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5: Finding and Compiling your Story

  • Page ID
    294859
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    There are various story types. Many of these can be found across all the different journalistic platforms. For example, news stories and features can appear in newspapers, online, on television, on the radio, and in newsletters. Usually, you would approach the process of compiling your story in slightly different ways, depending on the platform on which the story will be disseminated (distributed). However, in all cases, the basic requirements of good journalism remain the same, and many story types can be adapted to be used across various platforms.

    Some of the key differences between print and broadcast journalism have faded over the years. Print journalism used to work towards one deadline a day (or a week), because newspapers were printed on a daily (or weekly) basis. With newspapers now mostly also available online, it means that even print journalists now compile stories for fast publication to get stories online as soon as possible.

    This chapter shows you different types of stories and how to collect information. In chapter 6 we look at how to compile a story. Compiling your story refers to and putting the story together – whether it is a written piece for a newspaper or website, or an audio piece for the radio, or an audio-visual story for television or the Web. The steps you need to follow are the same; the only difference is in the way that you ultimately present your story.

    Chapter 6 discusses specific details about writing stories for print or online publication, and about preparing broadcast stories.

    • 5.1: Objectivity, Fairness, and Credibility
      This page highlights the essential role of journalists in maintaining objectivity, fairness, and accuracy in reporting. Emphasizing the distinction between news and opinion, it underscores the need for thorough verification and diverse sourcing. Journalists must adeptly handle numerical data for clarity while avoiding overwhelming readers. Despite challenges such as sponsorship influences and tight deadlines, integrity and ethical standards remain critical for building public trust.
    • 5.2: Story Types
      This page covers two main topics: various types of news stories in journalism and the urgent need for better long-term care options for vulnerable populations in mountainous areas. It outlines news formats such as news stories, Q&As, features, columns, and editorials, emphasizing their roles in providing accurate and engaging information.
    • 5.3: The Information you need for a News Story
      This page emphasizes the importance of collecting and verifying information in news reporting through firsthand accounts and secondary sources. Journalists must address the 5 W's and H for thorough story coverage, incorporate diverse viewpoints for trustworthiness, and utilize a checklist to guide information gathering. Additionally, proper attribution of sources is vital for credibility and distinguishing facts from opinions in journalism.
    • 5.4: Gathering Information
      This page outlines essential practices for journalists, emphasizing the significance of thorough information gathering through observation, research, and interviews. It highlights the need for effective notetaking and smartphone usage, ethical interviewing techniques, and the importance of proper source attribution. Journalists should prepare tailored questions, build rapport, and maintain objectivity while being vigilant about misinformation and verifying sources.


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