broadcast journalism: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Formal, Technical, Academic
Quick answer
What does “broadcast journalism” mean?
The profession or practice of gathering, verifying, and presenting news and information through electronic media, primarily television and radio.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The profession or practice of gathering, verifying, and presenting news and information through electronic media, primarily television and radio.
The field encompassing the production, editing, and dissemination of news content via broadcast channels, including live reporting, news packages, documentaries, and digital video for online platforms. It emphasizes immediacy, audiovisual storytelling, and adherence to journalistic ethics for a mass audience.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant lexical difference. The concept is identical. Minor differences exist in associated terminology (e.g., 'newsreader' (UK) vs. 'anchor' (US) are common, though both terms are understood in both regions).
Connotations
In both regions, it carries connotations of authority, immediacy, and public service. In the UK, there is a stronger historical association with public service broadcasting (BBC).
Frequency
Equally frequent in professional and academic contexts in both regions.
Grammar
How to Use “broadcast journalism” in a Sentence
[Subject] studied broadcast journalism at university.[Subject] works in broadcast journalism.The [noun] of broadcast journalism is changing.She pursued a career in broadcast journalism.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “broadcast journalism” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- N/A – The term is not used as a verb.
American English
- N/A – The term is not used as a verb.
adverb
British English
- N/A – No direct adverbial form.
American English
- N/A – No direct adverbial form.
adjective
British English
- N/A – The term is a compound noun. The adjectival form is 'broadcast journalistic', as in 'broadcast journalistic standards'.
- She took a broadcast journalism course.
American English
- N/A – The term is a compound noun. The adjectival form is 'broadcast journalistic', as in 'broadcast journalistic ethics'.
- He works in the broadcast journalism industry.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Refers to the industry sector, e.g., 'The broadcast journalism market is consolidating.'
Academic
Refers to a field of study and research, e.g., 'Her thesis analyzes objectivity in post-war broadcast journalism.'
Everyday
Used when discussing someone's job or a news program, e.g., 'My nephew wants to go into broadcast journalism.'
Technical
Refers to specific production methodologies and standards, e.g., 'The course covers the technical aspects of modern broadcast journalism.'
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “broadcast journalism”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “broadcast journalism”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “broadcast journalism”
- Using it as a verb (e.g., 'He broadcast journalisms the event' – incorrect). It is strictly a noun.
- Confusing it with 'journalism' in general. Broadcast journalism is a subset.
- Misspelling as 'broadcast journalisim'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it traditionally encompasses both television and radio journalism. In the modern context, it also includes video news production for online and digital platforms.
The core difference is the medium. Broadcast journalism uses audiovisual elements (sound, moving images) for immediate, linear storytelling, while print journalism relies on text and still images for a typically more in-depth, non-linear consumption.
While not always legally required, a relevant degree in journalism, media studies, or specifically broadcast journalism is very common and provides essential practical training in equipment, editing, and media law.
Not outdated, but evolved. The core skills and ethics remain, but the distribution channels have expanded. The term now often covers 'multimedia journalism' or 'digital broadcast journalism,' where content is created for broadcast-style delivery across multiple platforms (TV, web, mobile).
The profession or practice of gathering, verifying, and presenting news and information through electronic media, primarily television and radio.
Broadcast journalism is usually formal, technical, academic in register.
Broadcast journalism: in British English it is pronounced /ˈbrɔːdkɑːst ˈdʒɜːnəlɪzəm/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈbrɔːdkæst ˈdʒɜːrnəlɪzəm/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “The fourth estate (broader, includes all media)”
- “On-air talent (refers to the people within broadcast journalism)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of NEWS being BROADCAST (spread widely) to the public through JOURNALISM (news reporting).
Conceptual Metaphor
JOURNALISM IS A CHANNEL / CONDUIT (delivering information); BROADCAST JOURNALISM IS A THEATRE (with anchors as performers and live events as drama).
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following is MOST central to the definition of 'broadcast journalism'?