Fact vs Opinion
A statement, whether it is quantitative or qualitative, that can be proven with evidence
What is a fact?
Immediate, current information and events are newsworthy because they have just recently occurred. It’s news because it’s “new.”
What is timeliness?
A story in which time is a factor.
What is hard news?
An editor can express bias by choosing to use or not use a specific news item.
What is bias through selection and omission?
Make sure the story you’re reading is intended as a source of factual information rather than
Opinion
fact/expertise + opinion
What is an informed opinion?
Local information and events are newsworthy because they affect the people in our community and region. We care more about things that happen “close to home.”
What is proximity?
A story that is usually not time sensitive nor is it necessarily related to a major event.
What is soft news?
Putting a news article beside an opinion article
What is bias through placement?
Look inside the story for ______________back to earlier sources
links
A belief, judgment, or way of thinking about something
What is an opinon?
People are interested in other people. Everyone has something to celebrate and something to complain about. We like unusual stories of people who accomplish amazing feats or handle a life crisis because we can identify with them.
What is human interest?
The first 2 sentences of a news article
What is a lede?
Most people read only this part of a news article
What is the headline?
Look for the _____________and most local source on the story
earliest
The Hammerhead Shark is the most dangerous sharks…just look at it!
What is an opinion?
People are attracted to information that helps them make good decisions. If you like to cook, you find recipes relevant.
What is relevance?
One of the ways that news outlets are transparent about their coverage
What is:
• Openly acknowledging their viewpoint and possible bias. Including not just what is known about a story but what is currently not known, to help consumers tell the difference between genuine gaps and things that have been deliberately left out.
• Whenever possible, linking to original sources such as transcripts, databases, and so on, so that consumers can verify the accuracy of what’s being reported.
Using specific words to describe a person or event (ex: a politican was ATTACKING an issue vs ADDRESSING an issue)
What is bias through word choice?
You can make sure a source is ________________ by checking if the source is real (ex: if it has a Wikipedia page is a start but not a confirmation!)
reliable
The Bird of Paradise is one of the best known dancers in the animal kingdom. See the article here (link)
What is a fact?
When violence strikes or when people argue about actions, events, ideas or policies, we care. They attract our attention by highlighting problems or differences within the community.
What is conflict and controversy?
You start with the most important facts, then add important details related to those facts, and then background information that gives context. The last part of the story contains information that readers are least likely to read and that editors are most likely to cut.
What is an inverted pyramid structure?
Considering where information "comes from" (ex: An atheist talking about Christmas vs a priest)
What is bias through source and quote?
True or False: If you can't find a Wikipedia page, it doesn't mean it's not reliable.