It’s based on the article ‘Proactive journalism‘ which we recommend trainers read before adapting this lesson outline for your own purposes.

Learning objective

Students will investigate and analyse stories of significant public interest by applying proactive journalism techniques. They will demonstrate the ability to anticipate and explore potential stories, moving beyond traditional reactive reporting.

• Student-facing objective: By the end of this lesson the student will be able to use proactive journalism skills to find and analyse important stories, going beyond just reacting to news events.
• Standards: This lesson plan teaches journalists how to take a proactive approach to newsgathering by investigating, anticipating, exploring, and exposing stories of significant public interest.

Learning activities

Warm-up

Present students with a recent news headline. Ask them to identify what they notice and wonder about the story. Encourage them to consider potential biases, missing perspectives, and underlying issues. Allow a few minutes for individual reflection, then have students share their thoughts with a partner. Conclude by discussing as a class, focusing on how proactive journalism could deepen understanding of the story.

Direct instruction

• Observing and questioning: Introduce the concept of proactive journalism by discussing its contrast with traditional journalism. Use a real-world example, such as a recent investigative report, to illustrate how proactive journalists identify potential stories. Highlight the importance of questioning assumptions and seeking diverse perspectives. Ask students to brainstorm questions they would ask to uncover hidden aspects of the story.
• Learning and investigating: Explain the process of in-depth research in proactive journalism. Use a case study where journalists uncovered a significant story through persistent investigation. Discuss strategies for validating information and identifying knowledge gaps. Have students outline a research plan for a hypothetical story, focusing on uncovering new angles and perspectives.
• Analysing and Deducting: Describe how proactive journalists organise and evaluate information to draw informed conclusions. Present a scenario where journalists connected disparate facts to reveal a larger narrative. Guide students in analysing a set of provided data or statements, encouraging them to identify patterns and potential impacts. Conclude with a discussion on the importance of evidence-based conclusions in shaping public understanding.

Guided practice

Think, Pair, Share: Guide students through a proactive journalism exercise.

• Think: Present a brief news article. Ask students to individually identify potential angles for deeper investigation, considering biases and missing perspectives.
• Pair: Have students pair up to discuss their identified angles. Encourage them to challenge each other’s assumptions and refine their ideas.
• Share: Facilitate a class discussion where pairs share their findings. Highlight diverse approaches and emphasise the importance of questioning and exploring in proactive journalism.
• Feedback: Provide constructive feedback on their investigative angles, focusing on clarity, depth, and potential impact.
• Reflection: Conclude with a reflection on how this exercise enhances their ability to set the agenda in journalism.

Independent practice

• Investigative exercise: Assign students a recent news topic. Instruct them to independently research and identify potential stories within the topic that have not been widely covered. Encourage them to apply proactive journalism techniques: observing, questioning, learning, investigating, analysing, and deducting.
• Research plan: Have students create a detailed research plan outlining their approach to uncovering hidden aspects of the story. They should include potential sources, questions to explore, and methods for validating information.
• Analysis and reflection: Ask students to write a brief analysis of their findings, focusing on the potential impact and significance of the story. Encourage them to reflect on how their proactive approach differs from traditional reporting.
• Peer review: Pair students to exchange their analyses. Instruct them to provide feedback on each other’s work, focusing on the depth of investigation and the clarity of conclusions.

Assignment

Ask students to answer these questions:

1. How does proactive journalism differ from traditional journalism?
2. What is one technique you used today to uncover a hidden aspect of a story?
3. What’s one question you still have from today’s lesson?

Suggested answers:

• Suggested answer to Question 1: Proactive journalism involves actively seeking out stories and setting the agenda, while traditional journalism often reacts to events.
• Suggested answer to Question 2: I used questioning assumptions to identify potential biases and missing perspectives.

Teacher resources

Differentiation guide

• Advanced learners: Encourage them to explore complex, multifaceted stories. Assign tasks that require collecting information from diverse sources and drawing connections to broader societal issues. Challenge them to propose innovative angles or investigative methods.
• Striving learners: Provide structured guidance and clear examples. Break down tasks into manageable steps. Use graphic organisers to help them visualise the investigative process. Offer additional support in formulating questions and identifying biases.
• General strategies: Use peer collaboration to foster diverse perspectives. Encourage students to share insights and strategies. Provide feedback that focuses on developing critical thinking and investigative skills.
• Background reading: This lesson plan is based on the article ‘Proactive journalism‘ which we recommend trainers read before adapting this lesson outline for your own purposes.

