Introduction to Journalism Ajarn Joel Gershon Jm210.wordpress.com

What is news? What are the important news stories in our world? What are the important elements to a news story? Where do you get your news? Why do you/don’t you pay attention to certain news stories? What are the obstacles to news getting out? How is the news world changing?

What news should be Timely Honest Informative Accurate Insightful Clear Entertaining Thorough Thoughtful Valuable

What is reporting? What are the different kinds of reporting? What is good reporting? Why does good reporting matter? How do you become a good reporter? What are things a student must do to become good at reporting? Why is reporting and journalism important? What are different ways that reporting can be used in life? What is the point of doing what you are doing?

What reporting requires Focus Sensitivity Intelligence Passion for the truth Attention to detail Being tough but fair Critical thinking Thoroughness

How can you become a better writer? What can you do to become better? Who can help you? Why do you want to become better? What are some innovative ways you can use to improve? How are you consuming your English and how much time are you devoting to it?

How you can become a better writer Must read a lot including books, news articles and TV/movie subtitles Look things up constantly and take notes to remind yourself Identify your weaknesses and work hard to strengthen them Take it seriously…and understand what that entails You must embrace proofreading…many times, not just once or twice Pursue your passion and what you enjoy Be clear and sympathetic to the reader