HANDOUT JOURNALISM Meaning and
Definition
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Handout journalism refers to a form of reporting or news production where journalists rely heavily on official or organizational communications, such as press releases, statements, or pre-packaged materials provided by specific sources. This term often carries a negative connotation, as it implies a lack of thorough research, critical analysis, or independent investigation on the part of the journalist.
In handout journalism, reporters often present information without questioning or verifying its accuracy or bias, essentially regurgitating what has been put forward by the source. They may adopt a passive role in the journalistic process, serving predominantly as conduits for the information provided, rather than actively engaging in objective and in-depth reporting.
This practice can compromise the integrity and objectivity of news coverage, as it allows for potential manipulation or spinning of the facts by those providing the handout materials. By relying solely on such materials, journalists may fail to provide a full and balanced representation of events and issues, favoring the perspective of the source over a broader range of viewpoints.
Handout journalism can hinder the critical role that journalism must play in holding those in power accountable, as it cedes the power to shape the narrative to the sources themselves. To address this concern, it is imperative for journalists to exercise skepticism, verify facts independently, and incorporate diverse perspectives when reporting on any given topic.
Common Misspellings for HANDOUT JOURNALISM
- gandout journalism
- bandout journalism
- nandout journalism
- jandout journalism
- uandout journalism
- yandout journalism
- hzndout journalism
- hsndout journalism
- hwndout journalism
- hqndout journalism
- habdout journalism
- hamdout journalism
- hajdout journalism
- hahdout journalism
- hansout journalism
- hanxout journalism
- hancout journalism
- hanfout journalism
- hanrout journalism
- haneout journalism
Etymology of HANDOUT JOURNALISM
The term "handout journalism" is a compound word composed of "handout" and "journalism".
- "Handout" is derived from the phrase "hand out", meaning to distribute or give something to someone. In the context of journalism, a handout refers to material, such as press releases, statements, or information, given to journalists by individuals, organizations, or institutions for publication or reporting purposes.
- "Journalism" stems from the word "journal", which originally referred to a daily record or diary. Over time, it evolved to describe the profession or practice of collecting, verifying, analyzing, and disseminating news or information to the public.
Therefore, "handout journalism" implies a form of journalism in which news or information is primarily obtained from a source in the form of handouts, without extensive research or independent verification.
