Chapter One: The Nature of News

The Nature of News Adapted by Dr. Mike Downing from News Reporting and Writing, Eighth Edition

Questions to Consider   

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Is “print” dead? Do newspapers report “The Truth” or their version of “The Truth”? Are newspapers strictly businesses that protect their financial interests, or is there a higher calling to serve the general interests of the community? What is editorial objectivity? Can newspapers be objective?

Questions to Consider (continued) Should there be a “wall” between reporters and advertising sales? Or should the interests of advertisers determine editorial content?  Are news stories typically accurate, or do they tend to invent tension in order to sell newspapers?  Noam Chomsky argues that “the media serves power.” Do you agree or disagree? 

What is News?       

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News should be relevant, useful, and interesting. News should have an impact on the community. Novelty makes news. Prominence makes news. Conflict makes news. Proximity makes news. Timeliness makes news. Finally, good news writing should involve “actionable information.”

The Fourth Estate     

Journalism is known as the Fourth Estate. The First Estate are the Clergy The Second Estate are Nobility The Third Estate are Non-Nobility (peasants and workers) The Fourth Estate refers to the press, both in its capacity of advocacy and in its ability to frame political issues. The term goes back at least to Thomas Carlyle in the first half of the 19th century.

The Ideals of Journalism    

Journalism's first obligation is to the truth. Journalism’s first loyalty is to citizens. Journalism’s essence is a discipline of verification. Many have argued that a successful democracy is based on the preservation of journalistic ideals. Do you agree?

Blurring the Lines: Entertainment and News 

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Jean Baudrillard argues that Americans love simulation or “simulacra”. This means that we accept simulated experience in place of reality. Can you think of any examples? How does this effect our ability to report and comprehend the news?

5Ws and H  1) 2) 3) 4) 5) 6)

Journalists should ask lots of questions: Who What When Where Why How

Do Not Be Afraid  

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Never be afraid of appearing foolish. I once attended a news conference where the CEO of a relatively large company was discussing numerous recent acquisitions made by his company. I asked him, “How do you expect to digest all of those companies?” He provided an answer, talking about synergies and value add; however, within one year, he was no longer the CEO and the company was fighting bankruptcy. The lessons: Always ask the obvious questions. Trust your instincts. Do not be afraid of looking foolish.

Conclusion   

Is there hope for journalism? Do journalists do any good? What will the future hold?

The End