Notable definitions

• Proactive journalism: An approach to newsgathering where journalists actively seek out stories, anticipate events, and set the agenda rather than merely reacting to news as it happens.
• Investigative reporting: A form of journalism that involves in-depth research and analysis to uncover hidden truths, often focusing on issues of significant public interest.
• Bias: A tendency to present information in a way that reflects a particular perspective or agenda, which proactive journalists strive to identify and mitigate to ensure balanced reporting.

Required materials

• Recent news articles for analysis
• Case studies of investigative reports
• Access to computers or tablets for research
• Notebooks or digital tools for note-taking
• Whiteboard and markers for class discussions
• Handouts with data sets or statements for analysis
• Peer review forms for feedback exchange

Lesson summary

• Warm-up
• Direct instruction
• Guided practice
• Independent practice
• Assignment

The free teaching tools at the Khan Academy were used in the production of this lesson plan.

Related article

In-depth proactive journalism

The post Lesson: Proactive Journalism first appeared on Media Helping Media.

Learning objective

Students will analyse the role of record-keeping in journalism by identifying key elements that contribute to comprehensive news coverage. They will evaluate how maintaining detailed records enhances the ability to provide context in breaking news situations.

• Student-facing objective: By the end of this lesson the student will be able to explain why keeping detailed records is crucial for journalists and how it helps in reporting news stories with context.
• Standards: This lesson is designed to help students understand the importance of keeping detailed records of stories they have covered.

Learning activities

Warm-up

Begin with a brief discussion: “Why do you think keeping records is important in journalism?” Allow students to share thoughts. Then, present a scenario: “Imagine you’re a journalist covering a developing story. You need to provide background information quickly. What records would be helpful?” Encourage students to brainstorm types of records (e.g., past articles, interview notes). This primes them for understanding the role of record-keeping in providing context.

Direct instruction

• Conceptual understanding: Explain the historical context of record-keeping in journalism. Discuss how journalists traditionally kept records using physical methods like newspaper cuttings and notes. Highlight the transition to digital tools, emphasising that while technology has evolved, the core principles of record-keeping remain unchanged. Use real examples, such as a journalist’s personal archive, to illustrate the importance of maintaining records for context in news stories.
• Procedural skills and fluency: Demonstrate how to organise and categorise records effectively. Present a step-by-step process for setting up a digital record-keeping system. Include:
  • Selecting relevant topics based on audience needs and personal interests.
  • Using digital tools to tag and categorise information for easy retrieval.
  • Sharing and collaborating on records with peers to enhance collective knowledge.

Provide a scenario where students must organise a set of digital articles and notes into a coherent system. Guide them through the process, ensuring they understand each step.

Application: Present a case study of a breaking news story. Ask students to identify what records would be necessary to provide comprehensive coverage. Discuss how these records add value and context to the story. Encourage students to think critically about the types of information that would enrich the narrative and how they would access and utilise these records in a real-world setting.

Guided practice

Think, Pair, Share

• Think: Ask students to individually reflect on a recent news story they found compelling. Have them list the types of records that would be essential for a journalist covering that story to provide context and depth.
• Pair: In pairs, students share their lists and discuss the reasons for choosing each type of record. Encourage them to consider how these records could enhance the story’s coverage.
• Share: Facilitate a class discussion where pairs present their findings. Highlight common records identified and discuss any unique suggestions. Emphasise how these records contribute to comprehensive news coverage.
• Connect: Guide students to connect their findings to the lesson’s learning objective. Discuss how maintaining detailed records supports journalists in providing context in breaking news situations.
• Reflect: Conclude with a brief reflection. Ask students to consider how they might apply these record-keeping strategies in their own work or studies. Encourage them to think about the importance of organisation and accessibility in record-keeping.

