Process of News Production (With KARMINA CONSTANTINO)

Summary

Journalist Karmina Constantino explains the intricate process behind news production, emphasizing the importance of selecting newsworthy stories that affect society, contain vital information, or are of public interest. She outlines the steps: finding leads, conducting original research with evidence, writing succinctly using the KISS method, and rigorous editing for accuracy and clarity. Constantino stresses the significance of journalistic integrity, fairness, and the impact of accurate information dissemination, urging responsible social media use.

Takeaways

• 📺 The news industry involves various roles beyond just reporters and anchors, including many behind-the-scenes contributors.
• 🔍 News stories are carefully selected based on their newsworthiness, impact, information value, societal relevance, and entertainment.
• 🔎 The news process starts with finding leads, which are then vetted in daily story conferences to determine their relevance.
• 📚 Original research is crucial, requiring comprehensive details including the 5 Ws and 1 H, and often extending beyond for in-depth investigation.
• 🗞️ Two primary evidence sources exist: the 'people trail' from interviews and the 'paper trail' from documents and records.
• ⚠️ Caution is advised when using internet information due to the prevalence of fake news.
• ✍️ News writing should follow the KISS principle—Keep It Short and Simple—to ensure clarity and digestibility.
• 📝 The editing process is rigorous, involving multiple levels of review by experienced editors and producers to ensure quality.
• 🏛️ Journalism adheres to the ABCs: Accuracy, Brevity, and Clarity, with fairness also being a key consideration.
• 🌐 The importance of accurate information is emphasized, as it affects many people and has the potential for significant impact.

Q & A

What is the role of a news anchor according to Karmina Constantino?

A news anchor's role includes reading the news on television and interviewing different people.

Why do newscasts show a list of names at the end?

Newscasts show a list of names at the end to credit the many people involved in producing the news, as every news story is a collaborative effort.

What are the criteria for selecting news stories, according to the transcript?

The criteria for selecting news stories include whether they affect a lot of people, contain important information, are new or latest developments, are of value to society, culture, and consciousness, and are entertaining, interesting, and unique.

What is the purpose of a story conference in a newsroom?

A story conference in a newsroom is held to identify which stories are newsworthy and should be included in the newscast.

What does the acronym '5Ws and 1H' stand for in news reporting?

The acronym '5Ws and 1H' stands for 'Who, What, Where, When, Why, and How,' which are the essential questions that need to be answered in a news story.

What are the two sources of evidence in news reporting mentioned in the script?

The two sources of evidence in news reporting are the 'people trail,' which includes information from interviews, and the 'paper trail,' which includes information from official documents, books, statistics, and other paperwork.

Why is it important to be cautious about information obtained from the internet in news reporting?

It is important to be cautious about information from the internet in news reporting because fake news is prevalent, and reporters need to ensure the accuracy and credibility of their sources.

What does the acronym 'KISS' mean in the context of news writing?

In the context of news writing, 'KISS' stands for 'Keep It Short and Simple,' emphasizing the need to write news in a concise and understandable manner.

What is the role of editors in the news production process?

Editors play a crucial role in the news production process by checking the written news for quality, ensuring accuracy, and making decisions on whether a story is suitable for publication or airing.

What are the ABCs of journalism mentioned by Karmina Constantino?

The ABCs of journalism mentioned are 'Accuracy, Brevity, and Clarity,' which are essential principles that every news story should adhere to.

Why is it important to ensure fairness in news reporting?

Ensuring fairness in news reporting is important to provide different perspectives and context to the story, which helps maintain the integrity and trustworthiness of the news.

What is the final message Karmina Constantino conveys about the power of words in the context of social media?

Karmina Constantino emphasizes the power of words and the responsibility to use them properly, especially on social media, where inaccurate information can have devastating consequences.

Outlines

00:00

📰 The Process of News Creation

Karmina Constantino introduces herself as a journalist and anchor, explaining the collaborative nature of news production. She outlines the key steps in creating a news story, starting with finding a news lead that is newsworthy, affecting many, containing vital information, being new, and being of societal value. The second step is original research, which involves gathering information through interviews (people trail) and official documents (paper trail), with a caution against fake news. The third step is news writing, where the KISS principle (Keep It Short and Simple) is emphasized to make news digestible and clear.

05:04

🖋️ Editing and the Importance of Journalistic Standards

The paragraph discusses the editing process in news production, where written news undergoes quality checks by experienced editors and segment producers. The editor-in-chief or executive producer has the final say on whether a story is aired. The importance of adhering to the ABC of journalism—Accuracy, Brevity, and Clarity—is highlighted. The paragraph also stresses the need for fairness in reporting, presenting different sides and context. Karmina Constantino concludes by advocating for responsible information sharing on social media, emphasizing the power of words and the consequences of inaccurate information.

