Many militaristic words have several meanings and are used in everyday language, so it’s not necessarily wrong to use them, but journalists might want to consider using alternatives for several reasons.

In his two articles ‘The power of words‘ and ‘Clichés, journalese, and jargon‘, John Allen  looked at the importance of using the right word when writing. He set out why some words are better than others for conveying accurate information.

Choosing the wrong words when writing a piece of journalism can influence how the reader, listener or view interprets the story. Choosing the right words can provide accuracy and clarity and enhance understanding. Here are some examples:

1. Avoiding sensationalism and fear-mongering

Militaristic language often exaggerates the reality of a situation, making ordinary events sound more dramatic or combative than they really are. For example, saying a politician was “ambushed by reporters” implies aggression when “asked tough questions” would be more accurate. Using neutral language helps maintain credibility and avoid unnecessary alarm.

• Militaristic: “Retail giant under siege as competitors launch price war.”
• Neutral alternative: “Retail giant faces strong competition in pricing battle.”
• Why? “Under siege” and “price war” create unnecessary drama, making it sound like an actual attack rather than market competition.

2. Promoting constructive dialogue over conflict

Words shape perceptions. Militaristic language could make people think in terms of battles, enemies, and winners versus losers. This fosters an “us versus them” mentality, which can lead to a polarising of discussions. For instance, calling a political disagreement a “war” makes compromise seem impossible, while calling it a “debate” encourages reasoned discussion.

• Militaristic: “The president fired the first shot in the battle over tax cuts.”
• Neutral alternative: “The president introduced a new proposal for tax cuts.”
• Why? Framing a political decision as a “battle” encourages divisiveness, while “introduced a proposal” emphasises discussion and policymaking.

3. Ensuring accuracy and clarity

Military terms often have precise meanings that don’t fully align with the topics they’re used to describe. “Collateral damage” in war refers to unintended civilian deaths, but using it for a business closing a store due to losses minimises the human impact. More accurate wording, such as “unintended consequences,” keeps reporting clear and honest.

• Militaristic: “The CEO’s decision caused collateral damage among employees.”
• Neutral alternative: “The CEO’s decision led to unintended consequences for employees.”
• Why? “Collateral damage” is a war term for unintended deaths, which minimises the impact on real people when used in business reporting.

4. Reducing desensitisation to violence

Overusing military language in everyday contexts could normalise warlike thinking. If everything is a “battle” or “attack,” real violence may start to feel routine or acceptable. By reserving militaristic terms for actual military-related stories, journalists can help maintain a healthy distinction between competition, debate, and real warfare.

• Militaristic: “The mayor dropped a political bombshell today.”
• Neutral alternative: “The mayor made a surprising announcement today.”
• Why? Using “bombshell” unnecessarily equates politics with explosions and destruction, making actual violence seem less serious.

5. Encouraging empathy and nuance

Militaristic words often strip people of their human individuality and community identity, reducing groups to “targets” or “enemies.” This dehumanisation makes it easier to dismiss concerns or justify hostility. Describing a group as “frustrated” rather than “rebelling” allows for a more nuanced and empathetic portrayal of their situation.

• Militaristic: “Activists launched an all-out assault on the new housing policy.”
• Neutral alternative: “Activists strongly opposed the new housing policy.”
• Why? “All-out assault” portrays activists as aggressors rather than engaged citizens, which may bias the reader’s perception.

6. Fostering a less aggressive public mindset

Language influences culture. A constant barrage of war-like terms can make people more combative in their interactions, from politics to workplace discussions. Choosing non-militaristic language encourages cooperation and thoughtful engagement rather than hostility and defensiveness.

• Militaristic: “Companies are arming themselves with new technology in the AI arms race.”
• Neutral alternative: “Companies are investing in new technology to stay competitive in AI development.”
• Why? “Arming” and “arms race” turn innovation into warfare, encouraging a mindset of conflict rather than progress.

List of commonly used militaristic words

We have compiled a list of militaristic words that are regularly used in journalism along with their intended meaning, their militaristic meaning, and alternatives words journalists might want to consider using instead.

