Engagement and Relevance

For our final discussion on the principles of journalism, we talked about engagement and relevance in journalism. This includes how engaged the journalist is with the audience and how relevant the information is to those who view/read it.

I really like the quote on the handout that says "News is not just data... it's story telling."

There are many ways to make a story engaging and relevant. Some of the ones we discussed in class are:

1. Profile - focus on a particular person/event to tell the story in a more unique way
2. Explanatory piece - tell the why/how of the story
3. Issues and trend stories - is there a larger story to explore? Tell about the big picture
4. Investigative - look into wrongdoings of the government/agency
5. Narrative - tell a story! Include the character, scenes, tension, etc.
6. Descriptive day in the life - Focus on a particular moment, tell all the juicy details
7. Voices or perspective story - have people tell the story in a unique way from their point of view
8. Visual story - use pictures! They are many times more powerful than words

Journalism becomes relevant to the audience when stories are told with a purpose. The stories that provide information to help people understand the world around them are more relevant than simply putting out the facts of gloom and doom that is happening. If a story is relevant to the audience, it will attract more viewership than sensational stories. It is also important to note here that there is a fine line with some journalists who have a split persona between journalist and celebrity. They have to be careful with what they do because any wrong turn or an emphasis too heavy on celebrity could cause them to lose credibility ... and credibility is crucial to a journalist! We talked in class about how there is a fine line between being credible and producing infotainment. One recent, local example of this is found HERE - channel 4's story about how Demi Moore claims the rumors of her getting cosmetic surgery are hurting her feelings. WHO CARES!(Demi Moore hurt by rumors of cosmetic surgery)

As far as making the stories engaging, we talked in class about how it is similar to becoming engaged to be married. The steps are very similar! For instance, you need to find the audience, get to know them well, and have good communication just as you would with a girl/boy. I like this analogy because it shows the importance of being in tune with those you communicate to. The more you know your target audience, the more you can gear your messages toward them and they will be appropriate and relevant if you are in touch with them.

I also really liked the quote at the top of the handout that says, "Part of a journalist's responsibility, in other words, is not just providing information, but providing it in such a way that people will be inclined to listen" (The Elements of Journalism, 149).

One reason for the importance of engaging the audience is so that you can send out messages fitting to the audience, as mentioned above. But another reason why it is so important is because as you engage the audience, you gain valuable feedback, and you can tailor your communications even more.

As we talked about with other presentations, it is important when engaging an audience that you adhere strictly to the journalistic values you find most important. I think the values will be different for each individual journalist. But, for instance, if you decide you have a "line" you won't cross when becoming involved with a story, then do not cross it! Stay consistent and honest with your adherence to what you believe constitutes solid journalism.