Keywords

💡News Anchor

A news anchor is a person who presents news stories to the public on television, radio, or the internet. In the script, Karmina Constantino identifies herself as a news anchor with 27 years of experience, emphasizing the role's importance in delivering news to the audience. The term highlights the professional who is often the face of the news and interacts directly with the viewers.

💡News Lead

A news lead refers to the initial information or tip that suggests a potential news story. The script explains that not every event can be part of a newscast, and the selection process begins with finding leads that are newsworthy. This concept is crucial as it sets the stage for the entire news production process, determining which stories will be pursued and ultimately shared with the public.

💡Newsworthy

Newsworthy is a term used to describe events or stories that are considered important or interesting enough to be reported in the news. The script outlines criteria for newsworthiness, such as stories that affect many people, contain important information, or are of value to society. This concept is central to the video's theme, as it underscores the criteria journalists use to decide what becomes news.

💡5Ws and 1H

The 5Ws and 1H are the basic questions journalists ask to gather complete information about a story: Who, What, Where, When, Why, and How. The script mentions these as essential components of original research in news reporting, ensuring that every aspect of a story is covered. This concept is integral to the video's message about the thoroughness required in journalism.

💡People Trail

People trail refers to the information gathered through interviews and direct communication with individuals involved in or knowledgeable about the news story. The script describes people trail as a source of evidence, highlighting the importance of firsthand accounts and expert opinions in news reporting. This concept is significant as it emphasizes the human aspect of journalism and the value of direct engagement with sources.

💡Paper Trail

Paper trail denotes information obtained from official documents, records, and other written sources related to a news story. The script warns about the reliability of information from the internet, which is also considered part of the paper trail. This concept is important as it underscores the need for journalists to verify information from credible and documented sources.

💡Fake News

Fake news refers to false, often sensational, information presented as news. The script cautions about the prevalence of fake news and the responsibility of journalists to avoid it. This concept is relevant to the video's theme as it highlights the challenges and ethical considerations in news reporting, emphasizing the importance of accuracy and truth in journalism.

💡KISS (Keep It Short and Simple)

KISS is a principle in news writing that advises journalists to keep their stories concise and straightforward. The script uses the acronym to illustrate the importance of clarity in communication, providing examples of how complex information can be simplified for better understanding. This concept is central to the video's message about effective news writing and the importance of accessibility for the audience.

💡Editing

Editing in the context of news production refers to the process of reviewing and revising written news stories to ensure quality and accuracy. The script describes the various stages of editing, including checks by section editors, news editors, and ultimately the editor-in-chief or executive producer. This concept is crucial as it illustrates the collaborative and iterative nature of news production, ensuring that the final product meets journalistic standards.

💡ABC of Journalism

The ABC of journalism refers to the principles of Accuracy, Brevity, and Clarity that guide news reporting. The script emphasizes these principles as the foundation of responsible journalism, ensuring that news stories are not only concise and clear but also accurate. This concept is central to the video's message, as it encapsulates the core values that journalists must uphold in their work.

💡Fairness

Fairness in journalism means presenting a balanced view of a story, considering different perspectives, and providing context. The script mentions fairness as an essential aspect of news reporting, alongside accuracy, brevity, and clarity. This concept is important as it highlights the ethical responsibility of journalists to avoid bias and ensure that the news they produce is impartial and comprehensive.

Highlights

Karmina Constantino introduces herself as a journalist and news anchor with 27 years of experience.

News anchors are not the only ones involved in creating news; a team effort is required.

The importance of watching end credits to recognize the collaborative nature of news production.

The news creation process involves multiple steps, starting with finding a news lead.

Criteria for selecting newsworthy stories include impact on people, information value, and new developments.

The necessity of including entertaining and unique stories to add variety to the news.

Daily story conferences in the newsroom to determine which stories are newsworthy.

The importance of original research and the need for complete details in news reporting.

The 5Ws and 1H as a framework for gathering comprehensive information about a news story.

Explaining the difference between people trail and paper trail in gathering evidence for news stories.

The caution needed when using information from the internet due to the prevalence of fake news.

The KISS principle in news writing: Keep It Short and Simple.

Comparing two example sentences to demonstrate the effectiveness of the KISS principle.

The role of editors in ensuring the quality and accuracy of news stories.

The final approval by the editor-in-chief or executive producer before a story is aired.

The ABC of journalism: Accuracy, Brevity, and Clarity.

The importance of fairness in news reporting by presenting different sides and providing context.

The responsibility of journalists to scrutinize information due to the reliance of many on the news.