• Ambush
  • Intended meaning: A surprise challenge (e.g., “The interviewer ambushed the politician with tough questions”).
  • Military meaning: A surprise military attack.
  • Alternative: Surprise, catch off guard.
• Battle
  • Intended meaning: A struggle or intense effort (e.g., “The battle against climate change”).
  • Military meaning: A fight between opposing forces.
  • Alternative: Struggle, challenge, effort.
• Bombshell
  • Intended meaning: A shocking revelation or event.
  • Military meaning: An explosive device dropped from the air.
  • Alternative: Shocker, revelation, surprise.
• Campaign
  • Intended meaning: A strategic effort to achieve a goal (e.g., “An advertising campaign”).
  • Military meaning: A series of planned military operations.
  • Alternative: Initiative, effort, movement.
• Casualties
  • Intended meaning: Losses in a non-military context (e.g., “Economic casualties”).
  • Military meaning: People killed or injured in war.
  • Alternative: Losses, affected individuals.
• Combat
  • Intended meaning: To struggle against something (e.g., “Combating misinformation”).
  • Military meaning: Engaging in battle.
  • Alternative: Fight, address, tackle.
• Deploy
  • Intended meaning: To strategically use something (e.g., “Deploying resources”).
  • Military meaning: To position troops or equipment for battle.
  • Alternative: Utilise, implement, distribute.
• Explosive
  • Intended meaning: Something intense or dramatic (e.g., “Explosive growth”).
  • Military meaning: A device that detonates violently.
  • Alternative: Intense, dramatic, rapid.
• Firepower
  • Intended meaning: Strength or influence.
  • Military meaning: The destructive capability of weapons.
  • Alternative: Influence, resources, strength.
• Flagship
  • Intended meaning: The most important or prominent item.
  • Military meaning: The lead ship in a fleet.
  • Alternative: Premier, leading, top-tier.
• Frontline
  • Intended meaning: The most active or important position in a situation.
  • Military meaning: The forward-most part of a battlefield.
  • Alternative: Forefront, leading position.
• Guerrilla tactics
  • Intended meaning: Unconventional strategies.
  • Military meaning: Small, irregular combat operations.
  • Alternative: Unconventional methods, innovative strategies.
• Launch
  • Intended meaning: To begin or introduce something.
  • Military meaning: To fire a missile or initiate an attack.
  • Alternative: Start, introduce, roll out.
• Miss the target
  • Intended meaning: To fail in achieving an objective.
  • Military meaning: A missed shot in combat.
  • Alternative: Fall short, fail to meet expectations.
• Onslaught
  • Intended meaning: A strong or overwhelming attack (e.g., “An onslaught of criticism”).
  • Military meaning: A fierce and sustained military attack.
  • Alternative: Wave, flood, barrage.
• Overrun
  • Intended meaning: To overwhelm or take over something.
  • Military meaning: To capture an area by force.
  • Alternative: Flood, overwhelm, inundate.
• Retreat
  • Intended meaning: To withdraw from a situation.
  • Military meaning: A withdrawal from combat.
  • Alternative: Step back, withdraw, regroup.
• Salvo
  • Intended meaning: A forceful verbal attack (e.g., “A salvo of accusations”).
  • Military meaning: A simultaneous discharge of artillery or gunfire.
  • Alternative: Burst, outburst.
• Shell shock
  • Intended meaning: A state of shock or disbelief.
  • Military meaning: A psychological condition caused by prolonged combat stress.
  • Alternative: Shock, trauma, distress.
• Stronghold
  • Intended meaning: A place of dominance or support.
  • Military meaning: A fortified military position.
  • Alternative: Hub, centre, strong base.
• Target
  • Intended meaning: A goal or focus.
  • Military meaning: An object aimed at in warfare.
  • Alternative: Objective, focus.
• Torpedo
  • Intended meaning: To deliberately ruin something (e.g., “Torpedoing a deal”).
  • Military meaning: A self-propelled underwater missile.
  • Alternative: Sabotage, undermine, derail.
• Troops
  • Intended meaning: A group of people working together.
  • Military meaning: Soldiers or military personnel.
  • Alternative: Team, workforce, staff.
• Under siege
  • Intended meaning: Under intense pressure or attack.
  • Military meaning: A location surrounded by enemy forces.
  • Alternative: Facing pressure, under scrutiny.
• War chest
  • Intended meaning: A reserve of resources or funds.
  • Military meaning: A stockpile of funds for warfare.
  • Alternative: Reserve, resources, budget.
• War of words
  • Intended meaning: An intense verbal dispute.
  • Military meaning: A metaphor based on real warfare.
  • Alternative: Heated debate, verbal conflict.
• Wipe out
  • Intended meaning: To completely remove or eliminate something.
  • Military meaning: To destroy completely in combat.
  • Alternative: Eliminate, eradicate, remove.

Conclusion

While militaristic terms can be powerful when discussing actual conflicts, their overuse in everyday journalism distorts reality, encourages division, and numbs audiences to real violence. By opting for precise, non-militaristic alternatives, journalists can provide more accurate, engaging, and responsible reporting.

Language shapes how people think, so making thoughtful word choices helps foster a more accurate and constructive public dialogue.

The post Militaristic words used in journalism first appeared on Media Helping Media.

Imagine the scene. You are a journalist covering a story on your own. You need someone to bounce ideas off in order to make sure you cover all angles. But nobody is available. So you turn to AI.

Would the results be any good? Would AI come up with the quality of editorial brainstorming that colleagues back in the newsroom could offer? Media Helping Media (MHM) put Gemini, Google’s AI conversation tool, to the test.

Gemini’s responses, and my follow-up questions (in large bold headings) are reproduced below. After each answer from Gemini I asked it to expand on points it had made in the previous answer. The conversation took place in September 2024.

I started by creating a fictitious scenario. I told Gemini AI that I am a journalist covering a protest at a refugee camp where asylum seekers are demonstrating about delays in their claims being processed.

I then asked AI the following questions. The answers were immediate. Gemini’s responses are unedited other than to change them from American English to English English  (MHM’s preferred house style).

MHM: Apart from reporting on the demonstration, what other related news angles should I cover?

Gemini AI: Here are some additional news angles you could consider covering, beyond the immediate demonstration:

Human Interest Stories:

• Individual Refugee Stories: Interview refugees about their personal journeys, hardships, and hopes.
• Community Impact: Explore how the refugee camp is affecting the local community, including potential tensions or positive interactions.

Policy and Government Response:

• Processing Delays: Investigate the reasons for the delays in processing asylum claims, including any bureaucratic hurdles or political pressures.
• Government Response: Examine the government’s response to the protest and any potential changes to asylum policies or procedures.
• International Comparisons: Compare the situation in the UK with other countries that have similar refugee populations.

Living Conditions in the Camp:

• Basic Needs: Assess whether refugees have access to adequate food, shelter, healthcare, and education.
• Security Concerns: Report on any safety issues or concerns within the camp, such as crime or violence.

Legal and Ethical Issues:

• Human Rights: Examine whether the treatment of refugees aligns with international human rights standards.
• Legal Challenges: Explore any legal challenges refugees or their representatives are pursuing to expedite the processing of their claims.

Economic Impact:

• Job Market: Investigate the potential economic impact of refugees on the local job market, both positive and negative.
• Integration Efforts: Report on government or NGO initiatives to help refugees integrate into the local community.

By exploring these additional angles, you can provide a more comprehensive and nuanced understanding of the situation at the refugee camp and its broader implications.

MHM: Could you expand on the ‘Human Interest Stories’ angle please?

Gemini AI: Human interest stories can provide a powerful and personal lens through which to understand the experiences of refugees. Here are some specific avenues you could explore:

Individual Refugee Narratives:

• Personal Journeys: Delve into the individual experiences of refugees, from their home countries to their escape and arrival at the camp.
• Challenges and Hopes: Focus on the specific challenges refugees face, such as language barriers, cultural differences, or separation from loved ones. Also, explore their hopes and dreams for the future.
• Coping Mechanisms: Understand how refugees are coping with the stress and trauma of their experiences.

