First Amendment
SPJ Code of Ethics
Journalistic Process
Story Types
Sources
100

This is the only profession protected by the First Amendment.

Journalism

100

The first point of the SPJ Code of Ethics implores journalists to seek this, and report it.

Truth

100

The first stage of the Journalistic Process, in which permission to interview/film is gained, facts are gathered, etc.

Access/Observation

100

The most common type of story, this story type is rooted in facts, and answers the 5 W's while letting the reader/viewer form their own opinions through interpretation.

News

100

Generally speaking, a news story should have a minimum of this number of sources. 

3

200

The legal term for sexually inappropriate expression, which is not protected by the First Amendment.

Obscenity

200

Point number 2 in the SPJ Code of Ethics advises journalists to minimize this term; the amount of damage done to a person by doing a story about them.

Harm

200

This is the "information gathering" stage, where the writer/producer decides who to interview, what to film, etc.

Selection/Filming

200

This type of story allows the writer/producer to spotlight a person, group, or event, and may include any emotion surrounding the event. 

Feature

200

This is defined as "a person, publication, or knowledge other record or document that gives timely information."

Source

300

The legal term for false information spread about a person with the intent to damage their reputation or character; which is not protected by the First Amendment. 

Defamation

300

By acting this way (the third point in the SPJ Code of Ethics), journalists can use their own judgment in determining conflicts of interest or other issues that may compromise a story.

Independently

300

The third step in the Journalistic Process, this is where the producer takes all of the "puzzle pieces" in their story and puts them together.

Processing/Editing

300

This athletically-inclined type of story can often have it's own set up sub-types.

Sports

300

This important quality of a source is defined as "the quality of being trusted or believed in"

Credibility

400

One of two sub-types of Defamation; one involved the written word, while the other involves the spoken word.

Libel (Written) 

Slander (Spoken)

400

The fourth point in the SPJ Code of Ethics implores journalists to be this, and own up to your work.

Accountable

400

This is the stage in the process where you get your video "out there" so people can see it.

Distribution

400

This type of story is more common in newspapers than in video, but will often be written in a persuasive tone by a writer trying to convince the reader on a given topic.

Opinion

400

Another important quality of a source is this word, which is defined as "lack of favoritism toward one side or another."

Objectivity

500

The journalistic freedom guaranteed by the First Amendment, along with Speech, Religion, Assembly, and Petition.

Freedom of the Press

500

"Law" refers to rules and laws passed by local, state, and national government. This term refers to questions of right or wrong; just because you CAN do it, SHOULD you do it?

Ethics

500

In this, the final stage of the Journalistic Process, readers/viewers are given the opportunity to form their own opinions based upon information presented to them. 

Interpretation

500

A video about a WWII veteran's experience during the war is most likely this type of story.

Feature

500

To present a fair and balanced news story on a new cell phone ban, your three sources should include the origin of the story, one source speaking in favor of the ban, and one speaking this way about the ban.

Against

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