What is the primary function of journalism?

The primary function of journalism is to inform the public about current events, issues, and important information that affects their lives. This role is captured well by the activity of writing for newspapers and magazines. Journalism serves as a means of communication, offering insights, facts, and analyses to help audiences understand various topics. Through news articles, features, and reports, journalists strive to provide accurate and timely information, contributing to an informed citizenry.

The emphasis on newspapers and magazines highlights the traditional mediums of journalism, where stories are reported, investigated, and published for broad readership. This foundational aspect of journalism is critical, as it establishes a channel through which the public can stay engaged with the world around them. In contrast, creating fiction for entertainment, teaching writing skills, or focusing on public speaking does not fulfill the core objective of journalism, which is to report and provide information rather than purely entertain, educate, or present.