Weekly Reports: REP & IBM: Semester 2

 

This is a tentative and a brief report, compiled in the interest of the students. This compilation has been done by Ayushi Rai, batch of 2027, Department of Journalism, LSR.  Both these papers are taught by Professor Vartika Nanda. 

Week-1

27/01/2025-2/02/2025

This week began with an in-depth exploration of the essential qualities that define a good journalist. We delved into the key attributes required in the field, such as integrity, objectivity, curiosity, and strong communication skills.

Additionally, we explored various beats in journalism, each offering unique perspectives and challenges. This discussion broadened our understanding of the diverse roles within the media industry and how different beats contribute to comprehensive news coverage.Among these, we briefly focused on the crime beat, gaining insights into its significance, challenges, and the responsibilities of crime reporters. This introduction helped us understand how crime journalism plays a crucial role in informing the public while adhering to ethical reporting standards.

Tasks assigned  

1)A short note of 100 words to be posted on the blog.

2)Research work on crimes committed during medieval and ancient times- Crime Beat.

3)The library team worked on “The art of editing in the age of convergence”.

Week-2

3/02/2025-9/02/2025

This week, we had the opportunity to gain valuable practical insights through our departmental trip to the World Book Fair at Pragati Maidan. This enriching experience allowed us to explore a vast collection of books from diverse genres, interact with publishers and authors, and gain a deeper understanding of the publishing industry. The trip not only broadened our perspectives but also provided a platform to enhance our knowledge and skills in a dynamic and engaging environment. We also started off a little into the topic of education beat in the media.

Tasks Assigned

1)Research work on education beat of journalism 

2)The library team worked on “Interviewing for journalists”?

Week-3

10/02/2025-16/02/2025

This week, we explored the crime beat in journalism in greater depth, gaining a more comprehensive understanding of how journalists cover crime-related stories, the ethical considerations involved, and the challenges they face while reporting on sensitive cases.

         

In addition to the crime beat, we also learned about the education beat, focusing on its key sources and significance in journalism. We discussed how education reporting plays a crucial role in informing the public about policies, reforms, institutional developments, student issues, and broader educational trends. We also examined the various sources of information for education journalists, including government reports, academic institutions, education officials, teachers, students, and policy documents.

Tasks Assigned 

1)Research to be done on health beat.

Week-4

17/02/2025-23/02/2025

This week, we explored the significance of press conferences in journalism, understanding their role in disseminating information, holding authorities accountable, and shaping public discourse. We examined how journalists prepare for, conduct, and report on press conferences to ensure accurate and impactful news coverage.

             

Additionally, we delved into the Health Beat of journalism, gaining insights into its importance in informing the public about medical advancements, public health policies, and critical health-related issues. We discussed the ethical responsibilities of health journalists, the challenges they face in verifying medical information, and the impact of their reporting on public awareness and policymaking.

Tasks Assigned 

1)Research outline to be made in copy on ‘ press conference’.

2)Research outline to be made in copy on ‘Health beat’.

3)Research outline to be made in copy on

‘Education Beat’.

Week-5

24/02/2025-2/03/2025

This week, we delved into the fundamentals of television scripting and the various elements that contribute to crafting an effective script. We gained insights into the structure and techniques used in television writing, particularly in the context of news bulletin broadcasting.

           

Additionally, we learned about the framework within which a TV news bulletin is produced and aired, understanding the key components that shape its presentation, flow, and impact on the audience. As part of this, we also familiarize ourselves with important industry terms such as anchor link, which refers to the transition segments delivered by the news anchor to connect different parts of a bulletin, and piece to camera (PTC), where a reporter speaks directly to the camera to provide analysis or context on a story. These elements play a crucial role in delivering clear, engaging, and professional news bulletins.

Tasks Assigned 

Research on multi camera and single camera production.

 Research on basics of video editing.

Week-6

3/03/2025-9/03/2025

At the beginning of the week, we delved into the topic of multi and single camera production then we went ahead with the fundamentals of cinematography by exploring different types of camera shots. We started with the basics, learning about long shots, medium shots, and close-up shots, understanding how each is used to frame a subject and convey different emotions or perspectives.

             

As we progressed, we were introduced to more dynamic camera movements, including zoom-in and zoom-out shots, which help emphasize or de-emphasize subjects within a scene. Additionally, we explored dolly shots, tracking shots, and panning shots, which add movement and depth to visuals, making storytelling more engaging. These techniques provided us with a deeper understanding of how camera work influences the mood and impact of a scene.

Week-7

9/03/2025-16/03/2025

          -Mid-semester break-

Week-8 

17/03/2025-23/03/2025

This week, we delved deeper into understanding the various types of shots used in visual storytelling and their significance in capturing and presenting news stories effectively. Our discussions focused on how different shot compositions—such as wide shots, close-ups, and over-the-shoulder shots—contribute to the overall impact of a news report.

As we progressed, we explored the court beat in journalism, gaining insights into how journalists cover legal proceedings, trials, and court rulings. We examined the ethical considerations, legal restrictions, and the role of courtroom reporting in keeping the public informed about judicial matters. This discussion provided a deeper understanding of how visual storytelling and responsible journalism intersect in the coverage of legal affairs.

Tasks Assigned

1)A short note on the relevance of shots in television news to be posted on a blog.

Week-9

24/03/2025-30/03/2025

This week, we began by discussing the concept of a lead in news writing. We explored its definition, the various types of leads used in journalism, and their key characteristics. We also examined why a strong lead is crucial for a news story, as it serves to capture the reader’s attention and provide a concise preview of the article’s main point.

Following this, we delved into the topic of headlines, understanding their significance in journalism. We discussed the different types of headlines, their role in engaging readers, and how they contribute to the overall effectiveness of a news story. By analyzing various examples, we gained insights into how well-crafted headlines can influence audience perception and enhance the impact of a news article.

Practical Work:-

1)We identified different types of leads and pasted them in our assignment copies which helped us gain a deeper understanding of different types of leads.

Tasks Assigned 

1) Lessons learned from the topic of ‘leads’ to be posted on the blog.

2) Lessons learned from the topic ‘Headline’ to be posted on the blog.

Week-10

31/03/2025-6/04/2025

This week marked the beginning of a fresh learning journey as we explored the topic of News Agencies. We began by tracing their historical origins and understanding how they emerged as essential institutions in the dissemination of news across borders. Through discussions and examples, we examined the relevance of news agencies in today’s fast-paced media landscape, especially in ensuring the timely, accurate, and wide-scale distribution of information.

Furthermore, we delved into the core functions of news agencies, such as gathering, verifying, and distributing news content to various media outlets. We also touched upon the working structures of prominent agencies like Reuters,Press Trust of India (PTI), gaining insights into their global operations and editorial standards. Overall, it was an informative and engaging week that deepened our understanding of how news flows from its source to the audience.

Week-11

7/04/2025-13/04/2025

This week, we made significant progress in our syllabus by covering a substantial range of important topics. Among them were Backgrounders and Misinformation, both of which play a crucial role in shaping the credibility and depth of news content.

We learned that a Backgrounder provides essential context and in-depth information to support a news story, helping audiences understand complex issues beyond the headlines.In addition, we discussed the growing challenge of Misinformation in the digital age. Through examples and discussions, we explored how false or misleading information spreads, its impact on public perception, and the responsibility of media professionals in combating it. 

We also briefly touched upon the topic of News Pictures, understanding how visual elements contribute to storytelling in journalism and the ethical considerations involved in their selection and usage.

Overall, the week offered enriching insights into both the technical and ethical aspects of news reporting.

Week-12

14/04/2025-20/04/2025

This week, our department organized its annual fest, Juxtapose, centered around the theme "Media Multiverse." The theme aimed to capture the expansive and evolving nature of media in all its forms,highlighting the interconnectedness and diversity within today’s media landscape.The two-day academic meet featured panel discussions and multiple events designed to reflect on and celebrate the complexity of modern media. It provides valuable insights and opportunities to engage with current media trends, challenges, and innovations.

In addition to fest activities, we also briefly covered the topic of Media Trials in our academic schedule. We discussed its definition, significance, relevant case studies, and the role of regulatory bodies in maintaining journalistic ethics and ensuring a fair trial process.

