Notes 2.3.10

Definition:
Define “Journalism” in 1-3 sentences.
Journalism is the telling of current events that are news worthy that are sent out via television, radio, newspapers, magazines, and the Internet.

List and describe the six criteria of newsworthiness. TITLE DESCRIPTION EXAMPLE

1. Significance; the bigger the event the more news worthy it is. The more significant something is, the more impact it has on other people. For example, the earthquake in Haiti was incredibly significant to many people around the world.

2. Timeliness; we care about things that are occurring now. For example, the weather is always timely.

3. Unusualness; we care about things that are out of the ordinary. Examples are fires, murders, earthquakes, and crimes.

4. Proximity; we care about things happening close to us. This is the whole idea behind "local news". For example, a story about the Twins is more important to Minnesotans.

5. Prominence; people. We care about the events that happen to celebrities. For example, when Britney Spears shaved her head, it was a BIG deal.

6. Human Interest; the stories that make you feel good about life, that is not necessarily news worthy. For example, "a baby dolphin was born at the zoo today".


What are the advantages of print journalism?
1. You have control over when you read the news. You don't have to wait until a certain time on the television, and you can read whenever you would like.

2. You can choose what you read; you do not need to wait to watch the whole broadcast to watch a specific thing like the weather.

3. There is more information in print journalism because it is not limited in time. This allows for much mroe description.

What are the advantages of broadcast journalism?
1. The visual elements, video and sound, are a lot more interesting to listen to and watch. Seeing the devastation in Haiti is different from reading about the devastation; it makes it more real.

2. Broadcast has the ability to be live. You learn about things as they happen, and a post can be updated within minutes.

3. Broadcast is more accessible and portable; people are able to access television and radio in many more places.

Why has online journalism (convergent media) become so popular?
Online journalism is the "best of both worlds"; all the strengths of print and broadcast journalism are put together into one. Basically everything that can be done through newspapers can be done on the internet through news websites.