Kerala +2 Journalism key terms

A report of a recent event or fact that is timely, relevant and interesting to a defined audience. It is not merely new information but information selected and presented for public value.

Criteria journalists use to judge whether an event deserves coverage, such as timeliness, proximity, prominence, consequence, human interest, conflict, novelty and oddity. They explain why some stories get space and others do not.

The opening paragraph or first few sentences of a news story that carry the most important information and set the focus. A strong lead answers the key questions quickly and draws the reader onward.

A story structure that places the most important facts first, followed by supporting detail and background in descending order of importance. It allows editors to cut from the bottom without losing the essential story.

The basic questions a news report should answer: who, what, when, where, why and how. They serve as a checklist for completeness and as the backbone of the summary lead.

The naming of the source of information within a report, such as a person, document or organisation. Clear attribution lets readers judge credibility and distinguishes fact from the journalist's own assertion.

A person, record, document or dataset that supplies information for a story. Journalists prefer primary sources and corroborate claims across several independent sources before publication.

An agreement that information given to a journalist will not be published or attributed in any way. The exact terms should be settled before the information is shared, since practices vary.

The process by which editors and reporters decide which events, voices and facts pass through into published news. It shapes public perception by including some information and excluding the rest.

The idea that media coverage influences which issues the public considers important, rather than telling people what to think. Repeated prominence of a topic raises its perceived significance.

The professional norm of reporting facts without personal bias, presenting relevant viewpoints fairly and basing conclusions on verifiable evidence. It is a method of working rather than a claim of total neutrality.

A late nineteenth-century style of sensational reporting that used exaggeration, scandal and dramatic headlines to boost circulation. It is associated with press competition in the United States and remains a warning against sensationalism.

A longer, less time-bound article that explores a person, place or issue in depth using description, anecdote and colour. It informs and entertains rather than delivering breaking news in summary form.

A structured conversation in which a journalist questions a subject to gather facts, quotes and insight for publication. Preparation, open questions and careful listening determine its quality.

The process of checking and improving a reporter's text for accuracy, grammar, style, clarity, legal risk and length before publication. It is the last quality check before a story reaches the reader.

A short, prominent title above a story that summarises its essence and attracts readers. It must be accurate to the text, fit the available space and follow the publication's style and grammar rules.

The arrangement of text, headlines, images and white space on a page to guide the reader's eye and express editorial priority. Good layout balances hierarchy, legibility and visual appeal.

A false statement published to a third party that harms a person's reputation. In India it can lead to civil damages or criminal action, and truth published in the public interest is a defence.

Defamation in permanent form, such as print, a broadcast recording or an online post, as distinct from spoken slander. Most media lawsuits concern libel because the damaging statement can be preserved and shown.

The legal and ethical protection of a person's private life, family, health and correspondence from unjustified public exposure. It must be balanced against public interest in disclosure.

The exclusive legal right of an author or creator over the reproduction, distribution and adaptation of an original work. Journalists must obtain permission or rely on fair dealing exceptions when using others' material.

A limited exception to copyright that permits use of protected material for purposes such as criticism, review, reporting current events or private study. The use must be brief and properly attributed.

Presenting another person's words, ideas or work as one's own without credit. It is a serious breach of journalistic ethics even when the copied material is not protected by copyright.

An act that obstructs the administration of justice, including publishing material that could prejudice a pending trial. Journalists must respect reporting restrictions once proceedings are active.

The principle that journalists may gather and publish information without undue government interference. In India it is read into the fundamental right to freedom of expression under Article 19(1)(a), subject to reasonable restrictions.

The statutory right of citizens to seek information from public authorities, enacted in India through the RTI Act, 2005. It is a key tool for investigative reporting and official accountability.

A set of ethical guidelines adopted by a media organisation or professional body covering accuracy, fairness, privacy, correction of errors and avoidance of conflicts of interest. It translates abstract ethics into daily practice.

The practice of telling news stories through photographs that are accurate, timely and meaningful. It combines technical skill with editorial judgement and demands that images not be staged or manipulated to mislead.

The short text placed with a photograph that identifies people and explains its news relevance. A good caption adds information the image cannot convey on its own and must be accurate.

The use of images, graphics, typography and layout to convey information and meaning quickly. In media it supports and sometimes replaces text, shaping how audiences understand a story.

Paid, identified promotional communication placed in media by an advertiser to persuade a target audience. It is normally distinguished from editorial content so readers can tell persuasion from news.

The planned and sustained effort to build mutual understanding and goodwill between an organisation and its publics through communication. Practitioners manage reputation, respond to crises and supply information to media.

A prepared statement issued to media by an organisation announcing news or a position. Journalists treat it as a starting point and verify claims rather than publishing it unchanged.

Advertising content written and designed to resemble editorial material. Ethical practice requires it to be clearly labelled so readers are not misled about its promotional nature.

News reporting produced for radio or television, using sound, visuals and the spoken word. It demands conversational writing, careful timing and coordination between reporter, camera and studio.

A short, memorable extract of speech from an interview or event used within a broadcast news item. It gives the story a human voice and is usually chosen for clarity and emotional impact.

News reporting published on digital platforms, using hyperlinks, multimedia, interactivity and continuous updating. It changes deadlines and distribution but keeps the core duties of accuracy and verification.

The ability to access, analyse, evaluate and create media messages critically. It helps audiences recognise bias, verify claims and use media responsibly as citizens.

The use of media and communication strategies to support social change, public health, education and economic development. It emphasises participation, local language and audience trust rather than one-way persuasion.