Overall, the week offered a balanced blend of academic learning and experiential exposure, contributing meaningfully to our understanding of media’s role in society.

Week-13

21/04/2025-28/04/2025

This week began with an insightful exploration into the Relevance of News Pictures,a vital element of visual journalism. We learned how news images play a powerful role in shaping public perception, evoking emotions, and enhancing the impact of a story.We discussed the significance of photojournalism, understanding how photojournalists capture moments that often speak louder than words. Through case studies, we analyzed iconic news photographs and their influence on public opinion and historical memory.

The sessions also covered important aspects of regulations and ethicality in the use of news pictures. We reflected on the responsibility that comes with capturing and publishing images, especially in sensitive situations involving conflict, tragedy, or vulnerable subjects. Emphasis was placed on maintaining ethical standards and respecting the dignity and privacy of individuals while striving to tell the truth visually.

Overall, this week deepened our understanding of the visual dimension of journalism and the careful considerations that go into each powerful frame.

Week-14

29/04/2025-4/05/2025

This week, we delved into the topic of Paid News, an increasingly concerning phenomenon in the media landscape. We began by understanding its meaning—how news content is intentionally influenced in exchange for payment, often without disclosing the financial transaction to the audience. This led us to explore its relevance in today’s media environment, especially in the context of elections, corporate interests, and political propaganda.

We discussed the different types of paid news, including advertorials disguised as news, biased reporting in favor of sponsors, and manipulation of public opinion through selective coverage. Through case studies, we examined real-life examples where media houses and journalists were found engaging in such practices, analyzing the impact these incidents had on public trust and democratic processes.

We also looked into the actions taken by authorities, such as the Press Council of India and the Election Commission, to curb this unethical practice, along with the limitations of existing regulatory mechanisms.

The week concluded with a reflective discussion on the consequences of paid news, emphasizing the threat it poses to journalistic integrity, credibility, and the right of citizens to receive unbiased information. Overall, the sessions highlighted the urgent need for stricter regulations, greater transparency, and ethical accountability in the media industry.

Week-15

5/05/2025-11/05/2025

This week our department  had the privilege of hosting a guest lecture by Dr.Archana Kumari, a distinguished faculty member from Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU), who shared valuable insights into the functioning of the print media industry. The lecture was centred around three core areas of journalism: Principles of Editing, the Editorial Page, and the Organisational Setup of a Newspaper. The session began with an in-depth discussion on the principles of editing, which laid the foundation for understanding the editor’s role in shaping news.She explained how editing is not just about correcting grammar or fixing language, but a thoughtful and responsible process that ensures accuracy, clarity, brevity, balance, and fairness. She also touched upon the importance of style sheets and formatting in maintaining consistency and professionalism across the publication .Through real-life examples and newsroom anecdotes, she explained how editors work behind the scenes to refine raw content into credible, coherent stories, while upholding ethical standards and eliminating biases.

Following this, the lecture moved on to the editorial page, described as the conscience and voice of the newspaper. She emphasized that this page is where the publication presents its own stance on pressing issues through unsigned editorials, while also giving space to opinion pieces and reader's letters. The discussion highlighted the editorial page’s role in setting the tone of public discourse, reflecting ideological leanings, and engaging with a diverse audience.

In the final part of the lecture, the organisational structure of a newspaper was mapped out. She introduced the various departments that come together to produce a daily edition,from the publisher and editor-in-chief to section editors, reporters, sub-editors, layout designers, and the advertising and circulation teams, emphasising on how coordination among these units is essential to ensure the smooth flow of information and production, while also underlining the importance of maintaining a clear distinction between editorial integrity and commercial interests. The session was highly engaging and informative, it gave us a rare glimpse into the inner workings of a newsroom and the editorial responsibilities that shape what we read every day.

We have compiled our weekly reports only till here.

Echoes of Akashvani। A Conversation on the Legacy of AIR। Shri Rajeev Kumar Shukla। 20 June, 2025

20 June, 2025

Tune in to immerse into a serious academic conversation on the birth and growth of All India Radio with an eminent radio broadcaster and former additional director general of All India Radio, Shri Rajeev Kumar Shukla. This conversation will make you understand the glorious past and promising future.

Promo:

Stories of All India Radio। आकाशवाणी। Shri Rajeev Kumar Shukla। Vartika Nanda - YouTube

Detailed interview on the occasion of World Music Day: 21 June, 2025

Link: 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0S_oXRqRcmE

Hans: जेल पर कविताएं: वर्तिका नन्दा: June, 2025

 ।।। जेल।।।

बी.ए प्रथम वर्ष में थी. मुझे वर्धा विश्वविद्यलय में होने वाली वाद-विवाद की एक प्रतियोगिता के लिए चयनित किया गया था. मैं अपने विश्वविद्यालय में प्रथम रही थी. लिहाजा प्रतिनिधित्व कर रही थी.

फिरोजपुर से दिल्ली और फिर यहां से वर्धा. Second AC का वो कोच आधा खाली था लेकिन कुछ ही देर में वो साहित्यिक ओज से भरता गया. मेरे अंदर का युवा लेखक तुरंंत यह समझ सका कि कोच में इस समय कुछ बड़े लेखक हैं.

दो कदम आगे बढ़कर देखा. साथ लगी सीटों पर राज्रेंद्र यादव, निर्मला जैन और कुछ और लेखक हैं. नाम ठीक से स्मरण नहीं। दिल्ली से वर्धा की उस यात्रा ने मन के साहित्यिक अंकुरों को सींच दिया. बाद के सालों में जब भी यादव जी से भेंट हुआ, उन्होंने इस यात्रा का हमेशा जिक्र किया.

राजेंद्र यादव जी के उसी हंस के जून अंक में अपनी कविता को देखना सुखद है. हंस के संपादक संजय जी और उनकी टीम के सहयोगी ने मेरी भेजी मेल पर तुरंत हामी भरी. अपरिचय के बावजूद स्नेह मिला.

शुक्रिया.  

आज भी अपने लिखे को छपा हुआ देशना सुकूनदायक है. वह सुकून अखबार या पत्रिका ही दे सकती है, सोशल मीडिया नहीं. लेकिन हां, सोशल मीडिया पर साझा करने का एक अलग स्वाद जरूर है.

Facebook Link: Facebook

दरकते संबंधों की दहक: हस्तक्षेप: प्रोफेसर (डॉ.) वर्तिका नन्दा, मीडिया विश्लेषक: 14 June, 2025

शब्द-संख्या:1091

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जब तक अपराध की कोई नई खबर नहीं आएगी, तब तक सुर्खियों में रहेगी सोनम. सोनम के बहाने एक पूरी फिल्मी कहानी तैयार है. इसमें सस्पेंस, थ्रिलर, खौफ, साजिश, हत्या, जेल- सब कुछ है और खास बात यह कि एक अलग तरह का नैरेटिव है. केंद्र में एक युवती, नई नवेली व्याहता और वो ही कथित तौर पर हत्यारिन. मेघालय में अंजाम पर पहुंची इस कहानी का अतीत और उसका निकट भविष्य भी चर्चा में है.

अब तक इस कथा का जो सार बुना गया है, उसके कुछ बीज शब्द हैं- आधुनिक युवतियों का स्वार्थी, निष्ठुर, गैर-संस्कारी और यहां तक कि हत्यारिन भी होना. अब सैट किए गए इसी नैरेटिव के आधार पर अगले कुछ दिनों तक कहानियों के प्लॉट लिखे जाएंगे. खास तौर पर तब तक जब तक कि मीडिया के हाथ कोई नई आपराधिक कहानी नहीं लगती.

अपराध कैसे, कब, क्यों हुआ- इस पर खबरों की कोई कमी नहीं लेकिन मैं बात इस एक खबर के प्रभाव पर करना चाहूंगी.

टेलीविजन एक खबर को कई बार दिखाता है, अलग-अलग तरीकों से दिखाता है, खबर को परोसने के लिए हर संभव मसाले का उपयोग करता है ताकि टीआरपी के जरिए मालिक की तिजोरी लबालब रहे. सोनम जैसी घटना को मिलने वाली प्राथमिकता और रिपोर्टिंग के लिए इस्तेमाल होने वाले शब्द विवाह जैसी गंभीर संस्था को अब गैर-जरूरी बताने लगे हैं. एक घटना मानो यह साबित करने के लिए काफी है कि विवाह से बचा जाए.

