1. What does a journalist do?
A journalist collects data and opinions from around the world, crafts a story and then distributes said story through different media. To craft a news story is to put someone at the heart of the story and to refine the information. A journalist helps to shape opinions, start conversations and make sense of the world.
2. Why is journalism important?
Journalism is important as it's how the world knows what's happening. It's able to shine the spotlight on marginalised communities by encouraging and influencing movements such as #metoo and #blacklivesmatter. It's able to shine the spotlight on those who need help and give them a voice such as Ukraine after the invasion of Russia, Australia during the wildfires and the UK during a cost of living crisis. Journalists hold significant power over the population as when they decide to write something, the angle they take or what they decide to write about can influence millions.
3. What makes a good news story?
A good news story consists of themes, emotion, context, conflict, consequences and a person at the heart of the story. A key example is the downfall of Boris Johnson. Boris Johnson made many fatal mistakes as prime minister leaving the public furious, but the final straw was Chris Pincher. Chris Pincher was a conservative MP who ended up being suspended due to a formal complaint claiming he had groped two men a London members club. Boris Johnson knew about the accusations but chose to not take further action. Emotion is shown through the publics' furiosity towards the situation not being handled properly, the public didn't feel safe knowing these are the type of people running our country. Context is created by looking at Boris' past decisions while running the country and how much of a mess he made which led to this being his final straw as people craved his downfall. Conflict is shown between Boris and the media, Boris claiming he didn't know about any specific allegations but then claiming he was aware of media reports which may suggest otherwise. Consequences are shown through Chris Pinchers suspension and then resignation, shortly followed by Boris' resignation. The person at the heart of the story is Boris Johnson because no matter if you like him or not, he's interesting. This was the downfall the country couldn't wait to eat up, hence why it was a good news story.
Comments