Journalism 1 Module 1: Introduction to Campus Journalism 1

Module 1: Introduction to Campus Journalism

OVERVIEW

Dear learner,

We are indeed delighted, seeing your enthusiasm and effort to learn in this new normal.

This module introduces you to the study and practice of journalism in school. As a
campus journalist you must be ready to think fast and clearly so that you can make decisions and
take actions on a story, hence, this module takes a practical approach to help you develop these
skills.
There are self-check questions in the beginning of this module that will prepare and
encourage you to develop your own ideas or questions and make a mental map of the topic you
are going to read about. And, there are exercises at the end of each lesson that will help you
evaluate your learning.

We hope that you will enjoy your learning journey.

WHAT I NEED TO KNOW

At the end of this module, you will understand what journalism is, when did journalism
start and what ethical standard a journalist should possess.

Specifically, you will be able to:

 demonstrate an understanding of the key concepts and principles related to
journalism,
 recount the significant milestones in the history of campus journalism,
 manifest understanding of the provisions of the Philippine Campus
Journalism Act of 1991; and
 demonstrate an increased understanding of the legal, moral, and ethical
responsibilities inherent in the free press.

Journalism 1 Module 1: Introduction to Campus Journalism 2

 WHAT I KNOW

PRE – ASSESSMENT

Test I-Multiple Choice

Direction: Identify the word or words being referred to by the following questions or statement.
Choose and write the letter of the correct answer in your quiz notebook.

1. Which of the following is NOT true about journalism today?

a) A journalist needs a great deal of money to start a news organization.
b) Journalists have a wider choice of career paths than in the past.
c) The journalism industry is evolving as people get their news in new ways.
d) Creative ideas for journalistic content and delivery systems are springing up everywhere.

2. The cardinal sin for a journalist is to _________?

a) misspell a name.
b) disagree with an editor or news director.
c) publish a story that angers local officials.
d) reveal how decisions are made about what is newsworthy.

3. What is the best definition of a fact?

a) a provable statement
b) anything that appears in a news story
c) the results of a poll
d) a view shared by many people

4. Citizen journalism is the practice of

a) Preparing stories that will help citizens vote in elections.
b) Publishing only those stories that are of interest to politically active citizens.
c) Collaborating with non-profit organizations to prepare news stories.
d) Inviting readers and viewers to participate in the creation of news content.

5. What tenets of journalism distinguishes news reports from expressions of opinions, and that
news reports should be free from opinion or bias of any kind?
a) Truth and Accuracy
b) Fairness and Impartiality
c) Independence
d) Accountability

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6. The following statements show the nature of journalism. Which one is not included?
a) It is a timely-reporting of events.
b) It has become the media of mass education.
c) It maintains a partial approach in news coverage.
d) It concerns with the dissemination of news and views about the society.

7. A good journalist does not use his influence in order to meet personal objectives and should be
well aware of the consequences that may result from his actions. What quality of a good
journalist does the statement refer to?
a) critical
b) Objective
c) Conscientious
d) Resourcefulness

8. Find the statement that does not correspond to the qualifications of a student journalist.

a) Bona fide student enrolled for the current term.

b) Passed the qualification and standards of the editorial board.
c) Must maintain a satisfactory academic standing.
d) Consistent dean's lister.

9. In the tertiary level, publication adviser is needed no more, except.

a. at the options of its members
b. upon request of the administration
c. some conflict in the editorial board
d. setting editorial policies

10. When was Campus Journalism Act of 1991 approved?

a) July 5, 1992
b) June 5, 1991
c) July 5, 1991
d) June 5, 1992

WHAT IS IN

So, you want to be a journalist? You may already have many ideas about what a
journalist’s work is like.

Journalism 1 Module 1: Introduction to Campus Journalism 4

 Journalism will demand hard work and dedication from you. At first it may seem much
less glamorous than what you have expected. However, it will bring you opportunities to meet a
great variety of people, witness important events, and even make a difference to people’s lives.

In this lesson, you will understand the role of Campus Journalism in the community and
how its role is carried out and accomplished through the journalists.

Self-Check Questions:

Jot down your first, honest responses to the following two questions;

1. What do you know about Journalism?

2. What does it take to be a journalist?

WHAT IS NEW

LESSON 1: Definitions, Scope and Nature of Journalism

Definitions of Journalism

The word journal comes from the Latin word diurna which means “daily.” In ancient
Rome, short bulletins of battles, fires, and elections compiled by government officials were
posted up in public places. These were called acta diurna which meant “daily events.”

Other definitions of journalism:

 The occupation of writing for publication in newspapers and other periodicals. –

Noah Webster
 Something that embraces all forms in which or through which the news and
comments on the news reach the public. All that happens in the world, if such
happenings hold interest for the public, and all the thoughts, actions, and ideas which
these happenings stimulate, become basic materials for the journalist.- Fraser F. Bond
 Enjoyable co-curricular activity of the school paper staff in collecting, organizing,
and presenting news; in writing editorials, columns, literary articles, and features; in
copyreading, proofreading, dummying, and writing headlines – all for the purpose of
putting out a school organ. – School Paper Advisers of the City Schools of Manila

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Scope of Journalism

Journalism may be divided into three areas, namely: written, oral, and visual.
Periodicals such as newspapers and magazines fall under written journalism. A
periodical, defined broadly, is a publication that comes out at regular periods of
interval – daily, weekly, fortnightly, monthly, bi- monthly, quarterly, annually,etc.