नैरेटिव यह भी बन रहा है कि मानो महिलाएं अब हत्या करने से गुरेज नहीं करतीं. वे आपराधिक हो गईं है. अब उन्हें पुरुष के साथ की जरूरत नहीं. वे क्रूर हैं. अपनी बात न माने जाने पर वे साजिश रच सकती हैं, किसी गंभीर अपराध को अंजाम दे सकती हैं. इसे साबित करने की कोशिश करने वाला मीडिया यह भूल जाता है कि पूरी दुनिया में महिलाओं में पुरुषों की तुलना में अपराध की प्रवृत्ति बेहद कम होती है. भारत की जेलों में  पुरुषों की तुलना में औसतन 4 प्रतिशत महिलाएं जेलों में बंद होती हैं.

किसी महिला का अपने ही पति की हत्या में संलिप्त पाया जाना एक अस्वाभाविक घटना है जिसमें समाज की स्वाभाविक रुचि बनती है लेकिन घटना की तह तक पहुंचने से पहले ही या फिर अपराध के साबित होने पर भी मीडिया की रिपोर्टिंग की टोन आने वाले समय में महिला अधिकारों और महिलाओं पर होने वाले अपराधों पर लिए जाने वाले फैसलों को प्रभावित करेगी. महिलाओं के अहित में सोचने वालों के लिए सोनम एक हथियार साबित होगी.

मीडिया और समाज का ध्यान साजिश, अपराध, पुलिस, अदालत और जेल तक सीमित रह जाता है. वह न तो पारिवारिक पृष्ठभूमि पर गहन चिंतन करता है, न जेल औऱ पश्चाताप पर. किसी भी परिवार में कोई भी एकाएक न अपराधी बनता है, न अपराध करता है. उसके कुछ लक्षण और संकेत होते हैं जिन्हें परिवार या तो नजरअंंदाज करता है या छिपा जाता है. आपराधिक प्रवृत्ति के व्यक्ति को इससे सहज शह मिलती है. बाद में अपराध होने पर परिवार को वे सभी संकेत याद आने लगते हैं. 

जेल पर ध्यान वहीं तक जाता है, जब तक कोई व्यक्ति उस दहलीज को पार कर अंदर चला जाता है. उसके बाद अंदाजों की रिपोर्टिंग होती है और फिर अगली खबर की तलाश शुरु. मीडिया को जेल तब ही लुभाती है जब उसे जेल से या तो सनसनी मिले या फिर टीआरपी के तौर पर पैसा. सामाजिक सरोकार की यहां कोई जगह नहीं. 

2016-2017 में तिनका तिनका मध्यप्रदेश पर काम हो रहा था. तिनका तिनका फाउंडेशन से प्रकाशित यह किताब आज भी भारतीय जेलों पर इकलौती कॉफी टेबल बुक है. उस दौरान कई ऐसे बंदियों से मिलने का अवसर मिला जो आजीवन कारावास पर थे. 2017 में केंद्रीय जेल, भोपाल में जन्माष्टमी पर कुछ बंदियों की रिहाई के आदेश आए थे. अगली सुबह रिहाई थी. वे जेल की देहरी पर बैठे थे. उन सभी बंदियों के स्वर में एक ही बात थी- अपराध करके गलती की. एक अपराध ने उनसे जैसे सब कुछ छीन लिया था. उनमें 75 साल के एक बंदी से 14 साल में कोई भी मिलने नहीं आया था. वो देहरी पर बैठे-बैठे कई बार कह चुका था कि वो रिहा नहीं होना चाहता. जेल के बाहर उसे एक और बड़ी जेल मिलने का अंदेशा था.

अपराध के बाद का अगला पड़ाव पश्चाताप और जिंदगी पर हमेशा के लिए लगने वाला विराम भी हो सकता है लेकिन मीडिया और समाज जैसे यह जतलाने की कोशिश करता है कि कानून लचीला है, अपराधी चालाक. इसलिए अपराधी के बचने के आसार ज्यादा हैं. ऐसा अक्सर होता नहीं.

1995 में सुशील शर्मा ने अपनी पत्नी नैना साहनी की हत्या की थी. फिर उसके शव को टुकड़ों मे काटकर तंदूर में जलाने की कोशिश की थी. बाद में पकड़ा गया. उसने तिहाड़ जेल में उम्रकैदी के तौर पर 23 साल काटे. आज भी यह मामला लोगों के जहन में है. तब भी एक कथानक सेट किया गया था लेकिन सच यही है कि सभी पति सुशील की तरह हत्या नहीं करते. 

2022 में दिल्ली पुलिस ने – किस्सा खाकी का- पॉडकास्ट सीरीज की शुरुआत की थी. इसके अब 175 अंक पूरे हो गए हैं. – किस्सा खाकी का- अपराध के सुलझने की सच्ची कहानियों को हर रविवार प्रसारित करता है. इनमें ऐसी कई कहानियां हैं जिनमें पुलिस ने अपराधियों के बेहद शातिर होने के बावजूद उन्हें दबोच लिया. सनसनी के बिना प्रसारित होने वाली यह कहानियां समाज को सचेत और जागरुक करती हैं. यहां मकसद मानवीय सरोकारों का है. सरोकार और व्यापारिक मंशाओं के बीच का लंबा फासला अपराध रिपोर्टिंग के स्वर को प्रभावित करता है.

2025 में सोनम के मामले में जो कहानी बनेगी, उसे लेकर भी सावधान रहना होगा. इसलिए भी कि मुख्यधारा की मीडिया कई बार अपराधों की अतिरेक रिपोर्टिंग करते हुए देश-विदेश के कई अहम जरूरी मुद्दों को नजरअंदाज कर जाती है. पर्यावरण से लेकर परीक्षाओं तक, बदलाव से लेकर विकास तक की कई कहानियां टीवी या अखबार में अपनी जगह सिर्फ इसलिए खो देती है कि उस समय केंद्र में होता है किसी एक खबर से मिलने वाली लोकप्रियता.

बहरहाल, सोनम और राजा की यह घटना डर, शक और अविश्वास की जमीन तैयार कर रही है. स्त्री-पुरुष के दरकते संबंध, शोर मचाता मीडिया, रिपोर्टिंग को देख रहे समाज की संवेदनहीनता,  तत्परता से जज बन बैठने की प्रवृत्ति, रोते चेहरों को दिखाने की होड़, अदालती फैसले से पहले खुद ही न्यायाधीश बन जाने की हड़बड़ी और महिलाओं के शोषण के गंभीर मामलों को अब मौका पाकर टंडे बक्से में डाल देने की कोशिश से हम एक ऐसे समाज को तैयार कर रहे हैं जो ठीक वैसा ही है जैसा उसे नहीं होना चाहिए.

 Newspaper Link: http://www.rashtriyasahara.com/imageview_77583_106143350_4_9_14-06-2025_0_i_1_sf.html

YouTube Link: https: साजिश, अपराध, पुलिस और जेल ।Sonam and Raja Story । Crime । Vartika Nanda - YouTube

प्रोफेसर (डॉ.) वर्तिका नन्दा

Department of Journalism: Batch 2025

The entire batch of 2025:Afza Khan, Nanki Singh, Vishakha kumari, Fida Fathima, Lipika, Tanzida Pervez Oishe, Diya Bhatia, Vaishnavi Pandey,Muskan giri, Rivka Vasudeva, Ananyashree Rathore, Bhumika Tyagi, Surbhi Suman, Nyonika Katiyar, Gourvi Joshi, Shreya Kela, Mudita Meghwal, Athira Biju, Vidhi Kanojia, Bina Kumari, Kavya Vashisht, Aruchi Arya, Mahi Adlakha, Shambhavi Sharma, Anushka Mehta, Angel Noah Aruva, Gahana Thorat, Harshita Bisht, Riya katiyar, Samridhi Garg,Shrishti Mishra, Isha Yadav,Rhythm Chandel

This picture was clicked in June, 2025. All the best girls! Go, conquer the world!

