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Gathering and Developing the News

Lucinda D. Davenport, Jeremy Steele, Eric Freedman, David Poulson, Joe Grimm, and Joanne C. Gerstner

Journalists develop information through interviews and sources. The most successful journalists quickly master these important skill sets. The production of journalism relies on several elements: newsgathering, interviewing sources, researching and trying to find as much information as possible. The course will also teach you how to where to find information, interviewing skills and how to process information from various sources for publication.

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What's inside

Syllabus

Earning and keeping trust

How - and where - journalists obtain information can determine if their news reports will be deemed credible and trustworthy by their audience. Finding the best sources for information and quotes is a process conducted by every professional journalist. You will learn the best ways to find information and sources for your reporting.

Types of sources

Successful journalists understand the need to bring in different types of information and voices to create a strong and accurate news report. You will learn how journalists carefully consider sourcing, and how to effectively and ethically interact with sources.

Interviewing

The interview is one of the most powerful tools of journalistic newsgathering. You will learn how journalists use interviews, the different forms it can take, how you can best prepare for it, and how to be sensitive to those who have been through trauma. A good interview can make a news report. And a bad interview can sink it.

Tools for finding sourcing

Technology and moving beyond typical sources is letting journalists reach more sources than ever before. You will learn how to use crowdsourcing, social media, press conferences and online resources as valuable tools to enhance your reporting.

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Teaches the importance of finding credible sources, which is essential for effective journalism

Develops skills in researching and processing information from various sources, which are crucial for thorough reporting

Covers interviewing techniques and how to interact with sources effectively and ethically, which is essential for gathering accurate information

Provides insights into the use of technology and social media in finding sources, which is valuable in today's digital media landscape

Taught by experienced journalists, suggesting a strong foundation in the practical aspects of newsgathering

Lacks hands-on experience in interviewing and practicing newsgathering techniques, which could limit practical application

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Reviews summary

Highly-rated course for news gathering and development

Learners say this course is a highly-rated overview of news gathering and development that teaches valuable information about ethics, sensationalism, crowd sourcing, and how to find and use sources. One learner found it empowering and another says it will be helpful for their journalism career. Despite a few reviews expressing frustration with peer grading holding up their progress or having to go back and review old material, most students say the lectures are informative and the instructors are excellent.

Several learners say they found this course helpful for their journalism career.

"This has taught me very valuable information on how to gather and put together news."

"This course nurtures people in all fields related to news."

Students say the course provides easy-to-understand content and informative lectures that are engaging.

"The course was very educative and very easy to understand."

"Lectures were very informative."

Enthusiastic students say this course is a wonderful learning experience that gave them a clear understanding of journalism.

"I really had a wonderful time learning from this course."

"The explanation was excellent in every video and it gave me a very clear understanding of the topics."

A few learners complain about having to complete peer grading and say it can hold up their progress.

"Waiting around for peers to grade/review assignments is infuriating."

"I keep on having to go back to...a for me completed course, to see if there is anyone I can review to get my certificate."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Gathering and Developing the News with these activities:

Organize Course Resources

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Organize your notes, assignments, and other course materials to enhance accessibility and facilitate effective review during and after the course.

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Gather all relevant course materials, including notes, assignments, handouts, and online resources
Create a system for organizing and categorizing the materials
Store the materials in a central and easily accessible location

Review Interviews

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Review core Interviewing concepts and techniques to refresh your existing knowledge and strengthen your understanding of key concepts.

Browse courses on Interviewing

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Read through your notes and past assignments on Interviewing
Revisit the course textbook or other reference materials on Interviewing
Complete practice interview questions to test your understanding

Conduct Mock Interviews

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Engage in mock interviews to practice your skills, receive feedback, and build confidence in your interviewing abilities.

Browse courses on Interview Preparation

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Find a partner or group to practice with
Prepare interview questions and scenarios based on the course materials
Conduct mock interviews, taking turns playing the role of the interviewer and interviewee
Provide and receive constructive feedback on interview performance

Three other activities

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Compile Interview Resources

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Gather and organize a comprehensive collection of resources on interviewing, including articles, videos, podcasts, and websites, to support your learning.

Browse courses on Interview Preparation

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Search for and identify relevant resources on interviewing
Categorize and organize the resources based on topic or type
Create a central repository or online platform to share the compiled resources with others

Create a Presentation on Interviewing Strategies

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Develop a presentation that showcases your understanding of interviewing strategies and techniques, providing valuable insights to your peers.

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Research and gather information on various interviewing strategies
Organize your presentation with a clear structure and flow
Create visually appealing slides and incorporate relevant examples
Practice your presentation and time yourself
Deliver your presentation and invite feedback from others

Explore Advanced Interviewing Techniques

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Delve into advanced interviewing techniques to enhance your skills, such as behavioral interviewing, situational interviewing, and STAR method.