The call for mindful posting on social media to prevent the spread of inaccurate information.

Emphasizing the power of words and the need to use them properly, especially in the context of news reporting.

Karmina Constantino's closing remarks for the Media and Information Literacy Project of UP Diliman.

Transcripts

How are you?

I’m Karmina Constantino, a journalist.

I have been an anchor for 27 years.

You usually see me on television reading the news and interviewing different people.

While you usually see reporters and news anchors on your TV screens,

we’re not the only ones writing the news you watch.

Have you tried watching the news from start to finish?

Have you noticed the list of names that show up at the end of the newscast?

A lot of names are included in the end credits because every news story you watch

is a product of the work of different people.

The news goes through many processes before it becomes a news.

Step 1. Finding a News Lead.

Everything starts with gathering leads for a story.

Not everything that happens every day can become part of a newscast.

Unlike on Facebook where we can post stories about anything…

in the news, we need to select the most important or most newsworthy.

These are stories that:

Number 1. Affect a lot of people.

Number 2. Contain important information.

Number 3. The new or latest developments.

Number 4. Are of value to our society, culture and consciousness.

Number 5. Add to the mix... are stories that are entertaining, interesting, and unique

Every day, a story conference is held in the newsroom

to identify which stories are newsworthy and not.

Step 2. Original Research.

On Twitter, we usually post our insights, opinions, and everything that comes to our mind.

We can’t do the same thing for the news.

We need the complete details… with receipts!

Complete, which means it includes the 5 Ws and 1 H.

"Who, What, Where, When, Why and How."

Who, What, Where, When, Why and How a certain incident happened.

However, there are times that we need to go beyond the 5Ws and 1H.

It calls for us to investigate,

especially if it’s a pressing issue for the nation.

What actually are receipts or evidence?

There are two sources for them:

the people trail and paper trail.

People trail are information obtained through interviewing

experts, officials, and people concerned with the news story you are writing.

Paper trail, meanwhile, are information derived from official documents,

books, statistics, and other paperwork related to the news story.

Even information you get from the internet is also considered paper trail.

But heads up, be careful about the information you get from the internet.

Fake news is everywhere nowadays,

you might be the next victim!

Step 3. News Writing.

Are you familiar with the word “kiss”?

Tom Jones? Really? That’s vintage!

Don’t you know any Kpop songs?

That’s more like it! Anyway, I’m not talking about KISS for romantic couples.

In writing the news, KISS stands for Keep It Short and Simple.

As much as possible, write the news in the shortest and simplest way possible

to make it more digestible for your readers.

Avoid using grandiose words.

Our goal is to provide information, not cause confusion.

Let’s try an example.

Read and compare these two sentences:

SENTENCE 1: Because of the continuous active degassing of Taal Volcano causing volcanic smog, smoke, and ashfall,

DOST-PHIVOLCS advised the public to limit exposure to smoke and ash by staying indoors.

Always protect yourselves by wearing N95 facemasks to avoid lung complications

and drinking water to prevent throat irritation.

SENTENCE 2: Taal Volcano continues to spew smoke and ash.

According to DOST-PHIVOLCS, this may cause irritation in the eyes, throat, and lungs.

The agency reminds the public: stay indoors as much as possible,

always wear N95 facemasks, and drink water.

So, which is easier to understand?

The second one, am I right?

The first sample has a lot of unnecessary words.

Remember: KISS – keep it short and simple.

Step 4. Editing.

After the news is written, it will be checked by the editors.

In other words, each story needs to run through a quality check.

For broadsheets, stories are submitted to the section editor or news editor.

These are journalists with extensive experience in gathering and writing the news.

For television, news scripts are screened by segment producers.

If you think it ends here, you’re wrong.

If you make it past the news editor or segment producer,

you still have one obstacle you need to hurdle past.

Your work needs to be read and vetted by the editor-in-chief.

In a TV newsroom, the executive producer has the final say

if a story is greenlit for airing.

Making the news is not a simple feat.

It goes through a long process involving a lot of people.

In this manner, we are assured that every story

follows the ABC of journalism:

"Accuracy, Brevity, and Clarity."

Accurate, Brief, and Clear.

But no matter how short the news may be,

we must make sure that it has the complete details.

We must also be mindful of Fairness,

or getting the different sides and providing context to the story.

A lot of people rely on the news.

This is why we scrutinize every piece of information we publish.

I just hope that we also practice this on social media.

Inaccurate information can have devastating consequences,

so let’s be mindful of what we post.

Always remember, our words are powerful.

Let’s use them properly.

Before we post anything, make sure it’s accurate and truthful.

I’m Karmina Constantino for the Media and Information Literacy Project of UP Diliman.