 

From top to bottom; left to right:

Bhumika, Nyonika, Rivka, Nanki, Mahi, Tanzida, Lipika, Isha, Afza, Fida, Gahana, Angel, Muskan, Anushka, Aruchi, Kavya, Rhythm, Harshita, Athira, Riya, Surbhi, Bina, Mudita, Shreya, Samriddhi, Gourvi, Vaishnavi, Shambhavi, Shristi, Ananyashree, Vidhi, Vishakha

SPORTS BEAT: REP

DEPARTMENT: BA Hons. Journalism

NAME OF PAPER: Reporting Editing for Print

SOURCE: This research is based on the class discussions done by Dr. Vartika Nanda.

INTRODUCTION 

“Sport is a powerful tool to strengthen social ties and networks. It promotes ideals of peace, fraternity, solidarity, non-violence, tolerance and justice. Tackling problems in post conflict situations can be eased as sport has the ability to bring people together.”-UNESCO.  Sport pertains to any form of competitive physical activity or game that aims to use, maintain or improve our physical ability. Sports writing and reporting is as specialized an area as any other. It calls for both technical knowhow and a good writing style. A sports beat writer typically is assigned to cover a specific sport, league or team, usually for a newspaper. The writer often covers a single beat year-round, even during any offseason for his or her beat.

IMPORTANCE 

Scientists across the world have claimed that physical activity affects the brain physiology by increasing cerebral capillary growth, blood flow, growth of nerve cells in hippocampus and volume of brain tissues. Researchers have time and again established that increased involvement in sports and physical activities enhances the academic performance, cognitive skills, attention, information processing, and verbal ability of a person. Sports plays a major role in developing our physical, psychological, emotional and spiritual being. Sports plays a major role in developing our physical, psychological, emotional and spiritual being. It helps to foster a sense of community and national pride among sports fans by reporting on local teams and events. They also provide a platform for fans to discuss and debate sports-related topics, which can help build a sense of community. 

EVOLUTION AND BRIEF HISTORY 

Archaeologists have found during excavation of ancient sites, monuments, etc. many artifacts and sculptures which indicates that since times immemorial the human race has been depicting games and sports through pictures and words. In the epics ‘Mahabharata’ and ‘Ramayana’, we come across many anecdotes of archery, horse racing, dicing, swimming, wrestling, javelin throw, gilli danda, fencing, sword fighting, chariot racing and so on. Most of us have grown up reading about the stories of valor and sports of kings and queens like Shivaji, Prithviraj Chauhan, Maharana Pratap, Rani Laxmi Bai and so on. Even the Mughal emperors were ardent patrons of sports like wrestling. Sporting events and competitions were often the basis for selection of life partners of the royals and winning in them was a way to prove oneself to be worthy of the throne. Historians believe that many games like hockey, archery, wrestling and chess originated in India. Greek poet Homer’s ‘Iliad’, in part 23, has elaborate mention of sports. It would not be an exaggeration to call Homer as one of the first sports journalists in the world. 

In the twentieth century, however, the colonial governments along with their rule had brought in many of their sports and games to the colonies. The arrival of the industrial revolution and later the technological innovations made many day-to-day tasks easier which led to more leisure time with people to engage in physical activities and sports. Earlier the nations had many of their own indigenous games and sporting activities for engagement. Later with the advent of mass media and global communication, some of the indigenous sports became common to many countries. And with the commencement of International sporting events like the Commonwealth Games, Asian Games etc. led to the revival of many sports and games. Today, competing and winning in an international sports forum is about bringing glory and pride to one’s nation. 

GOLDEN ERA OF SPORTS IN UNITED STATES

The 1920s has been called the Golden Age of American Sports. It also has been called the Age of the Spectator. The United States had a strong economy for most of that decade. Many workers had more leisure time. New and bigger stadiums and gymnasiums were built. The introduction of radio made it easier for fans to keep up with their favourite teams. Newspapers increased their coverage of sports.  Improvements in roads made it possible for fans to travel to athletic events in distant cities. For the first time, large numbers of Americans began to pay money to watch other people compete in athletic contests.

Baseball was the “national pastime” in the 1920s. More people went to baseball games, more people followed baseball, and more people played baseball for fun than any other sport. The most famous athlete in the United States in the 1920s was baseball star George Herman “Babe” Ruth, the right fielder for the New York Yankees. Ruth hit more home runs than any player had ever hit before. The pre-Ruth period in baseball was known as the "dead-ball era." 

The 1920s also was a decade when college football became more popular. Notre Dame, coached by Knute Rockne, became the most famous college football team. The best college teams could compete in bowl games, such as the famous Rose Bowl, held in California. However, professional football took root at the beginning of the decade with the establishment of the American Professional Football Association (APFA), which quickly changed its name to the National Football League (NFL). 

Women and girls had limited opportunities for sports in the 1920s. Most schools had physical education classes for girls. Some educators thought that running, jumping, and sweating were not very ladylike. They opposed athletic competition for women. 

The 1920s ended with the beginning of the Great Depression. By that time, spectator sports had become such a major part of American life that they were able to survive through the hard times of the 1930s.

SPORTS JOURNALISM IN THE ERA OF YELLOW JOURNALISM

Flamboyant sports writing in the era of yellow journalism attracted newspaper readers and contributed to building a worldwide image of the United States as an economic, political, and athletic power.

SPORTS MINISTRY 

The ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports is a branch of the Government of India which administers the Department of Youth Affairs and Department of sports in India. The ministry's primary objectives are to develop and promote sports at all levels, create an environment conducive to the development of sports, and encourage youth participation in sports and physical activities. It is also responsible for formulating policies and programs to support the development of sports and youth activities across India. This ministry in India  is responsible for promoting sports, physical education, and youth development.

Anurag Thakur is the current Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports followed by his Deputy Nisith Pramanik. The Ministry also gives the annual National Youth Awards , National Sports Awards in various categories, including the Arjuna Award and Major Dhayan Chand khel Ratna award. Overall, the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports plays a critical role in promoting sports and youth development in India and is essential for the growth and success of the country.

SKILLS AND QUALITIES OF A SPORTS REPORTER 

Sports reporters keep us informed about various sports events and happenings at local, national and international levels. S/he collects, compiles and disseminates information of the current sports events and issues.

• UNDERSTANDING OF THE ECONOMY OF SPORTS

In the era of globalization, a lot of multinational capital is involved in the sports industry. A sports reporter should understand different aspects of the economy of the sports ecosystem.

• KNOWLEDGE OF THE SPORTS TERMINOLOGY, LINGO AND VOCABULARY

Every sport has its unique terminology. There are specific terms for the position of players and different color cards of penalty. Similarly, the idioms and phrases for tennis and badminton are different. Knowledge of the technical terms for shots, positions, actions and acquaintance with the stories and idioms for various sports is important for a good sports reporter

.

• COMMAND OVER LANGUAGE 

A sports reporter must have the ability to communicate in simple and concise manner. A reporter must follow the 5 C’s of communication and make sure that his/her communication is clear, coherent, correct, comprehensive and concise. 

• KNOWLEDGE OF SPORTS LAWS 

A sports reporter should have an understanding of labour, antitrust, gender discrimination, trademarks, copyrights, contract and tort laws and related constitutional provisions. Knowledge of the above mentioned laws will help a sports reporter follow legal proceedings of the sports fraternity in a better manner.

• UNDERTSNADING THE PERSPECTIVE OF THE AUDIENCE/ READERS

A good sports reporter understands his/her target audience or readers.

• TRUTH AND OBJECTIVITY

It is probably difficult for a sports lover to not take sides in a match. But sports reporters cannot afford to take sides while writing reports or filing stories. A true and objective reporter will earn credibility in the long run. One must check and recheck information and base one’s report on evidence. If a sports reporter is biased, the public will stop believing on the reports and stories filed by him/her.

SPORTS REPORTING IN PRINT MEDIA 

M.V. Kamath in the July-September 2008 issue of Media Mimansa, states that S. Sadanand’s ‘Free Press Journal’ was the first newspaper in India to devote an entire page to sports with the well-known cricket commentator A.F.S. Talyarkhan as the sports editor. In late thirties, the Bombay (now Mumbai) edition of Times of India started a distinct sports page. Though a few magazines and a few newspapers were publishing news related to sports, yet it was only in the post- independence era that the idea of a regular sports page took importance in Indian newspapers. 

