Journalism: Hard News vs Soft News

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Questions and Answers

What is one of the most important aspects to verify when writing a news story?

The emotional angle of the story

The length of the article

The source of information (correct)

The use of self-promotional quotes

Which format is generally used for hard news stories?

Inverted pyramid format (correct)

Chronological format

Dialogic format

Narrative format

Which of the following elements is considered NOT essential in a hard news story?

Bias and slants in reporting

Personal opinions of the editor (correct)

Facts and figures

Straightforward information

What is a common topic for news reports?

Celebrity gossip Signup and view all the answers

What should a reporter consider adding if the information does not form a full story?

Background context Signup and view all the answers

What type of information do press releases typically include?

Self-congratulatory quotes Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following actions is recommended for enriching a news story?

Calling sources for balance Signup and view all the answers

Which characteristic defines hard news?

Presentation of raw facts Signup and view all the answers

What is a defining characteristic of hard news?

It involves immediate reporting of significant events. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is considered a type of soft news?

An increase in women representation in local governance. Signup and view all the answers

Which elements are emphasized in hard news stories?

Who, What, Where, When, How. Signup and view all the answers

What kind of news would be classified as breaking news?

A report on a recently occurring crime. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following topics is least likely to be found in hard news?

An interview with a local artist. Signup and view all the answers

How does soft news typically differ from hard news?

Soft news is not time-sensitive. Signup and view all the answers

Why do disasters frequently receive media coverage?

They affect a significant number of people. Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of the inverted pyramid style in hard news writing?

To prioritize critical information at the beginning. Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of timeliness in news reporting?

Timeliness relates to the newness of facts. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes the term 'novelty' in news?

It highlights unusual or extraordinary events. Signup and view all the answers

How does conflict contribute to newsworthiness?

Conflict has always been a central theme in stories. Signup and view all the answers

What role does audience play in determining news content?

Audience preference helps decide news placement. Signup and view all the answers

Which factor is NOT a known determinant of news value?

Fictionality Signup and view all the answers

What is meant by 'consequence' in the context of news reporting?

The effect an event has on a large number of people. Signup and view all the answers

Which scenario exemplifies the aspect of 'human interest' in news coverage?

A heartwarming story about a rescue animal. Signup and view all the answers

How do unusual events contribute to their newsworthiness?

They engage readers by deviating from the ordinary. Signup and view all the answers

What should a journalist do when quoting someone with reservations about their support for the government?

Accurately report the full sentiment including reservations. Signup and view all the answers

Why is it important to use precise language when describing someone's remarks?

To reflect the speaker's tone accurately. Signup and view all the answers

What is the potential issue with using a thesaurus for alternative words in journalism?

It can lead to misinterpretation of the original meaning. Signup and view all the answers

How should journalists treat accusations made by interviewees?

Attribute them clearly to the interviewee. Signup and view all the answers

What is a recommended approach to maintaining objectivity in reporting?

Judging each comment independently based on news criteria. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is considered biased language in journalism?

Employing adjectives that imply judgment. Signup and view all the answers

What is an inappropriate alternative to the verb 'said' in journalism?

Declared with disbelief Signup and view all the answers

Why is it advisable to minimize the use of adjectives and adverbs in news writing?

To maintain a clear and unbiased reporting style. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary reason for choosing words carefully when reporting a story?

To avoid legal repercussions for false statements. Signup and view all the answers

What is one key guideline for placing a story in a publication?

Rank stories according to their objective news value. Signup and view all the answers

Which is NOT a consideration when selecting reports for news?

The personal gain of the journalist. Signup and view all the answers

What does 'attribution' in journalism primarily involve?

Citing sources of information. Signup and view all the answers

Why should a journalist avoid using derogatory terms when describing someone accused of a crime?

It maintains objectivity and professionalism. Signup and view all the answers

What should a journalist consider when placing stories of equal news value?

The implications of each story on society. Signup and view all the answers

How can a journalist ensure their news story is credible?

By carefully recording factual information. Signup and view all the answers

What is an invalid reason for suppressing a story about a government?

Personal disagreement with government policies. Signup and view all the answers

What does 'off the record' mean in journalism?

The information is to be used by the reporter only and not published. Signup and view all the answers

How should anonymous sources be handled according to journalistic ethics?

Their motives should always be questioned before granting anonymity. Signup and view all the answers

Which phrase indicates that a journalist can use information without identifying the source?

Not for attribution Signup and view all the answers

What is a key responsibility of journalists when using anonymous sources?

To corroborate the information with a second source. Signup and view all the answers

What should a journalist do if they promise anonymity to a source?

Inform at least one editor of the source's identity. Signup and view all the answers

What is a primary benefit of using anonymous sources according to SPJ?

They can reveal significant corruption and government issues. Signup and view all the answers

What is a danger of relying on anonymous sources in journalism?

They may lead journalists into ethical dilemmas. Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of the phrase 'It has been learned that...' in journalism?

To imply a source that cannot be directly identified. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Journalism Meaning and Definition

Journalism is the reporting and dissemination of current events, facts, ideas, and people.
Accuracy and the perceived role of journalism vary across countries.
News media can be controlled by governments or independent of them.
Laws regarding freedom of speech, press, slander, and libel vary globally.

Journalism Activities

Gathering Assessing, creating, and presenting news is journalism.
News was originally presented in print (newspapers) but now includes various media.

News Criteria

News is timely reporting of significant, interesting, unusual events or issues.
News is new information, which hasn't been reported before.
Unusual events, or those that are unexpected, typically make news.
People are not always the focus of news; interesting or significant events can be newsworthy.

Types of News

Hard news: Reports on important events, facts, and details.
Soft news: Focuses on human interest, novelty, less time-sensitive, often more opinion-based.

News Value Criteria

Impact: How many people are affected by the event?
Proximity: How close is the event to the readers?
Timeliness: How recent is the event?
Prominence: How well-known are the people involved?
Novelty: Is the event unusual or surprising?
Conflict: Events with conflict are often considered newsworthy.
Audience: The target audience for a news story can determine its importance.

Nature of News

News exists in people's perceptions of events, not just the event itself.
News is a reconstruction of the event, made meaningful to the reader.
Newsworthiness is affected by factors such as facts, news value, and reader interest.
Significant news events are those that impact many people

News Process

Journalists structure events into stories, making them clear and impactful.
Hard news (breaking) events are reported immediately.
Soft news stories focus on human interest and are less time-sensitive.

Covering Events/Press Conferences

Preparation: Understanding background information is crucial.
Event participation: Presence early is important for detailed reporting.
Note-taking: Record statements, actions, and audience reactions.
Interviewing techniques: Be polite, persistent, and fair-minded.
Material selection: Carefully decide which details to include.
Language objectivity: Use clear and balanced language
Verification of sources: Critically evaluate the information

News Sources and Attribution

News sources are people or documents that provide information.
Attribution is crediting the source of the information.
Types of attribution:
- On the record: The source's identity is revealed.
- On background: Source's identity is not disclosed.
- Not for attribution: Source is not mentioned.

News Writing Practices

Brevity: Concise and to-the-point writing.
Fairness and Objectivity: presenting all sides of the story.
Accuracy: Presenting factual information accurately.

Structure of a News Story

Headline: Summarizes the main point.
Byline/Credit line: Identification of the writer or source.
Dateline: Date and location.
Lead: The initial paragraph summarizing main points.
Body: Expansion and elaboration of the main points.
Conclusion: Summation of the story.

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Description

Test your knowledge on hard news journalism with this quiz. Explore essential elements, reporting styles, and the differences between hard and soft news. Perfect for aspiring journalists and media enthusiasts.