How to Develop a Journalistic Eye

Every journalist must know how to recognize a story and ferret out the aspects that can be used to construct a coherent narrative that readers can follow. With practice, you can develop a journalist's eye for the news.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

1. Ask "who". The classic question of "who" can be answered by knowing "who" the story is based on and "who" will be interested in it. The "who" question should be answered about all parties concerned in the news story. The "who" question is a basic question for journalists in every style of writing.
2. Ask "what". The classic "what" question can be answered by defining "what" the story is about and "what" the problem is. Delve further into the "what" question by investigating other "what" factors relating to the news story. The "what" question is also a basic question for journalists in every style of writing.
3. Ask "where". The classic "where" question should be answered specifically for the reader to closely follow your story. This part of the story should start at the end result, then back track to find the origin of the "where", such as "where" it all began. The "where" question is also a basic question for every journalist.
4. Ask "when". The classic "when" question can be answered by following the news story from beginning to end. Write of any previous incidents or similar incidents and the outcome at that time. The "when" question is also a basic question for every journalist.
5. Ask "why". The classic "why" question delves further into the news story to find the cause of the problem. The "why" question can have many different answers and all of them should be addressed in the story. The "why" question is also a basic question for journalists.
6. Add "how" to the classic questions in journalism. The "how" question could be simple to answer, as in "how" the murderer found his victim. The "how" question can be difficult to answer, as in "how" people can act in such a cruel manner. Many journalists finish their story with an expanded "how" question.
7. Answer those questions and if you are still interested in the story, then you're developing a journalistic eye. A good eye for journalism includes not only getting the story, but also getting an interesting story.

Who Can Help:

• Earn an Associate's, Bachelor's or Master's Degree from the University of Phoenix
• University of Phoenix, degree Programs to Fit Your Life.