A well-informed public is vital to a functioning civil society. People who are misinformed can be dangerous. Gutenberg’s printing press ignited a communications revolution that changed power relationships around the world. It paved the way for the rise of the press, radio, television, and wealthy individuals. Today, we need a new kind of literacy to empower news consumers.
Inverted pyramid style of news
The inverted pyramid style of news writing is a proven format for news writing that helps convey the most important information quickly. The style of writing follows the same structure whether it is in a magazine, newspaper, or entertainment article. It consists of a lead, main body, and conclusion. In an inverted pyramid, the most important information is placed in the first line of type.
The lead is the first few sentences of the story. It is the most important part of the story, and it is also the most difficult to write. It must capture the attention of readers, otherwise they won’t continue to read the story. The second paragraph then expands on the lead and provides additional information.
After reading the article, students identify the key pieces of information. They share these pieces with a shoulder partner. They then vote on which is the most important.
Impact of a news story
The impact of a news story can have a long-term impact, and can be extended for months or years. Whether it’s a major global story, or a local story that affects a community, a news story can spread throughout the community. For instance, nonprofit policy teams love to leave behind a press hit, whether it’s from the Wall Street Journal or a local paper.
This type of story often has an emotional impact. When thousands of people are affected by a natural disaster, the emotional impact is greater. Similarly, a news story involving a celebrity or sports team may have an emotional impact. When a news story involves a conflict, people tend to be more likely to read about it and care more about it.
Negative news stories can raise your stress levels, which can have detrimental effects on your health. In fact, a study on the aftermath of 9/11 found that people with high levels of stress were 53% more likely to develop cardiovascular problems over the next three years, regardless of their previous health history. And, in another study, 9/11 coverage was associated with higher stress levels and health problems years later.
Journalists’ selection of news
Journalists’ selection of news is a complex process based on several factors. These include access to information, deadlines, and the role of politicians and other media. The selection process may also be influenced by a journalist’s personal and political orientation. For example, a reporter may be influenced by a particular political party’s policies.
There is a great deal of debate about the process by which news is selected by journalists. In fact, the selection process can be as important as the event itself. Some journalists are more powerful than others, and their own decisions may prevail. Others may find a story to be less newsworthy than another, and vice versa.
Scholars have used different approaches to study journalists’ selection of news. Some researchers have sought to understand why the media chooses to cover certain stories, while others have focused on the role of audiences in news selection. In the digital age, the role of audiences in news selection is becoming increasingly important. Increasingly, audiences use social media sites to spread stories to others.