Nowadays, “Media” and “journalism” these two words are almost inseparable parts of our life. Almost every single day, we hear somebody discuss about these topics. “Media is biased,” “journalism is dead,” these are some standard statements that are often made by people. Everyday breaking news by some of the news channel pop up on your Instagram feed also. But what do these words really mean? Let’s understand Both of these terminologies – Media and Journalism.
What is Media?
You can consider media a messenger or in more simple term, it is a bridge. A bridge that connects you with the world. Media gives you the detailed information about everything that is happening in any corner of the world.
For example, The recent India – Pakistan cricket match. You didn’t go to watch the match in the stadium itself, but you still know score, you still know that who hits the sixer, who got out and every other detail about the match. That is Media. Television, Radio, Newspaper, Websites, Podcasts, YouTube or even Social media like Instagram, Facebook, twitter, every platform that keeps you updated, is Media. Media is not just one thing; it is every platform that shares information, entertainment, and opinions with people.
What is Journalism?
- 1. Finding information – What happened? Who did it? Why does it matter?
- 2. Checking if it’s true – No one likes fake news. Journalists dig deeper, cross-check facts, and try to separate truth from rumours.
- 3. Sharing it with people – Writing an article, recording a video, or reporting live on TV so that you and I can understand the situation.
More than 100 years ago, Great freedom fighter Lokmanya Tilak used his newspapers Kesari (Marathi) and The Mahratta (English) as media platforms. Through journalism, he spread awareness about freedom and questioned British rule.
When the government tried to silence the press, many journalists fought to keep reporting the truth. That’s journalism’s power in holding the government accountable.
During Indian elections, media channels, newspapers, and now social media all play a big role in explaining manifestos, exposing scams, and bringing leaders’ promises into public debate.
Media and journalism are not just about news. They’re about awareness, connection, and accountability. Without them we would know nothing beyond our own street. Leaders and powerful people could do anything without being questioned. Fake stories would spread without anyone checking the truth.
In short, Media is the platform that is Television, Newspaper, Instagram, Youtube, Radio. And Journalism is the job of digging out truth and sharing it through these mediums.
Together, they help us stay informed, aware, and connected with the world.
