SLIDE DECK 8 Journalism What is journalism Journalism
- Slides: 11
SLIDE DECK 8: Journalism
What is journalism?
Journalism involves the gathering, evaluating and presenting of news and information to the public.
• Fact-based journalism: Purpose is to inform. Focuses on reporting on issues and events. While it may include analysis or assessment, it is based on facts, not opinion. • Opinion journalism: Purpose is to criticize, praise, interpret or persuade. An opinion piece provides a viewpoint about an issue or event. It may not be neutral or balanced. Examples include editorials, columns and commentary.
Look for signs that an article is an opinion-piece, such as labels, photos of journalists, or names of the authors up front.
Why is it important to distinguish between fact-based news reporting and commentary?
What is a standard? Why do we have standards?
Standards A standard is designed to be used as a rule or guideline. It is an agreed way of doing something. Standards make sure that products and services are safe, reliable and of good quality.
Journalistic Standards Fact-based journalism is a process, defined by its professional standards. It involves research, assessment and verification where the central goal is to produce an accurate and fair representation of the facts. These standards set fact-based journalism apart from other information that may not have the same level of research and rigour.
Journalistic Standards Sources: Are multiple people quoted in the story? Are they qualified to comment? Accuracy: Have the facts been sourced and verified? Research: Are any reports referenced or any statistics included? Are they appropriate and reliable? Context: Is historical or background information included to help explain the event or issue? Fairness: Is neutral language used to describe the people and issues? Are different perspectives represented?
Why does it matter? In previous generations, news came at very specific times during the day, from print and broadcast media. Today, news and information comes through many channels reaching us at all times of day. On social media, the source of information is not always obvious, and it can be difficult to know what is credible. To assess how reliable any given report might be, you need to look for evidence of journalism standards.
