Elements of Newsworthiness
What are the five main criteria that determine newsworthiness?
Timeliness, significance, proximity, conflict, human interest.
What is a feature article?
A feature article explores a topic in-depth, often with a narrative style.
What is the inverted pyramid structure?
The inverted pyramid structure presents the most important information first, followed by supporting details.
What is a primary source?
A primary source is an original source of information, such as an eyewitness account or document.
What are three key skills needed for conducting an interview?
Key skills include active listening, asking open-ended questions, and staying neutral.
Why is timeliness important in news reporting?
Timeliness is important because it determines how current and relevant the news is to the audience.
Define an opinion piece.
An opinion piece expresses the writer's personal views on a subject.
Explain the importance of the lead in a news story.
The lead is crucial as it grabs the reader's attention and summarizes the main point of the story.
Give an example of a secondary source.
A secondary source interprets or analyzes primary sources, like articles or books discussing research.
What type of questions should a journalist avoid in interviews?
Journalists should avoid leading questions that can influence the subject's response.
How does proximity affect the newsworthiness of a story?
Proximity affects newsworthiness as stories closer to home are more relevant to the local audience.
What distinguishes a news article from a review?
A news article reports facts, while a review offers opinions on a specific subject like a performance or product.
What are the components of a well-structured story?
A well-structured story includes a strong lead, body with supporting details, and a conclusion.
Why is it important to verify sources?
Verifying sources is important to ensure the accuracy and credibility of the information reported.
How should a journalist prepare for an interview?
Preparation includes researching the subject, developing questions, and setting objectives for the interview.
Explain the role of conflict in newsworthiness.
Conflict is newsworthy because it engages readers and highlights important social issues.
Describe investigative journalism.
Investigative journalism uncovers hidden truths or injustices through deep research and interviews.
Describe the narrative style in journalism.
Narrative style in journalism tells a story with a clear beginning, middle, and end, often with character development.
What criteria should a journalist use to evaluate sources?
Journalists should assess a source's reliability, expertise, and potential bias.
Why is it important to follow up on responses during an interview?
Following up on responses provides clarity and can lead to more insightful answers.
Why is human interest a significant element of newsworthiness?
Human interest stories appeal to emotions and create a connection with the audience.
What is the purpose of a profile article?
A profile article provides an in-depth look at a person's life, achievements, and character.
How can a journalist use foreshadowing in storytelling?
Foreshadowing can hint at future events, creating suspense and engaging the reader.
Explain how bias can affect source credibility.
Bias can lead to selective reporting and misrepresentation of facts, affecting the source's credibility.
Describe how to handle a difficult interview subject.
Handling a difficult subject requires patience, empathy, and maintaining professionalism.