COMM 370 FINAL EXAM QUESTIONS VERIFIED
ANSWERS
How do features differ from other news stories? - Answers - filled with more color &
detail
longer
more pictures/art/illustration
no time constraint
lighter topics
What is hard news? - Answers - serious breaking news events (ex: murder, war, fire,
etc.)
What is soft news? - Answers - lighter, less urgent, less somber topics (ex: puppies,
recipes, etc.)
Where can you find great story ideas? - Answers - publication archives
competitors
TV, magazines, newspapers, websites
news releases
reader suggestions
brainstorming
How can you tell if your idea is a good one? - Answers - where did your idea come
from?
is the idea original?
does the idea surprise you?
does the idea have movement to it?
is there a STORY there?
is there tension?
is the story true?
do YOU like the story?
What are 3 ways to paint a better portrait? - Answers - capture details
re-create scenes
add quotes & dialogue
What are enterprise projects? - Answers - special stories about people or issues that
allow reporters to reach beyond the routine
Can enterprise projects take weeks or even months to research? - Answers - yes
, What elements can go with enterprise projects? - Answers - graphics & photos
How can you find time for enterprise projects? - Answers - strategize with your editors
make lists
prioritize
devote time each day to enterprise
keep your project organized
don't overwork yourself
What is investigative reporting? - Answers - the reporting through one's own work
product & initiative, of matters of importance which some people wish to keep secret
What is some advice for investigative reporters? - Answers - be skeptical
remain objective
focus tightly
cast a wide net
keep your nose clean
work the web
What would be some elements that can be added to your story? - Answers - fast-facts
box
bio box
checklist
list
step-by-step guide
quiz
factual index
diagram
quote collection
timeline
What do journalists have access to? - Answers - open courtrooms, meetings, and
records
What stories can get you jailed? - Answers - contempt of court
trespassing
sedition
What stories can get you sued? - Answers - libel
invasion of privacy
breach of contract
What stories can get you fired? - Answers - plagiarism
fabrication
lapses in ethics
ANSWERS
How do features differ from other news stories? - Answers - filled with more color &
detail
longer
more pictures/art/illustration
no time constraint
lighter topics
What is hard news? - Answers - serious breaking news events (ex: murder, war, fire,
etc.)
What is soft news? - Answers - lighter, less urgent, less somber topics (ex: puppies,
recipes, etc.)
Where can you find great story ideas? - Answers - publication archives
competitors
TV, magazines, newspapers, websites
news releases
reader suggestions
brainstorming
How can you tell if your idea is a good one? - Answers - where did your idea come
from?
is the idea original?
does the idea surprise you?
does the idea have movement to it?
is there a STORY there?
is there tension?
is the story true?
do YOU like the story?
What are 3 ways to paint a better portrait? - Answers - capture details
re-create scenes
add quotes & dialogue
What are enterprise projects? - Answers - special stories about people or issues that
allow reporters to reach beyond the routine
Can enterprise projects take weeks or even months to research? - Answers - yes
, What elements can go with enterprise projects? - Answers - graphics & photos
How can you find time for enterprise projects? - Answers - strategize with your editors
make lists
prioritize
devote time each day to enterprise
keep your project organized
don't overwork yourself
What is investigative reporting? - Answers - the reporting through one's own work
product & initiative, of matters of importance which some people wish to keep secret
What is some advice for investigative reporters? - Answers - be skeptical
remain objective
focus tightly
cast a wide net
keep your nose clean
work the web
What would be some elements that can be added to your story? - Answers - fast-facts
box
bio box
checklist
list
step-by-step guide
quiz
factual index
diagram
quote collection
timeline
What do journalists have access to? - Answers - open courtrooms, meetings, and
records
What stories can get you jailed? - Answers - contempt of court
trespassing
sedition
What stories can get you sued? - Answers - libel
invasion of privacy
breach of contract
What stories can get you fired? - Answers - plagiarism
fabrication
lapses in ethics
