Aim: Why do we have more than one function of a journalist? DO NOW: Take a paper and read leads and headlines. HW: News stories

Political Function Watchdog of government –Provide information about what is happening in government. –Alert the public to government wrongdoings, scandals or crimes. –Fight attempts of government to conduct business covertly. –Scrutinize budgets to check how taxes are being spent. –Transparency = Good!

Economic Function Provides information about products and services. Allows for advertising about products and services (the bills have to be paid). Often provides information about financial markets and daily results (Dow Jones, NYSE)

Sentry Function A journalist looks to see what is coming in the future. –Technology –Potential crises –Threats –Public trends/habits –Developing Issues

Record Keeping Function The news sources keep accurate records of all of the things that happen in the region they serve. –Bills/laws passing through congress –Elections –Prices of commodities –Data

Entertainment Function Comics/Funny pages Puzzles Feature stories Photos Sports TV/Movie review

Social Function A place where people talk about the latest “thing” that might not fall into any of the previous categories. –The latest episode of a show –Prizes won by locals –Babies born –Obituaries

Agenda Setting Function “While journalists don’t tell us what to think, they tell us what to think about.”

In sum, what are the functions of a journalist? Political Economic Sentry Record Keeping Entertainment Social Agenda Setting