Presentation on Mass

Communication and
Media Production
by
Anandita Gupta
Third Semester
Roll No. 1757
TYPES OF NEWS
 HARD NEWS

Hard news delivers factual information on recent events, emphasizing

the essential details such as who, what, where, when, and why. It is
characterized by objectivity and a focus on presenting news in a
straightforward, informative manner. Hard news stories prioritize
timeliness and accuracy, serving to keep the audience informed about
current and significant events.
Example: Reporting on the COVID-19 pandemic, including statistics on
infection rates, government responses, and vaccination efforts.
 SOFT NEWS

Soft news, also known as feature stories, offers a more relaxed and
humanized approach to reporting. Unlike hard news, it provides
background, context, and human interest. Soft news explores the
personal and emotional aspects of events, presenting a more narrative
and engaging style. It is less time-sensitive, allowing for in-depth
storytelling and a focus on the human side of news events.
Example: Reporting on a local cultural festival, capturing the vibrant
traditions, performances, and community engagement, emphasizing
the cultural richness of the event.
 BREAKING NEWS

Breaking news delivers immediate and crucial information about

unfolding events. Prioritizing timeliness, it aims to keep the audience
informed as incidents happen. Characterized by urgency, breaking
news reports provide concise details and updates on rapidly evolving
situations, ensuring that the public receives the latest and most
relevant information in real-time.
Example: Live reporting on major accidents, fires, or other emergency
situations, providing real-time information on the response efforts and
impact on affected communities.
 ENTERTAINMENT NEWS

Entertainment news focuses on the world of celebrities, movies,

music, and pop culture. It includes gossip, interviews, and reviews,
offering insights into the lives of public figures. Covering events,
premieres, and industry trends, entertainment news caters to the
audience's fascination with celebrity lifestyles and the latest
happenings in the entertainment industry.
Example: Reporting on the red carpet events and interviews with
actors and filmmakers during the premiere of a highly anticipated
Bollywood movie.
 OPINION PIECES

Opinion pieces express the subjective views and perspectives of the

author on various topics. Found in editorials, columns, and op-eds,
they provide commentary, analysis, and personal viewpoints. Unlike
hard news, opinion pieces are subjective in nature, aiming to influence
or persuade the audience by presenting the author's stance on
political, social, or cultural issues.
Example: An online opinion article discussing the pros and cons of
regulating social media platforms, exploring the impact on free speech
and the responsibility of tech companies.
 INVESTIGATIVE JOURNALISM

Investigative journalism involves in-depth research to uncover hidden

truths, corruption, or wrongdoing. Journalists delve into complex
issues, conduct extensive interviews, and scrutinize documents. This
type of reporting goes beyond surface-level information, aiming to
expose important stories that may otherwise remain concealed.
Investigative journalism plays a crucial role in holding individuals and
institutions accountable for their actions.
Example: Investigative journalism by The Wire raised questions about
the business dealings of Jay Shah, son of the Bharatiya Janata Party
(BJP) president.
 INTERNATIONAL NEWS

International news covers events and developments occurring outside

a specific country, offering a global perspective. It includes diplomatic
relations, conflicts, international agreements, and significant global
issues. Providing insights into diverse cultures and societies,
international news keeps audiences informed about the
interconnected world and the impact of global events on various
nations.
Example: Coverage of the United Kingdom's negotiations to leave the
European Union, exploring economic implications, trade agreements,
and the evolving relationship between the UK and EU member states.
Reporting Techniques and Skills
Reporting Techniques

Reporting techniques are essential tools for journalists to gather,

process, and communicate information effectively. Here are key
reporting techniques:
➢Interviewing Technique: Develop effective interviewing skills,
including asking relevant and probing questions, active listening, and
adapting the interview approach based on the situation and source.
➢Observational Reporting: Hone the ability to observe and analyze
events or situations firsthand, providing detailed and accurate
descriptions to enhance the depth of reporting.
Reporting Techniques

➢ Research Methods: Master various research techniques, both online

and offline, to gather comprehensive information, background
context, and relevant data for news stories.
➢Data Journalism: Use data analysis techniques to uncover trends,
patterns, and insights, presenting complex information in a visually
compelling and understandable way.
➢Source Verification: Employ rigorous methods to verify information
from multiple credible sources, ensuring accuracy and reliability in
reporting, especially for breaking or sensitive news
Reporting Techniques

➢Networking Skills: Build and maintain a strong network of contacts,

sources, and experts, facilitating access to information, insights, and
diverse perspectives within specific industries or communities.
➢Storytelling Techniques: Utilize effective storytelling techniques to
engage audiences, structure narratives compellingly, and make
news stories more accessible and memorable.
These reporting techniques collectively empower journalists to
navigate the diverse challenges of news reporting, ensuring thorough,
accurate, and impactful coverage.
Reporting Skills

Effective reporting skills are crucial for journalists and media professionals
to convey information accurately and compellingly. Here are key reporting
skills:
➢Research Skills: The ability to conduct thorough and effective research is
crucial for gathering accurate and relevant information. Journalists need to
navigate various sources, databases, and archives to gather
comprehensive details for their stories.
➢Interviewing Techniques: Strong interviewing skills are essential for
extracting meaningful information from sources. Journalists should be
adept at asking probing questions, actively listening, and adapting their
approach based on the context and the interviewee.
Reporting Skills

➢Writing and Editing: Clear and concise writing is fundamental to effective

journalism. Journalists must convey complex information in an
understandable manner, adhering to journalistic style and grammar.
Additionally, strong editing skills ensure polished and error-free content.
➢Critical Thinking: Journalists need to approach information critically,
assessing its credibility, relevance, and potential biases. This skill is vital
for constructing well-rounded and accurate stories.
➢Time Management: Meeting deadlines is a constant challenge in journalism.
Effective time management ensures that journalists can prioritize tasks,
handle breaking news situations, and deliver stories promptly.
Reporting Skills

Adaptability: Journalists often work in dynamic and unpredictable

environments. The ability to adapt to changing circumstances,
breaking news, and evolving story angles is crucial for success in the
field.
Digital Literacy: Journalists must be proficient in using digital tools and
platforms. This includes social media for sourcing information and
engaging with the audience, as well as understanding digital trends
and technologies relevant to storytelling.
These skills collectively enable journalists to navigate the
complexities of news reporting, ensuring that they can gather,
process, and communicate information effectively and ethically.
THANK YOU