Independent practice

• Assign students to select a recent news story of interest.
• Instruct them to create a digital record-keeping system for the story.
• Require them to:
  • Identify and save relevant articles, interviews, and notes.
  • Tag and categorise each item for easy retrieval.
  • Write a brief explanation of how each record adds context to the story.
• Direct students to practice a related exercise by placing placeholders where I should link to said exercise.
• Circulate to observe and support students as needed.

Assignment

Ask students these questions:

1. What is one key reason journalists keep detailed records?
2. How can digital tools enhance the record-keeping process for journalists?
3. What’s one question you still have from today’s lesson?

Suggested answers:

• Suggested answer to Question 1: To provide context and depth in news stories.
• Suggested answer to Question 2: They allow for easier organisation, retrieval, and sharing of information.

Teacher resources

Differentiation guide

• Advanced learners: Encourage them to explore advanced digital tools for record-keeping, such as databases or specialised software. Suggest they analyse a complex news story, identifying nuanced records that add depth. Challenge them to create a presentation on how these records could influence public perception.
• Striving learners: Provide a simplified template for organising records. Use a guided worksheet to help them identify basic types of records. Pair them with peers for collaborative activities to build confidence. Offer additional examples and one-on-one support to reinforce understanding.
• Background reading: This lesson plan is based on the article ‘The importance of keeping records‘, which we recommend you read before adapting this lesson plan for your own purposes.

Notable definitions

• Record-keeping: The systematic process of collecting, organising, and maintaining information for future reference, ensuring accuracy and accessibility in journalism.
• Context: Background information that provides a deeper understanding of a news story, helping audiences grasp the significance and implications of events.
• Digital tools: Software and online platforms that facilitate the storage, organisation, and sharing of information, enhancing the efficiency and effectiveness of record-keeping in the digital age.

Required materials

• Computers or tablets with internet access
• Digital storage tools (e.g., Google Drive, Evernote)
• Access to online news articles
• Note-taking software or apps
• Projector or screen for demonstrations

Lesson summary

• Warm-up
• Direct instruction
• Guided practice
• Independent practice
• Assignment

The free teaching tools at the Khan Academy were used in the production of this lesson plan.

Related article

The importance of keeping records

The post Lesson: Keeping Records first appeared on Media Helping Media.

Learning objective

Students will identify and analyse new angles in news stories in order to add context and depth. They will evaluate the implications of these angles on the audience and the broader news narrative.

• Student-facing objective: By the end of this lesson the student will be able to find and explain new angles in news stories that make them more informative and relevant to the audience.
• Standards: A student will understand how to develop a news story in ways that reveal important new angles that add context.

Learning activities

Warm-up

Show students a brief news clip or article headline. Ask them to jot down their initial thoughts on the main angle of the story. Then, prompt them to consider alternative angles by asking: “What other perspectives or impacts could this story have?” Encourage sharing in pairs, then select a few students to share with the class. This primes students to think critically about news angles and prepares them for deeper analysis.

Direct instruction

Introduce the concept of news angles: Begin by explaining the importance of identifying new angles in news stories. Use a real-world example, such as a recent news event. Discuss how different angles can provide varied insights. Highlight how these angles can affect audience perception and understanding.

Analyse a news story: Present a news article with a clear main angle. Break down the article with the class, identifying the primary angle and discussing its implications. Ask students to brainstorm potential alternative angles, considering factors such as audience impact and broader context. Facilitate a discussion on how these angles could change the narrative.

Explore the editorial process: Describe how journalists and editorial teams decide which angles to pursue. Use a hypothetical news meeting scenario where students role-play as editorial staff. Assign roles and have them discuss a breaking news story, debating which angles are most important to investigate further. Guide them to consider audience impact and ethical considerations.

Guided practice

Think, Pair, Share: Guide students through a structured analysis of a news story to identify new angles.

Think: Present a news article with a clear main angle. Ask students to individually identify and jot down potential new angles that could add depth or context to the story.

• Pair: Have students pair up to discuss their identified angles. Encourage them to explain their reasoning and consider their partner’s perspectives.
• Share: Facilitate a class discussion where pairs share their findings. Highlight diverse angles and discuss their potential impact on audience understanding.
• Connect: Encourage students to connect these angles to broader societal issues or trends. Discuss how these connections can enhance the story’s relevance.
• Reflect: Ask students to reflect on how identifying new angles can change the narrative and influence public perception. Encourage them to consider the journalist’s role in shaping these narratives.

