1. What is News? Judgment, Method, and More

2. Judgment Reporter’s job: Evaluate events and select from a variety of occurrences those that will interest readers; inform, entertain, educate. Timeliness, proximity, prominence often make something “news worthy.” Always ask yourself the questions, “who cares?”

3. Who Cares? Example: The mayor signs a proclamation designating next week as Clean-up, Paint-up, Fix- up week. Now, who cares about the event? Why? Conflict: An element of news that enters into many stories is conflict. Why are so many people interested in elections? Conflict, at least partly. Other factors: Progress, money, disaster, novelty, oddity, emotions, drama, animals, and children.

4. Brainstorming Sessions Brainstorming: Put ideas into action. First, have the group leader explain the problem to be considered. Example: We are planning a special issue of the paper on problems facing today’s graduate. What stories should be assigned? Write down your ideas, look over the suggestions, compile answers.

5. Brainstorming Ideas 1. Topics for editorials this week 2. Topics for in-depth stories. 3. Topics for editorial page columns and cartoons. 4. Ideas for photo essays 5. Theme topics

6. Technique Topic, problem, or goal for the session should be announced Two or three minutes to consider the question One at a time, in rotation, each participant offers – in one short and complete sentence – a solution to the problem, or an idea for a project or action Have a 2 nd or 3 rd idea

7. Assignment Identify three possible school news story ideas for each news element mentioned. State the story idea in a single sentence. Example – Grade averages are rising and causing concern over grade inflation. Identify the audiences to who the story will appeal. Who cares? What elements are present?