BM27218 – News Gathering

Module code

BM27218

Module title

News Gathering

Prescription

People credited with this unit standard are able to find, gather, and record information for news stories for publication and broadcast

Programmes

BM0901

NZQA Level

Level 5

NZQA Credits

Delivery method

Web-Based

Learning hours

Directed hours: 125
Self directed hours: 125
Total learning hours: 250

Resources required

Learning Outcomes: People credited with this unit standard are able to: define news and explain how information for news is gathered and selected for publication and broadcast; demonstrate knowledge of compilation of news contacts' lists and compile a news contacts' list in accordance with the relevant industry text; plan news stories for publication and broadcast; demonstrate knowledge of news media interviewing skills and plan and conduct interviews for news stories in accordance with the relevant industry text; file information for news stories for future reference; and research a newsworthy person and compile a dossier
Content: Define news and explain how information for news is gathered and selected for publication and broadcast.

Evidence requirements

1.1 News is identified and explained in accordance with the relevant industry text.

Range - factors include - proximity, currency, timeliness, relevance, topicality, significance, conflict, achievement, utility, novelty, human interest.

1.2 Methods of gathering information for news stories across the delivery platforms are explained in accordance with the relevant industry text.

Range - methods include - news cycles, prime time, deadlines, breaking news.

1.3 The selection and prioritisation of news is explained in accordance with the relevant industry text.

Outcome 2

Demonstrate knowledge of compilation of news contacts' lists and compile a news contacts' list in accordance with the relevant industry text.

Evidence requirements

2.1 Information required for compilation of contacts' lists is described.

2.2 Sources of information, and the methods for recording and keeping the information secure and confidential, are explained.

Range - methods include but are not limited to - notebook, electronic organiser, newsroom contact list, mobile phone.

2.3 Contacts' list is compiled and maintained with up to date information.

Range - evidence is required for a minimum of 30 contacts.

2.4 The contacts' list is filed in accordance with training establishment practices.

Outcome 3

Plan news stories for publication and broadcast.

Evidence requirements

3.1 News story ideas are identified in accordance with the factors listed in evidence requirement 1.1 and news sources are evaluated in terms of reliability, validity, and usefulness.

Range - news sources may include but are not limited to - organisations, individuals, news rounds, events, trends, reports, statements, hearings, meetings, anniversaries, speeches, hui, media conferences, media releases, public notices, advertisements;
evidence is required for a minimum of three news sources.

3.2 - Information is gathered and analysed, angles are identified, and the relevance of information to be included is established.

Range - may include but is not limited to - record of interviews, researched material, written reports, agenda items, decisions, statements, announcements, media releases;
evidence is required for a minimum of three items of information.

3.3 - Plans for the news stories are developed and approved.

Range - sources of information, resources, strategy, process, deadlines, who, what, where, why, when.

3.4 Graphics that may be included with the news stories are determined.

Outcome 4

Demonstrate knowledge of news media interviewing skills and plan and conduct interviews for news stories in accordance with the relevant industry text.

Evidence requirements

4.1 - Key skills required for effective interpersonal communications for news media interviewing are explained.

Range - balance, fairness, use of contacts, ability to persuade people to talk, obtaining clarity and accuracy.

4.2 Use of various types of questions is explained.

4.3 Limitations of different interview types are explained in accordance with the relevant industry text.

Range - types of interviews include - face to face, telephone, email, social media;
identification of interviewee and interviewer, security of communication, legal requirements.

4.4 - Plans for the interviews are developed and approved.

Range - type of interview, interviewee, background information, cultural considerations, angles, balance, completeness, length, deadline.

4.5 Interviews are arranged to meet the requirements of the approved plans.

4.6 Interviews are carried out.

Range - questioning and listening techniques elicit facts, clarify understanding, explore surround issues, recognise need for further questions, probe unexpected news angles; interview kept on track; information is sufficient for the story and sets issues in context.

Outcome 5

File information for news stories for future reference.

Evidence requirements

5.1 - Information for news stories is filed and stored securely for future reference.

Range - information may include but is not limited to - direct quotations taken from notes recorded verbatim, paraphrasing taken from notes accurately reflecting content and meaning, notes and digital recordings; evidence is required for a minimum of three items of information.

Outcome 6

Research a newsworthy person and compile a dossier.

Evidence requirements

6.1 A newsworthy person is identified in accordance with the approved plan.

6.2 Relevant sources of publicly available information are selected.

Range - sources may include but are not limited to - search engines, databases, reference libraries, internet news filing sites, clippings services, government and local government records, court records, company reports, speeches, media, books, journals;
evidence is required for a minimum of three sources.

6.3 Collation of a dossier on the newsworthy person is planned and approved.

Range - dossier material may include but is not limited to - full name, title, address, telephone contacts, occupation, age, birth details, marital status, interests; organisation membership, offices held, public statements;evidence is required for a minimum of five items.

6.4 - Research on the newsworthy person is carried out in accordance with the approved plan and information is gathered.

6.5 Researched material is collated in the form of a dossier.

Range - reference index of background material, contains copy of the interview, bound.

6.6 References for selected sources are recorded.
Learning and Teaching Resource: Course workbook
Listed specific texts/library books
Internet references
Manual/standards docuemnts
Regulations

A full set of resources will be issued for this module including printed course work and assessment materials. Additionally students will be encouraged to use the library and other resources that can be accessed at Wintec.