MOHAMED SATHAK A. J.

ACADEMY OF ARCHITECTURE
Approved by Council of Architecture & affiliated to Anna University, Chennai
34, Old Mahabalipuram Road, IT Highway, Egattur – 603103

SUB : ARCHITECTURAL JOURNALISM AND PHOTOGRAPHY

SEMESTER : 9

BATCH : 2015
Page | 1
Assessment : 2

PART A Answer all the questions (2x 5=10)

1.What is journalism ?

2.What is Architectural Journalism ?

3.Explain the term Editing ?

4.What is exposure measurement ?

5. Describe about shutter speed?

PART B Answer all the questions (2x7.5=15)

2.Eloborate the individual needs of the following in our every day life

i. Newspaper

ii .Radio

iii. Movies

Journalism is the activity of gathering, assessing, creating, and presenting news and information. It is also
the product of these activities.
 MOHAMED SATHAK A. J. ACADEMY OF ARCHITECTURE
Approved by Council of Architecture & affiliated to Anna University, Chennai
34, Old Mahabalipuram Road, IT Highway, Egattur – 603103

Journalism can be distinguished from other activities and products by certain identifiable characteristics
and practices. These elements not only separate journalism from other forms of communication, they are
what make it indispensable to democratic societies. History reveals that the more democratic a society,
the more news and information it tends to have.

What makes journalism different than other forms of communication? Page | 2

While journalism occupies a much smaller space than the talk, entertainment, opinion, assertion,
advertising and propaganda that dominate the media universe, it is nevertheless perceived as being more
valuable than most of the “stuff out there.”

That value flows from its purpose, to provide people with verified information they can use to make better
decisions, and its practices, the most important of which is a systematic process – a discipline of
verification – that journalists use to find not just the facts, but also the “truth about the facts.”

What is the purpose of journalism?

“The purpose of journalism,”, “is not defined by technology, nor by journalists or the techniques they
employ.” Rather, “the principles and purpose of journalism are defined by something more basic: the
function news plays in the lives of people.”
News is that part of communication that keeps us informed of the changing events, issues, and characters
in the world outside. Though it may be interesting or even entertaining, the foremost value of news is as a
utility to empower the informed.

The purpose of journalism is thus to provide citizens with the information they need to make the best
possible decisions about their lives, their communities, their societies, and their governments.

What are the elements of journalism ?

10 elements common to good journalism

1. Journalism’s first obligation is to the truth

Good decision-making depends on people having reliable, accurate facts put in a meaningful context.
Journalism does not pursue truth in an absolute or philosophical sense, but in a capacity that is more down
to earth.

This “journalistic truth” is a process that begins with the professional discipline of assembling and
verifying facts. Then journalists try to convey a fair and reliable account of their meaning, subject to
further investigation.
 MOHAMED SATHAK A. J. ACADEMY OF ARCHITECTURE
Approved by Council of Architecture & affiliated to Anna University, Chennai
34, Old Mahabalipuram Road, IT Highway, Egattur – 603103

2.Its first loyalty is to citizens

A commitment to citizens is an implied covenant with the audience and a foundation of the journalistic
business model – journalism provided “without fear or favor” is perceived to be more valuable than
content from other information sources.
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3. Its essence is a discipline of verification
Journalists rely on a professional discipline for verifying information.

While there is no standardized code as such, every journalist uses certain methods to assess and test
information to “get it right.”

Seeking out multiple witnesses, disclosing as much as possible about sources, or asking various sides for
comment, all signal such standards. This discipline of verification is what separates journalism from other
forms of communication such as propaganda, advertising, fiction, or entertainment.

4. Its practitioners must maintain an independence from those they cover

Independence is a cornerstone of reliability.

On one level, it means not becoming seduced by sources, intimidated by power, or compromised by self-
interest. On a deeper level it speaks to an independence of spirit and an open-mindedness and intellectual
curiosity that helps the journalist see beyond his or her own class or economic status, race, ethnicity,
religion, gender or ego.

5. It must serve as an independent monitor of power

Journalism has an unusual capacity to serve as watchdog over those whose power and position most affect
citizens. It may also offer voice to the voiceless. Being an independent monitor of power means
“watching over the powerful few in society on behalf of the many to guard against tyranny,

The watchdog role also means more than simply monitoring government. It is their responsibility to
examine unseen corners of society. The world they chronicled captured the imagination of a largely
uninformed society, creating an immediate and enthusiastic popular following.”

Finally, the purpose of the watchdog extends beyond simply making the management and execution of
power transparent, to making known and understood the effects of that power. This includes reporting on
successes as well as failures.

6. It must provide a forum for public criticism and compromise

The news media are common carriers of public discussion, and this responsibility forms a basis for
special privileges that news and information providers receive from democratic societies.

These privileges, however, are not pre-ordained or perpetual. Rather, they are conferred because of the
need for an abundant supply of information. They are predicated on the assumption that journalism –
 MOHAMED SATHAK A. J. ACADEMY OF ARCHITECTURE
Approved by Council of Architecture & affiliated to Anna University, Chennai
34, Old Mahabalipuram Road, IT Highway, Egattur – 603103

because of its principles and practices – will supply a steady stream of higher quality content that
citizens and government will use to make better decisions.

