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Semester 6: Media and Journalistic Writing
An Introduction to Media & Journalism: Media and Society, Principles of Mass Communication & Journalism, Tools of Gathering Information, Misinformation and Disinformation
An Introduction to Media & Journalism
Media and Society
Explores the relationship between media and social structures. Discusses how media influences public perception, norms, and values. Analyzes the role of media in shaping cultural identities and facilitating communication.
Principles of Mass Communication & Journalism
Covers the foundational theories and practices in mass communication. Discusses the importance of context, audience, and purpose in communication. Highlights ethical considerations in journalism, including accuracy, fairness, and accountability.
Tools of Gathering Information
Examines various tools and techniques used in journalism for information gathering. Discusses traditional methods like interviews and surveys, as well as modern tools such as social media, online databases, and analytics.
Misinformation and Disinformation
Differentiates between misinformation (false information shared without harmful intent) and disinformation (false information shared with the intent to deceive). Discusses the impact of false information on society and the role of journalists in combating it.
Introduction to Cyber Media and Social Media: Social Media, Types of Social Media, Online Journalism, Basics of Cyber Media
Introduction to Cyber Media and Social Media
Definition of Social Media
Social media refers to digital platforms and tools that facilitate the creation and sharing of content. It allows users to interact and communicate with each other, making it a vital component of modern communication.
Types of Social Media
Social media can be categorized into several types including social networking sites (e.g. Facebook, LinkedIn), media sharing platforms (e.g. Instagram, YouTube), microblogging sites (e.g. Twitter), and discussion forums (e.g. Reddit). Each type serves different interaction and content-sharing purposes.
Online Journalism
Online journalism involves the reporting of news and information through digital platforms. It utilizes multimedia elements like videos, photos, and links to enhance storytelling. Online journalism has transformed how news is consumed, making it more accessible to a global audience.
Basics of Cyber Media
Cyber media encompasses all forms of media that are available on the internet. It includes websites, blogs, podcasts, and social media. Cyber media allows for rapid dissemination of information, participation from users, and a diverse range of viewpoints.
Core Skills in Print Media: Written English (Precis, Paragraph, Essay), News Reporting (Parts of a news report, 5Ws, Headline writing, Types of Leads, and Report Writing)
Core Skills in Print Media
Written English
A précis is a concise summary of a text that captures its main ideas and arguments while omitting unnecessary details. It is important to maintain the original meaning and tone, and should be about one-third the length of the original text.
Effective paragraph writing involves clear topic sentences, supporting details, and coherent structure. Each paragraph should convey a single idea and contribute to the overall argument or narrative of the text.
Essay writing entails structured argumentation, with an introduction, body, and conclusion. A thesis statement guides the essay, and each paragraph should support this central argument with evidence.
News Reporting
A news report typically includes a headline, lead, body, and conclusion. The headline captures attention, while the lead provides the most crucial information. The body elaborates on the details, and the conclusion may summarize the report or provide a closing thought.
The 5Ws refer to Who, What, When, Where, and Why. These elements are essential in constructing a comprehensive news story and help provide clarity and context to the readers.
An effective headline is brief, informative, and engaging. It should encapsulate the essence of the news story and encourage readers to continue reading.
Types of leads include summary leads, anecdotal leads, and direct-address leads. Each type serves a different purpose and is used based on the story's context.
Report writing involves presenting facts and findings on a particular subject in a systematic manner. It should include an introduction, methods, results, and conclusions, and must be objective and factual.
Core Skills in Electronic Media: Public Speaking, News Production, Reporting and Presentation for Radio, News Production/Reporting for Television, New Presentation (Basic Principles-Objectivity, Accuracy, Speed, Clarity and Integrity)
Core Skills in Electronic Media
Public Speaking
Public speaking entails effectively communicating with an audience. Skills include voice modulation, body language, audience engagement, and clarity of message. Practicing speeches helps enhance confidence and delivery.
News Production
News production involves the gathering, editing, and presentation of news content. Key elements include understanding the news cycle, utilizing technology for editing, and working within deadlines. Collaboration among team members is crucial for success.
Reporting and Presentation for Radio
Radio reporting focuses on auditory storytelling. Skills needed include scriptwriting, voice quality control, and effective use of audio clips. Presenters must create a vivid mental image through sound alone.
News Production for Television
Television news production requires visual storytelling techniques. Essential skills include video editing, understanding camera operations, and creating compelling visual narratives. Coordination with crew members is vital.
Basic Principles of Journalism
Journalistic integrity relies on core principles: objectivity, accuracy, speed, clarity, and integrity. Objectivity demands unbiased reporting; accuracy ensures truthfulness; speed allows timely dissemination; clarity aids audience understanding; integrity fosters trust.
