Journalism: Hard News vs Soft News

News is more interesting when it's about events that are close to home, affecting our lives directly.

Timely news is new and relevant, capturing the attention of readers. It's like fresh bread - it's best enjoyed right out of the oven.

Stories about famous people, celebrities, and important figures are usually considered newsworthy.

Unusual or unique events are more likely to be covered by the news, grabbing readers' attention.

Conflict, whether it's between individuals, groups, or nations, often drives news stories.

The audience or readers of a news publication influence which stories are considered news.

News is more impactful if it significantly affects a large number of people.

Stories that evoke emotional responses and connect with people on a personal level are often considered newsworthy.

News that focuses on events that have already happened or are about to happen, with a significant impact on society. It emphasizes facts and immediate coverage.

News that focuses on stories that are less time-sensitive and often feature human interest, entertainment, or lifestyle topics.

News that focuses on incidents causing destruction, such as natural disasters like floods, or man-made disasters like bombings.

News that covers advancement in different fields like education, technology, health, or social development.

Stories that capture human attention and connect with readers' emotions, often featuring everyday people facing extraordinary circumstances.

A journalistic style where the most important information is written first, followed by less crucial details.

News that prioritizes giving information as quickly as possible, often used for urgent events.

News that focuses on the basic facts: Who, What, Where, When, and How.

The practice of creating news stories.

The most important details are presented first, followed by less crucial information.

The source from which a news reporter gathers information for a story.

The practice of verifying information through reliable sources and avoiding biases.

A news story should focus on the impact on people's lives.

A news story should provide context by explaining the background of the event.

Information should be presented in a clear and concise format.

Representing a statement accurately and fairly, including the full context to avoid misinterpretations or bias.

Avoid omitting important points simply because you disagree with them. Let the reader decide.

Using words with precise meanings, free from loaded language or emotional bias. Focus on facts.

Avoid using subjective descriptions of nonverbal cues like a person's hand gestures. Stick to observable facts.

Using alternatives to the word "said" can inadvertently introduce bias, as some alternatives imply agreement or disagreement with the quoted person.

A Thesaurus can be helpful but use it carefully, ensuring that you understand the nuances of the words you choose to avoid unintended meanings.

Always clearly identify the source of an accusation or statement to avoid misattribution and maintain clarity.

Using simple language and minimal adjectives or adverbs helps keep your reporting neutral and factual.

Information given to a journalist that cannot be published, but can be used to understand the context.

Revealing information without revealing the source's identity.

Using information without identifying the source.

A source that remains anonymous. This is a double-edged sword, as it can be useful but also raises ethical concerns.

Verifying information provided by an anonymous source with other sources.

Journalistic practice of identifying sources whenever possible.

Ethical practice of questioning a source's motives and clarifying the conditions of anonymity before promising it.

Direct quotes from anonymous sources are rarely used, as their reliability cannot be verified.

Informing the audience about the source of information in a news story, typically including the name and title of the person interviewed or the document used.

The process of deciding which stories are important enough to be included in a news publication or broadcast.

The practice of fairly and objectively placing news stories within a publication or broadcast, without letting personal opinions influence the order.

A statement that is objectively true but might cause harm or damage someone's reputation. Journalists should be careful about using such language and consider the potential impact on the person involved.

The principle of avoiding stating an opinion as fact, especially in reporting news. It helps maintain objectivity and ensures the focus remains on presenting information.

The quality of being impartial and neutral in reporting the news, without any personal bias or preference influencing the content.

The relative importance or significance of a news story. It often determines its placement within a publication or broadcast.

The basic principles that guide news selection, such as novelty, timeliness, and proximity.