Community Building:

• Social Networks: Explore how refugees are forming social networks and communities within the camp.
• Cultural Exchange: Highlight instances of cultural exchange or collaboration between refugees from different backgrounds.
• Support Systems: Identify any support systems or networks that are helping refugees to navigate their new environment.

Children and Families:

• Education: Focus on the educational needs of refugee children and any challenges they may face in accessing education.
• Family Dynamics: Explore how families are coping with the challenges of displacement and the uncertainty of their future.
• Child Protection: Address any concerns related to child protection or exploitation within the refugee camp.

Inspiring Stories:

• Overcoming Adversity: Share stories of refugees who have overcome significant challenges and achieved positive outcomes.
• Acts of Kindness: Highlight instances of kindness, compassion, or resilience within the refugee community.

By focusing on these human interest angles, you can help to humanise the refugee experience and foster empathy and understanding among your audience.

MHM: Could you expand on the ‘Policy and Government Response’ angle please?

Gemini AI: When exploring the policy and government response angle, consider these key areas:

Asylum Policy:

• Current Regulations: Examine the specific regulations governing asylum claims in the UK, including eligibility criteria, processing procedures, and potential grounds for refusal.
• Policy Changes: Investigate any recent or proposed changes to asylum policy, and their potential impact on refugees.
• International Comparisons: Compare UK asylum policies with those of other European countries or countries with similar refugee populations.

Government Response to the Protest:

• Official Statements: Analyse official statements from government officials regarding the protest and their commitment to addressing the concerns of refugees.
• Actions Taken: Evaluate any specific actions taken by the government in response to the protest, such as increased staffing for asylum processing or improved living conditions in refugee camps.
• Public Perception: Assess public opinion on the government’s response to the protest and any potential political pressure.

Bureaucratic Hurdles:

• Processing Delays: Investigate the specific reasons for delays in processing asylum claims, including any bureaucratic bottlenecks or administrative inefficiencies.
• Backlogs: Assess the extent of any backlogs in the asylum system and the government’s efforts to address them.
• Resource Allocation: Examine the allocation of resources to asylum processing and whether there is sufficient funding to meet the demand.

Ethical Considerations:

• Human Rights Standards: Evaluate whether the government’s response to the protest and its asylum policies align with international human rights standards.
• Compassionate Treatment: Consider whether the government is demonstrating compassion and respect for the rights of refugees.

By exploring these aspects, you can provide a comprehensive analysis of the government’s role in shaping the experiences of refugees and the effectiveness of its policies in addressing their needs.

MHM: Could you expand on the ‘Living Conditions in the Camp’ angle please?

Gemini AI: When exploring the living conditions in the refugee camp, consider these key areas:

Basic Needs:

• Shelter: Assess the quality and adequacy of the housing provided to refugees, including any issues with sanitation, safety, or privacy.
• Food: Evaluate the availability, quality, and quantity of food provided to refugees, and any concerns about nutritional deficiencies.
• Healthcare: Examine the accessibility, quality, and adequacy of healthcare services within the camp, including mental health support.
• Education: Assess the availability and quality of educational opportunities for refugee children and adults, including language classes and vocational training.

Safety and Security:

• Crime: Investigate any incidents of crime or violence within the camp, including theft, assault, or sexual harassment.
• Security Measures: Evaluate the effectiveness of security measures in place to protect refugees, such as fencing, surveillance, and patrolling.
• Vulnerable Groups: Identify any particularly vulnerable groups within the camp, such as women, children, or individuals with disabilities, and assess their specific needs and challenges.

Sanitation and Hygiene:

• Waste Management: Examine the systems in place for waste management and disposal, and any concerns about sanitation or hygiene.
• Water Supply: Assess the quality and availability of potable water, and any issues with water scarcity or contamination.
• Hygiene Facilities: Evaluate the adequacy of sanitation facilities, such as toilets, showers, and laundry facilities.

Community Infrastructure:

• Recreational Facilities: Explore the availability of recreational facilities, such as playgrounds, sports fields, or community centres.
• Community Spaces: Assess the availability of community spaces for refugees to gather, socialise, and participate in cultural activities.
• Services: Identify any essential services available within the camp, such as shops, post offices, or transportation options.

By exploring these aspects, you can provide a comprehensive picture of the living conditions faced by refugees within the camp and identify any areas where improvements are needed.

MHM: Could you expand on the ‘Legal and Ethical Issues’ angle please?

Gemini AI: When exploring the legal and ethical issues surrounding refugee camps, consider these key areas:

Human Rights:

• International Law: Examine how the treatment of refugees aligns with international human rights law, such as the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the Refugee Convention.
• Fundamental Rights: Assess whether refugees are enjoying their fundamental rights, including the rights to life, liberty, security of person, and freedom from discrimination.
• Detention: If refugees are detained, examine the legality and conditions of their detention, ensuring they comply with international standards.

Legal Challenges:

• Asylum Claims: Investigate any legal challenges refugees or their representatives are pursuing to expedite the processing of their asylum claims or to challenge denials.
• Access to Justice: Assess whether refugees have adequate access to legal assistance and representation in pursuing their rights.
• Due Process: Ensure that refugees are afforded due process in all legal proceedings, including the right to a fair hearing and the right to appeal decisions.

Ethical Considerations:

• Compassion and Respect: Evaluate whether refugees are being treated with compassion and respect, regardless of their circumstances.
• Vulnerable Groups: Identify any particularly vulnerable groups within the camp, such as women, children, or individuals with disabilities, and assess whether their specific needs and rights are being adequately protected.
• Accountability: Examine the mechanisms in place for ensuring accountability for any human rights violations or abuses that may occur within the camp.

By exploring these aspects, you can provide a comprehensive analysis of the legal and ethical framework governing the treatment of refugees and identify any areas where improvements are needed.

MHM: Could you expand on the ‘Economic Impact’ angle please?