Rangaswamy Parthasarathy in “A Hundred Years of The Hindu” calls Kasturi Gopalan, the publisher, as the father of sports page for allotting a distinct section to sports in a daily newspaper for the first time, helped by Murugesa Mudaliar, sportsman in college days and the first sports writer of The Hindu. In fact, the sports journal ‘Sports and Past Time’ was also published by the same publication in 1947. The Ananda Bazar Patrika group in mid 1970s published ‘Sports World’ from Calcutta (now Kolkata). Another worthy mention would be the Chennai based fortnightly magazine ‘Sportstar’ which is being published for the past forty years now and has changed from tabloid to magazine format and vice versa quite a time in its history. 

Few other successful sports magazines in India are- ‘Golf Digest India’, ‘Cricket Samrat’, ‘Bike India’, ‘Cricinfo magazine’, etc. Kishore Bhimani, K. Sundar Rajan, Moti Nandi, V. M. Balachandran and T. D. Parthasarathy are some of the notable sports journalists of the print media. Golf based magazine ‘The American Golfer’, brought out by Walter Travis in 1908 and ‘Sports Illustrated’, brought out by Henry Luce in 1954 have been arguably some of the most successful sports magazines in the history of sports media. Publications like L’ Equipe (France), Marca (Spain), La Gazzettadello Sport (Italy), Kicker (Germany), Sporting News (America), are goals for sports writing and analysis one might look up to. 

SPORTS REPORTING IN RADIO AND TELEVISION 

During the mid twentieth century when around 80 percent people lived in villages and depended on agriculture for their living, Radio was the most apt media for them for definite reasons. In India, ‘live’ cricket commentary was heard in 1934 for the first time during the Bombay Quadrangular — a tournament played between teams representing the Hindus, the Muslims, the Parsis and the Europeans. In the year 2018, India’s first Radio sports channel was launched which covered almost all Olympic games through talk shows, news bulletins, audio documentaries, live commentaries, phone-in etc. The shows, broadcast on this Radio channel in Hindi and English, can be reached 24x 7 through mobile app named ‘Sports Flashes’. 

By 1929, one-third of American homes had a radio, which provided opportunity for sports publicity. Graham McNamee became the first official sports broadcaster in the 1920s with his error-filled blow-by-blow boxing commentary. NBC and CBS dominated the radio scene after finding profit in selling advertisement space during radio shows.

The Asian Games of 1982 was hosted by India and the games were held in Delhi. It was a matter of prestige for India to cover and broadcast the games over television. Doordarshan, the national broadcaster had monopoly over the broadcast of matches and sports events for several years. In the eighties, the DD show “The world of Sports”, broadcast at 04:30 pm every Sunday was quite popular. It featured talks on cricket, hockey, football, tennis and others. In the year 1999, Doordarshan launched DD Sports, which has been promoting domestic sports on the free-to-air platform. Some of the popular private sports channels in India are- Star Sports , Star Sports Hindi and Star Sports Tamil, Sony Ten, Neo Prime and Neo Sports, DSport, Jio Sports etc. Examples of some recognized sports shows telecast on television news channels are ‘SportsTop10’ofNDTV,‘TheGame’ofNews X, ‘Sports Tonight’ and ‘IBN Sports’ of CNN IBN. Other important television networks include Eurosport, ESPN and The Sports Network (TSN).

Internationally, The National Football League became American’s leading spectator sport due to its almost made-for-television excitement. ABC bagged the rights for 1961’s Wide World of Sports, 1970’s Monday Night Football, and legal rights to broadcast the Olympic Games. ABC Sports enhanced the entertainment value of televised football through the perfection of instant replay, slow-motion, and highlight reels. Between 1974 and 1984, network programming hours dedicated solely to sports doubled. Sports broadcasters became celebrities who could control rating through their entertainment value, thus earning big-name broadcasters annual seven-figure checks.

REPORTING SPORTS IN ONLINE MEDIA 

In February 1996, rediff.com began ball-by-ball text commentary. Adapting the digital platform is no longer a strategy but it has become rather a necessity for print and other media forms. Several technology enabled sports news platforms are producing internet content, covering various games and events. Today most of the sporting events are telecast online via HOTSTAR and SONY LIV app over mobile phones. Several sports web portals, blogs and sports news websites such as sportskeeda.com, Sports.yahoo.com, bleacherreport.com, cbssports.com, nbcsports.com, foxsports.com, deadspin.com etc. have become popular amongst sports lovers. 

In recent years, the New York Times Sports Department has been lauded for its innovative approach to the beat. It covered subjects like Brain Trauma, Doping in Horse Racing, Ultramarathoning, etc. Appreciated for the depth it brings to coverage and the ways it presents its work in both online and print. The most famous effort is Snow Fall, the Pulitzer Award-winning multimedia project about a fatal avalanche in Washington that launched a hundred imitators.

Sports also has a wealth of visual information and data, both which lend themselves digital storytelling. For the 2010 Olympics for instance, the Times created a sound based interactive feature to illustrate how close many of the race finishes were. “The metabolism of sports and metabolism of the web always seemed like a good match,” says Jim Brady. Guardian Sports Editor, San Ingle started having readers write in with questions and comments, which he would then post in the live blog.

MAJOR SPORTING EVENTS 

• COMMONWEALTH GAMES 

The Commonwealth Games occurs every 4 years. The Commonwealth Games Federation (CGF) controls both the Commonwealth Games and the Commonwealth Youth Games. Participants are from 71 nations and territories of the Commonwealth. This covers about 1/3 of the world's population. The destination changes for each event.

• OLYMPIC GAMES

Olympics is a major international multi-sport event in which almost all countries of the world participate in different sports. It aims to cultivate people and world peace through sports and is organized by IOC (International Olympics Committee) after every four years. The Olympics started around 2300 years ago in the Olympia region of ancient Greece but ended in 393 due to wars but again started after a gap of around 1500 years when first modern Olympics games held in Athens, Greece; the native place of the Olympic Games. The symbol of the Olympic Games, which was designed by Baron de Coubertin, expresses the unity among the five continents of the world.

• FIFA WORLD CUP

It is also known as football world cup. The event is held every four years by FIFA (Federation International de Football Association). FIFA was established in 1904 for the continuous improvement of the football. At present, it has more than 200 teams as its member association. The senior football men's national teams of the FIFA's members take part in this international sporting event. The first FIFA world cup was played in 1930. In 1942 and 1946 it could be not organized due to the Second World War. As per its current format, there are 32 teams that compete with each other for this title.

• WIMBLEDON TENNIS

Wimbledon is one of the greatest sports events in the world. It is also the oldest tennis championship in the world. Since 1877, it is being held in late June or early July at All It is a Grand Slam tennis tournament like the Australian Open, French Open, and US Open. It is the only tennis tournament that is still played on grass which is the original surface of this game and from which it derived its original name of "lawn tennis." The first WC was held in 1877 at one of the lawns of All England Club. Besides this, in the year of 1884, women's championship was introduced at Wimbledon, and Mixed Doubles and Women's Doubles were introduced in 1913, and more

• THE ASIAN GAMES

The Asian Games, which is also known as Asiad, is a world-famous continental multi-sport event that is held every four years. Athletes from all Asian countries participate in the event. More than half of the world's population belong to Asia so the sporting events in Asia are likely to be huge events.

The first edition of Asian Games was held in 1951 in New Delhi, India. The Asian Games Federation (AGF) was organizing this event until 1978. However, since 1982, after the breakup of the Asian Games Federation, it is being organized by the Olympic Council of Asia (OCA).

International Olympic Committee (IOC) has recognized the Asian Games, which is the second-largest multi-sport event after the Olympic Games. Until 2019, it has been hosted by nine countries with participation from 46 countries. The 18 edition of this event was held in 2018 in Jakarta and Palembang, Indonesia. The symbol of this event consists of a rising sun with interlocking rings.