Independent practice

• Exercise: Provide students with a news article. Instruct them to independently identify at least three new angles that could add depth or context. Encourage them to consider audience impact and broader societal implications.
• Analysis: Have students write a brief analysis of one identified angle, explaining its potential impact on the audience and how it could alter the narrative.
• Peer review: Pair students to exchange their analyses. Each student should provide constructive feedback on their partner’s identified angles and analysis. Encourage them to suggest additional angles or considerations.

Circulate to observe and support students as needed.

Assignment

Ask students to answer these questions:

• What is one new angle you identified in today’s news story that could add depth or context?
• How might this new angle affect the audience’s understanding of the story?
• What’s one question you still have from today’s lesson?

Here are some suggested answers:

• Suggested answer to Question 1: A new angle could be the economic impact of the event on local businesses.
• Suggested answer to Question 2: This angle might help the audience understand the broader economic implications and how it affects their community.

Teacher resources

Differentiation guide

• Advanced learners: Encourage deeper analysis by having them explore complex societal implications of news angles. Assign them to identify and critique the ethical considerations in choosing certain angles over others. Challenge them to propose alternative narratives and justify their choices.
• Striving learners: Simplify tasks by providing structured templates for identifying news angles. Use guided questions to help them focus on the main aspects of a story. Pair them with peers for collaborative analysis to build confidence and understanding. Offer additional examples to illustrate how different angles can change a story’s impact.
• Background reading: This lesson plan is based on the article ‘How to develop important news angles‘ which we recommend you read before adapting this training outline for your own purposes.

Notable definitions

• News angle: A specific perspective or approach to a news story that highlights particular aspects, providing depth and context to the audience.
• Editorial process: The series of discussions and decisions made by journalists and editors to determine which news angles to pursue and how to present them.
• Audience impact: The effect that a news story or angle has on the audience’s understanding, perception, and engagement with the topic.

Required materials

• News articles or clips for analysis
• Notebooks or digital devices for note-taking
• Access to online news sources
• Printed or digital copies of a news article for independent practice
• Peer review guidelines document
• Analysis template document

Lesson summary

• Warm-up
• Direct instruction
• Guided practice
• Independent practice
• Assignment

The free teaching tools at the Khan Academy were used in the production of this lesson plan.

Related articles

How to develop important news angles

Story development techniques

The post Lesson: News Angles first appeared on Media Helping Media.

Seeking out new angles on a breaking, developing or running news story is an important part of the editorial process.Journalists have a responsibility to think through and explain how news developments affect the lives of their audience.

This process often takes place in news meetings where editorial staff discuss the implications of events in order to decide which deserve further investigation.

However, a journalist working alone will often have to work out the most important angles for themselves.

How a story develops

News stories break in many ways. Sometimes the first we hear of a story is on the news wires or via a news (press) release.

At other times a journalist will have been digging around a topic and will have come up with information that deserves further investigation.

At this stage, we often have just one or two facts. Our job is to find out more. As we do, the story develops.

Eventually, we would hope to publish a comprehensive and informative report with all angles covered. So, let’s see how this works.

Digging deeper

This is important for unearthing and following up on important news angles.

In today’s fast-paced news cycle, journalists face the constant challenge of not just reporting the news, but also digging deeper to uncover the stories behind the headlines.

Finding and following up on important news angles is crucial for impactful journalism that informs the public and holds power accountable.

1. Cultivate curiosity and a nose for news

• The foundation of finding compelling angles lies in genuine curiosity. Journalists should constantly ask “why?” and “what if?“
• Develop a habit of reading widely, not just mainstream news, but also academic journals, local blogs, and community forums.
• Pay attention to whispers and rumours – sometimes they point to bigger stories. A keen observation of your community and its dynamics is essential.

2. Go beyond the news release

Too often, journalists rely solely on news (press) releases and official statements. These are starting points, but they are not the whole story. Treat them with healthy skepticism. Ask:

• Who is benefiting from this narrative?
• What information is missing?

