Description:

Reporting for the Media is structured for students interested in the basics of writing and reporting. Writing for print, broadcast, and online media are included. Information gathering and story writing are conducted under strict deadlines to prepare students for a professional position. Basic news writing and style principles will be gained by writing stories for JCCC student media, including the student newspaper, The Campus Ledger. 3 hrs./wk.

Supplies: Refer to the instructor’s course syllabus for details about any supplies that may be required.

Prerequisites: NONE

Textbook(s): For information see - http://bookstore.jccc.net

Course Fees: NONE

Course Objectives:

Upon successful completion of this course the student should be able to:

1. Recognize the factors that determine news.
2. Understand the importance of the story angle for one's readers.
3. Conduct successful interviews.
4. Write stories in print, broadcast, and online news style.
5. Write stories under deadline situations.
6. Perform basic editing skills.
7. Exhibit basic press media responsibilities.
8. Report news effectively and responsibly.
9. Write stories that may be considered for publication in The Campus Ledger or broadcast on a campus radio or television station.

Content Outline & Competencies:

I. Media Law
   A.  Media Rights
      1. Discuss the First Amendment as it applies to the U.S. Press.
      2. List six fundamental press rights. 
      3. Describe the history, purpose, and limits of the Freedom of
Information Act.
      4. Discuss the value and function of open records and open meetings
laws.
   B. Media Ethics
      1. List and define the three cardinal principles of reporting.
      2. Identify the four elements of libel.
      3. List the three primary libel defenses.
      4. Identify two secondary libel defenses.
      5. Discuss the related elements of deceit, conflicts of interests,
gifts and freebies, withholding information, plagiarism, invasion of
privacy, hidden cameras, protection of courses, access to courts and
copyrights, and fair use.
   C. Application
      1. Summarize the services offered on the Freedom of Information
Center web site and explain how to file a request.  
      2. Respond to an assigned media ethics case.   

II. Recognizing News and News Values
   A. The Essence of News
      1. List six common elements of news.
      2. Evaluate three methods for assessing the value of potential news
stories.
      3. Differentiate between "hard" and "soft" news.
      4. Describe the primary characteristics of print, broadcast, and
online news. 
   B. Finding and Developing Story Ideas
      1. List six methods for discovering story ideas.
      2. Explain the terms, "news beat," and “nose for news.”
      3. Identify three major types of story sources.
      4. Describe the term, “story angle,” and tell how to find it.  
   C. Application
      1. Submit a news tip or story idea by using appropriate recognition
methods. 
      2. Complete a class Tip Sheet/Story Idea form and submit. 
      3. Cite library and online resources which could be used for story
information.

III. Covering News Venues
   A. Specific News Scenes
      1. Discuss covering a speech, including the seven criticial factors
which should be considered.  
      2. Describe the specific challenges of covering a news conference.
      3. Explain how to determine the focus for a meeting story.
      4. Identify three primary sources of information for a crime story.
      5. List five essential elements of every accident or disaster
story.
   B. Types of Stories
      1. Differentiate between “hard” and “soft” news.
      2. Describe the distinguishing characteristics of straight news,
features and profiles.
   C. Application
      1. Prepare a story budget form for an upcoming speech, news
conference or meeting.
      2. Defend your budget using the methods for assessing news value. 
      3. Report a breaking news story for a crime, accident or disaster
scene. 
      4. Critique similar stories submitted by other class members.

IV. Conducting an Interview
   A. Planning the Interview
      1. Describe the fundamental steps in planning an interview.
      2. Explain the basic steps in establishing rapport with a news
source.
   B. Conducting the Interview
      1. Describe developing and phrasing interview questions.
      2. Explain “open-ended”  and “closed-ended” questioning.
      3. Describe the importance of follow-up questions.
   C. Ensuring accuracy
      1. Describe effective note-taking and observing.
      2. Explain  the pros and cons of using a tape recorder.
   D. Application
      1. Prepare a list of questions to ask your source(s) for the type of
story you are covering, and conduct the interview(s). 
      2. Produce notes taken during the interview(s) (plus a cassette tape
if a recorder was used).
      3. Critique notes (and tape recording).  