AWARDS

• RAJIV GANDHI KHEL RATNA OR MAJOR DHYAN CHAND KHEL RATNA AWARD

The Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna (RGKR) is India's highest honour given for achievement in sports. The words "Khel Ratna" literally mean "sports gem" in Hindi. The award is named after the late Rajiv Gandhi, former Prime Minister of India. It carries a medal, a scroll of honour and a substantial cash component. Up to 2004-05, the cash component was Rs. 500,000/-. The money has been increased from Rs. 5,00,000 to Rs. 25,00,000

• ARJUNA AWARD

The Arjuna Awards were instituted in 1961 by the government of India to recognize outstanding achievement in National sports; it is given for good performance over a period of the previous four years and for showing qualities of leadership, sportsmanship and a sense of discipline. The award carries a cash prize of Rs. 15,00,000, a bronze statuette of Arjuna and a scroll. India’s football Olympian PK Banerjee was among the 20 recipients of the Arjuna Award in its inaugural edition in 1961. Hockey player Anna Lumsden was the first woman to win the Arjuna Award.

• DRONACHARYA AWARD

Dronacharya Award instituted in 1985 , which is India 's highest sports honour for outstanding coaches in Sports and Games’  for doing outstanding and meritorious work on a consistent basis and for enabling sports persons to excel in International events.The award comprises a bronze statuette of Dronacharya, a scroll of honour and a cash component of Rs.15,00,000. Wrestling coach Bhalchandra Bhaskar Bhagwat, boxing mentor Om Prakash Bharadwaj and legendary athletics coach OM Nambiar, credited for moulding Indian sprint queen PT Usha’s career, were among the first Dronacharya Award winners. The first woman to win the Dronacharya award was athletics coach Renu Kohli in 2002.

• MAULANA ABUL KALAM AZAD TROPHY

The oldest National Sports Awards in India, the Maulana Abul Kalam Azad Trophy or the MAKA Trophy was instituted in 1956–1957. Named in honour of Indian freedom fighter and the country’s first education minister Abul Kalam Azad, the award is given to the university for top performance in inter-university tournaments over the last one year.

• LAUREUS WORLD SPORTS AWARDS

The Laureus World Sports Awards is an annual award ceremony honouring seven categories  (Sportswoman, Sportsman, Team, Breakthrough, Comeback, Action and Sport for Good).It was founded in 1999, and the first award ceremony was held in Monte Carlo in 2000. The Laureus World Sports Awards are frequently referred to as the "Oscars" of sports. 

IMPORTANT SCHEMES TO PROMOTE SPORTS IN INDIA

1) FIT INDIA MOVEMENT

FIT INDIA movement was launched on 29th August , 2019 by Hon'ble Prime Minister at Indira Gandhi stadium , New Delhi with a view to make fitness an integral part of our daily life. It is a nation wide movement in India to encourage people to remain healthy and fit by including physical activities and sports in their daily activities .

2) KHELO INDIA PROGRAM 

Khelo India Program was launched in 2018 by the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports. The purpose of this program was to improve India's sports culture at the grassroot level through organised talent identification, structured sporting competitions and infrastructure development. The khelo India Programme aimed to award a scholarship of 5 lakhs each year for 8 years to 1000 selected athletes. Moreover, the government promised to support about 15 to 20 institutions in India as the centre for Sports excellence.

3) TARGET OLYMPIC PODIUM SCHEME(TOPS)

It was launched in 2014 under the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports. This was done in order to improve India’s performance at Olympics and Paralympics.The chief objective of the scheme is to provide financial assistance and other help to athletes in their pursuit of medals in the Olympics and other international sporting events. Under this scheme, athletes and sportspersons will get customized training from top coaches at modern and well-equipped sports facilities and institutions. The sports persons are also given assistance for buying sport-specific equipment. The Scheme currently supports 98 TOPS Core Group athletes across 13 sports disciplines & Hockey (M & W) teams and 165 TOPS Development Group athletes across 12 sports disciplines.

4) THE NATIONAL SPORTS DEVELOPMENT FUND 

National Sports Development Fund (NSDF) was established in 1998 under the Charitable Endowments Act 1890 and was notified by the Government of India in November, 1998. The purpose of the fund is to impart momentum and flexibility to assisting the cause of sports in India. It helps sportsperson excel by providing them with varied opportunities to train under coaches of international repute, provide financial assistance for development of infrastructure and other activities for promotion of sports.

SPORTS AND EDUCATION

Sports and education are two important aspects of life that can complement each other in many ways. Sports are a great way to keep the body fit and healthy. They help students develop discipline, focus, and motivation, which can carry over into their academic work. Sports provide opportunities for students to work together towards a common goal. This helps them develop important skills such as communication, leadership, and cooperation. 

Across several colleges in Delhi, at least 5 percent of the total sanctioned strength at the college is to be reserved for sports and extra- curriculum categories combined. Athletic scholarships are also given to students by multiple institutions in India, recognising and honouring young students' desire for a particular sport.

 

SPORTS COMPLEXES/CENTRES

• THE NARENDRA MODI STADIUM

Formerly known as Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel Stadium (old structure), is a cricket stadium situated in Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel Sports Complex, Ahmedabad, India. It is the largest stadium in the world, with a seating capacity of 132,000 spectators.

• JAWAHARLAL NEHRU STADIUM

Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium is a multi-sports stadium located in New Delhi, India. It is named after the first Prime Minister of India, Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru. Primarily a venue for football and athletics, it is an all-seated 60,254 capacity stadium, designed and constructed to meet the international standards for stadiums set by the International Federation of Association Football (FIFA), the Asian Football Confederation (AFC), and the International Association of Athletics Federations(IAAF). It is the fourth largest stadium in India, 27th largest stadium in Asia and the 103rd largest stadium in the world, in terms of seating capacity.

The Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium was originally constructed by the Government of India to host the athletic events and ceremonies of the 1982 Asian Games. It also hosted the 1989 Asian Championships in Athletics. The stadium was substantially renovated and modernised for the 2010 Commonwealth Games, hosting all the track and field events and opening and closing ceremonies.

• SIRI FORT SPORTS COMPLEX

Siri Fort Sports Complex has been set up by the Delhi Development Authority as a part of development and growth of Sports in Delhi. The complex was built in 1989, next to the Asian Games village by the Delhi Development Authority (DDA), which also runs the facility now. Also close by is the Siri Fort Auditorium complex. It has various sporting facilities like flood lit Tennis, Basketball, Golf Driving Range, an Indoor Badminton Stadium and playing facilities for Squash, Table Tennis, Billiards, Cricket, Football, Hockey, Aerobics, Yoga, Taekwondo, Multi gym, Swimming, Mini Golf Course, Jogging, Croquet, Skating, Shooting , Reiki, Naturopathy & Children Park. Facilities like Kruv Maga, Western Dance, Ballet and Jazz have recently been added.

INTERNATIONAL SPORTS ORGANIZATION

• The International Sports Press Association, AIPS, was founded in 1924 during the Olympic Games in Paris, at the headquarters of the Sporting Club de France.

• History of Sports Journalism/Sports Beat is inextricably linked to the history of Olympics. In 1727, The Racing Calendar offers information about races and their results. Therefore, Horse Racing was the first “sport” to get coverage in print.

FILMS CENTRED AROUND SPORTS

• CHAK DE! INDIA

An amazing performance by Shahrukh Khan released it 2007. His character, Kabir Khan, the coach of the Indian Women's National Hockey Team, dreams of making his all-girls team emerge victorious against all odds.

• BHAAG MILKHA BHAAG

Based on the life of Milkha Singh, an Indian athlete and Olympian who was a champion of the Commonwealth Games and two-time 400m champion of the Asian Games. It is a true story released in 2013 of `the Flying Sikh' - world champion runner and Olympian Milkha Singh who overcame the massacre of his family and the civil war during the India-Pakistan partition.

• MARY KOM

A chronicle of the life of Indian boxer Mary Kom, the movie released in 2014. The movie walks us through several hardships of Mary Kom for audaciously accomplishing her ultimate dream. It showcases the challenges and obstacles that women face in pursuing sports, especially in a male-dominated field like boxing. Mary Kom, the protagonist, fights against all odds to become a world-class boxer, overcoming gender stereotypes, societal norms, and personal struggles.

• DANGAL

After his failure at winning a gold medal for the country, Mahavir Phogat vows to realize his dreams by training his daughters for the Commonwealth Games despite societal pressures.

• GOLD

Gold released in 2018 is about how Tapan Das manager of Gold winning Indian hockey team during British rule dreams of bringing Gold medal to the country post-Independence. India is nearing Independence and Tapan finds news of 1948 Olympics. Tapan prepares his own team for the upcoming Olympics. However, during the partition team also gets divided along with the country.