A newspaper, compared to a magazine, prints more news and has no special cover.
It is printed in newsprint. News is printed on the front page as well as on the inside
and back pages.

A magazine, on the other hand, prints more features and human-interest stories,
has a special cover and oftentimes printed on book paper. If ever news is printed, it is
brief, featurized, and found in the inside pages.

Radio and television are examples of broadcast media while movies and
documentaries are example of film media.

Functions of the Campus Paper

A campus paper is a publication, either mimeographed or printed, put up by staff

members who are either students or faculty members of a school or university

The campus paper has many functions. The traditional roles of the campus paper were
specified by Harold Spears and C.H. Lawshe Jr. in their book, “An Introduction to Journalism.”

A. Aids for the students

1. To provide an opportunity for interesting writing
2. To give students the opportunity to learn how to read the newspapers
3. To act as a stimulus to better work
4. To develop students’ powers of observation and discrimination concerning
relative merits of news articles
5. To serve as an outlet and motivation for journalistic writing
6. To offer training in organization, business methods, commercial arts,
salesmanship, bookkeeping and business management
7. To develop qualities of cooperation, tact, accuracy, tolerance, responsibility, and
leadership
B. Aids for the school and community
1. To inform the community as to the work of the school
2. To publish school news
3. To create and express school opinion
4. To make known the achievement of the school
5. To help unify the school

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 6. To encourage and stimulate worthwhile activities
7. To provide right standards of conduct
8. To provide an outlet for student suggestions for the betterment of the school
9. To develop better interschool relationship
10. To develop school spirit
11. To develop cooperation between parents and the school The modern campus
paper has evolved other functions.
A. Information function – It informs the readers of events that happened, happening, or that
will happen. This is its news function. But information may also come from the features,
editorial and other sections of the school paper.

B. Opinion function – Through the editorials and editorial columns, the editor interprets the
meaning of the news especially of the banner news, and gives his opinion on important
matters or on significant events of the day.

C. Education function – One of the most important functions of a modern campus

paper is to educate not only the students but also the people in the community.
Topics that are used to be tabooed in the classroom before can now be subjects of
discussion by the student writers in their school organs as long as it educates the
reader for instance are sex education and family planning.

D. Watchdog function – the school paper acts as the guardian of the students’ rights. It
serves as the eyes of the readers.

E. Laboratory function – it serves as the teaching tool for the budding journalists.
After they have learned, how to write, for example straight news stories, they
cover school activities and write the news for publication

F. Documentation function – Important school events, worthwhile student

accomplishments and achievements are recorded in the school paper for posterity
sake. Most present-day histories have been researched from old files of
newspapers.

G. Entertainment function– The school paper, like an interesting book keeps the
reader company especially when he is alone. Most human interest stories are very
interesting to read.

H. Developmental function – In a developing country like the Philippines, scholastic

as well as commercial journalism has been given nobler significance. The young
writer who used to spend more time reporting on club activities like elections and
parties and writing lines to Delilah, has graduated into a development journalist.

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Nature of Journalism

Journalism is the timely reporting of events at the local, provincial, national and
international levels. Reporting involves the gathering of information through interviewing and
research, the results of which are turned into a fair and balanced story for publication or for
television or radio broadcast.

Journalism is not just fact-finding media analysis opinion writing or commentary

although all of those aspects can play a part at times.

Exercise 1: Short – Response Questions

Directions: Answer the following questions briefly. Write your answer in your
quiz notebook.

1. What is the difference between a newspaper and a magazine?

2. Name and describe the different areas of Journalism.
3. How does Campus Journalism become an aid to the student/s?
4. Identify one aid of Campus Journalism to the school community and explain
it.

LESSON 2: Tenets of Journalism

Five Core Tenets of Journalism

1. Truth and Accuracy

Journalists cannot always guarantee ‘truth’, but getting the facts right is the cardinal
principle of journalism. We should always strive for accuracy, give all the relevant facts we
have and ensure that they have been checked. When we cannot corroborate information we
should say so.

2. Independence
Journalists must be independent voices; we should not act, formally or informally, on
behalf of special interests whether political, corporate or cultural. We should declare to our
editors – or the audience – any of our political affiliations, financial arrangements or other
personal information that might constitute a conflict of interest.

3. Fairness and Impartiality

Most stories have at least two sides. While there is no obligation to present every side in
every piece, stories should be balanced and add context. Objectivity is not always possible,
Journalism 1 Module 1: Introduction to Campus Journalism 8
 and may not always be desirable (in the face for example of brutality or inhumanity), but
impartial reporting builds trust and confidence.

4. Humanity
Journalists should do no harm. What we publish or broadcast may be hurtful, but we
should be aware of the impact of our words and images on the lives of others.

5. Accountability
A sure sign of professionalism and responsible journalism is the ability to hold ourselves
accountable. When we commit errors we must correct them and our expressions of regret
must be sincere not cynical. We listen to the concerns of our audience. We may not change
what readers write or say but we will always provide remedies when we are unfair.

