General Requirements Set by Society for The Professional Competence of A Journalist

Abstract

In the age of rapidly evolving information technologies and societal demands, the professional competence of journalists plays a crucial role in maintaining the credibility and relevance of mass media. Society increasingly imposes expectations not only on journalists’ technical proficiency but also on their ethical, civic, and communicative responsibilities, forming a multifaceted “social order” for the profession. Although the nature of journalism is well-explored, there is a lack of comprehensive analysis detailing how societal expectations shape the core competencies of journalists across modern media platforms. This article aims to identify and categorize the general and professional competencies that define journalistic professionalism today, while analyzing how these expectations are reflected in journalists’ daily practices and institutional training standards. The study outlines key competency groups—moral- ethical, psychological, social-civic, and professional—highlighting attributes such as communicativeness, creativity, initiative, responsibility, and adaptability. Drawing on historical insights, such as M.V. Lomonosov’s early principles of journalistic conduct, and modern educational standards, the research demonstrates the continuing relevance of a  competency-based approach to journalistic professionalism. The article proposes an expanded framework that bridges general competence with specialized skills for different journalistic formats (print, broadcast, digital), emphasizing not just knowledge acquisition but practical implementation. These findings support the modernization of journalism curricula and professional development initiatives, ensuring journalists are equipped to meet evolving public expectations and uphold the integrity and function of media in democratic society.