Slide Deck 6: Journalism

What is journalism?

Journalism involves the gathering, evaluating, creating and presenting of news and information to the public. Journalism also includes analysis of and comments on news and information.

What is the role of journalism? Journalism helps contribute to democracy in the following ways: Acting as a “watchdog” over government Informing citizens Encouraging debate and conversation Providing a voice to the people

What is a fact? What is an opinion? Fact vs Opinion What is a fact? What is an opinion?

Fact vs Opinion A fact is something that is known or proven to be true. An opinion is a view or judgment formed about something, not necessarily based on fact or knowledge.

Fact-based vs Opinion Journalism • Fact-based news coverage: Focuses on reporting on issues and events and the purpose is to inform. While it may include analysis or assessment, it is based on facts and not opinion. • Opinion journalism: An opinion piece provides a viewpoint about an issue or event. It may not be impartial or be balanced. The purpose may be to critique, praise, interpret or persuade. Examples include editorials, columns and commentary.

What is a standard?

A standard is designed to be used as a rule or guideline A standard is designed to be used as a rule or guideline. It is an agreed way of doing something. Standards make sure that products and services are safe, reliable and of good quality.

Journalistic Standards Fact-based journalism is a process, defined by its professional standards. It always involves research, assessment and verification where the central goal is to produce an accurate and fair representation of the facts. These standards set fact-based journalism apart from other information that may not have the same level of research and rigour.

Journalistic Standards Sources: Does it include multiple reliable sources? Accuracy: Have the facts been sourced and verified? Research: Are there secondary sources? Have statistics been cited and if so, from where? Context: Does the story go beyond the news event to include history or background? Fairness: Is neutral language used to describe the people and issues?

Why does it matter? In previous generations, news came at very specific times during the day, from print and broadcast media. Today, news and information comes through many channels reaching us at all times of day. On social media, the source of information is not always obvious, and it can be difficult to know what is credible. To assess how reliable any given report might be, you need to look for evidence of journalism standards.

FINAL THOUGHTS What is the role of journalism in a democracy? What are journalism’s different forms in society? How can we assess the credibility of a news report?