From Polls to People: Journalisms Role in Elections Discourse

Ms. Nidhi Wairagade,

Assistant Professor, 

PCU - School of Media and Communication Studies 

 

"Enhancing Civic Engagement Through Quality Reporting"

In the fast-paced arena of media and communications, few areas carry as much weight and responsibility as journalism during election periods. Aspiring journalists and seasoned professionals alike find themselves at the forefront of democracy, tasked with the crucial role of informing the public and upholding the integrity of the electoral process.

Understanding the Scope of Election Journalism

Election journalism is beyond the mere reporting of who won or lost. It encompasses a broad spectrum of activities including investigative journalism to uncover truths, photojournalism that captures the moments, and the ever-evolving field of data journalism that interprets complex voter data and trends. And of course, we cannot forget the emerging yet crucial role of online journalists and citizen journalists in providing regional, on field and 24X7 reporting. This multidimensional approach of journalism ensures that the electorate is well-informed about their choices, the electoral process, and the implications of election outcomes.

The Pillars of Journalism in Elections

1. Investigative Journalism: This is at the heart of election reporting. Journalists in this field do more than report events; they dig deeper to uncover the stories behind the candidates, campaign financing, and the electoral processes. By investigating these elements, journalists can expose corruption related to elections, undue influence, and other irregularities that could compromise the election's integrity.

2. Ethics and Responsibility: The importance of journalism ethics cannot be overstated in the context of elections. Ethical journalism involves presenting information fairly, accurately, and without bias. It also means resisting external pressures from political affiliations and advertisers, which is crucial in maintaining public trust and credibility.

3. Citizen Journalism: With the rise of new media as well as social media, citizen journalism has become an influential component of election coverage. Citizens equipped with smartphones and internet access can report real-time events and offer grassroots perspectives that might be overlooked by mainstream media. Training in journalism and mass communication equips students to both participate in and critically evaluate this new media landscape.

Challenges Faced by Journalists During Election Reporting:              
Journalists play a crucial role in shaping public perception and ensuring transparency in the electoral process. However, this task comes with its own set of unique and significant challenges. Understanding these challenges is essential for appreciating the critical role journalists play and the pressures they navigate to bring us the news from the front lines of democracy.

1. Safety Risks

Journalists often find themselves in the crosshairs of hostility, especially in highly charged political climates. Covering rallies, protests, and voting areas can expose them to various fractions. The safety risk increases in regions where freedom of the press is restricted, and journalists may also face legal threats that aim to intimidate or silence their reporting.

2. Misinformation and Disinformation

In the digital age, misinformation spreads rapidly, challenging the journalist’s duty to provide accurate and verified information. Distinguishing between fact and fiction becomes increasingly difficult, yet essential, as false information can sway public opinion and impact election outcomes. Journalists, thus, rigorously fact-check and verify sources and information and maintain the credibility of news and information.

3. High Stakes of Real-Time Reporting

The rush to report election results and developments as they happen can sometimes lead to mistakes, which in the context of an election, have higher consequences. The demand for real-time reporting requires journalists to be precise and careful, even when speed is of the essence. Thus, a reporter has to deliver news in real time and also maintain journalism ethics and credibility. 

 

 

Challenges in Modern Election Reporting: - 

The digital age brings with it both opportunities and challenges for election journalists. The rapid dissemination of information through social media platforms can sometimes lead to the spread of misinformation. Journalists must be adept at using digital tools to fact-check and debunk falsehoods to maintain the credibility of the electoral process.

The dynamics of media consumption are changing. Audiences now demand quicker, more accessible news updates, often through mobile and multimedia platforms. Journalists must adapt to these technologies without compromising the depth and quality of their reporting.

Journalists covering elections undertake a crucial yet challenging role. They must constantly balance accuracy with speed, ensure their safety while delivering in-depth coverage, and resist external pressures to maintain impartiality. The challenges are daunting, but the importance of their role cannot be overstated—journalists are essential to the democratic process, providing the clear, accurate reporting that is the lifeblood of informed voting.

The Impact of Ethical Election Journalism

When conducted ethically, election reporting has the power to uphold the pillars of democracy by ensuring that the electorate is informed about the choices they have, the processes that govern them, and the implications of their voting decisions. This kind of reporting fosters transparency, combats corruption, and holds candidates and electoral bodies accountable.

