Assertion (A): Professionalism among journalism practitioners is rarely found nowa- days as the profession has become a hobby for the new entrants.
Reason (R): The new entrants do not have role models to follow, and hence their lack of professionalism cannot be faulted.
- Both (A) and (R) are true.
- Both (A) and (R) are true, but (R) is not the correct explanation of (A).
- (A) is true, but (R) is false.
- (A) is false, but (R) is true.
Correct Ans: (B)
Explanation:
Today, many critics believe professionalism in journalism is fading. Journalism once demanded dedication, ethics, and formal training. Now, many newcomers treat it as a hobby rather than a serious career. This casual approach lowers overall standards in reporting, accuracy, and accountability.
Several new journalists enter the field without understanding core values. They often lack training and avoid long-term commitment. As a result, newsrooms experience higher errors and weaker reporting. This shift isn’t accidental—it reflects changes in how media works today.
The reason given points to a lack of role models. It argues that without experienced mentors, new journalists can’t be blamed. While this claim holds some truth, it doesn’t explain everything. Good role models still exist, especially in legacy media and top journalism schools. Yet, many new entrants don’t seek guidance or resist structured mentorship.
Additionally, digital platforms now reward speed over accuracy. That pushes many to focus on trends, not truth. Thus, professionalism takes a backseat. Mentorship also declines in fast-paced, freelance-driven media environments.
In summary, both the assertion and the reason are true. However, the reason doesn’t fully explain the problem. Lack of professionalism stems from multiple sources—not just the absence of role models. Hobbyist attitudes, weak editorial supervision, and content-over-quality priorities play major roles.
Correct answer: (B) – Both (A) and (R) are true, but (R) is not the correct explanation of (A).
