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Kerala +2 Journalism study materials
Kerala +2 Journalism study resources

Kerala +2 Journalism: Introduction to Journalism: Nature, Functions and the History of the Press

Kerala +2 Journalism · Work through your exam, one topic at a time.

All guide sections

Introduction to Journalism: Nature, Functions and the History of the Press

What this domain tests

Introduction to Journalism carries the definitions, functions and datable history that examiners use for short answers. Expect questions such as state four functions of the press, trace the growth of the Indian-language press, or explain why 1780 is a landmark year.

Nature and functions

Journalism is the organised, periodic collection and dissemination of information about current events in the public interest. Its nature is periodic, public, current and truth-oriented. The functions are to inform, to interpret and educate, to entertain, to act as watchdog, to provide a platform for debate, to carry advertising that funds the enterprise, and to set the public agenda.

Dates that repeat

  • 1780 - James Augustus Hicky brings out the Bengal Gazette, India's first newspaper.
  • 1816 - Gangadhar Bhattacharjee's Bengal Gazette, the first Indian-owned paper.
  • 1878 - Vernacular Press Act (Lytton) muzzles the Indian-language press.
  • 1910 - Indian Press Act, action against objectionable matter.
  • 1954 - First Press Commission (recommends a press council and wage boards).
  • 1956 - Registrar of Newspapers for India, under the Press and Registration of Books Act 1867.
  • 1966 - Press Council of India constituted.
  • Kerala: Deepika 1887, Malayala Manorama 1888, Kerala Kaumudi 1911, Mathrubhumi 1923 under K.P. Kesava Menon.

Worked example

Question: why did Indian nationalists oppose the Vernacular Press Act of 1878? Reasoning: name the Act, give its mechanism (a magistrate could demand security and confiscate the press), name its target (papers in Indian languages), and state the principle violated (English papers were exempt, so equality before law was broken). A full-mark answer links mechanism, target and principle instead of only quoting a date.

Traps

Do not credit Hicky with the first Indian-owned paper. Do not say the First Press Commission created the Press Council; it only recommended it. Do not describe press freedom as absolute.