Model curricula for journalism education for developing countries ...

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Journalists understand the elements and structure of a story and what makes a
story a good news story. Why is the story important Why does it matter Why does
it matter now Who is affected by this story Who would be concerned about it
How will people react to this story How will it help them to make decisions (In this
competency, as in many others, consideration should be given to the implications of
developments in communications technology.)
• An ability to ask questions and understand answers in national and local
languages.
For journalists, competency in the national language and the language they use in
their work is essential. In many countries, and for journalists hoping to work beyond
their national borders, competency in English and other languages is recommended.
• Observation skills
Journalists have the ability to notice and remember things, and the ability to
maintain observer status and resist the urge to become a player in stories they are
covering.
• The ability to quickly and efficiently gather, understand and select information
related to a story through interviewing, from published and Internet sources, and
using investigative techniques.
Journalists master a repertoire of research methods, including interviewing and
investigative techniques and computer assisted reporting. They are able to identify
and access print and online public records and other documents, read efficiently
to identify news and story, and summarize, paraphrase and quote accurately. They
are able to identify human sources, approach sources by telephone and email and
in person. They are skilled in structuring interviews and asking questions and in
listening and observing.
• The ability to take accurate notes.
Reporters are able to take verbatim notes of at least two or three sequential
sentences of normal speech. In some cases, shorthand is required to practise
journalism and is taught in journalism schools.
• Techniques for checking and corroborating information.
Journalists question the accuracy of most everything from interviews or documents.
Before publishing or broadcasting the information, they check it with the initial
source and, better still, corroborate it from other sources. A competent journalist
develops effective techniques for ensuring accuracy.
• Arithmetical skills and a basic knowledge of statistics and survey methods.