Responsibilities/Qualities of a Good Journalist

1. Resourcefulness - a good journalist is resourceful in order to gain credible

sources of information and to gain access to all importantevents
2. Critical- to be able to separate truth from propaganda and dogmas that may
distort the truth
3. Objective- a good journalist puts aside personal biases and should not let his
emotion cloud his judgment
4. Conscientious- a good journalist does not use his influence in order to meet
personal objectives and should be well aware of the consequences that may
result from his actions

Journalism’s Do’s

1. Accuracy: Make sure the facts are right and the right facts are there.

2. Fairness: Make sure to present all sides, arguments and options.

3. Context: Tell the whole story. Flame it in the proper background.

4. Truth: Keep reporting, one piece at a time. Let the facts fall where they may
and give the readers and viewers a chance to begin to find the truth.

Journalism’s Don’ts
1. Plagiarism: Never use the words and ideas of another without giving credit to
the source

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 2. Sloppy reporting: Don’t fail to check the facts. Don’t forget to check all sides
of the story

3. Bias: Don’t allow your news reports to be influenced by your own opinions.
Even if you think you’re right, let others make their case
4. Conflict of interest: Don’t report a story if you are not completely independent
of that story
5. Poor news judgment: Don’t offer news to readers and viewers that is
irrelevant to their lives and their interests

6. Deception: Never, never invent characters, quotations or any part of a story.

The moment you make things up, or deliberately lie, you are no longer a
journalist.

Exercise 4: Identification/ Short Response Questions

A. Directions: Identify what responsibility or quality of good journalist is being
referred to in each item.
_______ 1.Aira accepts the beat (assigned news to cover) of writing an article about the
winning team for the Cheer Dance competition even though she has a friend who was part of the
losing team.

_______ 2. Vita is careful in writing her opinion about the incident of cheating in one
examination. She thinks first of the possible effect of her writings to the public.
____________3. There were rumors about one of the Student Council officers who already
allegedly violated a school policy. Lionel has to give his opinion for his column. He decided
carefully analyze what really happened before giving his opinion.

____________4. Since Chino was not available during the basketball championship game of his
school, he decided to get information from different reliable sources such as the coach of the
team and the varsity players who played.

B. Directions. Answer the following questions briefly. Write your answer in your
quiz notebook.

1. Why do campus journalists need to be truthful in their writings?

2. How can a campus journalist show that he is responsible in whatever effect of his
writing?
3. Why is it unforgivable to commit plagiarism for a writer especially for a journalist?
4. As a journalist, how can you judge a certain situation if it is newsworthy or not?

Journalism 1 Module 1: Introduction to Campus Journalism 10

 LESSON 3: History of Journalism in the Philippines

Early Years

The history of journalism in the Philippines started in the 16th century. It

was in the year 1637 when the "Father of Filipino Printing", Tomas Pinpin,
launched the first Philippine newsletter called "Successos Felices" (Fortunate
Events).
The first actual newspaper, "Del Superior Govierno," was launched by
Gov. Fernandez del Forguerason August 8, 1811. It was the so-called first
regularly issued publication that reported developments about Spain and Europe.
Then came the first daily newspaper on December 1, 1846 called "La
Esperanza." The paper, edited by Felipe Lacorte and Evaristo Calderon, lasted
only for three years. However, it gave way to the birth of other dailies such as
"La Estrella" in 1847 and "Diario de Manila" in 1848.
There had been a surplus of newspapers but most of them talked about the same issues and had
.
almost similar formats. Until 1862, a Tagalog publisher, Mariano Sevilla, founded El Catolico Filipino. It
was considered the first Philippine religious newspaper, unexpectedly not managed by the Church. It was
also a paper which seriously dealt with the problems of Filipinos.
Another first in the history is El Porvenir Filipino founded in 1865. It was the newspaper that
pioneered in two-edition dailies. Later it was followed by Revista Mercantil which came out in the same
year.
The year 1887 marked the beginning of a more opinionated journalism in the Philippines. It officially
begun on April 1, 1887 with the birth of La Opinion
Period of Revolution
In February 19, 1889 La Solidaridad came out as the "mouthpiece of
the revolution." It operated with its policies "to work peacefully for social
and economic reforms, to expose the real plight of the Philippines and to
champion liberalism and democracy." The staff of the paper was comprised
of known personas like Jose Rizal, Marcelo H. del Pilar, Mariano Ponce,
Andres Bonifacio, Pio Valenzuela and Graciano Lopez-Jaena.
From the reformists' newspapers, the secret society of rebels or better
known as the Katipunan also came up with their own publication. They
established "Ang Kalayaan" (Liberty) on January 1, 1896. It was edited by
Pio Valenzuela, Emilio Jacinto and Andres Bonifacio.
Other revolutionary papers that emerged in those times were El
Heraldo de Iloilo on January 1, 1898 and La Libertad on June 20, 1898.

When the Americans were slowly gaining control over the island, several so-called Fil-
American War newspapers cropped up. Gen. Emilio Aguinaldo, in his effort to unify his armies, put up his
own revolutionary organ called "El Heraldo de la Revolucion" on September 28, 1898.
Journalism 1 Module 1: Introduction to Campus Journalism 11
 Likewise, with the arrival of more American fleets on August 13, 1898, American editors aboard
Admiral Dewey's flagship came up with the paper, Bounding Billow. Succeeding the Billow, newspapers
such as American Soldier, Freedom, and The American also came to existence.

