With Adamu Adamu Tela Bakori, Media Aide to Katsina State Governor
In my posts numbers I and 2 on the above topic, I advised the newly appointed media aides to Katsina State Governor, Dr. Dikko Radda, to learn the basics of journalism and public relations, PR, to equip them on their jobs. In this post, I'll dwell on news reporting and what a news report/story should contain in order to be meaningful.
I've observed that most social media enthusiasts who are interested in reporting happenings, especially on facebook, haven't the faintest idea how to go about writing a news story/report.
In this post, you will learn what you must include in any news story to be meaningful. It's time to learn about the 5Ws and H (who, what, when, where, why and how) in news reporting.
The 5Ws and H are fundamental elements in news writing and reporting. They are key questions that journalists use to gather information and provide a comprehensive account of a news story. Here is a detailed explanation of each:
1. Who: This question seeks to identify the individuals or groups involved in the news event. It aims to provide the names and roles of the people relevant to the story. Knowing who is involved helps readers understand the context and significance of the news.
2. What: This question focuses on the central event or incident being reported. It aims to provide a clear and concise description of what actually happened. Journalists strive to present the facts and details of the event to inform readers accurately.
3. When: This question addresses the timing or duration of the news event. Journalists provide specific dates, times, or timeframes to give readers a sense of the chronological context. Understanding when an event occurred helps readers grasp its relevance and impact.
4. Where: This question identifies the location or place where the news event took place. Journalists provide the name of the city, town, or specific venue to help readers visualize the setting. Knowing the location adds depth and context to the news story.
5. Why: This question delves into the reasons or causes behind the news event. Journalists aim to provide explanations or motivations for the actions or circumstances being reported. Understanding the why behind an event helps readers gain insights and make connections.
6. How: This question explores the methods, processes, or mechanisms involved in the news event. Journalists explain the procedures or steps taken to carry out the event or the impact of the event. Addressing the how provides readers with a deeper understanding of the event's mechanics.
By answering these 5Ws and H questions, journalists ensure that their news stories are complete, informative, and accurate. These questions help reporters gather essential details and present a comprehensive account of the news event to their audience.
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Articles