  Goal might be to change their behavior or open minds to new ideas  Water conservation during drought, recycling information when landfills are full, highlighting the lives of Iraqis affected by war, gas saving tips when gas prices were high

Charges Against Press  5 main items journalism/journalists are blamed for.

1. Unreliablity  Reporters strive for perfection, but deadline and human error interfere and can create inaccuracy.

2. Superficiality  Depends on the audience.  Some articles only cover the surface

3. Sensationalism  Wildly dramatic style  Language that intends to shock  Emphasis on blood & gore  The National Enquirer

4. Personal Privacy  Journalists don’t allow subjects any

5. Bad News  Only doom & gloom items are reported

Fulfilling Journalism Functions  With local media  With The Patriot  Any charges of merit?

Guess the Function  A feature story on the increase in popularity of clothes and other items made from environmentally friendly materials.  Agenda Setting

 A news story about the closing of some area Starbucks as a money-saving effort by the company.  Economic

 A letter to the editor criticizing the Kansas City mayor’s handling of a city park issue.  Marketplace

 A review of the movie The Butler.  Entertainment

 A news story about a city councilman accused of stealing public funds.  Political

 A sports story about the Royals winning.  Entertainment/Record Keeping

 A feature story on the poor conditions at the veterans hospital in town.  Sentry