Key Roles & Routines in a News Organization

Q: What is the essential act of journalism?

A: Gathering information.

Q: What is the key tool for gathering personal information?

A: Interviews.

Q: What is a “beat” in journalism?

A: A subject or area a reporter regularly covers.

Q: What two traits must reporters always maintain?

A: Integrity and attention to detail.

Q: What makes something news?

A: It is timely and interesting or important to people's lives.

Q: What must reporters judge?

A: What is newsworthy.

Q: What does “conceptualizing the news” mean?

A: Understanding what angle or approach makes a story relevant.

Q: Who are assignment reporters?

A: Reporters who already know which stories to cover.

Q: Who are general assignment reporters?

A: Reporters who cover various stories without a fixed topic.

Q: Who are beat reporters?

A: Reporters who cover the same area regularly

Q: What are stored sources?

A: Written materials like books, reports, websites.

Q: What are observational sources?

A: Information gathered by witnessing events.

Q: What are personal sources?

A: Interviews or discussions with people.

Q: Why is curiosity important for a reporter?

A: It drives them to find and explore news.

Q: What does it mean for a reporter to be bold?

A: They pursue information even if it causes discomfort.

Q: What is tenacity?

A: Persistence in getting information.

Q: Why is retentive memory valuable?

A: To remember sources and details.

Q: Why must reporters be persuasive?

A: Sources aren’t required to talk, so encouragement is needed.

Q: What does “attentive to details” mean?

A: Spotting subtle and hidden information.

Q: Why is willingness to work hard necessary?

A: Journalism involves stress, pressure, and problem solving.

Q: What does being competitive help with?

A: Competing with other reporters on major stories.

Q: What does integrity mean in journalism?

A: Following moral and legal rules.