A forum without regard for facts fails to inform and degrades rather than improves the quality and
effectiveness of citizen decision-making.
Page | 4
7. It must strive to keep the significant interesting and relevant
Journalism is storytelling with a purpose. It should do more than gather an audience or catalogue the
important. It must balance what readers know they want with what they cannot anticipate but need.

In other words, part of the journalist’s responsibility is providing information in such a way people will
be inclined to listen. Journalists must thus strive to make the significant interesting and relevant.

8. It must keep the news comprehensive and proportional

Journalism is our modern cartography. It creates a map for citizens to navigate society.

Keeping news in proportion is a cornerstone of truthfulness. Inflating events for sensation, neglecting
others, stereotyping, or being disproportionately negative all make a less reliable map. The most
comprehensive maps include all affected communities, not just those with attractive demographics. The
most complete stories take into account diverse backgrounds and perspectives.

9. Its practitioners must be allowed to exercise their personal conscience

Doing journalism, whether as a professional writing for a news organization or as an online contributor in
the public space, involves one’s moral compass and demands a personal sense of ethics and
responsibility.

Because “news” is important, those who provide news have a responsibility to voice their personal
conscience out loud and allow others to do so as well. They must be willing to question their own work
and to differ with the work of others if fairness and accuracy demand they do so.

10. Citizens, too, have rights and responsibilities when it comes to the news

What is architectural journalism?`

Architectural Journalism is a niche of writing about architecture and design. The writers/journalists who
write articles and cover events for magazines and websites, related to this domain thus specialize in
Architectural Journalism.

Very often, architects and designers with a flair for writing pursue Architectural Journalism. They get an
advantage while commenting on a work of architecture or a design philosophy. However, a basic sense of
aesthetics and adequate reading on the subject helps in understanding design concepts well enough to be
able to develop one's career in this niche of journalism.
 MOHAMED SATHAK A. J. ACADEMY OF ARCHITECTURE
Approved by Council of Architecture & affiliated to Anna University, Chennai
34, Old Mahabalipuram Road, IT Highway, Egattur – 603103

Journalist: A person who keeps a record of daily events, a journal, or a diary

Journalism: The occupation of reporting, writing, editing, photographing, or broadcasting news

Architecture: Profession of designing buildings, open areas, communities, and other artificial
constructions and environments; usually with some regard to aesthetic effect. Page | 5

Journalism Skills

Here is a list of the skills journalists need

 Ability to “think online” – the ability to adapt and learn as technology changes

 Storytelling across mediums

 Writing across platforms, including Web writing
 Copy editing
 Researching and guiding
 Curiosity and healthy skepticism
 Strong technical skills
 Understanding of the changing media landscape and media consumption -}Ability to manage,
moderate and participate in interactivity
 Data management including interactive graphics, databases and mashups
 Enterprise
 Energy and passion

Though editors, professors and fellow journalists seem to say that adaptability is the key, a laundry list of
specific technical skills include (in order of the frequency they are mentioned):

 Creating multimedia
 Video and video editing
 Audio
 Photography and photo editing
 HTML
 Use of content management systems
 Photoshop
 Blogs
 Social networking
 Social booking and media sharing
 Soundslides
 RSS
 Podcasting
 Flash
 Twitter
 Remote transmission

 MOHAMED SATHAK A. J. ACADEMY OF ARCHITECTURE
Approved by Council of Architecture & affiliated to Anna University, Chennai
34, Old Mahabalipuram Road, IT Highway, Egattur – 603103

A columnist is someone who writes for publication in a series, creating an article that usually offers
commentary and opinions.
Columns appear in newspapers, magazines and other publications, including blogs. They take the form of
a short essay by a specific writer who offers a personal point of view. In some instances, a column has Page | 6
been written by a composite or a team, appearing under a pseudonym, or (in effect) a brand name. Some
columnists appear on a daily or weekly basis and later reprint the same material in book collections.

Types

 Advice columnist
 Critic
 Editorial opinion columnist
 Gossip columnist
 Humor columnist
 Food columnist

An advice column is a column traditionally presented in a magazine or newspaper, though it can also be
delivered through other news media, such as the internet and broadcast news media. The advice column
format is question and answer: a (usually anonymous) reader writes to the media outlet with a problem in
the form of a question, and the media outlet provides an answer or response. The responses are written by
an advice columnist

A critic is a professional who communicates an assessment and an opinion of various forms of creative
works such as art, literature, music, cinema, theater, fashion, architecture, and food. Critics may also take
as their subject social or government policy. Critical judgments, whether derived from critical thinking or
not, weigh up a range of factors, including an assessment of the extent to which the item under review
achieves its purpose and its creator's intention and a knowledge of its context. They may also include a
positive or negative personal response.

An editorial, leading article or leader , is an often-unsigned written by the senior editorial staff or
publisher of a newspaper, magazine, or any other written document. Editorials may be supposed to reflect
the opinion of the periodical.