Gemini AI: When exploring the economic impact of refugee camps, consider these key areas:

Local Economy:

• Job Market: Analyse the potential impact of refugees on the local job market, both positive and negative. This may include their potential to fill labour shortages or compete for jobs with local residents.
• Consumer Spending: Assess the potential economic benefits of refugees as consumers, including their spending on goods and services within the local community.
• Entrepreneurship: Identify any entrepreneurial activities or businesses launched by refugees within the camp or the surrounding area.

Government Services:

• Cost of Services: Evaluate the costs to the government of providing services to refugees, such as housing, healthcare, and education.
• Resource Allocation: Assess whether the government is allocating sufficient resources to support refugees and mitigate any negative economic impacts.
• Long-Term Costs: Consider the potential long-term economic costs associated with refugee resettlement, including the costs of integration and social services.

Integration Efforts:

• Language Training: Examine the availability and effectiveness of language training programs to help refugees learn the local language and improve their employability.
• Vocational Training: Assess the availability and quality of vocational training programs to equip refugees with the skills needed to find employment.
• Integration Initiatives: Evaluate the effectiveness of government or NGO initiatives to help refugees integrate into the local community and participate fully in economic life.

By exploring these aspects, you can provide a comprehensive analysis of the economic implications of refugee camps and identify any potential opportunities or challenges associated with refugee resettlement.

MHM: Are there any other related news angles that you have not mentioned that would add value to the story and better inform the audience?

Gemini AI: Here are some more potential news angles that could add value to your story:

Health and Well-being:

• Mental Health: Explore the mental health challenges faced by refugees, including PTSD, depression, and anxiety.
• Physical Health: Assess the physical health of refugees, including any common illnesses or health conditions.
• Access to Healthcare: Examine the availability and quality of healthcare services within the camp, and any barriers to access.

Education and Skills Development:

• Educational Opportunities: Investigate the educational opportunities available to refugee children and adults, including formal schooling and vocational training.
• Language Barriers: Explore the challenges faced by refugees in learning the local language and accessing education.
• Skills Development: Identify any programs or initiatives aimed at developing the skills and employability of refugees.

Cultural and Social Integration:

• Cultural Preservation: Explore how refugees are preserving their cultural heritage and traditions within the camp.
• Intercultural Dialogue: Examine opportunities for intercultural dialogue and exchange between refugees and the local community.
• Social Integration: Assess the challenges and opportunities for refugees to integrate into the local society and build social connections.

Media Representation:

• Media Portrayal: Examine how refugees are portrayed in the media, and any stereotypes or misconceptions that may exist.
• Media Access: Assess the access of refugees to information and media outlets, and any challenges they may face in accessing accurate and unbiased information.

Future Prospects:

• Resettlement: Explore the prospects for refugees to be resettled to a third country and the challenges associated with this process.
• Self-Reliance: Examine any initiatives or programs aimed at empowering refugees to become self-reliant and contribute to their own well-being.
• Long-Term Goals: Explore the long-term goals and aspirations of refugees for their future, including their hopes for their children and their communities.

By exploring these additional angles, you can provide a more comprehensive and nuanced understanding of the situation at the refugee camp and its broader implications.

MHM’s conclusion

AI can offer real-time editorial brainstorming for the solo journalist who needs to bounce ideas around in order to explore all possible story angles. It does this in an instant, enabling the journalist to focus their news-gathering efforts on areas that will enhance their news reporting.

The post Using AI for story development first appeared on Media Helping Media.

Journalism is about far more than simply gathering information then passing it on. An essential part of the editorial process is to examine everything we are told to make sure it is factual.

We then add context so that any facts that are uncovered are considered alongside existing knowledge.

This is the first of two articles on this site about fact-checking. The other is ‘Beyond basic fact-checking‘ which we recommend you read after finishing this piece.

Journalists have a responsibility to apply editorial values to every piece of information that comes our way before we pass it on to others (see the material in our ethics section).

Once a piece of journalism is in the public domain it will be referenced, quoted, and possibly plagiarised as it becomes part of the global conversation. If that piece of journalism is untrue or flawed in any way, then lasting damage will have been done.

But let’s first agree what is meant by the word ‘fact’.

According to the Oxford English Dictionary, a fact is something that is “known or proved to be true”. It is also “information used as evidence or as part of a report or news article”. In legal terms, a fact is “the truth about events as opposed to interpretation”.

And that last definition is interesting, because journalists ‘interpret’ events by adding context – but more on that later. For now, let’s refer to facts that have not yet been fully tested as ‘claims’.

Here are a few tests that should be applied to information that a journalist receives from someone who ‘claims’ that what they are passing on is factual.

The first three tests are about source verification and fact-checking, the fourth is about adding context.

Is the source credible?

• What do we know about the source?
• What is their motive for sharing the information?
• Could the source have an agenda about which we are not aware?

Recommended: Research the background of the source, their connections, any previous record of sharing information.

Has it happened?

• Could there be a simple explanation?
• Has your source been misled? If so, by whom?
• Is there a history of such an event taking place?

Recommended: Research the chronology of events. Check your own news organisation’s archive. Search the web.

Where is the evidence?

• Is the information available elsewhere?
• What is the evidence to support the claim?
• Has that evidence been tested?

Recommended: Seek out a second, independent and trusted source.

What is the context?

• What are the implications if the claims are true?
• How many people are affected and how?
• Gather data and statistics for comparison purposes.

Recommended: Paint the bigger picture, understand the importance of the event in relation to other news stories.

