I first thought that this would be easy to define and had previously been unquestioned in my mind but when the subject was raised in Journalism Now it was of a puzzling kind for all the journos. It is fact, truth, everything of interest everywhere we go.
News must most importantly be new, from a news peg or an angle. It is about people doing things.
Hard and soft news:
- Hard news covers the likes of crime, politics, natural disasters etc
- Soft news has the subject of entertainment, animals etc (page two/three focus)
Editorial reasons for publication
- Availability? – quotes and pictures are the ‘lifeblood’ of the story, are they available to the reporter/publication?
- Do people care about the story? Is it relevant to the audience of the publication or broadcaster?
- How many have been affected by the story?
- Is it fresh or an exclusive?
- Dramatic or simple? Is there a clear narrative and recognisable characters?
- Does the story fit with current obsessions?
- Is the content acceptable for the audience? Before or after watershed viewing?
Practical reasons for the journalist
- Is there space for the content?
- Has a similar story already been covered?
- Has the story been successfully pitched to the editor? Does it fit with the editor/publication’s political views?
PERFECT ARTICLE = BALANCE + TRUTH
Where does news come from?
- The wires (agencies) – have their own reporters and subs and produce their own content that TV, radio and the papers can use: news for wholesale
- Diary stories (scheduled) – court cases, openings, sports fixtures, festivals, conferences
- These can be useful for follow-ups
- Check calls – numbers of emergency services (recording)
- Police: accidents, crime, appeals
- Fire: fires and rescues, appeals
- Coastguard: rescues
- Handouts and press releases – official sources, Press Officers are a starting point but must check facts!
- Tip offs – user generated content but must be curious and cautionary. Ask questions.
- Leaks – PROTECT YOUR SOURCES, you must be prepared to risk jail for the protection of your sources. Never reveal.
*Reporters are expected to work off diary and generate their own stories*
megrosefisher 