The Latest – Page 33

Satire is hard

by Jeff Kocur Title Satire is hard Description Students are funny. Students are smart. But are they smart enough to be funny with satire in a way that advances the journalistic goals of the publication? Can they do it without violating the SPJ ethical guidelines or their own publications’ ethical guidelines? Use this lesson to…

What should go into an editorial policy?
What should not? QT3

Editorial policies are the foundations for your journalism program. Often short, these statements address forum status, who makes final decisions of content and prior review. Think of it this way: a strong policy is prescriptive. It says what students will do. A policy is like a constitution and sets the legal framework for student media….

News v. public relations

Our second Tools of Truth lesson addresses fake news by helping communities differentiate between public relations and journalistic news. The entire package will be available Wed., Aug. 30. The Tools Truth package consists of more than 20 lessons on how to deal with fake news in four categories: censorship, satire, sloppy reporting and deceptive news. This…

Solutions journalism in student publications

by Kristin Taylor Title Solutions journalism in student publications Description Critics accuse the news media of only reporting bad news, but journalists must investigate and report on problems. One alternative to reporting solely on the problem is to report on how people and communities are seeking to solve those problems. This form of investigative journalism…

Spin and how it works

by Michael Johnson Title Spin and how it works Description In this lesson, students pick up where they left off in propaganda techniques as well as the concept of “spin” and discuss how politicians use these techniques to sway public opinion. Students will identify propaganda used in past and current ads and create their own…

Tips for training ethical reporters

by Candace Perkins Bowen, MJE What’s the best advice you can give your beginning reporters? What’s going to help them enjoy what they are doing because they’re doing it well? Columbia Journalism Review had an outstanding article in mid-August by Adeshina Emmanuel and Justin Ray. “Top journalists reveal the best reporting advice they have received,”…

Prior review v. prior restraint: Quick Tip2

In brief, the Journalism Education Association has found prior review has no educational value. Instead, JEA believes it is simply the first step toward censorship and fake news. Prior review also contributes to self-censorship and lack of trust between students, advisers and administrators. Prior review conflicts with JEA’s adviser code of ethics. Prior review occurs…

Introducing Tools of Truth package
focusing on preventing fake news

To introduce the SPRC’s new Tools of Truth package that examines approaches to cope with fake news, please go here for a sample lesson. The package consists of more than 20 lessons on dealing with fake news in four categories: censorship, satire, sloppy reporting and deceptive news. This lesson on “How people interpret the news…

How people interpret the news
and why it matters

by Maggie Cogar Title How people interpret the news and why it matters Description Why, and how, can two people be exposed to the exact same news story and interpret it differently? Why should this matter to journalists? People interpret the news differently depending on their cognitive schematic structure, or prior experiences. It’s important for…

The importance of an independent and active press

by Matthew Smith Title The importance of an independent and active press Description Having a press that is independent and active enough to hold the government accountable has long been considered important for the proper functioning of a democracy. In fact, although the benefits of an active, adversarial press has come under fire, recently, many…

First Amendment school dialogue

by Jeff Kocur Title: First Amendment school dialogue Description Constitution Day, for journalists, may need to start simply with recognition of the First Amendment and the five freedoms of the First Amendment. This activity will allow your school or individual classes to have a quick discussion of the First Amendment and how your students see…

Introduction to news literacy

by Kristin Taylor Title Introduction to News Literacy Description In order for students to understand the importance of the freedom of speech and freedom of the press guaranteed by the First Amendment, they must understand the responsibilities that come along with this freedom. It is not enough to have a free press — we must…