Development Journalism (JoCo2013)2024

WCU

CHAPTER TWO:
DEVELOPMENT JOURNALISM AS APPLIED IN THE CONTEXT OF DIFFERENT
MEDIA

1. Development Journalism in Different Media Contexts

 Definition and Purpose: Development journalism aims to facilitate positive change

by providing crucial information about social, economic, and environmental issues.
Unlike traditional journalism, which often focuses on breaking news, development
journalism is proactive, in-depth, and solution-oriented. It’s especially impactful in
developing countries where awareness can drive change in health, agriculture,
education, and infrastructure.
 Applications Across Media:
o Television: Documentaries and investigative programs highlight critical social
issues like water scarcity, healthcare access, and education, often exploring
solutions through government or community initiatives.
 Example: “Satyamev Jayate,” an Indian TV show, exposed social
issues and highlighted community-driven solutions.
o Print Media: Development journalism in newspapers and magazines
addresses issues such as rural development, public health, and infrastructure.
Articles often provide analysis and policy recommendations.
 Example: A newspaper series that investigates child malnutrition in
rural areas, discussing causes, consequences, and government efforts.
o Radio: Radio, especially in remote or rural areas, is essential for reaching
audiences with limited access to other media. Community radio stations
broadcast in local languages on topics like agricultural practices, market
prices, and hygiene.
 Example: In Nepal, community radio offers programs on sustainable
farming practices, helping farmers adopt more productive techniques.

2. Role of Media in National Integration

 Definition and Importance: National integration refers to fostering unity and a

shared identity among a country’s diverse communities. Media plays a significant role

Prepared by: Lielt A. (M.A)

Development Journalism (JoCo2013)2024
WCU

by covering topics that resonate across regional, cultural, and linguistic boundaries,
helping to unify people.
 How Media Contributes:
o Broadcasting Cultural Programs: By showcasing regional festivals,
traditions, and events, media platforms allow audiences to understand and
appreciate each other’s cultures, promoting a sense of shared heritage.
 Example: Television broadcasts of cultural festivals like Diwali, Eid,
or Christmas foster unity by showcasing the country’s cultural
diversity.
o Highlighting National Issues: Media addresses issues of national
importance—such as poverty, education, or national disasters—bringing
people together around common causes.
 Example: News coverage of major issues, like environmental
challenges or national health crises, encourages a collective response
and reinforces national solidarity.
o Sports Coverage: National sports events unite diverse communities, with live
coverage of major events encouraging a collective spirit.
 Example: The Olympics, FIFA World Cup, or national sports leagues
are broadcast with commentary and analysis, fostering pride and unity
among viewers.

3. Traditional/Folk Media

 Definition and Characteristics: Traditional or folk media includes longstanding

cultural expressions like storytelling, puppetry, street theatre, music, and dance. These
forms are accessible, resonate with local culture, and often carry social or moral
lessons.
 Roles in Development and Education:
o Spreading Social Awareness: Folk media educates people on issues like
health, agriculture, and sanitation in ways that are easy to understand and
remember.
 Example: In parts of Africa, traditional storytellers known as griots
educate communities on HIV prevention, blending cultural storytelling
with public health messages.

Prepared by: Lielt A. (M.A)

Development Journalism (JoCo2013)2024
WCU

o Cultural Preservation: Folk media reinforces cultural heritage by

maintaining and sharing local traditions, stories, and practices.
 Example: In India, puppetry is used to convey messages about health
and sanitation while preserving traditional art forms.
o Community Engagement: Folk media involves audiences directly, making
the message more engaging and impactful.
 Example: Street theatre in Latin America addresses political and social
issues, providing an interactive space for dialogue and awareness.

