The Canadian Association of Journalists (CAJ) Ethics Advisory Committee has released a new discussion paper exploring the definition of journalism and the unique role journalists play in modern society. In the report, the panel puts forward a working definition of journalism by determining that journalists can be recognized and distinguished, “not by what they believe or think, but by their actions.”

The committee offers a tripartite definition of journalism centred on three specific journalistic conditions, outlined as follows:

• Purpose: An act of journalism sets out to combine evidence-based research and verification with the creative act of storytelling. Its central purpose is to inform communities about topics or issues that they value.
• Creation: All journalistic work -- whether words, photography or graphics -- contains an element of original production.
• Method: Journalistic work provides clear evidence of a self-conscious discipline calculated to provide an accurate and fair description of facts, opinion and debate at play within a situation.

According to the report, all three criteria must be met in order for an act to qualify as journalism.

Click here to read the "What is Journalism" report »

CAJ Panel members: Patrick Brethour (chair), Tim Currie, Meredith Levine, Connie Monk, Ivor Shapiro.

Legal advice provided by Bert Bruser.