V. Determining Story Structure
   A. Inverted Pyramid:  Print
      1. Describe the identifying characteristics of the Inverted Pyramid
story structure.
      2. Explain the advantages of the Inverted Pyramid.
      3. List the types of stories for which this structure is suited.
   B. Timeliness: Broadcast      
      1. Describe the identifying characteristics of the broadcast story
structure.
      2. Discuss the advantages of the broadcast structure.
      3. List the types of stories for which this structure is suited.
   C. Nonlinear: Online reporting
      1. Describe the identifying characteristics of the online story
structure.
      2. Discuss the advantages of the online structure.
      3. List the types of stories for which this structure is suited.
   D. Application
      1. Organize your story/interview information  in Inverted Pyramid
structure.
      2. Reorganize your story/interview information into Timeliness
structure. 
      3. Present your story/interview information in Nonlinear structure.

VI. Organizing Story Elements and  Information Within a Structure
   A. Lead
      1. Explain the purpose of a story lead.
      2. List the basic questions journalists ask to determine which
elements should be included in a print, broadcast, and on-line lead.
      3. Identify three kinds of "hard news" lead.
      4. Identify three kinds of "soft news" lead. 
   B. Backup
      1. Explain the purpose of the lead backup.
      2. Describe the types of information contained in a backup.
   C. Nut Graf
      1. Explain the term "nut graf" and identify the types of stories in
which it is used.
      2. Describe the purpose of the "nut graf" and tell where it should
be located.
   D. Body   
      1. Explain the purpose of the body of a news story and list the
methods for mapping its order of development.
      2. Describe techniques for moving smoothly from one paragraph or
sequence to the next in the body of a news story.
      3. List and describe techniques for maintaining reader interest.
   E. Ending
      1. Explain the importance of the story ending.
      2. Describe seven types of story endings, and tell when each should
be used.
   F.  Story Adjuncts
      1. Define the term, “point-of-entry,” and tell where this may
occur.
      2. Evaluate three visual elements used to enhance reader, listener,
viewer understanding. 
      3. Explain the purpose and types of story headline.
   G. Application
      1. Write a hard news lead and backup for your story in Inverted
Pyramid style.         
      2. Revise your lead for a soft news story and add a “nut graf.”
      3. Rewrite your lead in broadcast style.
      4. Craft your lead as an online story summary.  
      5. Provide suggestions for visual elements to support your story.
      6. Write a headline for your story.  
   
VII. The Writing and Editing Process
   A. Writing and Revision
      1. Review basic story elements/structures.
      2. Describe basic writing tips for reporters.
      3. Follow the writing guidelines of the Associated Press style
guide.
      4. Practice standard proofreading/copy editing procedure and
symbols.
      5. Supply tips for revising and tightening news stories.
   B. Application
      1. Produce a news story for print, broadcast and online audiences
using appropriate focus, organizational and development techniques. 
      2. Revise and edit your story using appropriate proofreading/editing
procedure, to produce final copy.
      3. Peer critique a story written by another class member. 
      4. Use the peer critique and graded copy of your story to revise and
edit.

Methods of Evaluation of Competencies:

Evaluation of student mastery of course competencies will be accomplished using the following methods:

Stories, budgets, and in-class exercises: 45-55% of total grade
Quizzes, critiques, and timed writings:   30-40% of total grade
Attendance/Class Participation:           10-15% of total grade

Grading Scale: Students will be assigned a letter grade according to the
following scale:

90 - 100% = A
80 -  89% = B
70 -  79% = C
60 -  69% = D  
Below 60% = F

Caveats:

1. Students must possess basic keyboard skills and a working knowledge of Microsoft Word.
2. The knowledge and effective use of the English language, its style and techniques, plus the ability and desire to investigate, analyze and correlate information and ideas are paramount.

Disabilities:

If you are a student with a disability, and if you will be requesting accommodations, it is your responsibility to contact Access Services. Access Services will recommend any appropriate accommodations to your professor and his/her director. The professor and director will identify for you which accommodations will be arranged.

JCCC provides a range of services to allow persons with disabilities to participate in educational programs and activities. If you desire support services, contact the office of Access Services for Students With Disabilities (913) 469-8500, ext. 3521 or TDD (913) 469-3885. The Access Services office is located in the Success Center on the second floor of the Student Center.