JRN 102W - News Writing

Credits: 3
Instructional Contact Hours: 3

A. Identify the values of truthfulness, accuracy, independence, objectivity, impartiality, fairness, respect for others, and public accountability in the gathering, editing and dissemination of news to the public.

B. Demonstrate an understanding of the historical and contemporary role of journalism in a democratic society.

C. Demonstrate an understanding of legal and ethical frameworks for journalism, including the First Amendment, the Society of Professional Journalists' Code of Ethics, Associated Press Inclusive Storytelling guidelines, and laws on defamation, copyright, invasion of privacy, open records, and open meetings.

D. Describe the benefits of diversity and inclusion in storytelling.

E. Analyze professional news reports to understand storytelling and reporting techniques.

F. Demonstrate ability to access, understand, and evaluate current events reporting.

G. Demonstrate an understanding of trends and demands of today’s news audience.

2. Demonstrate understanding of basic journalistic formats.

A. Distinguish between fact and opinion.

B. Recognize elements of news including importance, timeliness, consequence, conflict, humor, the unusual, prominence, proximity and human interest.

C. Identify parts of a traditional news report, including headline, byline, dateline, lead, body, quotes, attribution, sub-heads, captions, informational graphics, sidebars, and tag-lines.

D. Identify various organizational structures of news reports, including inverted pyramid, chronological narrative, anecdotal leads, vignettes, and listicles.

E. Identify features of various types of news reports, including briefs, features, news articles, graphic journalism, social media content, and audio/visual stories.

F. Demonstrate an understanding of Associated Press reporting and writing guidelines.

3. Demonstrate an understanding of safety issues and best practices associated with newsgathering and reporting.

A. Demonstrate an understanding of reporting scenarios that may turn dangerous, including covering large crowds, attending political events, and reporting from hazardous scenes, such as weather disasters, crime scenes, and traffic accidents.

B. Demonstrate an understanding of best practices for ensuring personal safety while on assignment.

C. Demonstrate an understanding of best practices for responding to harassment and interference, both in public and online.

D. Demonstrate an understanding of concepts of digital security for journalists.

4.  Apply concepts and principles of news gathering.

A. Identify topics and angles for news reports through research and discussion.

B. Identify appropriate primary and secondary sources to consult while newsgathering to ensure expert insight, balance, and diverse perspectives.

C. Apply interviewing skills, including requesting, arranging, planning, conducting, recording, and processing interviews with news sources.

 Apply observation skills at a news event, gathering relevant descriptions and details.

Use technology to record audio and visual content for multimedia reporting.
 Apply fact-checking skills to verify accuracy of information.

5.   Write in journalistic style.

A. Create original news reports for various platforms, including print, web, social media, and radio that are accurate, concise, clear, balanced, unbiased, and objective.

B. Apply rules and conventions of Associated Press news writing style.

C. Organize information according to priority.

D. Compose original news stories, including: event preview, event coverage, speech coverage, obituary, feature profile, and in-depth story of choice.

E. Practice covering public safety emergencies, including car accident, fire, and active shooter.

F. Employ a variety of tools and techniques for fact-checking and verification.

G. Demonstrate the ability to collaborate with peers in planning, creating, and editing news content.

H. Demonstrate the ability to meet deadlines.

I. Revise reports based on feedback from classmates and instructor.

5. Evaluate written work

A. Critique professional writing and works of student journalism.

B. Critique own reporting.

C. Critique reporting of classmates, both orally and in writing.