Examples of adding context

• Economic context: When reporting on rising unemployment rates, provide context by including historical unemployment data, comparisons to other countries, and expert analysis on the economic factors contributing to the trend. For example, ‘While the current unemployment rate is 6%, this is a 2% increase from the previous quarter and the highest rate seen since the 2008 financial crisis.’
• Political context: When covering a new policy announcement, explain the policy’s history, its potential impact on different groups, and the political motivations behind it. For example, ‘This new environmental regulation is the latest in a series of measures aimed at reducing carbon emissions, following years of lobbying from environmental groups and facing opposition from industry leaders.’
• Social context: When reporting on a crime, provide context by discussing the social and economic factors that may have contributed to it, without excusing criminal behaviour. For example, ‘This incident occurred in an area with high rates of poverty and limited access to social services, which experts say can contribute to increased crime rates.’
• Historical context: When covering a protest, give the background of the reasons for the protest, any past protests concerning similar issues, and any key players in the organisation of the protest.

Those of you who are new to journalism might want to print out the following checklist and put it on the wall in your newsroom as a reminder.

If the results of your research make you feel uneasy you might want to drop the story. However, even a false claim, presented as fact, but, on investigation, found to be untrue, could still be a story. It could point to a political, commercial, or social conflict that might require investigation.

Never rule out a possible news story because the initial evidence presented proves to be shaky.

Now let’s look at point four ‘the context’ more closely.

Adding context

One dictionary definition of ‘context’ is: “the circumstances that form the setting for an event, statement, or idea, and in terms of which it can be fully understood.”

That word, ‘understood’, is important.

The role of a journalist is to enhance understanding. We do that by surrounding proven facts with data, statistics, history, and circumstances that, together, help paint a fuller picture of what has happened.

Think of it this way.

Imagine you are at home watching a series on TV. It’s the final episode of six. Just as the programme is reaching the conclusion there is a knock at the door. It’s a friend you haven’t seen for some time. You welcome them in.

As they walk through the door there is a scream from the lounge. One of the characters in the TV series has discovered the gruesome remains of a body. Your guest is shocked, but fascinated.

You offer to turn the TV off so you can chat, but they are so intrigued by what they saw on the screen that they ask you whether they could watch the programme with you, particularly as it’s reaching its conclusion. They want to know what happens next.

So you pause the programme, put the kettle on, make a cup of tea, and tell your guest about what has happened so far.

You explain who the characters are, what has taken place in previous episodes, how the situation has developed, the relationships between the characters, what clues you have picked up along the way, and how the plot has thickened to reach the point where your guest heard the scream.

And explaining the background proves to be important because your friend thought you must be watching a murder mystery, when, in fact, the series you were watching was a documentary about archeology. The scream was from an archeologist who had unexpectedly found mummified remains. It was not a modern-day crime thriller.

Now your guest has the context, so you can watch the end of the final episode together, with your guest informed about the background to the story and better able to understand events.

The same is true with journalism.

A colleague who was working as an intake editor on a news desk remembers receiving a call from an off-duty reporter who had just passed an overturned red double decker bus on  a London street. People were wandering around with blood pouring from wounds. Two camera crews were mobilised, but before they’d even left the building the reporter discovered that it was a film crew making a movie. The story had changed once the reporter had checked his facts and explored the context.

I made a similar mistake when reporting on a fire at an inner city block of flats in Liverpool. I reported live into the 4pm news bulletin saying that residents were trying to salvage what they could from their burning homes. I was wrong. Had I checked my facts, not made assumptions, and taken time to establish the context of events I would have discovered that I was witnessing rioting and looting. You can read about that experience and the lessons learnt here.

The challenge all journalists face is not just to report the news but to also set out the background to an event as well as all related events in order to help the audience understand the elements of a story which they might otherwise find hard to comprehend – or even reach the wrong conclusion.

Perhaps it involves researching and setting out the chronology of events that have led to the current breaking news story. These can be presented as related stories.

You might need to research the backgrounds of the characters involved as you look for any social connections to anyone else involved. These can be presented as profiles.

Essentially, what you are doing is gathering as much information as possible in order to put together the most detailed, in-depth, and informative account of what has happened.

All this illustrates that journalism helps people make sense of the world – not just what’s happening, but why it’s happening. Stories that raise questions without even attempting to address those questions are weak stories.

• A bridge has collapsed. Why?
• A racing driver stops his car while leading the race. Why?
• A politician resigns. Why?

A news story without context can never be completely understood. A news source that is not verified can never be completely trusted. A claim, left unchecked, might not necessarily be a fact. And a news story without fact-checking and context could add more to the cacophony of confusion than to the enhancement of understanding.

The evolving nature of truth

Beyond revisiting and revising, it’s important to acknowledge that “truth” itself can be complex and contested, particularly in stories involving social issues or conflicting narratives.

Fact-checking isn’t just about verifying isolated facts; it’s about understanding the different interpretations of those facts and how they contribute to larger narratives.

Journalists should strive for accuracy and fairness, acknowledging where interpretations diverge and avoiding presenting a single, definitive “truth” when it doesn’t exist.

Examples

• In reporting on a controversial trial, present the prosecution’s and defences arguments fairly, even if they contradict each other. Clearly label each perspective and avoid presenting one as the definitive truth. For example, ‘The prosecution argued that the defendant acted with malice, citing X evidence, while the defence maintained that the defendant acted in defence, citing Y evidence.’ 
• When covering a historical event with multiple interpretations, acknowledge those differing interpretations and provide sources for each. For example, ‘Historians disagree on the exact causes of the civil war, with some emphasising economic factors and others focusing on social tensions. Both perspectives are supported by historical evidence, as seen in the works of [source 1] and [source 2].’
• When reporting on a scientific study that has conflicting results from other studies, make the audience aware of those conflicts, and if possible give reasons for the conflicts.

Source evaluation in the digital age

Lateral reading is crucial, but so is understanding the motivations and potential biases of sources, especially online. Lateral reading is a technique for evaluating online information by opening multiple tabs in your browser to investigate the credibility of the source, rather than just reading the information on the page itself (which is called ‘vertical reading’).

• Is the source trying to sell something?
• Do they have a political agenda?
• Are they affiliated with a particular group or organisation?

These questions should be part of the fact-checking process.

We should also consider the rise of synthetic media (deepfakes) and the challenges they pose to verifying information.

