Writing And Reporting News

Broadcast Journalism · Level 6  ·  12 Chapters

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What Writing And Reporting News covers

In this unit, you will be able to craft clear, accurate, and engaging news stories that follow professional standards and editorial guidelines. You will confidently identify key news elements, apply effective writing techniques, and maintain objectivity while covering a variety of topics—from sports and business to technology. By the end, you’ll be equipped to deliver well-researched, fact-checked reports that inform and inspire your audience in the real world of journalism.

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Careers after Writing And Reporting News

Writing and Reporting News is a powerful skill that opens doors to vibrant careers across Kenya’s dynamic media and communication landscape. Whether you dream of working in bustling newsrooms or creating your own digital news platform, mastering these skills puts you at the heart of telling stories that inform, inspire, and influence communities nationwide.

  • In Kenya’s thriving media sector—ranging from national broadcasters like KBC and Citizen TV to local radio stations in counties—you’ll craft news stories that keep millions informed about politics, sports, business, and social issues.
  • The fast-growing jua kali media entrepreneurs and digital content creators rely on sharp news writing and reporting skills to build audiences and monetize content through ads and sponsorships.
  • County governments and public institutions employ skilled reporters to communicate development projects, policy changes, and public service announcements to residents.
  • The matatu industry and agribusiness sectors often need reporters who understand business and economic policies to cover market trends, transport regulations, and economic impacts.
  • Sports journalism is booming with events like the FKF Premier League and major athletics competitions; your knowledge of sports rules and player profiles can land you roles in sports media houses or as freelance commentators.
  • By mastering news writing and reporting, you can also become an entrepreneur—starting your own news blog, podcast, or community newsletter that generates income through partnerships and advertising.
  • Skilled reporters in Kenya earn respectable salaries and enjoy opportunities for career growth, whether as editors, correspondents, or media managers, while also contributing meaningfully to society by keeping citizens informed.

Embrace these skills today, and you’ll be empowered to become a trusted voice in Kenya’s vibrant media world, shaping public opinion and driving positive change for years to come.

Chapters

What Writing And Reporting News covers: 68 main topics in 11 chapters

1. Determine structure and organization of news

  1. 1.1 Meaning of news
  2. 1.2 Nature of news story
  3. 1.3 Roles of news
  4. 1.4 Role of journalist in society
  5. 1.5 Sources of news
  6. 1.6 Techniques of writing news
  7. 1.7 Meaning of element/values of news
  8. 1.8 News values/elements
  9. 1.9 Principles of news writing
  10. 1.10 Purpose of news story structure
  11. 1.11 Construction of news story
  12. 1.12 Nature and use of 5 Ws and H

2. Gather news story

  1. 2.1 Tools of journalistic trade
  2. 2.2 Art of journalism in news gathering
  3. 2.3 Process of finding, verifying, clarifying news
  4. 2.4 Risks in news gathering
  5. 2.5 Safety and protection of journalist

3. Determine news writing styles

  1. 3.1 Importance of news writing styles
  2. 3.2 News writing styles for different media
  3. 3.3 Inverted pyramid
  4. 3.4 Language of media

4. Prepare broadcast news copy

  1. 4.1 Factors influencing copy preparation
  2. 4.2 Criteria for selecting broadcast stories
  3. 4.3 Types of broadcast scripts
  4. 4.4 Purpose and the use of style book in copy preparation
  5. 4.5 Style book in copy preparation
  6. 4.6 Legal considerations in copy preparation

5. Prepare newspaper copy

  1. 5.1 Factors determining the style of writing
  2. 5.2 Differences between hard and soft news
  3. 5.3 news headline
  4. 5.4 news lead
  5. 5.5 News body
  6. 5.6 Stories from speeches, emails or press releases
  7. 5.7 Qualities of a good news story
  8. 5.8 Reporter's checklist

6. Prepare digital news copy

  1. 6.1 Factors determining digital platform choice
  2. 6.2 Characteristics of the digital content
  3. 6.3 The Internet
  4. 6.4 social media
  5. 6.5 challenges in writing social media content
  6. 6.6 qualities of a good digital copy
  7. 6.7 data presentation

7. Edit news story

  1. 7.1 Factors to consider when editing news copy
  2. 7.2 Reasons for editing
  3. 7.3 The newsroom
  4. 7.4 Broadcast copy editing
  5. 7.5 Print copy editing
  6. 7.6 Digital copy editing

8. Determine Parliament and political reporting practice

  1. 8.1 Important political players and developments
  2. 8.2 Parliamentary rules and standing orders
  3. 8.3 Government processes, organs, branches and offices
  4. 8.4 Privileges of a reporter in parliament

9. Establish court reporting practice

  1. 9.1 Constitution
  2. 9.2 Court rules and regulations
  3. 9.3 Titles of court officials
  4. 9.4 Types of cases
  5. 9.5 Legal jargons
  6. 9.6 Sources of court stories
  7. 9.7 Contempt of court
  8. 9.8 Trial process

10. Determine sports reporting practice

  1. 10.1 Rules and regulations governing different games/sports
  2. 10.2 History and development of the sport(s)
  3. 10.3 Player(s) and officials of a game/sport

11. Establish business reporting practice

  1. 11.1 Business and economic policies
  2. 11.2 Business and economic indexes and jargons
  3. 11.3 Stock markets and exchange rates and operations
  4. 11.4 Numeracy and currencies
  5. 11.5 Inflation and related issues

Revise this unit

3 more for this unit

Beyond the syllabus

Other units in Module II