Defining Journalism

Definition:
Define “Journalism” in 1-3 sentences.
The telling of current events that are newsworthy through; Internet, radio, television, magazines and newspapers.


List and describe the six criteria of newsworthiness.

TITLE DESCRIPTION EXAMPLE
1. Timeliness- things that are happening now.
Ex: Haiti, health care, weather
2. Significance- The more people that are impacted by the event, the better.
Ex: Haiti, 9/11, election, Superbowl
3. Unusualness- People care about things that are out of the ordinary. (not commonplace)
Ex: Man bites dog, nature disasters etc.
4. Prominence- People care about important and famous people.
Ex: Presidents, movie stars, athletes
5. Proximity- People care about things that are close to them, and that affect them.
Ex: Weather

6. Human Interest Stories- A feel good, heart warming story. (warm fuzzies)

Ex: Someone overcoming adversity, acts of kindness etc




What are the advantages of print journalism?
1. You have control of when you read it (opposed to TV news)

2. You have control over what you read (opposed to TV news)

3. More information and details (in depth) in printing than there are in television.


What are the advantages of broadcast journalism?

1. A picture speaks a thousand word (video is much more engaging to the audience)

2. LIVE TV, being constantly updated about what is going on, live broadcasts etc.

3. Broadcast journalism is much more accessible than other types of media.


Why has online journalism (convergent media) become so popular?
It is the best of both worlds, all the advantages of broadcast journalism are included and people enjoy having more control over when and where they get their information from. We want it now.