Examples

• When encountering a website claiming to have groundbreaking scientific findings, use lateral reading by checking reputable scientific journals and organisations to see if those findings are corroborated. For example, searching for the study’s author or institution on Google Scholar.
• To verify the authenticity of an image, use a reverse image search tool such as Google Images or TinEye to see if the image has appeared elsewhere online and in what context. This can help identify manipulated or misattributed images.
• When a source quotes statistics, check the original source of those statistics. For example, if a source cites a statistic about poverty rates, look for the original report from a government agency or reputable research institution.
• Use tools such as whois to check who owns a website, and when it was created. This can help to determine the validity of the website.

Fact-checking as a collaborative process

Fact-checking shouldn’t be solely the responsibility of individual journalists. Newsrooms should foster a culture of fact-checking, where everyone is encouraged to question and verify information.

This can involve dedicated fact-checking teams, collaborative editing processes, and clear guidelines for source evaluation.

The limits of fact-checking: Fact-checking can verify specific claims, but it can’t always address broader issues of interpretation or framing.

A story can be factually accurate but still misleading if it’s presented in a way that distorts the overall picture. This highlights the importance of context.

Examples

• Always verify the date of information, especially in rapidly evolving situations. Outdated information can be misleading. For example, a study from 2010 on climate change may not reflect the latest scientific consensus.
• Consider the ongoing validity of information. A source that was credible in the past may have changed its stance or credibility over time. For example, a political organisation’s website may have been updated with new, potentially biased, information.
• When using archive material, always make the date of the material clear to the audience. For example, ‘In a 1960 news report…’

Deepening the discussion of context

Context and power: Context is not neutral. Those in positions of power often have greater control over the narrative and can shape the context in ways that benefit them.

Journalists should be aware of these power dynamics and strive to provide context that challenges dominant narratives and gives voice to marginalised perspectives.

The “how” question: In addition to “why,” exploring the “how” is crucial. How did this event happen? What were the processes and mechanisms involved?

Understanding the “how” can reveal systemic issues and prevent similar events from occurring in the future.

Context and time: Context is not static; it evolves over time. A story that is accurate and contextualised today might be incomplete or misleading tomorrow as new information emerges.

Journalists need to be prepared to update their reporting and provide ongoing context as the story unfolds.

The ethics of context: Providing context can sometimes involve revealing sensitive information or information that could be harmful to individuals or groups.

Journalists must carefully weigh the public’s right to know against the potential harm and make ethical decisions about what context to include.

Adding perspective

The business model of misinformation: The spread of misinformation is often driven by economic incentives. Clickbait headlines, sensationalised stories, and emotionally charged content can generate more clicks and revenue, even if they are not accurate.

Understanding the business model of misinformation is crucial for combating it.

The role of technology platforms: Social media platforms and search engines play a significant role in the dissemination of information, both accurate and inaccurate.

Journalists should be aware of how these platforms work and how they can be used to spread misinformation.

They should also advocate for platform accountability and transparency.

The importance of media literacy education: Empowering the public with media literacy skills is essential for creating a more informed and engaged citizenry.

Media literacy education should be taught in schools and made available to people of all ages.

Journalism as a public service: At its best, journalism serves the public interest by providing accurate information, holding power accountable, and fostering informed debate.

By prioritising fact-checking and context, journalists can uphold these values and contribute to a more just and democratic society. We need to reinforce the idea that journalism is a vital public service, not just a business.

Questions

1. What is the primary role of journalism according to the text?
2. How does the author define a ‘fact’ in the context of journalism?
3. What are the four tests mentioned in the text that should be applied to information received by journalists?
4. Why is it important for journalists to add context to the facts they report?
5. How does the text illustrate the importance of context with the example of the TV series?
6. What mistake did the reporter make when reporting on the overturned bus, and what lesson does it teach about context?
7. How does the text suggest journalists should handle claims that are found to be untrue?
8. In what ways can journalists enhance the audience’s understanding of a news story?
9. What is the significance of verifying news sources according to the text?
10. How does the text differentiate between a claim and a fact?

Answers

1. The primary role of journalism is to gather information, ensure it is factual, and add context to enhance understanding.
2. A ‘fact’ is something known or proved to be true, used as evidence or part of a report, and distinct from interpretation.
3. The four tests are: source credibility, occurrence verification, evidence availability, and context understanding.
4. Adding context helps the audience fully understand the circumstances and implications of the facts reported.
5. The TV series example shows how context changes the understanding of events, illustrating the importance of background information.
6. The reporter mistook a film set for a real event, teaching the importance of verifying facts and understanding context.
7. Even untrue claims can be stories if they reveal underlying conflicts or issues that require investigation.
8. Journalists can enhance understanding by providing background, chronology, and profiles related to the news story.
9. Verifying news sources is crucial to ensure trustworthiness and accuracy in reporting.
10. A claim is an untested assertion, while a fact is verified and proven to be true.

Lesson plan for trainers

If you are a trainer of journalists we have a free lesson plan: Fact-checking and adding context which you are welcome to download and adapt for your own purposes.

If you found this helpful you might want to check our related training module ‘Beyond basic fact-checking‘.

The post Fact-checking and adding context first appeared on Media Helping Media.

Journalists should be accurate, first with news, trusted, easy to understand, straight, aware, disciplined and realistic.

They should always be contactable, and totally committed to finding original stories and telling them in a way that makes sense to the audience.

Hard work and self-discipline are at the heart of good journalism.

1: Be right

You are offering your journalism as a thing to be trusted. You have to build up trust with your readers, listeners and viewers. They want to know that they can rely on you to be accurate. Accuracy is the most important quality – even more than timeliness. Better to be second and right than first and wrong. But better still to be first and right.

2: Be first

Journalism is, by definition, timely. The best way to be timely is to be first. What’s the point of telling people things they already know? You are there to tell them things they don’t know. So chase that news and get it first.

3: Stick to what you know

It’s vital to stick to the facts that you know. Often you need more facts than you’ve so far gathered in order to tell a story properly. Instead, you may have only an incomplete picture. It’s unsatisfactory and frustrating. But don’t be tempted to speculate or – even worse – imply things you’re not sure about. Get the story out there in terms that you know to be true. You can develop it later.