American Colonial Period

After the Spaniards' defeat from the Americans, English newspapers

started to circulate. It was led by the Manila Times of Thomas Gowan which
was established on October 11, 1898.
Taliba-La Vanguardia- Tribune then was considered the first newspaper
chain in the Philippines. Its founding was one of the highlight of events during
the 1920s and had bestowed on Alejandro Roces, Sr. the title "Father of Modern
Journalism." Manila Tribune was established by Roces on April 1, 1925, with
Carlos P. Romulo as editor.
Another American newspaper issued that time was the The Manila
Daily Bulletin, "oldest existing newspaper", established by Carson Taylor in
February 1, 1900. The paper started out as a shipping journal and later widened
Alejandro Roces Sr. its scope in 1912.
Japanese Occupation

With the invasion of the Japanese, most publications were shut down except for the ones they used for
their propaganda. Taliba-La Vanguardia- Tribune (TVT) was only one left to operate. However, it was
controlled and functioned as "solely for the benefit of the Japanese state" on October 12, 1942. The chain
(together with Ramon Roces' Liwayway) was allowed to be published regularly but under the
censorship of the Japanese Imperial Army. The only papers thatexisted those times were that of TVT,
Liwayway, Manila Shimbun, Shin-Seiki, Bicol Herald and Davao Nichi-Nichi, all under the control of the
corporation.

Post Liberation: The Golden Age of Philippine Journalism

After the atrocities of the Japanese and World War II in general, Manila was freed on February 3,
1945. The post-war era to pre-martial law period (1945-1972) is called the golden age of Philippine
journalism. The Philippine press began to be known as "the freest in Asia."

Manila Free Philippines became the first post-Liberation newspaper published by the US Office of
War Information. Some of the periodicals closed by the Japanese made comebacks but those used for
propaganda (one by one) perished. Those that disappeared included Philippine Liberty News by Manuel F.
Manahan, Manila Post, edited by Abelardo Subido and wife Trinidad Tarrosa-Subido, Manila Tribune, edited
by Vicente Albino-Pacis, and a certain Morning Sun.

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 Those that were revived included The Manila Bulletin, which was further developed in 1947;
Philippines Herald and Manila Chronicle, started as "The People's Newspaper" and was later bought by
Eugenio Lopez in 1947 and Manila Times, re-established by the Roces family. Likewise, Ramon Roces, son
of Don Alejandro, also put out Manila's first afternoon newspaper called Evening News. Furthermore, his
Graphic, renamed as Kislap-Graphic,Liwayway and Vernacular Sister Publications: Bisaya, Bannawag and
Hiligaynonwere also re-launched.

The press functioned as a real watchdog of the government, It was sensitive to national issues and
critical of government mistakes and abuses. Among its practitioners were a clutch of scholarly, noble-minded
writers and editors — Mauro Mendez, Arsenio Lacson, Modesto Farolan, Leon Guerrero, Armando Malay,
S.P. Lopez, Jose Bautista, to name a few.

In 1952, the National Press Club was organized "to promote cooperation among journalists and uphold
press freedom and the dignity of journalists." In 1964, the Philippine Press Institute (PPI) was organized "to
foster the development and improvement of journalism in the country."
Martial Law

After more than three decades of free press, on September 21,

1972 upon the declaration of Martial Law, publications were once
again halted from their liberal operations. Then Pres. Ferdinand
Marcos issued Letter of Instruction (LOI) No. I which contained the
ordinance, "to take over and control or cause the taking over and
control of the mass media for the duration of the national emergency,
or until otherwise ordered by the President or by his duly designated
representative."
Ferdinand Marcos
The only periodicals that continuously existed were those owned by Marcos' cronies and relatives.
These included Manila Daily Bulletin, then owned by the late Gen. Hans Menzi who was presidential aide-
de-camp, The Times Journal by Benjamin "Kokoy" Romualdez, brother of then First Lady, Imelda
Marcos, and The Daily Express by Roberto S. Benedicto, who was a family friend. A new newspaper,
Times Journal, was allowed to open one month after the proclamation. These newspapers were later to be
known as "establishment press."

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 To counter propaganda churned out by the pro-government private media and the government’s
own media infrastructure, the so-called alternative press emerged in the 1980s. These were a handful of
tabloid newspapers and some radio stations which defied government instructions on how to handle news
stories (despite constant harassment and intimidations). Among these publications and the people behind
them were: the father and son team of Jose Burgos who were behind the courageous tabloid WE
Forum and its broadsheet affiliate, Pahayagang Malaya; Felix Bautista and Melinda Q. de Jesus
edited Veritas; Raul and Leticia Locsin published Business Day (now Business World); Eugenia D.
Apostol andLeticia J. Magsanoc published and edited Inquirer and Mr. and Ms. Magazine.

The nationalistic fervor was also strongly manifested among the youth through campus
publications which have taken an activist stand on national issues. Notable among them were the
Philippine Collegian of University of the Philippines-Diliman, Ang Malaya of the Philippine College of
Commerce (now Polytechnic University of the Philippines),Pandayan of Ateneo de Manila University,
Ang Hasik of the Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila and Balawis of Mapua Institute of Technology.

Women journalists proved to be equally if not more daring than men

in their writing. Even the emergence of the so-called alternative press came
about essentially through the efforts of women editors and journalists.
Several women journalists were subjected to harassment, threats and
intimidation by the military. Among these courageous women journalists
were Eugenia D. Apostol, Betty Go-Belmonte, Letty Magsanoc, Arlene
Babst, NinezCacho Olivares, Domini Torrevillas, Melinda de Jesus, Tina
Monzon Palma, Malou Mangahas, Sheila Coronel, and CeresDoyo.

