1. An introduction to journalism – week 2 Recap on week 1 (highlights of highlights) – Definition: You must have, or intend to build, an audience. Identify and target the majority – not marginal or singular. News: Something, someone does not want published – all the rest is advertising. Profession or craft? 3 qualities of good reporter + Assignment: Be a practitioner not just a consumer

2. Where do we find stories? Content is king – but where is it? Class exercise: You are a freelance journalist, a blogger or wanting to start up your own community newsletter/publication. Where do you start?

3. Accuracy and telling the truth – are they the same thing? Telling the truth. Why does it matter? Because trust matters – it is your most important journalistic commodity. Sources; independence, authority, balance, expertise, fairness, honesty and good faith. 'Comment is free the facts are sacred' - CP Scott. Don't blur facts and comment - why is this importnat? Attribute or qualify if you are not sure.

4. Off-diary and on-diary What is the difference and why does it matter? News and features - is there any difference or is it just long stories and short stories? Diary stories Calls to and releases from emergency services Government and local government activities – releases, meetings, inquiries, conferences. Court, inquests, tribunals; events –usually expected; information that is supplied from an official source. Upside of diary: Front row seat at lively debates, compelling narrative (ie major court trials), legal protection of privilege, authority (people believe it), you can plan how you will tackle it. Downside of diary: Few opportunities for exclusives (everyone else is there), stream of controlled information from highly organised and well-funded PR operations, can be dull and predictable.

5. What is off-diary? What are off-diary stories? The editors nectar – sets you apart from opposition and is the true measure of journalistic quality (if you get it right). Upside: Stories are often exclusive as they are gained from contacts, intuition, ideas; can be well-presented with (exclusive) pictures; adds variety to the product; Downside: Legally risky depending on subject, sometimes time-consuming and resources sapping; is usually highly subjective relying on good judgement and intuition of editor; harder to get.

6. Breaking news http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2K8Q3c qGs7Ihttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2K8Q3c qGs7I http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xiAT9xv TVKIhttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xiAT9xv TVKI Class exercise: Write an opening 2 paragraphs to either story. Homework – write up 300-word story.