4. Roles of Media in Nation-Building

 Definition and Key Functions: Nation-building involves strengthening a nation’s

social and political foundations by fostering a sense of collective identity and purpose.
Media plays a critical role in shaping perceptions and encouraging active civic
participation.
 Contributions:
o Advocating Core Values: Media promotes democracy, tolerance, human
rights, and social justice, aligning public sentiment with these values.
 Example: Campaigns on voting rights encourage democratic
participation, especially in regions with historically low turnout.
o Informed Citizenship: Accurate reporting enables citizens to understand and
engage with national issues, from government policies to economic changes.
 Example: News programs that cover education reform inform viewers
about policy changes and their impacts.
o Encouraging Civic Engagement: Media encourages involvement in
community projects, public health initiatives, and volunteerism.
 Example: Radio and TV stations promote blood drives, environmental
clean-ups, and other civic initiatives that build community and national
pride.

5. Community Newspapers

 Definition and Scope: Community newspapers focus on hyper-local issues, often in

small towns or rural areas, providing residents with news that directly affects their
daily lives.

Prepared by: Lielt A. (M.A)

Development Journalism (JoCo2013)2024
WCU

 Roles and Impact:

o Local News and Events: Coverage includes local governance, school events,
and community issues, ensuring residents stay informed.
 Example: A local newspaper might cover city council meetings,
reporting on decisions impacting local infrastructure.
o Voice for Local Issues: Community newspapers advocate for issues that
might be overlooked by larger media outlets.
 Example: A town’s newspaper could run an ongoing series on local
pollution, calling attention to environmental issues affecting residents’
health.

6. Roles of Media in Family Planning

 Definition and Importance: Media promotes family planning by spreading

awareness about reproductive health, contraceptive options, and the socioeconomic
benefits of family planning.
 Approaches and Examples:
o Educational Campaigns: Media educates the public on safe reproductive
practices and the health benefits of family planning.
 Example: Campaigns in countries like Bangladesh encourage family
planning to improve maternal health and reduce poverty.
o Targeted Messaging: Programs in local languages make information on
family planning more accessible.
 Example: Community radio stations in Uganda discuss family planning
benefits in local dialects, making the information accessible to rural
populations.

7. Local Newspapers

 Definition and Distinction: Local newspapers serve specific regions, focusing on

news relevant to residents in a certain area, bridging gaps in larger media coverage.
 Roles and Examples:
o Public Accountability: Local newspapers hold regional government and
businesses accountable.

Prepared by: Lielt A. (M.A)

Development Journalism (JoCo2013)2024
WCU

 Example: Reporting on corruption or local government spending keeps

officials in check and promotes transparency.
o Diverse Cultural Representation: By including content in regional languages
and covering local culture, these papers represent diverse identities.
 Example: A regional newspaper in California publishes content in
Spanish to cater to Hispanic communities.

8. Roles of Media in Empowering the Weaker Sections

 Definition and Relevance: Media can amplify the voices of marginalized

communities by highlighting their concerns and promoting equality.
 Strategies and Impact:
o Advocating for Rights: Media campaigns that focus on employment,
education, and healthcare for weaker sections raise awareness and push for
systemic changes.
 Example: Documentaries on migrant workers’ conditions can lead to
policies addressing labor rights and workplace safety.
o Increased Representation: By sharing stories of marginalized groups, media
creates visibility and empathy.
 Example: Stories on indigenous rights in the Amazon have led to
greater international awareness and support for preservation efforts.

9. Roles of Media in the Eradication of Illiteracy

 Definition and Importance: Media promotes literacy by providing resources and

encouraging reading, critical thinking, and lifelong learning.
 Media Approaches:
o Educational Programs: Television, radio, and digital platforms offer lessons
that teach basic literacy skills, particularly targeting adults.
 Example: The Mexican government’s Telesecundaria program uses
television to reach rural students with limited access to schools.
o Newspaper Literacy Initiatives: Newspapers sometimes run campaigns to
make reading accessible, publishing simplified content for early readers.
 Example: Community newspapers in South Africa publish inserts
designed to support adult literacy classes.

Prepared by: Lielt A. (M.A)

Development Journalism (JoCo2013)2024
WCU

Conclusion

Media is an essential partner in development and societal progress. From traditional

storytelling to modern digital platforms, media facilitates national integration, community
awareness, and the empowerment of marginalized populations. Each medium—whether a
local newspaper or a national television channel—plays a role in addressing social challenges
and building a more cohesive, informed, and equitable society.

Prepared by: Lielt A. (M.A)