Among the outstanding heroes during the struggle against the

Marcos regime was Joaquin "Chino" Roces, publisher of the pre-martial law
Joaquin “Chino” Roces
The Manila Times and regarded as the Grand Old Man of Philippine
Journalism.
Contemporary Times

When the Marcos' administration ended because of the first People Power revolt, the press was once
again freed. There was an influx of periodicals which was a result of the repression. As for the case of
Manila Times, Ramon Roces decided to revive the paper on January 1986, registered under his grandson,
Alfredo R. Guerrero. He also brought back La Vanguardia Publishing Co., Inc. which was for his other
grandson, Ramon R. Davila. The newspaper came out February 5, 1986 with his cousin, Joaquin "Titong" R.
Rocesas editor-in- chief. The Manila Chronicle was re-established with publisher Joaquin "Chino" Rocesand
editor AmandoDoronilla. The weekly, We Forum, also emerged with Jose Burgos as its publisher. Present
day newspapers such as Philippine Daily Inquirer, Philippine Star, Manila Standard and even Business
World were born during those times.

Journalism 1 Module 1: Introduction to Campus Journalism 14

 Exercise 2: Identification

Directions: Identify the answer of the following questions. Write your answer in your quiz
notebook.

1. What is the name of the first Philippine religious newspaper?

2. When was the Golden Age of Philippine Journalism?
3. Who is the father of Filipino Printing?
4. What was the name of the first paper that aims to defy the friars?
5. What is the name of the newspaper called as the mouthpiece of revolution?
6. The Katipunan or reformist’ newspaper is called?
7. Why does Alejandro Roces was called as the father of modern journalism?
8. What are the only allowed printing presses during Martial Law?
9. Who was considered as the Grand Old Man of Philippine Journalism?
10. What is the name of the oldest existing newspaper?

LESSON 4: FUNCTIONS/PARTS OF A CAMPUS PAPER

Whether it is a community, metropolitan or national paper, more or less its parts and sections
are the same. Traditionally, these are
a. FrontPage
b. Local news – news that takes place within the country.
c. Foreign news – news that takes place outside the country.
d. Dateline news – an out-of-town news story. It is introduced by a dateline which states
the place from which the story was reported, the date, and the source of the material if
not written by the local staff, as Tokyo, Japan, Jan. 25(AP).
e. Weather news – usually a boxed forecast of the area, sometimes about the temperature,
wind directions and velocities. Extremes on weather are reported as more detailed news
stories.
f. Index – a slug line indicating an important inside page story and the page where it is
found
Other things found in the Front Page: (Those with asterisk may or may not be present).

1. Nameplate – the engraved or printed name of the newspaper as the Manila Times or the PNC
Torch.

2. Ears – the little boxes on either side of the name place.

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3. Banner – the principal headline bearing the boldest and biggest type. It is the title of the more
important news of the day which is called banner news. It may or may not run across the page.
If it does, It may also be called a streamer.

4. Running head – a head made up of two or more lines.

5. Headline – the title of any news story. The word headline is used only for titles of news
stories, thus the various rules for writing it.

6. Deck – a subordinate headline placed immediately below its mother headline, also known as
bank or readout.
7. Lead – the beginning of a news story. It may be a word or a group of words, a sentence, or
even a paragraph.
8. News story – the whole story of an event composed of the lead and the text which is the
elaboration of the lead.
9. Columns – the horizontal division into parts of a newspaper. Many national papers are divided
into eight columns while a typical school paper is divided into five columns.

10. Columns rule – the vertical line that divides the page into columns. Most pages of a
newspaper are divided into columns by a space usually one em wide. This space is called the
sunken rule.

11. Fold – the imaginary horizontal line that divides the newspaper equally into two parts.

12. Byline*– the signature of a reporter preceding a news feature as By Warren Cruz.

13. Box*– the materials enclosed by line rules.

14. Cut – a metal place bearing a newspaper’s illustration, also known as cliché

15. Cutline – the text accompanying photos and other artwork, better known as caption. If
written above the photos just like a slug line, it is called over line.

16. Kicker – a tagline placed above buy smaller than a headline, also known as teaser. If it is
bigger than the headline, it is called hammer.

17. Credit line – a line giving the source of the story or illustrate as reprinted from the
“Manila Times” of Photo by MPI.

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B. Editorial Page
1. Folio – consist of the page number, date of publication, and name of the newspaper
usually written on top of the page. This is also found in the other pages.
2. Masthead – the editorial box containing the logo, names of the staff members and
position in the staff, subscription rate, the publisher and other pertinent date about the
newspaper. A logo (a shorter word for logotype) is a cut which contains an identifying
word or words, such as the name of the newspaper or of a section

3. Editorial paper – a commentary written by any of the editors who comments or given the
opinion of the staff or the whole paper on various subjects. It is the stand of the paper,
sometimes called Top editorial or Lead editorial.

4. Editorial columns – a personal opinion written by the columnist himself. Like the
editorial proper, it may attack, teach, entertain, or appeal depending upon its purpose.

5. Editorial cartoon – usually a caricature emphasizing a simple point. Usually humorous, it

has the function of the editorial. Standing by itself, it is not a complement of the editorial
proper.

