Journalism and Reporting

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Each news outlet has different formats for their reporting styles. 

A television news anchor will speak their report while sometimes showing images, videos, and other visual aids to help tell the story. 

A newspaper journalist will write their report in a specific format and sometimes use images to help the reader understand more about what is being reported. 

Key elements of a news report regardless of video or print:

• Clear headline:
• A concise and attention-grabbing title summarizing the main point of the story. 
• Strong lead paragraph:
• The opening sentence or paragraph that immediately captures the reader's interest and outlines the core news element. 
• Factual information:
• Accurate details presented in a neutral tone, with supporting evidence from credible sources. 
• Quotes from sources:
• Direct quotes from experts, eyewitnesses, or relevant individuals to add credibility and different perspectives. 
• Logical organization:
• Information is presented in a logical sequence, with the most important details first. 
• Concise language:
• Journalists use clear, concise language avoiding jargon and complex sentence structures. 
• Attribution:
• Clearly identifying the source of information within the report. 

The best news reports are unbiased. Unbiased means being fair and not taking sides. It’s when you look at something or make a decision without letting your feelings, opinions, or friendships get in the way. You treat everyone and everything equally, no matter what. 

Character Traits (Positive & Negative)

 Positive Character Traits 

• Affectionate – loving

• Ambitious – full of motivation

• Analytical – able to reason well

• Appreciative – capable of being grateful

• Charismatic – able to win over people’s support

• Conscientious – hard working

• Courteous – well mannered

• Diplomatic – fair to other

• Educated – intelligent

• Expressive – able to communicate effectively

• Generous – giving

• Genuine – authentic

• Humble – modest

• Imaginative – creative

• Industrious – hard-working, diligent

• Ingenious – clever, imaginative

• Introspective – capable of examining inner thoughts

• Inventive- skilled, creative

• Optimistic – positive

• Perfectionist – seeking no errors/mistakes

• Philosophical – wise, thoughtful

• Practical – action oriented

• Reflective – able to think and analyze

• Reserved – able to restrain, control

• Resilient – able to persevere, carry on

• Resourceful – able to rely on a number of skills

• Sincere – very honest

• Trustworthy – able to be trusted

• Valiant – brave

• Witty – sharp intelligence

Negative Character Traits

• Aggressive – bold, hostile

• Aloof – keeps to oneself

• Apathetic – showing little concern,

• uninterested

• Apprehensive – fearful

• Argumentative – enjoys disputes

• Assertive – bold, confident

• Bewildered – confused

• Bigoted – narrow minded

• Calculating – manipulative

• Callous – uncaring, insensitive

• Conceited – arrogant

• Condesending – looks down on others