Ethical journalism also serves to educate the public, not only about the candidates and their platforms but about the electoral process itself. This education is crucial in combating indifferences and encouraging voter participation, which is fundamental to a healthy democracy.

Essential Tips for Aspiring Journalists Covering Elections:

Contribution of journalists in elections is vital. With the Lok Sabha Elections 2024 taking place currently, the role of journalists in shaping public perception and informing democracy has never been more crucial. Election reporting is a cornerstone of journalism, offering aspiring journalists a formidable but rewarding challenge. Here are a few essential tips and best practices for delivering insightful, accurate, and impactful reporting on the elections. 

1. Understand The Electoral Process: Before diving into election reporting, it's vital to have a thorough understanding of the electoral process. Familiarize yourself with how Lok Sabha elections are conducted in India, including the phases of polling, key players, political parties, and electoral laws. Knowledge of the system will not only enhance your reporting but also help you convey the complexities of democracy and voting to your audience.

2. Ethical Reporting: Journalism ethics are paramount, especially during elections. Maintain impartiality, avoid sensationalism, and ensure your reporting does not influence or bias voters. Respect confidentiality and anonymity when necessary, and always strive to verify the information before publication. Upholding these ethical standards is crucial in strengthening the pillars of democracy.

3. Utilize Data Effectively:  In today's digital age, data journalism has become an indispensable tool. Utilize electoral data, polling results, and demographic information to create more nuanced and comprehensive reports. You can take the help of many easy-to-use online software and tools that can help depict electoral trends and voting patterns, making your stories both informative and engaging.

4. Engage With Voters:  To capture the pulse of the electorate, engage directly with voters. Understand their concerns, expectations, and motivations. This grassroots-level reporting can provide unique insights that go beyond the rhetoric of political leaders. It helps paint a clearer picture of the potential impact of the election outcomes on ordinary citizens.

5. Use Online Tools: In the age of digital media, being tech-savvy is a must. Understand the power of social media in shaping narratives and use it to gather information and gauge public opinion. But, be vigilant about the spread of misinformation. Equip yourself with the skills to identify and debunk fake news and misinformation, ensuring your reporting remains credible and trusted.

6. Continuous Learning:  Election reporting, like any journalistic endeavor, requires continuous learning and adaptation. Stay updated with the latest trends in journalism, attend workshops, and follow seasoned journalists and their coverage of elections. Learning from professionals and industry experts can provide valuable insights and improve your reporting skills.

7. Safety First:  Elections can be high-stress times with heightened emotions and sometimes, conflicts. Prioritize your safety while reporting from the field. Be aware of your surroundings, understand the local sentiments, and take necessary precautions, especially when covering rallies or public gatherings.

Conclusion

As democracy continues to evolve, so does the role of the journalist in election reporting. The responsibilities are substantial, but the impact is monumental. Through diligent and ethical reporting, journalists have the power not only to inform but also to empower citizens, thereby strengthening the very foundations of democratic governance. This crucial role is not just a professional obligation; it is a service to the community and to democracy itself.

Training the Next Generation of Election Reporters

It thus becomes important to train not just the present but the next generation journalists as well. Despite an increase in new media and open resources, a trained and responsible journalist is the need for today and a developed tomorrow. 

Hence, the effective training of an efficient journalist requires a program designed to equip students with the knowledge and skills necessary for effective election reporting. Theoretical knowledge is not just the answer to overall development, it also requires practical training from experts, where aspiring journalists will learn to navigate the complexities of media influence, public opinion and political communication. 

Course Highlights: A Bachelor of Arts in Journalism, Media, and Communication Studies (BAJMC) program should not just be an academic degree; it should also be a commitment to maintaining the democratic fabric of society through rigorous and ethical election reporting.

An efficient course for training of journalist should focus on the following elements: 

• Media and Politics: The area of study must delve into the interplay between media and political power, exploring how media influence’s public opinion and political outcomes. It covers the complexities of political processes, campaign strategies, and the media's pivotal role in shaping voter perceptions—essential knowledge for effective election reporting.