6. Editorial liner – a short statement or quoted sayings placed at the end of editorial columns
or editorials to drive home some messages.

7. Letter to the editor – a letter sent in by the reader giving his personal views on certain
aspects.

C. Sports Page – Sports stories are classified as news stories; therefore, what may be found in the
news page may also be found in the sports section. Other things that may be found in the sports
section are the sports commentaries and sports features.

D. Special Features – The modern newspaper has some special features and eliminated some
which have become irrelevant to the needs of the times. An example of this was the society page.

Sections/Parts of a Campus Paper

1. News Section
2. Editorial Section
3. Special Features/Literary Sections
4.Columns: Sports, Fashion, etc.

Journalism 1 Module 1: Introduction to Campus Journalism 17

 Exercise 3: Identification

Directions: Identify the parts of the front page of a newspaper. Write you answers in your
quiz notebook.

Journalism 1 Module 1: Introduction to Campus Journalism 18

 LESSON 5: The Philippine Campus Journalism Act of 1991

REPUBLIC ACT No. 7079 July 5, 1991

AN ACT PROVIDING FOR THE DEVELOPMENT AND PROMOTION OF CAMPUS

JOURNALISM AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES

Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Philippines in Congress

assembled:

Section 1. Title. – This Act shall be known and referred to as the "Campus Journalism Act of
1991."

Section 2. Declaration of Policy. – It is the declared policy of the State to uphold and protect the
freedom of the press even at the campus level and to promote the development and growth of
campus journalism as a means of strengthening ethical values, encouraging critical and creative
thinking, and developing moral character and personal discipline of the Filipino youth.In
furtherance of this policy, the State shall undertake various programs and projects aimed at
improving the journalistic skills of students concerned and promoting responsible and free
journalism.

Section 3. Definition of Terms. –

(a) School. – An institution for learning in the elementary, secondary or tertiary level comprised
of the studentry, administration, faculty and non-faculty personnel;

(b) Student Publication. – The issue of any printed material that is independently published by,
and which meets the needs and interests of, the studentry;

(c) Student Journalist. – Any bona fide student enrolled for the current semester or term, who
was passed or met the qualification and standards of the editorial board.He must likewise
maintain a satisfactory academic standing.

(d) Editorial Board. – In the tertiary level, the editorial board shall be composed of student
journalists who have qualified in placement examinations.In the case of elementary and high
school levels, the editorial board shall be composed of a duly appointed faculty adviser, the
editor who qualified and a representative of the Parents-Teachers' Association, who will
determine the editorial policies to be implemented by the editor and staff members of the student
publication concerned.

At the tertiary level, the editorial board may include a publication adviser at the option of its
members.

(e) Editorial Policies. – A set of guidelines by which a student publication is operated and
managed, taking into account pertinent laws as well as the school administration's policies.Said
guidelines shall determine the frequency of the publication, the manner of selecting articles and
features and other similar matters.

Section 4. Student Publication. – A student publication is published by the student body

through an editorial board and publication staff composed of students selected but fair and
competitive examinations.

Journalism 1 Module 1: Introduction to Campus Journalism 19

Once the publication is established, its editorial board shall freely determine its editorial policies
and manage the publication's funds.

Section 5. Funding of Student Publication. – Funding for the student publication may include
the savings of the respective school's appropriations, student subscriptions, donations, and other
sources of funds.

In no instance shall the Department of Education, Culture and Sports or the school
administration concerned withhold he release of funds sourced from the savings of the
appropriations of the respective schools and other sources intended for the student publication.
Subscription fees collected by the school administration shall be released automatically to the
student publication concerned.

Section 6. Publication Adviser. – The publication adviser shall be selected by the school
administration from a list of recommendees submitted by the publication staff.The function of
the adviser shall be limited to one of technical guidance.

Section 7. Security of Tenure. – A member of the publication staff must maintain his or her
status as student in order to retain membership in the publication staff.A student shall not be
expelled or suspended solely on the basis of articles he or she has written, or on the basis of the
performance of his or her duties in the student publication.

Section 8. Press Conferences and Training Seminar. – The Department of Education, Culture
and Sports shall sponsor periodic competitions, press conferences and training seminars in which
student-editors/writers and teacher-adviser of student publications in the elementary, secondary
and tertiary levels shall participate. Such competitions, conferences and seminars shall be held at
the institutional, divisional, and regional levels, culminating with the holding of the annual
national elementary, secondary or tertiary School Press Conferences in places of historical and/or
cultural interest in the country.

Section 9. Rules and Regulations. – The Department of Education, Culture and Sports, in
coordination with the officers of the national elementary, secondary or tertiary organizations or
official advisers of student publications, together with student journalists at the tertiary level and
existing organizations of student journalists, shall promulgate the rules and regulations necessary
for the effective implementation of this Act.

Section 10. Tax Exemption. – Pursuant to paragraph 4, Section 4, Article XIV of the
Constitution, all grants, endowments, donations, or contributions used actually, directly and
exclusively for the promotion of campus journalism as provided for in this Act shall be exempt
from donor's or gift tax.

Section 11. Appropriations. – For the initial year of implementation, the sum of Five million
pesos (P5,000,000.00) is hereby authorized to be charged against the savings from the current
appropriations of the Department of Education, Culture and Sports. Thereafter, such amount as
may be necessary shall be included in the General Appropriations Act.