Always seek independent verification and diverse perspectives.

3. Develop sources and cultivate relationships

• Reliable sources are an important part of all journalism. Build relationships with people in positions of power, as well as those affected by their decisions. This takes time and effort.
• Attend community events, network, and demonstrate genuine interest in their stories.
• Always protect your sources’ anonymity when necessary. A well-placed source can provide invaluable insights and tip you off to hidden stories.

4. Follow the money

• “Follow the money” is a classic journalistic adage for a reason.
• Financial trails often lead to corruption, hidden agendas, and systemic problems.
• Learn how to access and analyse public records, campaign finance disclosures, and corporate filings. Understanding financial flows can illuminate the motivations behind events and decisions.

5. Embrace data journalism

• Data is a powerful tool for uncovering trends and patterns.
• Learn basic data analysis skills and explore publicly available datasets.
• Visualising data can make complex issues more accessible to the public and reveal compelling stories that might otherwise remain hidden.

6. Don’t be afraid to ask difficult questions

• Holding power accountable requires courage.
• Don’t shy away from asking tough questions, even to powerful individuals or institutions.
• Be persistent, but also respectful.
• Prepare thoroughly for interviews and anticipate potential pushback.
• The public deserves to know the truth, and it’s your job to seek it out.

7. Collaborate and share information

• Journalism is not a solitary pursuit. Collaborate with other journalists, both within your organisation and beyond.
• Sharing information and expertise can lead to bigger and more impactful stories.
• Consider joining investigative journalism networks and attending workshops to learn new skills and connect with colleagues.

8. Stay persistent and patient

• Investigative journalism takes time and dedication. Don’t get discouraged if your initial leads don’t pan out.
• Be prepared to spend weeks, months, or even years pursuing a story. Persistence and patience are vital if you are to uncover important news angles.

9. Think long-term and consider the bigger picture

• Don’t just focus on the immediate news. Think about the long-term implications of events and decisions.
  • How will they affect the community?
  • What are the systemic issues at play?
• By considering the bigger picture, you can uncover stories that have lasting significance.

10. Be ethical and transparent

• Integrity is paramount. Adhere to the highest ethical standards in your reporting.
• Be transparent about your methods and sources.
• Correct any errors promptly and acknowledge any conflicts of interest.
• Building trust with the public is essential for the credibility of your work.

Finding and following up on important news angles is challenging but rewarding. By cultivating curiosity, developing sources, embracing data, and asking difficult questions, journalists can play a vital role in informing the public and holding power accountable.

Questions

• What is the primary responsibility of journalists when reporting on news developments
• How do news stories typically break, and what role do news wires and news (press) releases play in this process?
• Why is cultivating curiosity important for journalists seeking compelling news angles?
• What are some strategies journalists can use to go beyond the information provided in news releases?
• How can developing sources and cultivating relationships benefit journalists in their reporting?
• Explain the significance of the phrase “follow the money” in journalism.
• What role does data journalism play in uncovering news stories, and what skills are essential for it?
• Why is it important for journalists to ask difficult questions, and how should they prepare for potential pushback?
• How can collaboration among journalists lead to more impactful stories?
• Discuss the importance of ethics and transparency in journalism and how they contribute to building public trust.

Answers

• Journalists are responsible for explaining how news developments affect the lives of their audience.
• News stories often break through news wires or press releases, serving as initial sources of information.
• Curiosity drives journalists to ask questions and explore deeper stories beyond surface-level information.
• Journalists should treat news releases with skepticism, seek independent verification, and explore diverse perspectives.
• Building relationships with sources can provide journalists with valuable insights and access to hidden stories.
• “Follow the money” suggests that financial investigations can reveal corruption and hidden agendas.
• Data journalism uses data analysis to uncover trends and patterns, requiring skills in data analysis and visualisation.
• Asking difficult questions holds power accountable; journalists should prepare thoroughly and anticipate resistance.
• Collaboration allows journalists to share information and expertise, leading to more comprehensive and impactful stories.
• Ethics and transparency ensure credibility and trust, as they involve adhering to standards and being open about methods.

Lesson plan for trainers

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

The post Developing important news angles first appeared on Media Helping Media.