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Identify online tutorials or workshops on advanced interviewing techniques
Follow the tutorials and practice the techniques presented
Apply these techniques in your mock interviews or real-world interviews

Career center

Learners who complete Gathering and Developing the News will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Journalist

Journalists investigate, write, and report on news stories using a variety of sources, including interviews, research, and public records. They work in print, broadcast, and online media. The course will provide valuable skills in finding sources, interviewing techniques, and researching for news stories.

See salaries and explore the career path for Journalist

News Editor

News editors oversee the production of news stories in print, broadcast, and online media. They work with writers, reporters, and other staff to ensure that stories are accurate, fair, and engaging. The course will provide skills in managing sources, editing stories, and understanding the ethical issues involved in journalism.

See salaries and explore the career path for News Editor

Reporter

Reporters investigate, write, and report on news stories for print, broadcast, and online media. They conduct interviews, research, and gather information from a variety of sources. The course will provide valuable skills in finding sources, interviewing techniques, and writing news stories.

See salaries and explore the career path for Reporter

Producer

Producers oversee the production of television and radio news programs. They work with reporters, editors, and other staff to ensure that programs are informative, accurate, and engaging. The course will provide skills in managing sources, budgeting, and scheduling.

See salaries and explore the career path for Producer

Public Relations Specialist

Public relations specialists manage the flow of information between an organization and the public. They work to build and maintain a positive image for their organization and to promote its products or services. The course will provide valuable skills in finding sources, building relationships with the media, and managing public relations crises.

See salaries and explore the career path for Public Relations Specialist

Marketing Manager

Marketing managers develop and implement marketing campaigns to promote products or services. They work with a variety of stakeholders, including customers, suppliers, and the media. The course will provide valuable skills in finding sources, developing marketing strategies, and measuring marketing results.

See salaries and explore the career path for Marketing Manager

Communications Director

Communications directors oversee all aspects of an organization's communications strategy. They work with senior management to develop and implement communication plans, and they manage relationships with the media, employees, and other stakeholders. The course will provide valuable skills in managing sources, building relationships with the media, and developing communication strategies.

See salaries and explore the career path for Communications Director

Media Buyer

Media buyers negotiate and purchase advertising space and time for their clients. They work with a variety of media outlets, including television, radio, print, and online. The course will provide valuable skills in finding sources, negotiating contracts, and understanding the media landscape.

See salaries and explore the career path for Media Buyer

Content Manager

Content managers oversee the creation and distribution of content for websites, social media, and other platforms. They work with a variety of stakeholders, including writers, editors, and marketers. The course will provide valuable skills in finding sources, developing content strategies, and measuring content results.

See salaries and explore the career path for Content Manager

Social Media Manager

Social media managers develop and implement social media strategies for their clients. They work with a variety of social media platforms, including Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. The course will provide valuable skills in finding sources, building relationships with the media, and developing social media strategies.

See salaries and explore the career path for Social Media Manager

Public Affairs Manager

Public affairs managers manage relationships between an organization and the government. They work with a variety of stakeholders, including elected officials, government agencies, and the media. The course will provide valuable skills in finding sources, building relationships with the government, and understanding public policy.

See salaries and explore the career path for Public Affairs Manager

Government Relations Manager

Government relations managers represent the interests of their clients before government agencies. They work with a variety of stakeholders, including elected officials, government agencies, and the media. The course will provide valuable skills in finding sources, building relationships with the government, and understanding government policy.

See salaries and explore the career path for Government Relations Manager

Lobbyist

Lobbyists represent the interests of their clients before government agencies. They work with a variety of stakeholders, including elected officials, government agencies, and the media. The course will provide valuable skills in finding sources, building relationships with the government, and understanding government policy.

See salaries and explore the career path for Lobbyist

Political Consultant

Political consultants help candidates and political parties develop and implement campaign strategies. They work with a variety of stakeholders, including candidates, donors, and the media. The course will provide valuable skills in finding sources, building relationships with the media, and understanding political campaigns.

See salaries and explore the career path for Political Consultant

Researcher

Researchers gather and analyze information for a variety of purposes, including market research, public opinion polls, and scientific studies. They work with a variety of stakeholders, including clients, colleagues, and the public. The course may provide valuable skills in finding sources, developing research methods, and analyzing data.

See salaries and explore the career path for Researcher

Reading list

We've selected 23 books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Gathering and Developing the News.

The Associated Press Stylebook 2020

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Is the definitive guide to the Associated Press style and is essential for anyone who wants to write or edit news stories. It also includes a section on media law, which is essential for journalists to know.

Gathering and Developing the News

What's inside

Syllabus

Good to know

Save this course

Reviews summary

Highly-rated course for news gathering and development

Activities

Career center

Reading list

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