Section 12. Effectivity. – This Act shall take effect after fifteen (15) days following the
completion of its publication in the Official Gazette or in at least two (2) newspapers of general
circulation.

Approved: July 5, 1991.

Journalism 1 Module 1: Introduction to Campus Journalism 20

 LESSON 6: Journalism Creed and Ethics

Every one of us has the right to have our own opinion and beliefs things. This is what
makes us different from others. It manifests our own unique identity and establishes our
personality in a society. It also makes us belong to a certain group of people who also have the
same belief as ours.

According to Merriam Webster dictionary, creed is an idea or set of beliefs that guides
the actions of a person or group. Every engagements of a person should manifest what is dictated
on the creed that he believes in.

As a campus journalist, I want you to read each idea stated in this creed. Understand the
beliefs of a journalist and realize its importance.

Journalist’s Creed

I believe in the profession of Journalism.

I believe that the public journal is a public trust; that all connected with it are, to the full measure of
responsibility, trustees for the public; that all acceptance of lesser service than the public services is a
betrayal of this trust.

I believe that clear thinks, clear statement, accuracy and fairness are fundamental to good journalism.

I believe that a journalist should write only what he holds in his heart to be true.

I believe that suppression of the news, for any consideration other than the welfare of society, is
indefensible

I believe that no one should write as a journalist that he would not say as a gentleman; that bribery
by one’s own pocketbook is as much to be avoided as bribery by the pocketbook of another; that
individual responsibility may not be escaped by pleading another’s instructions or another’s
dividends.
I believe that advertising, news and editorial columns should alike serve the best interests of readers;
that a single standard of helpful truth and cleanness should prevail for all; that supreme test of good
journalism is the measure of its public service.

I believe that the journalism which succeeds the best-and best deserves success-fears God and honors
man; is stoutly independent; unmoved by pride of opinion or greed of power; constructive, tolerant
but never careless, self-controlled, patient, always respectful of its readers but always unafraid, is
quickly indignant at injustice; is unswayed by the appeal of the privilege or the clamor of the mob;
seeks to give every man a chance, and as far as the law, an honest wage and recognition of human
brotherhood can make it so, an equal; is profoundly patriotic while sincerely promoting international
goodwill and cementing world-comradeship, is a journalist of humanity, of and for today’s world.

Journalism 1 Module 1: Introduction to Campus Journalism 21

 A Journalist’s Code of Ethics

I. I shall scrupulously report and interpret the news, taking care not to suppress essential
facts or to distort the truth by omission or improper emphasis. I recognize the duty to air the
other side and the duty to correct substantive errors promptly.

II. I shall not violate confidential information on material given me in the exercise of my
calling.

III. I shall resort only to fair and honest methods in my effort to obtain news, photographs
and/or documents, and shall properly identify myself as a representative of the press when
obtaining any personal interview intended for publication.

IV. I shall refrain from writing reports which will adversely affect a private reputation unless
the public interests justifies it. At the same time, I shall write vigorously for public access to
information, as provided for in the constitution.

V. I shall not let personal motives or interests influence me in the performance of my duties;
nor shall I accept or offer any present, gift or other consideration of a nature which may cast
doubt on my professional integrity.

VI. I shall not commit any act of plagiarism.

VII. I shall not in any manner ridicule, cast aspersions on or degrade any person by reason of
sex, creed, religious belief, political conviction, cultural and ethnic origin.

VIII. I shall presume persons accused of crime of being innocent until proven otherwise. I shall
exercise caution in publishing names of minors, and women involved in criminal cases so that
they may not unjustly lose their standing in society.

IX. I shall not take unfair advantage of a fellow journalist.

X. I shall accept only such tasks as are compatible with the integrity and dignity of my
profession, invoking the “conscience clause” when duties imposed on me conflict with the voice
of my conscience.

XI. I shall comport myself in public or while performing my duties as journalist in such
manner as to maintain the dignity of my profession. When in doubt, decency should be my
watchword.

EXERCISE 4 . DO THE RIGHT THING: Press Ethics

Directions: Pretend you are a newspaper editor. Use these six steps to decide what to do about
one of the situations presented below. Write your answer in your quiz notebook.

1. Define the ethical problem.

2. Decide what facts you need to make an ethical decision.

3. Identify who is involved, what the relationship of you and your newspaper is to that person (or
people) and what obligation that involves. This includes everyone affected by the decision to
investigate, write and publish the story.

4. Develop and evaluate other actions you might take, other than to write a story.

Journalism 1 Module 1: Introduction to Campus Journalism 22

5. Think about the ethical questions raised and their likely consequences. Do these questions and
consequences support or undermine any alternatives you devised?

6. Make your decision.

Choose one of the following scenarios and, with a partner, decide as a newspaper editor whether
to cover the story. Remember to use the six steps above. Be ready to share your decision and
steps you took to reach it.

A. A teacher is arrested for shoplifting a bottle of perfume. A student is arrested for shoplifting
an expensive sweater. Will you cover these events? How?

B. The principal’s son has been caught cheating on a standardized test and is probably not the
only student who did so. Will you cover the event? How?

