The Elements of Journalism

The Elements of Journalism are basic principles that guide trustworthy journalism. They include accuracy and fairness—reporting facts truthfully without bias; independence—avoiding influence from power or money; verification—confirming information before sharing; public interest—serving the community’s right to know; accountability—being responsible for mistakes; and transparency—clarifying sources and methods. These elements ensure journalism provides reliable, unbiased information that helps citizens make informed decisions. In essence, they uphold the integrity and professionalism essential for a healthy, informed democracy.