COGN3_ REVIEWER

Introduction to Journalism

• The phrase "The pen is mightier than the sword" signifies that communication is a more powerful tool than violence.

• Journalists provide a voice for the marginalized, especially those in dangerous situations.

Meaning of Journalism

• Journalism originates from the word "journal," denoting a daily registry or diary.

• It refers to writing for newspapers or magazines, communicating information succinctly.

• Journalism involves gathering, assessing, creating, and presenting news and information.

• As an art, it entails narrating facts and describing events for publication.

Principles of Journalism

1. Truth with Accuracy

   • Striving for factual correctness is essential.

   • Journalists must verify information and correct inaccuracies post-publication.

   • Reliable sources and corroborative evidence are crucial for credibility.

2. Preserve Integrity

   • Report impartial and honest news to maintain the press's credibility.

   • Personal biases should not affect the reporting of news stories.

3. Respect Professional Sources

   • Journalists should treat sources respectfully, refraining from harassment.

   • It is vital to maintain a purely professional relationship without bias.

4. Independence

   • Guard against conflicts of interest to preserve objectivity in reporting.

   • Journalists should not accept gifts that can influence their work.

5. Fairness and Impartiality

   • While stories should be balanced, objectivity may vary based on context.

   • Impartial reporting is crucial for building trust with the audience.

Journalism as the Fourth Estate

• The term describes journalists' roles in advocating for political issues and acting as watchdogs.

• Journalists scrutinize political actions and verify statements to hold authorities accountable.

Bad News is Good News for Journalists

• The axiom states that good news is often ignored while bad news attracts more attention.

Yellow Journalism

• Yellow journalism emphasizes sensationalism over factual reporting.

• It involves presenting biased stories as objective truth, a tactic used to belittle competitors.

Example Case: Mary Jane Veloso

• Coverage by The Philippine Star, Manila Bulletin, and Philippine Daily Inquirer exaggerated developments in Mary Jane Veloso's case.

• The Inquirer risked misinformation in an attempt to scoop competitors; subsequent stories were retracted.

Envelopmental Journalism

• This term refers to journalists receiving bribes (envelopes of cash) to skew reporting.

  • Can lead to biased stories or silence critical journalism.

Hi-Tech Corruption

• Advances in technology have facilitated new forms of corruption in media.

• Public relations firms access sensitive financial information of top editors.

Nose for News

• Refers to the instinct of journalists to identify significant stories.

  • Journalists follow a three-fold rule: report events, explain findings, and forecast implications.

Excesses in Media

• Shooting from the Hip: Writing without fact-checking.

• Abuse of Source-Based Stories: Concocting stories attributed to unverifiable sources.

• Imagined Stories: Manufacturing sensationalized content.

• Conflict of Interest: Reporters must prioritize public service over personal interests.

• Misquotation: Incorrectly quoting figures leads to credibility issues.

• Labeling: Journalists often assign tags that can misrepresent groups.

The Beat System

• Definition: A regular assignment for reporters to cover specific topics.

• Types of News Beats:

  • Agriculture, Business, Politics, Sports, etc.

Advantages of News Beats

• Reliable Sources: Daily contact helps develop dependable sources.

• Expertise: In-depth knowledge can lead to better stories.

• Surveillance: Reporters monitor malpractices within their beats.

Disadvantages of News Beats

• Cronyism: Close relationships may hinder objective reporting.

• Bias: Reporters may align too closely with sources.

• Myopia: Repetitive coverage can dull news value for audiences.

How to Generate Stories

• Reaction Story: Based on interviews reflecting opinions on prior events.

• Follow-Up Story: Continuation based on public interest.

• Calendar Story: Covers scheduled events.

• Jazzed-Up Story: Fresh angles on older stories.

• Canned Story: Reproduced press releases lacking original content.

Press Freedom: Scope and Limitations

• Bill of Rights: Protects freedom of speech and press.

• Guarantees: Access to information matters of public interest.

• Limitations: Includes libel, privacy rights, national security laws, contempt of court, and copyright law.

Libel

• Defined as malicious imputation that harms someone's reputation.

• Two types of plaintiffs: public figures and private persons.

• Actual malice must be established for actionable libel.

Anti-Obscenity Law

• Prohibits the dissemination of obscene materials.

Right to Privacy

• Protects personal dignity and private communications.

Newspaper Layout and Design

• Quality visuals are crucial alongside quality articles.

Functions of Newspaper Makeup

1. Attractiveness of pages.

2. Show news importance through layout.

3. Facilitate reading with balance and design.

Qualities of Good Makeup

1. Balance

2. Symmetry

3. Contrast

Principles in Newspaper Design

1. Use prominent headlines at the top of the page.

2. Maintain harmony in type selections.

3. Avoid tombstoning headlines.

4. Ensure varied headline placements for readability.

News Writing Basics

Defining News

• News is about significant events differing from normal routines.

Elements of News

• Proximity: Importance related to location.

• Prominence: Influence of well-known people.

• Timeliness: Freshness of information is critical.

• Oddity: Unusual circumstances can attract attention.

• Conflict: Intrinsic to many stories.

• Consequence: Stories should reflect their social importance.

News Gathering Methods

1. Actual event coverage.

2. Interviews with important figures.

3. Documentation analysis.

Hard News vs. Soft News

• Hard News: Important lead facts, diminishing importance in subsequent paragraphs.

• Soft News: Starts with less important facts, gaining interest throughout.

The Inverted Pyramid

• A structure prioritizing information from most to least important, aiding in clarity and layout.

Writing Leads

1. Summary Lead: Conveys essential information.

2. Descriptive Lead: Explains how an event unfolded.

3. Quotation Lead: Direct impactful quotes.

4. Punch Lead: Short, striking lines for emphasis.

Rules for Effective Writing

1. Think before writing.

2. Get to the point promptly.

3. Use familiar language.

4. Omit unnecessary words.

5. Keep sentences concise.

6. Write shorter paragraphs.

7. Use active voice.

8. Revise and sharpen your text.

9. Write to inform, not impress.