2nd session : Gathering news

TOP TIPS
2nd session : Gathering news

Fact and opinion

Journalists often start by collecting two types of information

1. A Fact
is a statement that is true and can be backed up with evidence
(it is often the answer to questions such as who, what, where, how and why?)

2. An opinion
is a statement based on a belief or view
(it is often the answer to questions such as how do you feel and what do you think?)

3. Remember the importance of balancing opinions when you gather facts (reliability)
2nd session : Gathering news

Planning and gathering news

Closed questions often prompt the short response: Yes or No. Open questions are used
by journalists because they encourage people to give more information.

Open questions are also known as W questions because they begin with
What, Who, Where, When, Why - and How.

What?
Get the facts

Why?
Why is the story important

Who?
Who is involved

Where? When?
When is the story happening and where is the best place to film?
 Planning and gathering news
steps Who talks Tips Where and what

1 Introduction The newsreader presents the news Use pictures and

headlines in the
background
2 Reporter Explains he story Write a script. Make it short Choose a
(what, why, who, when, where) and clear (facts) representative place
30 seconds
3 First interview the persons will give their opinion Make 5Ws questions Choose a
on what is happening and how it representative place
affects them
4 Second interview You need to talk to someone with a Make 5Ws questions
different opinion to provide balance

5 Reporter The report summarises the Write a script

outcomes of the story Summarise opinions
6 Conclusion The newsreader says goodbye
2nd session : Gathering news

Preparing an interview
• Here is an example :

News topic: Change to a lunch menu at a local school.

What's happened?: Chips and other fried food are now only available on Friday; healthy
options are offered Monday to Thursday.

FRIED FOOD ONLY ON FRIDAYS

Guest Question Fact/opinion

Head Why have you changed the menu?
teacher
What is on the menu?

School How does the change affect new staff?

cook
Students What do you like about the new menu?

What do you miss?

Has the new menu improved your health?