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Watch for Correctness
A good news story must be correct. The story should use only reliable witnesses or experts and never speculate. If reporters are unsure of all the facts, they must carefully word their stories to indicate this. Compare the following two news items, for example. The first gives information that was available just after the event. The second gives information that only became available later in the day.
First report ■ A high-speed train derailed in Germany today, and early reports are that as many as 30 people may have been killed.
Second report ■ The death toll now stands at 100 in the derailment of a German train. Rescuers continue to search the wreckage.
Helpful Hint
Early reports about a news event often are not complete or correct. Keep checking until all the facts are in.
Watch for Balance
No two people ever tell the same story exactly the same way. This is also true of news reporters. When you watch a TV news story, you are getting the news team’s point of view. They have made decisions that shape what you see and hear. Here are two ways that this is done: