What does a journalist do? Break it down. Expand on the simple definition we explored in class.
A journalist is someone who tells a real life story to an audience, through forms of media such as print, video and audio. In modern times a journalist tends to be multimedia, and often finds leads, researches, find interviews, produces and edits. Social media is a massively popular form of news, along with online newspapers, so journalists tend not to focus on one form of media.
Why is journalism important? What impact can it have on the world? Try to give a detailed answer, using examples like the #metoo movement of #blacklivesmatter.
Journalism is incredibly important nowadays as much as it was in the past, as journalism is the way many people find out information and can stand as a view into the past, present and future. News stories can have importance to many people in different ways, such as geographically, as people find news that is closer to home more important and necessary. Journalism can also be incredibly impactful as it can directly effect some people's lives or provide an emotional response. Many journalists address social issues such as the #MeToo movement which many reported on. The #MeToo movement had a massive impact as it got people talking about women's rights and people were educated on the adversities that women face, and joined the fight to improve life for many women. This is explains why journalism is so important as it can play a big part in improving the lives of many and bettering the world. Journalism has a direct effect on public opinion and can cause changes to be made, but can also impact the way people view certain things, and could cause movements like #MeToo to attract negative attention.
What makes a "good" news story? Talk about emotions, characters, context, themes and impact. Explore one important story in detail. What made it important or interesting?
A 'good' news story is made by the characters in the story. If a celebrity has an interesting past or is known as a controversial person, this can make a story 'good'. Other things that make a 'good' news story is emotional impact, strong visuals, if it is controversial,, if it has 'legs', and if it ties in to a bigger picture. An example of a 'good' news story is the historic Donald Trump mugshot, as it has a compelling character in it, Trump who has made many controversial remarks. It also has strong visuals, as it depicts the mugshot of the former president, and has 'legs' as it is the beginning of the legal fight against Trump, so has longevity, but also may elicit and emotional response as some may be celebrating and others may be sad, therefore it is a good news story. A good story is vital to make people want to engage in your work as a journalist so it is important to know what makes a good story.
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