SPORTS & MASS MEDIA PHOTOGRAPHY

Sports photographers face a wide variety of challenges. Every sport is different, and requires specialized knowledge to get the best pictures. Most sports photographers regularly photograph the “big three”: football, basketball and baseball.

In order to take good sports photos, one must have good timing; quick reflexes; and knowledge of the sport.

To take sharp sports shots, use a monopod or chest pod, focus on an area, and wait for the action to move to that area, try to let your auto-focus keep up with the action as you follow it with your camera. The photographer should favour a high shutter speed to stop action. Minimum will probably be 500 (1/500 sec). Keep in mind you often shoot in poorly lit areas with long, and therefore slower, lenses. Anticipate the moment. In some sports, such as diving, the action actually stops at the peak moment.

A General Approach

Get shots of the athletes warming up, particularly the most important ones. That way, if you miss that athlete making a key play, you still have a shot the editor can use. Get a program so you can identify players by number. Most sports editors want players identified. Take notes for photos you think will be good. Note the players’ names, what was happening, so you can write good cutlines later. 

FUTURE OF SPORTS JOURNALISM

• According to Sara Morrison, CJR, in the future, sport’s journalism’s propensity for innovation may even put journalists out of job.

• Narrative Science, the so-called robot journalism service began as “stats monkey” which could turn baseball stats into a full-fledged article, headline included.

• NY Time’s “Fourth Down Bot” crunches 10 years-worth of data to make predictions in real time of what NFL teams will do in a 4th down situation.

• The first remarkable event in the history of sports journalism in India was the introduction of a sports page by a leading English daily of Bombay in the late thirties. This bold and ‘revolutionary’ step was resented by some readers who had no interest in sports but the majority of the readers liked it. Its sports page became so popular that other newspapers followed suit.

• Today there are sports columns in all daily newspapers.  

CURRENT PROBLEMS AND ISSUES 

• Despite being the second most populated nation and one of the largest economies in the world, the number of active participation for a sport in our country is very small.

• Most of the players who have achieved international applause seem to have done so by their individual brilliance and Dogged perseverance, rather than any institutionalised effort or encouragement and support from the government. In India, it is a sad reality that several champions in the country had to struggle to avail basic requirements like shoes, kits, training, proper diet and nutrition etc. to pursue their sports. 

• Corruption, social and economic inequalities , ineffective talent identification methods,  lack of world class infrastructure have often been touted as the reason for failure in establishing a sports culture in the country. 

• Moreover,  the Indian constitution places 'sports' in the state list which has resulted in disparity and non-uniform development of sports infrastructure in India.

• Apart from all this , an  infamous Indian populace – “Padhoge likhoge toh banoge nawab, kheloge kudoge toh Banoge Kharab!” aptly sums up society's attitude towards sports. Unless this fundamental approach to sports changes, it is quite an uphill task to promote sports among the youth in the manner it should be done. 

COMPILED BY- RIVKA VASUDEVA

Supplements in a newspaper: REP

A newspaper supplement is a separately bound publication that accompanies a newspaper, often focusing on specific themes like real estate, automobiles, education, or entertainment. Here are some key features:

Targeted Content: Supplements cater to specific audiences, offering in-depth coverage on a particular subject.

Advertising-Focused: Many supplements are designed to attract advertisers, providing a platform for businesses to reach niche markets.

Independent Production: Unlike regular newspaper sections, supplements are often prepared by the advertising team rather than the editorial staff.

Special Editions: Some supplements are spin-offs from newspapers and are sold separately, such as the Times Literary Supplement.

Community Engagement: Local newspapers frequently publish themed supplements that resonate with their readership and advertisers.

A newspaper supplement differs from the main newspaper in several ways:

Focus & Content: The main newspaper covers a broad range of news, including politics, business, and current affairs, while supplements focus on specific themes like lifestyle, entertainment, or education.

Depth of Coverage: Supplements often provide in-depth analysis or feature stories, whereas the main newspaper prioritizes breaking news and daily updates.

Advertising & Sponsorship: Many supplements are advertiser-driven, offering businesses a platform to target niche audiences, whereas the main newspaper balances news reporting with advertisements.

Distribution: Supplements are usually included for free with the main newspaper, but some specialized ones—like the Times Literary Supplement—are sold separately.

Tone & Style: The main newspaper maintains a formal, journalistic tone, while supplements may adopt a lighter, more engaging style, especially for entertainment or lifestyle content.

Writing for a newspaper supplement differs from writing for the main newspaper in several ways:

Tone & Style: Supplements often adopt a lighter, more engaging tone, especially for lifestyle, entertainment, or feature stories, whereas the main newspaper maintains a formal, journalistic approach.

Depth & Focus: While the main newspaper prioritizes breaking news and daily updates, supplements provide in-depth analysis or specialized content on topics like education, travel, or health.

Audience Targeting: Supplements cater to specific readerships, such as business professionals, students, or families, whereas the main newspaper serves a broader audience.

Advertising Influence: Many supplements are advertiser-driven, meaning content may align with commercial interests, whereas the main newspaper balances news reporting with advertisements.

Visual Presentation: Supplements often feature more graphics, images, and creative layouts, making them visually appealing compared to the traditional newspaper format.

हिन्दी पत्रकारिता दिवस और राष्ट्रपति भवन में एक विशिष्ट आयोजन: 29-30 May, 2025

राष्ट्रपति महामहिम द्रौपदी मुर्मू की पहल पर 29-30 मई को साहित्य अकादमी, संस्कृति मंत्रालय भारत सरकार द्वारा दो दिवसीय 'साहित्यिक सम्मिलन: कितना बदल चुका है साहित्य?' राष्ट्रपति भवन के सांस्कृतिक केंद्र में आयोजित किया गया। अपनी तरह के इस अनूठे आयोजन में जाकर विद्वान वक्ताओं को सुन कर समृद्ध हुई...

राष्ट्रपति भवन का आतिथ्य उसकी गरिमा के अनुरूप था...

इस सुंदर प्रयास के लिए राष्ट्रपति भवन और साहित्य अकादमी को साधुवाद। #K.SreenivasRao  ने साहित्य को एक नई ऊंचाई दी है। Ministry of Culture  #vartikananda Mahesh Bhardwaj Samayik Prakashan Ashok Chakradhar Bageshri Chakradhar Rajshekhar Vyas

Community Newspapers: REP

 (These notes are compiled for the benefit of the students. This blog is a public service initiative, with no commercial interests involved) 

Community journalism is locally-oriented, professional news coverage that typically focuses on city neighborhoods, individual suburbs or small towns, rather than metropolitan, state, national or world news.

If it covers wider topics, community journalism concentrates on the effect they have on local readers. Community newspapers, often but not always publish weekly, and also tend to cover subjects larger news media do not. Some examples of topics are students on the honor roll at the local high school, school sports, crimes such as vandalism, zoning issues and other details of community life. However, such "hyperlocal" articles are sometimes dismissed as "chicken dinner" stories.

Leo Lerner, founder of Chicago's erstwhile Lerner Newspapers, used to say, "A fistfight on Clark Street is more important to our readers than a war in Europe."[1]

An increasing number of community newspapers are now owned by large media organizations, although many rural papers are still "mom and pop" operations.

Most community journalists are professionally trained reporters and editors. Some specialized training programs in community journalism have recently emerged at established undergraduate and graduate journalism programs. Community journalism should not be confused with the work of citizen journalists, who are often unpaid amateurs, or with civic journalism, although many community newspapers practice that.

At the "Emerging Mind of Community Journalism" conference in Anniston, Ala., in 2006, participants created a list characterizing community journalism: community journalism is intimate, caring, and personal; it reflects the community and tells its stories; and it embraces a leadership role.[2]

If you want more of a definition, I'm afraid it's like when someone asked Louie Armstrong for a definition of jazz. The great Satchmo is reputed to have replied something like this: 'Man, if you have to ask, it won't do me any good to try to explain.' You know community journalism when you see it; it is the heartbeat of American journalism, journalism in its natural state." — Jock Lauterer

Figures

In 1995, there were the following community papers:

124 Alternative

192 Black

160 Ethnic

43 Gay and Lesbian

132 Hispanic

106 Jewish

134 Military

155 Parenting

128 Religious

132 Senior

In the United States, about 97% of newspapers are classified as "community" newspapers, with circulations below 50,000. Others in the field say the circulation limit should be 30,000. However, in her book Saving Community Journalism, Penny Abernathy argues that most newspapers under 100,000 should consider themselves community newspapers because their reason for being is service to a community or a group of communities.

