Assertion (A): Beats are nothing but a strategy of rewards to journalists.
Reason (R): Beats are hierarchical and classified in relation to performance and policy compliance.
(A) Both (A) and (R) are true
(B) Both (A) and (R) are true, but (R) is not the correct explanation
(C) (A) is true, but (R) is false
(D) (A) is false, but (R) is true
Correct Ans: (D)
Explanation:
Beats in journalism are specific areas or topics assigned to reporters, such as politics, crime, or sports. The assertion (A) claims that beats are a strategy of rewards to journalists, which is false. Beats are not a reward system but a practical approach to ensure in-depth and consistent coverage of specific fields.
On the other hand, the reason (R) accurately states that beats are hierarchical and classified based on performance and compliance with organisational policies. Senior and experienced journalists often receive prestigious beats, while entry-level reporters are assigned more general or less critical areas. This hierarchical structure reflects the value of expertise, experience, and adherence to editorial guidelines in journalism.
For example, in a major newspaper, a seasoned journalist might cover the political beat, while a new reporter might handle lifestyle or entertainment. This classification ensures effective resource allocation and maintains reporting quality.
To summarize, assertion (A) is false, but reason (R) is true, as beats are structured based on hierarchy and performance rather than being a reward strategy.
