Blog Post #2 - JRN 340

Takeaways from BNH Chapter 4:

1. Reporters should avoid the word "allegedly."

- Too many reporters use this word almost as a "shield of protection" from making statements that they couldn't make without it.

- This is important because it gives the writer / reporter the ability to avoid the responsibility of making a declarative statement, which isn't right.

2. There is no such thing as an "unknown suspect." - It is a contradicting phrase / sentence if a reporter and or writer uses the word "suspect" when the name of the individual who has committed a crime is unknown.

- This is important because it can end in the reporter getting in legal trouble, for example, if the writer were to substitute the word "suspect" for "gunman" without careful and proper attribution.

3. The only true, safe stories are those that have correct attribution.

- The best way for a reporter to stay credited is to give proper attribution, specifically to official sources such as, police officers, fire officials, government officials, etc.

- This is important because generally speaking, the reporter cannot be sued or in any legal trouble for reporting exactly what a police officer or prosecutor says, even if it turns out later they were wrong or lying.

Takeaways from BNH Chapter 5:

1. Coming prepared to an interview is highly important.

- Learning as much as you can about your subject for your interview before hand is critical. This means doing research.

- This is important because it will help the process of the interview be smooth, as well as making sure you are asking the questions you need to in order to create your story beginning to end.

2. Listening is just as important as asking questions.

- Reporters can often focus too much on their questions that they end up forgetting to listen to what the interviewee is saying.

- This is important because listening for pauses and not jumping to the next question so quickly can help the reporter gather information they might not have received in the first place.

3. Be sensitive.

- Reporters should avoid asking questions like "how are you" and "how do you feel."

- This is important because specifically in cases of loss / grief, the audience know's how the interviewee feels especially if this in video clips. Thinking of something more informative to ask will help the story progress rather than point out the obvious.