Editorials are typically published on a dedicated page, called the editorial page, which often
features letters to the editor from members of the public; the page opposite this page is called the op-
ed page and frequently contains opinion pieces by writers not directly affiliated with the publication.
However, a newspaper may choose to publish an editorial on the front page.
 MOHAMED SATHAK A. J. ACADEMY OF ARCHITECTURE
Approved by Council of Architecture & affiliated to Anna University, Chennai
34, Old Mahabalipuram Road, IT Highway, Egattur – 603103

A gossip columnist is someone who writes a gossip column in a newspaper or magazine, especially
a gossip magazine. Gossip columns are material written in a light, informal style, which relates the gossip
columnist's opinions about the personal lives or conduct of celebrities from show business (motion
picture movie stars, theater, and television actors), politicians, professional sports stars, and
other wealthy people or public figures. Some gossip columnists broadcast segments
on radio and television. Page | 7

The terms food critic, food writer, and restaurant critic can all be used to describe a writer who analyzes
food or restaurants and then publishes the results of their findings. While these terms are not strictly
synonymous they are often used interchangeably, at least in some circumstances. Those who share their
opinions via food columns in newspapers and magazines are known as food columnists. They are often
experts in the field.

COPY RIGHT

A copyright is a formal declaration that the owner is the only one with the right to publish, reproduce, or
sell a particular artistic work. The protection of a copyright is granted by the government, and covers
original literary (writings), dramatic (stage and film) musical, artistic, and other creations.

The grant of an exclusive right to make copies, license, use, or otherwise exploit an original work of art,
or over the creation of an original design.

What Does a Copyright Protect

Copyright is a form of intellectual property law in the U.S., which offers protection for “original works of
authorship,” whether published or unpublished. Such original creative works include:
1. literary works
2. musical works, including any accompanying words
3. dramatic works, including any accompanying music
4. pantomimes and choreographic works (if written down, or otherwise expressed in tangible medium)
5. pictorial, graphic, and sculptural works
6. motion pictures and other audiovisual works
7. sound recordings
8. architectural works

Things Not Protected by Copyright

1. Ideas, Methods or Systems – This covers a broad spectrum of works, including methods for
making or building things, scientific discoveries or ideas, scientific or technical methods, business
operations or procedures, mathematical formulas, algorithms, or principles. This category also
covers blank forms.
2. Commonly Known Information – Items considered to belong to society as a whole, with no
known authorship. For example, height and weight charts, rulers and tape measures, and standard
calendars, fall into this category, which is often known as “the sky is blue” category, because there
is no known author to that concept.
 MOHAMED SATHAK A. J. ACADEMY OF ARCHITECTURE
Approved by Council of Architecture & affiliated to Anna University, Chennai
34, Old Mahabalipuram Road, IT Highway, Egattur – 603103

3. Choreographic Works – Choreography, which is the step sequence and design in a dance routine,
cannot be protected by copyright, unless it has been video recorded or otherwise notated. Also
included under this category are speeches given, which have not been transcribed either before or
after they are given.
4. Names, Titles Short Phrases, and Expressions – This category covers names of things, slogans,
catch phrases, pseudonyms, product descriptions, titles of works, and other things. A comprehensive
Page | 8
description is available in the Copyright Office’s Circular 34. Also included under this category are
recipes. Specifically, a list of ingredients cannot be protected by copyright, though the specific
written directions published as part of a recipe may be protected. Other factors apply, such as
whether the recipe is published as part of a cookbook, or contains other expressions that are
copyrightable.

Difference Between a Copyright, a Patent, and a Trademark

There are three separate types of registration that protect intellectual property:

1. Copyright – protects works of authorship, which have been expressed in a tangible form. This
includes such expressions as books, movies, works of art, and songs. Copyright protection for the
individual who created the work lasts 70 years past the lifetime of the author.
2. Patent – protects inventions, including machines, manufactured items, chemical compositions, and
industrial processes. The length of patent protection varies by the type of patent granted. Design
patents last for 14 years, utility and plant patents last for 20 years.
3. Trademark – protects a symbol, design, word, or phrase that identifies and distinguishes the
products of one party from those of another. This primarily applies to brand names, logos, and
slogans. A trademark does not expire, but lasts as long as the owner continuously uses it.

What is a journal?

A journal is a written record of your thoughts, experiences, and observations.

A journal (through French from Latin diurnalis, daily) has several related meanings:
 MOHAMED SATHAK A. J. ACADEMY OF ARCHITECTURE
Approved by Council of Architecture & affiliated to Anna University, Chennai
34, Old Mahabalipuram Road, IT Highway, Egattur – 603103

 a record of events or business; a private journal is usually referred to as a diary

 a newspaper or other periodical, in the literal sense of one published each day
 many publications issued at stated intervals, such as academic journals (including scientific journals), or the
record of the transactions of a society, are often called journals. [1]In academic use, a journal refers to a serious,
scholarly publication that is peer-reviewed. A non-scholarly magazine written for an educated audience about an
industry or an area of professional activity is usually called a trade magazine.[2]
The word "journalist", for one whose business is writing for the public press and nowadays also other media, has Page | 9
been in use since the end of the 17th century