In their book The Elements of Journalism, Bill Kovach and Tom Rosenstiel identify the essential principles and practices of journalism.
Here are 10 elements common to good journalism, drawn from the book.
1/ Journalism’s first obligation is to the truth.
2/ Its first loyalty is to citizens.
3/ Its essence is a discipline of verification.
4/ Its practitioners must maintain an independence from those they cover.
5/ It must serve as an independent monitor of power.
6/ It must provide a forum for public criticism and compromise.
7/ It must strive to keep the significant interesting and relevant.
8/ It must keep the news comprehensive and proportional.
9/ Its practitioners must be allowed to exercise their personal conscience.
10/ Citizens, too, have rights and responsibilities when it comes to the news.