4: Keep it simple

Journalism is not art. It’s important to present the story in an interesting way – but don’t waste time trying to fashion fancy sentences. Use simple language that tells the story as clearly and unambiguously as possible. Keep the sentences short. Be logical in the way you order the facts. Don’t impose on your viewers or readers or listeners. Make it easy for them to digest the information.

5: Play it straight

Journalism is a competitive business. Sometimes you’ll be tempted to cut corners. Don’t do it. Your trustworthiness is your main asset. Keep the journalism scrupulously accurate and your personal conduct ethical. Don’t do the dirty on your competitors – even if they do it to you. Always maintain your standards.

6: Know your market

Journalism is always aimed at someone. Who makes up your target audience? How old are they? Where do they live? Where do they work? What are their lives like? What interests them? What are they worried about? What do they want to know? What information do they need to take a full part in society? Remember you’re there to serve them – not to impress your peer group.

7: Be aware of the competition

Competition is what keeps us on our toes. With a bit of luck it will keep us honest. Always watch what the competition is doing. Judge yourself against its output. Try all the time to be better – get your stories faster, tell them better, find more interesting angles. Be willing to learn from the competition when it does a better job.

8: Be disciplined

There are all kinds of deadlines. With breaking news, the deadline is now: you’ve got to get the information out straight away, usually in very brief form, and add to it as soon as you get more. Then there are the fixed deadlines for TV and radio bulletins, and newspaper print runs. Respect them. An item for the top of the One O’Clock News is no good if it’s not ready until one minute past. A page lead for a newspaper is no good if you can’t get it into print in time to catch the delivery trucks. If you can’t meet deadlines, you are not fit for the job.

9: Be realistic

Think of when the story has got to be ready and think of everything that’s needed to make it work. Figure out how much time you can allow for each stage. Don’t set yourself impossible deadlines. Build in a bit of a margin, for safety. Deliver early if you can – but don’t sacrifice important content.

10: Keep in touch

Never underestimate the importance of good communications. It’s no use having a story if you can’t communicate it. Always know exactly how you’re going to be in touch with the office, whether it is by mobile phone, land-line, the internet, satellite phone or broadcast circuit. Whatever it is, try to have a backup. Check and double-check your communications.

The post How to succeed as a journalist first appeared on Media Helping Media.

Journalists who want to inform the audience need to keep records so that they can add context to breaking news stories without having to rely on others for background information.

In the past these records were in the form of newspaper cuttings and notes. Now, in the digital age, tools exist to make the task easier. But the basic principles of keeping records has not changed.

Keeping records has always been an integral part of our newsgathering. Technological advances have merely simplified the task of finding, storing, enhancing, publishing, and sharing valuable news assets.

Before computers

When I started as a newspaper journalist, in the days before the internet, I was always looking for information that might prove to be useful in the future.

I had folders of news cuttings which were stored in boxes in my flat. The boxes were filled with articles which I had come across while reading other newspapers and magazines.

I also kept notes, scribbled down while I’d been listening to radio and watching TV bulletins.

Each item was a reminder of something I had found interesting, and which I felt might come in useful in the future.

I had my stack of my reporter notebooks with every fact, note, interview and observation safely stored.

There were carbon copies of every typed story I had written for the newspaper. They were bound in elastic bands and dated.

Keeping copies and records was a newspaper house rule which was put in place for legal and follow-up reasons.

I also had stacks of scrapbooks containing newspaper cuttings of my own work. That was my version of the modern-day online archive; my related stories, if you like.

My newspaper had its own ‘diary-and-file’ cabinet. An office junior would spend all day cutting up articles and filing them away for future use. Each would be labelled and indexed.

If an article covered more than one issue, another copy of the newspaper would have to be cut up so that the content could be filed in more than one category.

If there were important articles printed back-to-back, two more newspapers had to be clipped, and so on.

Cutting up newspapers with scissors and then sticking them to paper with glue was time consuming but it was important because the records we were keeping ended up in a reference library of files available for all staff to use.

Knowing what to keep

It’s important to know who is going to benefit from your the material you are gathering.  This will help you decide what to save, what to invest time and effort in developing, and how to present the resulting material.

A journalist covering a specialism (also known as a beat or a patch) will probably find it easier to decide what records to collect. A general reporter may find it more difficult.

However, all journalists should have areas they are interested in and all should understand the needs of their audience.

So gathering material based on your interests and the needs of your audience is a good starting point.

Knowing why we keep it

We keep records because it’s part of our job to inform the public debate. To do that we need to add context to the information we produce with sourced, verified and attributed material.

In a breaking news situation we will probably be dealing with the latest facts only.

But as the story develops, or if we are carrying out an in-depth investigation, we will need to dig deep in order to reference material that will enrich our coverage and enhance the understanding of those consuming it. That is why we need to keep records.

The content we keep must have the potential to add value to our work or to help those we are working with better understand an issue.

Ideally we will know something about the topic. We will add information and then share. By doing so, those who had not seen the original item, and who may have not thought about the line you have developed or expanded upon, might benefit.

There may be a sentence buried deep in an article that is particularly relevant to something you are working on. You can then point to that element and share just that point.

Keeping records helps you unearth gems, polish them and display them for all to see

When I started in journalism I was encouraged by my news editor to have my own storage system which started off as the bottom draw in my desk in the newsroom. There cuttings would relate to ongoing stories that would need following up.

Once a story was no longer current I would move the cuttings to the box in my flat.

I would also contribute to the joint record-keeping effort of my newsroom colleagues by suggesting material to be stored in the filing cabinet in the office.

Later, when I moved to the BBC, there was a department called ‘News Information’ which you could ring up to ask for cuttings. The department had staff whose job it was to store copies of every story for future reference.

Now, there are many great tools, most free to use, that offer different storage and collaboration benefits.

When I worked in newspapers, keeping records was a part of everyday life. However, apart from the material we shared in the office filing system, our own systems were very much a personal thing based on the topics were had invested time and effort covering.