Ethical Facts in Who is Alternative Consequences Decision

problem story involved? action

SUMMARY

 The constitution mandates the freedom of speech according to Article III Section 4 of Bill of
Rights as it states, No law shall be passed abridging the freedom of speech, of expression, or
of the press, or the right of the people peaceably to assemble the petition the government for
redress of grievances”.
 Journalism plays a huge role in Philippines’ history. From the years of revolution against
Spaniards, colonization of American, Occupation of Japanese, Martial Law of Marcos to the
current year, journalism became the instrument of liberation.
 The Golden Age of Philippine journalism was during the post-war era to pre-martial law
period (1945-1972).
 Journalism can be in 3 forms: written, oral andvisual.
 Campus paper can be an aid to students, school and community in different ways. It also
serves different functions such as for information, opinion, education, watchdog, laboratory,
documentation, entertainment and documentation.
 A journalist must know his responsibilities to the public as he extends his services. He, just
like his writing, could affect his readers. Therefore, truth and fairness should be practice.
 Similar
The journalist’s creed states
with newspapers, all ofpaper
a campus thesealso
responsibilities.
has its parts.

Journalism 1 Module 1: Introduction to Campus Journalism 23

 WHAT I HAVE LEARNED

POST – ASSESSMENT

Test I-Multiple Choice

Direction: Read the following questions carefully. Write the letter of your answer in your quiz
notebook.

1. What is the Campus Journalism Act of the Philippines?

a) Journalism Act of 1991
b) Journalism Act of 1981
c) Journalism Act of 1983
d) Journalism Act of 1993

2. When was this act (referring to the question No. 1) approved?

e) July 5, 1992
f) June 5, 1991
g) July 5, 1991
h) June 5, 1992

3. The following statements show the nature of journalism. Which one is not included?

a) It is a timely-reporting of events.
b) It has become the media of mass education.
c) It maintains a partial approach in news coverage.
d) It concerns with the dissemination of news and views about the society.

4. What function of the campus paper that acts as the guardian of the students’ rights?
a) Opinion function
b) Information function
c) Watchdog function
d) Education function

5. “Make sure that the right facts are there and those facts are right,” is one of the Campus
Journalism Do’s. It refers to____________?
a) Accuracy
b) Bias
c) Context
d) Truth

6. A good journalist does not use his influence in order to meet personal objectives and
should be well aware of the consequences that may result from his actions. What quality of a
good journalist does the statement refer to?
e) critical
f) Objective
g) Conscientious
h) Resourcefulness

Journalism 1 Module 1: Introduction to Campus Journalism 24

7. "Never use the ideas, words and concepts of others without giving credit to sources"- is one of
the Campus Journalism don'ts. It refers to:
a) Plagiarism
b) Bias
c) Sloppy Reporting
d) Conflict of interest

8. How do news reporters maintain their objectivity?

a) By keeping their opinions out of their stories
b) By eliminating unimportant facts
c) By presenting their views in the lead
d) By using the inverted pyramid writing style

9. Find the statement that does not correspond to the qualifications of a student journalist.

a) Bona fide student enrolled for the current term.

b) Passed the qualification and standards of the editorial board.
c) Must maintain a satisfactory academic standing.
d) Consistent dean's lister.

10. One of the goals of public journalism is to _______________.

a) Make horse-race coverage of politics more interesting.
b) Publish information desired by political elites rather than the general public.
c) Encourage people to participate in democracy.
d) Emphasize the voices on the extremes of the political spectrum and not the
center.

Journalism 1 Module 1: Introduction to Campus Journalism 25

 WHAT’S MORE

Journalists face ethical and moral decisions daily and it is our duty to know and understand
the Code of Conducts under which we work. We must, at all times, be keenly aware of the interests
of society and our readers and ensure that our reporting does no harm. Journalists must refrain
from actions that are not morally right. In doing so we maintain and strengthen our readers’ trust in
the press. Lastly, we must at all times defend the principle of freedom of the press. It is an
obligation that comes with a job.

SELF- LEARNING ASSESSMENT

Assess your learning progress by completing the following statements:

1. I have learned that…

___________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________

2. I have realized that…

___________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________

3. I believe I can deepen my understanding through…

___________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________

Journalism 1 Module 1: Introduction to Campus Journalism 26

 Further Reading and References:

All the pictures used in this module are from the internet source. Thus, the school does
not own or have any rights for these photos.

Chan, R.Republic Act No. 7079 "Campus Journalism Act of 1991" (n.d) Retrieved
February 16,2015 from
http://www.chanrobles.com/republicactno7079.htm#.VSnTnvmUexU

Cruz, C. J. (1997). Basic campus journalism. Quezon City:Rex Bookstore, Inc.

Cruz, C. J. (2010). Campus journalism and school paper advising. Quezon City: Rex
Bookstore, Inc.,

http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/creed

Sumulong, S. (2002) History of journalism in the Philippines. Retrieved January 14, 2015 from
http://www.oocities.org/rocesphils/journalism.htm

The 1987 Constitution of the Republic of the Philippines – Article III Retrieved July
10, 2014 from http://www.gov.ph/constitutions/the-1987-constitution-of-the-republic-
of-the- philippines/the-1987-constitution-of-the-republic-of-the-philippines-article-iii/

Tuazon, R. The print media: a tradition of freedom (n.d). Retrieved December 23, 2014
from http://www.ncca.gov.ph/about-culture-and-arts/articles-on-c-n-
a/article.php?igm=3&i=2

Journalism 1 Module 1: Introduction to Campus Journalism 27

Journalism 1 Module 1: Introduction to Journalism 28