History

Community journalism got its name from a Montana editor, Ken Byerly, early in his tenure as a professor of journalism at UNC-Chapel Hill in 1957-71. Although the term is relatively new, community journalism has been around since the founding fathers. He used the term as a new name for a course that had been titled "Editing the Country Weekly" because it didn't fit the suburban newspapers that had developed in the 1950s. He chose community journalism because it fit both the weeklies and small dailies of the day.[3]

The journalism debate

Not everyone agrees on the principles or practices of community journalism. Traditionally, journalists advocate avoiding any real or perceived conflict of interests, which can be anything from refraining from joining community groups, to not pledging money to a candidate they support. Community journalism, however, encourages the coverage of news that hits close to home, even for the journalist covering the story.

Some philosophers encourage professional journalists to remain independent, whereas others insist on committing to local and generalized communities as a prerequisite for true citizenship. Some say community involvement is fine for editors and publishers, but not for the reporters who have the ability to "shape" the news. Critics say this involvement is a risk for anyone involved in producing the news.[4]

Clifford Christians, co-author of Good News Social Ethics and the Press, urges journalists to realize that their publics may gravitate toward self-interest, and therefore the journalists should report stories that lessen the isolationism that comes from reading wider, world-based stories.[5] A fundamental flaw in community journalism is the stubborn resistance to change and a compulsion to shape the system to maintain community standards.

Loyalty to a community is the inevitable price of acceptance, and the fee is creating sharp conflicts with allegiance to the truth. Through community journalism, attitudes about necessary information change from the need for a broad range of information (pluralism) to a reliance on information necessary to maintain community values and fortify the status quo (reinforcement).

Sooner or later group importance could transcend the value of distributing accurate information both internally to members of the group, and externally about the community or group.[6]

Others think the switch toward community journalism is a natural reaction to our out-of-touch mega media. J. Herbert Altschull, writer of "A Crisis of Conscience: Is Community Journalism the Answer?" sees community journalism as a natural outgrowth from concerns of the media's slippage in credibility and influence.[7]

Purpose of Community Newspapers

 Why Local Matters

Posted on November 5, 2024 | by Al DiCroce

In an era dominated by digital media and national news outlets, community newspapers remain a crucial part of our local ecosystems. These small but powerful publications are crucial for the social and cultural fabric of our communities by not only providing a platform for local voices but also fostering community engagement, promoting transparency, and supporting economic growth.

Rooted in Local Relevance

Community newspapers focus on the issues that matter most to their readers — town council decisions, local events, business openings, and school achievements. Unlike national publications that cover broad or sensational topics, community newspapers bring hyper-local stories that would otherwise go unreported. These stories inform residents about developments affecting their daily lives and help them make decisions about the issues impacting their neighborhoods.

Fostering a Sense of Community

From spotlighting local heroes to covering high school sports, community newspapers create a sense of pride and belonging. Community newspapers highlight the events, causes and stories that bring people together building a shared understanding and connection to the community.

Holding Local Power Accountable

Just as national newspapers investigate and report on federal or state matters, community newspapers serve as watchdogs for local government. They report on town council meetings, zoning decisions, school board developments, and other civic matters, keeping residents informed and holding officials accountable. This transparency builds a sense of trust and engagement within the community, ensuring that decision-makers are scrutinized and that public voices are heard.

Providing a Platform for Local Businesses

Small businesses depend on affordable advertising, and community newspapers offer just that. Advertising in a community paper reaches the right audience — local people likely to become loyal customers. Additionally, these publications often feature business spotlights, interviews with local entrepreneurs, and “Best of” contests, all of which give small businesses visibility. This mutual support between the community paper and local businesses contributes to a thriving local economy.

Championing Local Stories and People

In the midst of large, impersonal news coverage, community newspapers make space for stories of the people and places that give a community its character. Whether it’s an artist’s new gallery, a student’s academic achievements, or the retirement of a longtime volunteer, these papers celebrate the unique accomplishments of individuals who might otherwise go unrecognized. They capture the milestones and narratives that form a town’s identity.

Filling Gaps Left by Digital Media

Social media may be quick to highlight breaking news, but it lacks the depth that community newspapers provide. Unlike social media, which can be rife with misinformation, community newspapers are rooted in journalistic integrity. They report with accuracy and focus on what benefits readers in meaningful ways.

Promoting Civic Engagement

Local newspapers encourage civic engagement by educating the public on local issues. Whether it’s voting in municipal elections, attending town hall meetings, or simply volunteering, these publications provide the context that helps people understand why their participation matters. An informed and engaged population is the backbone of any community, and newspapers play an essential role in making that happen.

Supporting Literacy and Habitual Reading

Community newspapers cultivate reading habits within the community, fostering literacy and lifelong learning. Many readers, young and old, develop their knowledge of current events, history, and civics through local news. This not only strengthens individuals’ understanding but also enriches the collective knowledge of the community.

A Source of Continuity and Tradition

Community newspapers often have a deep-rooted history within their towns. Many have been around for generations, telling the stories of the community’s growth, struggles, and triumphs. They create a thread that connects past, present, and future generations, giving residents a sense of belonging and continuity.

Supporting Community Newspapers: An Investment in Local Identity

Local newspapers are essential to maintaining an informed, connected, and empowered population. Supporting them through subscriptions, readership, or advertising is an investment in your community. So, the next time you pick up a community newspaper, remember you’re holding a piece of local culture and identity, keeping you connected to what’s happening in your own backyard.

 

Organizations

The International Society of Weekly Newspaper Editors, which has 260 members in seven countries (U.S., Canada, U.K., Ireland, Japan, Australia, New Zealand), encourages and promotes independent editorial comment, news content, and leadership in community newspapers throughout the world. Its purpose is to help those involved in the community press improve standards of editorial writing and news reporting and to encourage strong, independent editorial voices.

Examples

Portland, ME

A publication devoted solely to state education reform was created by Maine Sunday Telegram/Portland Press Herald Editor, Lou Ureneck and Maine Council of Churches, Sarah Campbell. Their primary objective was to create study circles to dispense information to the public on the different perspectives on education:

To prepare one for a job

To teach lifelong learning

To develop good citizens

To teach the basics

This newspaper, as with many community journalism publications, has sole control over editorial content. The content itself is very important and relevant to Maine communities and revolves around "core value" choices, as determined by the community. The community journalist reporters were required to give readers a background on each perspective and to "write an expository rather than conventional he-said/she-said style."

The publication ran more than 100 inches of factual reporting on education in Maine, as well as op-ed pieces promoting one of the four perspectives, and summary reports on the opposing viewpoint. The newspaper was received well, and, as a result, roughly 700 community members took part in the reader roundtables.

Virginia

The Virginian Pilot is a second example of a community newspaper. This publication sought to "show how the community works or could work" and to "portray democracy in the fullest sense of the word, whether in a council chamber or a cul-de-sac."

Known as the Public Life Team, they meet with panels of citizens regularly to "tap their thoughts and dreams for the regions' future." Additionally, they have changed the perception of criminal sentencing from a polarized issue to one that rehabilitation advocates were in favor of. Finally, they opened a line of communication between various community members for the Hall Place neighborhood. "The Pilot got black and white residents to talk freely about the plan." Without the assistance of the Pilot, the community would not have come to the conclusion that it "ought to be what was good for the city as a whole."

This publication in particular has paved way for other community journalists, mainly due to its experimental nature and eagerness to give reporters the opportunity to brainstorm ideas together. Overall, the Pilot wants to improve the tone of public discourse in the Virginian community.

London, United Kingdom

Fitzrovia News is an example from a central London neighbourhood. Residents and volunteers produce a quarterly printed newspaper delivered free to all residential addresses and local businesses in the district of Fitzrovia. The paper which also has a website and social media network covers issues of concern to residents and small businesses. Originally called The Tower it is perhaps the United Kingdom's oldest community newspaper.

One may refer to RADIO IN PRISONS, published by National Book Trust India, Government of India for additional notes.