Learning Log Meeting 5 Journalism - Background Research

 

Learning logs

 

Topic	Backround Research
Date	April 3rd, 2023
Sources/Links	Smith, D. (2010). Introduction to Journalism. Student Activities Book. TEACHINGpoint. The Expert Systems for Teachers Series. United States of America. Methods of Gathering News. Retrieved on April 10, 2021 from https://www.tpub.com/journalist/56.htm
Learned vocabularies, pronunciation & part of speech, definition, and in context (e.g., in a sentence)	1. Background =  [ˈbakˌɡround] Part of speech: Noun Indonesian:  latar belakang Definition: the area or scenery behind the main object of contemplation, especially when perceived as a framework for it. e.g., “the house stands against a background of sheltering trees" Synonyms: Surrounding(s), backdrop, framework   2. Research = [ˈrēˌsərCH] Part of speech: Noun Indonesian: riset Definition: the systematic investigation into and study of materials and sources in order to establish facts and reach new conclusions. e.g., “we are fighting meningitis by raising money for medical research” Synonyms : Investigation, analysis, exploration, experimentation   3. Biography = [bīˈäɡrəfē] Part of peech: Noun Indonesian: Biografi Definition: an account of someone's life written by someone else. Synonyms: Life story, life history, memoir, profil     4. Brief = [brēf] Part of peech: Verb Indonesian: memberi penjelasan singkat Definition: instruct or inform (someone) thoroughly, especially in preparation for a task. e.g., “she briefed him on last week's decisions” Synonyms: Inform of, tell about, instruct, direct, guide   5. Amplify = [ˈampləˌfī] Part of peech: Verb Indonesian: memperkuat Definition: increase the volume of (sound), especially using an amplifier. e.g., “the accompanying chords have been amplified in our arrangement” Synonyms: ·         Louden, strengthen, reinforce

 

 

Synopsis

Before compiling questions to ask during an interview, it is often necessary to conduct background research, either on the topic to discuss or on the person you are interviewing. This can be done by reading previously published articles on the topic or on the interviewer, searching for biographies of the interviewer or searching for information on the Internet. The four most common methods of news gathering used by Navy journalists are observation, telephone conversation, research and interviews.

-          Observation

Observation consists of you actually seeing an event happen and then reporting what you've seen in the form of news. Skilled observers use eyes, ears, thoughts, notebooks, and recording devices. They make sure they get concrete facts, specific numbers, and accurate information. Skilled observers always try to get more information than they really need.

-          Telephone Conversations

The telephone plays an important role in your daily work as a journalist. This saves time, effort, and often allows you to reach people who would normally be too busy to see you in person. Telephone conversations can range from full-scale interviews to short questions to verify or substantiate information.

When using this method, we should always remember the following:

·         Know what information you want before you dial. Keep your pencil and paper handy. Do not call someone and then ask that person to wait while you look for writing materials.

·         Speak politely indistinct, well-modulated tones.

·         Be cheerful and business-like

·         Make sure you get your facts straight. Ask the other person to repeat figures or spell out names.

·         Avoid three-way conversations among yourself, the person on the telephone and somebody else in your office.

·         Recheck your information by reading it back to the person who has given it to you.

·         Record the conversation using a "telephone pick-up". Be sure to inform the person on the other end that you are recording the conversation for note-taking purposes only.

·         Do not discuss classified information.

 

-          Research

Research is nothing more than digging out information from files and reference works. Research is used to verify or amplify facts in news stories and to give depth to feature stories and magazine articles.

 

Reflection

Through the materials of the fifth meeting about Background Research, I came to know about how reporters get news other than doing an interview. Reporters can conduct observations, telephone conferences, and research. Observation is the activity of observing something and then being made a report based on what we see. A telephone conversation is to conduct full-scale interviews or brief questions to verify or strengthen information that is done over the phone. Research is the activity of digging out information from files and reference works. One of the research conducted was Background Research. This is important before the reporter does interview activities. The goal is to learn more about the subject as well as the person we are going to interview. We can do background research by reading previous published articles, as well as biographies of the source. It aims to get information that fits the subject, and the interview process is going smoothly.