• Ethics In Journalism: A dedicated course on ethics prepares students to face moral dilemmas in reporting, emphasizing integrity and the public interest.

• Digital Journalism: Emphasizing the tools and techniques of digital reporting that signifies to modern journalism, including mobile and multimedia journalism.

• Fact-Checking: This critical component of journalism stresses the verification of news and information using diverse online tools and research methods. It aims to promote credible reporting and responsible journalism across multiple platforms.

• Multimedia Journalism: Course must meet the journalism needs of today’s era that involves multiple formats, training in writing, editing, and producing content across various platforms—including digital, broadcast, and social media. This also includes mastering video, audio, and digital storytelling techniques to effectively engage diverse audiences during election cycles. 

• Media Multi Skilling: The digital era offers information on multiple platforms. The course should furnish the nuances and utility of all the platforms and focus upon accomplishing the immediate outcome. 

• Law And Media: Knowledge of the legal framework surrounding media operations is crucial, especially laws that govern media freedom, access to information, and specifics of election coverage. This area prepares journalists to understand and navigate the legal challenges encountered while covering elections.

• International Journalism: Offering a global viewpoint, this field also examines and monitors election coverage in different countries. It provides comparative insights into democratic processes and media practices around the world, enhancing a journalist’s capability to cover international elections or work as a foreign correspondent for international media organizations and news agencies. 

• Data Journalism: Essential for modern election coverage, this field teaches the acquisition, analysis, and visualization of data. Skills in interpreting election polls, exit polls, analyzing voter turnout data, and employing statistical tools to forecast outcomes are cultivated, enabling Journalists to craft compelling, data-driven narratives.

 

The programs designed to fulfill these requirements foster comprehensive development for students aiming to make their mark in the media industry. A well-rounded course in journalism, media, and communication studies unveils a vast array of opportunities, enabling students to immerse themselves in fields such as journalism, advertising, public relations, event management, and content creation.

Currently, India proudly hosts its largest electoral event, the Lok Sabha 2024 elections, under the banner "Chunav ka Parv, Desh ka Garv". This monumental event not only highlights the critical area of election reporting, which media students should capitalize on, but also prepares them for diverse media roles through targeted training. Delving into topics like elections, politics, international relations, and government systems opens the gateway to numerous career opportunities within the media sector.

For those who are well-trained and knowledgeable, career paths expand to roles in leading news agencies, independent media outlets, and innovative digital platforms that specialize in political analysis and election coverage. Moreover, with a robust understanding of politics and elections, one can venture into the advertising industry, creating impactful campaigns for elections and political parties. Since promotion and advertising are integral to elections, this area offers myriad opportunities.

Elections are also a crucial time for maintaining and enhancing public relations to bolster the image of political parties. This necessity opens further avenues in PR, where every political entity aims for effective brand positioning and promotion across both traditional and digital media platforms. Roles such as social media manager, content creator, and digital marketer are just a few of the many prospects that arise during election seasons.

Additionally, the electoral process generates opportunities in the events sector. Organizing and managing political events, including election rallies, promotional activities, and campaign operations, represents key career opportunities available today. This dynamic environment provides a challenging yet rewarding arena for aspiring media professionals to apply their skills and contribute to shaping public discourse.

 

Join Us to Champion Democratic Reporting:

BA in Journalism, Media and Communication Studies

 

In conclusion, a degree in Journalism, Media, and Communication Studies (BAJMC), offered by Pimpri Chinchwad University (PCU) is a course after 12th that not only paves the way for a fulfilling career in media but also places you at the forefront of defending and promoting democracy. As election cycles continue to define the political landscape, the need for diligent, ethical, and insightful journalism has never been greater.

If you are driven by a passion for truth, justice, and democratic engagement, our program of BA in Journalism Media and Communication Studies (BAJMC) is your gateway to becoming a pivotal voice in election journalism. If you are interested in exploring the other Media opportunities then our courses after 12th of BBA in Advertising, Events and Public Relations (PR) will provide you with the holistic training of academia, media and business. These courses after 12th promise overall development and make the students industry-ready for the dynamic world of media. 

 

Check the details of courses offered by the School of Media and Communication Studies, Pimpri Chinchwad University (PCU).