Basics of Reporting: News Value, News Gathering, Readers' interest, qualities and aptitude necessary for a reporter, Types of reports
Basics of Reporting
The importance or significance of news that determines its likelihood of being reported.
Timeliness
Impact
Proximity
Conflict
Prominence
Human Interest
The process of collecting information and news content from various sources.
Interviews
Surveys
Research
Observation
Press Releases
Social Media
The aspects of news that attract and engage the audience.
Relevance
Clarity
Engagement
Diversity of topics
Ethical considerations
The essential traits and skills required for effective journalism.
Curiosity
Integrity
Attention to detail
Critical thinking
Communication Skills
Adaptability
Different forms of news reporting tailored for various contexts and audiences.
Feature Report
Investigative Report
Breaking News Report
Opinion Piece
Editorial Report
Basics of Feature Writing: Types of features (Obits, Reviews, Columns, Trend Stories)
Basics of Feature Writing
Introduction to Feature Writing
Feature writing focuses on storytelling rather than just reporting facts. It often delves into human experiences, emotions, and the nuances of events.
Types of Features
Different types of feature articles serve various purposes in journalism, each with a distinct style and focus.
Obituaries (Obits)
Obits celebrate the lives of deceased individuals, highlighting their achievements, personality, and contributions to society. They require sensitivity and accuracy.
Reviews
Reviews evaluate and critique various forms of media, including books, movies, music, and restaurants. They provide insights and personal opinions to guide the audience.
Columns
Columns provide a personal perspective on current events, social issues, or lifestyle topics. They often reflect the writer's opinion and can range from humorous to serious.
Trend Stories
Trend stories analyze emerging social trends and cultural phenomena, providing context and insight into their implications for society. They require research and a grasp of broader cultural narratives.
Basics of Editing: Principles of editing, editorial policy, role of the Editor, role of the News Editor, role of Chief Sub-editor, role of Sub-editors.
Basics of Editing
Principles of Editing
Editing is crucial in achieving clarity, coherence, and consistency in written content. Key principles include accuracy, balance, objectivity, and adherence to prescribed style guides. The editor must ensure that the content is not only factually correct but also engaging and understandable for the audience.
Editorial Policy
Editorial policy defines the guidelines that dictate the content creation and editing processes. It ensures that the content aligns with the organization's mission, values, and legal requirements. An effective editorial policy sets standards for quality, tone, and ethics.
Role of the Editor
The editor oversees the entire editorial process, from content creation to final publication. Responsibilities include selecting material for publication, revising content for clarity, ensuring factual accuracy, and maintaining the publication's voice. Editors also coordinate with writers and other team members to enhance content quality.
Role of the News Editor
The news editor is responsible for managing news coverage. This includes assigning stories, determining news value, and editing articles to ensure they are timely and relevant. They also serve as a point of contact for reporters, helping to guide their reporting efforts.
Role of Chief Sub-editor
The chief sub-editor leads the sub-editing team, ensuring that all content meets the publication's standards before publication. Their duties include overseeing the editing process, fact-checking, and ensuring that pieces are polished and ready for print or online publication. They also handle the layout and presentation of articles.
Role of Sub-editors
Sub-editors play a crucial role in refining content. Their responsibilities include correcting grammar and punctuation, ensuring factual accuracy, and adapting stories to fit space requirements. They work closely with writers to enhance the clarity and impact of the text.
Advertisement: Types of Advertisements, Advertising Ethics, How to create advertisements/storyboards
Advertisement
Types of Advertisements
1. Print Advertisements: These include newspapers, magazines, and brochures. 2. Digital Advertisements: Online ads that appear on websites, social media, and search engines. 3. Broadcast Advertisements: Ads that are aired on TV and radio. 4. Outdoor Advertisements: Billboards, posters, and signs displayed in public places. 5. Direct Mail Advertisements: Physical marketing materials sent directly to consumers' mailboxes.
Advertising Ethics
1. Honesty: Advertisements should not mislead or deceive consumers. 2. Respect: Ads should not offend or exploit vulnerable populations. 3. Transparency: Clear disclosure of sponsorship and intent behind advertisements is essential. 4. Responsibility: Advertisers should consider the potential impact of their ads on society.
Creating Advertisements/Storyboards
1. Define the Target Audience: Understand who the ad is for. 2. Set Clear Objectives: Determine what the ad should achieve. 3. Develop the Concept: Brainstorm and draft a central idea. 4. Write a Script: Outline the main points and dialogue for the storyboard. 5. Visual Planning: Create a series of sketches or images representing key scenes. 6. Review: Assess the storyboard for clarity and effectiveness before production.