Choosing what to keep

You need editorial focus, audience awareness, and time.

When I worked on my first newspaper I wouldn’t clip every article. A clipping had to have value. It had to be about an issue I was investigating, a developing story in which I would invest more time researching, and, more importantly, information that would help me produce better journalism for those who read the newspaper I worked for.

So my early cuttings had a clear editorial and audience focus. I needed to know who my readers were and what issues kept them awake at night worrying.

Working on a small town newspaper in the north of England made that fairly easy; we rubbed shoulders with the people who read our journalism every day, and so we understood the issues that concerned them most.

So my advice is to draw up a list of the the topics that interest you. Set these categories in whatever online storage tools you are using. Don’t take on too much. Start off by selecting only that content you think you are likely to return to, or which you think may be of use to those in your social network.

If you find something of interest, consider sharing it and inviting others to contribute. Many of the online storage sites will enable others to make suggestions about what you have collected.

If others join in, you could end up with a rich repository of the most valuable information on a topic.

However you don’t want to get swamped. It’s no use storing material if you can’t find it when you need it. Tag items carefully so that you can retrieve any information when you need it.

Today, we have the luxury of tools that enable us to grab anything we see online, store it, tag it, add notes to it and file it. It’s the same end result as keeping records in the days before computers, but it’s faster, neater, and more useful.

What we didn’t have in my old newspaper office was the ability to share cuttings in an instant, and, in doing so, invite others to add their perspectives and share it with their friends.

We would have to work on the material, make phone calls, knock on doors, sit on doorsteps and follow people round to get the quotes and angles needed to be able to create a professional piece of journalism.

That could take days. Then the piece would be submitted to the news editor, the sub-editor, and the editor, printed, distributed, and then read.

And, presumably, once our newspaper was out on the street, someone was probably starting the whole cycle again with our material, cutting it up, referring to the pieces, reusing the material, expanding on it, etc – an early form of viral news dissemination.

Questions

1. What are the primary reasons journalists keep records?
2. How did technological advances change the way journalists keep records?
3. Describe the process of record-keeping in a newspaper office before the digital age.
4. What role does audience awareness play in a journalist’s decision on what records to keep?
5. Explain the importance of having a personal storage system for journalists.
6. How should decide what content to keep?
7. Discuss the benefits of using online storage tools for record-keeping in journalism.
8. What is the risk of not keeping accurate records?
9. Evaluate the impact of digital tools on the speed and efficiency of journalistic record-keeping.
10. Synthesise the key elements that contribute to effective record-keeping for journalists in the digital age.

Answers

1. Journalists keep records to add context to breaking news stories, inform public debate, and enrich coverage with sourced, verified, and attributed material.
2. Technological advances have simplified finding, storing, enhancing, publishing, and sharing news assets, making the task of record-keeping easier.
3. Before the digital age, record-keeping involved cutting up newspapers, storing articles in files, and maintaining personal notebooks and scrapbooks.
4. Audience awareness helps journalists decide what records to keep by focusing on topics that interest their readers and address their concerns.
5. A personal storage system allows journalists to organise and access information relevant to ongoing stories and personal interests.
6. Journalists should focus on editorial priorities, audience needs, and the potential value of content when deciding what to keep.
7. Online storage tools offer benefits like easy access, collaboration, tagging, and sharing, enhancing the efficiency of record-keeping.
8. If a journalist fails to keep records they could be lacking essential information needed to add context and meaning to a breaking news story.
9. Digital tools have increased the speed and efficiency of record-keeping by allowing instant storage, retrieval, and sharing of information.
10. Effective record-keeping involves editorial focus, audience awareness, use of digital tools, and collaboration to create a valuable information repository.

Lesson plan for trainers

If you are a trainer of journalists we have a free lesson plan: ‘Keeping records‘ which you are welcome to download and adapt for your own purposes.

The post The importance of keeping records first appeared on Media Helping Media.

Sources are one of the most valuable resources for a journalist. They need to be handled with care in order to build trust and gain knowledge.

Without sourced information, the reports produced may end up being padded with rumour and personal opinion – and that isn’t journalism. But what about dealing with suspects as news sources? Don Ray shares his experience.

Note: The following article by Don Ray was originally written in American English. It is published here, with permission, in English English which is the MHM house-style. Don looks at how to deal with suspects as sources.

20 ways suspects can help a journalist

The following is my tip sheet – “The Source Whisperer” – where I set out how I have interviewed suspects or criminals in the course of my investigative journalism in order to unearth valuable information.

1. He gives you videotapes of the crime taking place, confesses on camera and names his accomplices.
2. She confesses on camera, names her accomplices and takes you to the scene of the crime.
3. He confesses on camera and names his accomplices.
4. She confesses on camera and takes you to the scene of the crime.
5. He confesses on camera with full face.
6. She confesses on camera in silhouette or otherwise disguised.
7. He confesses off camera and gives you permission to use the confession.
8. She gives you important information about the case, but off camera.
9. He goes on camera, full face, but doesn’t confess. He either lies or refuses to answer.
10. She goes on camera in silhouette or otherwise disguised, but she lies or refuses to answer.
11. He allows you to videotape him walking or working, but doesn’t sit down for an interview.
12. She provides you with photographs or video of herself and gives you permission to use them.
13. He confirms information unrelated to his actual involvement, i.e. information about others.
14. She confirms that, indeed, there’s an investigation, but will not comment on it.
15. He will not talk on the record, but draws you a map that leads you to important information.
16. She will not talk on the record, but confirms that she is, indeed, the person you’re looking for.
17. He will not talk on the record now, but leaves the door open to talk later.
18. She will not talk on the record, but will allow you to call again.
19. He will not even talk to you, but doesn’t threaten your life.
20. She will not even talk to you, except to threaten your life.

Related articles

Why would anyone want to talk to a journalist?

How to investigate official documents

The investigative journalism dossier

The post Dealing with suspects as news sources first appeared on Media Helping Media.