Reporting Basics Flashcards

This set of vocabulary flashcards covers the fundamental concepts of reporting, including story types, source categories, ethical guidelines like attribution and plagiarism, and observational techniques.

Breaking News

Unexpected, sudden, and unpredictable news events such as fires, tornadoes, or scandals that require quick reflexes and writing speed.

Follow-up story

Also called a second-day story; it is written in the aftermath of major news events to further analyze what happened, what it means, and what happens next.

Scheduled events

Predictable happenings like elections, court cases, and sports events that are easier to cover because the timing and scope can be planned in advance.

Advances

Also called precedes or previews; these stories explain the who, what, when, and where for readers ahead of a scheduled event.

Pseudo-events

A term historian Daniel Boorstin used to describe illusions created for the media that crowd out real issues and events.

Sources

The providers of raw material for stories, ranging from government officials and newsmakers to official records and online data.

Newsmakers

Individuals who take part in news events, such as firefighters or athletes, whose recollections and emotions validate stories and give them life.

Spokespeople

Staff responsible for disseminating information for institutions or agencies; they help streamline communication but may also use "spin" to control the narrative.

Experts

Individuals like professors or authors with specialized knowledge who provide analysis or opinion on a topic.

Official records

Reports, statistics, and court records stored by institutions; public records are typically available under the Freedom of Information Act.

Ordinary folks

Everyday people whose quotes and anecdotes add authenticity and a human element to a news story.

Attribution

Phrases that identify where an idea or fact came from, showing readers that the reporter is reporting what was said rather than stating it themselves.

Anonymous sources

People who provide information but are reluctant to be named or quoted due to fear of embarrassment, being fired, or arrested.

Plagiarism

The act of using another’s thoughts and words without proper attribution; grammarian Kenneth G. Wilson describes it as "cheating."

Authority (Website Evaluation)

The measure of a website's reliability based on the author's credentials and whether the site is sponsored by a reputable institution.

Accuracy (Website Evaluation)

The measure of whether website information can be verified from another reliable source and is free from grammatical or factual errors.

Objectivity (Website Evaluation)

The measure of whether a website distinguishes facts from opinions and if it is affiliated with a sponsor having a slanted agenda.

Timeliness (Website Evaluation)

The measure of how regularly and recently a website's content and links have been updated.

Show, don't tell

A mantra for reporters to illustrate stories vividly by engaging the senses and recording details faithfully rather than just stating facts.

Verbs

Parts of speech that add "verve" to a story; they are used by journalists to describe action and bring a story to life.