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CHARACTERISTICS OF NEWS

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Lesson Objective

Describe the characteristics of a news story

01

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01 Reading Closely and Making Logical Inferences

Did you know that a news has characteristics that set it apart from other forms of writing?

QUESTION:

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When you read or watch a news, how do you describe it?

Reading Closely and Analyzing Text

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TIMELINESS

CHARACTERISTIC 1

News should be current and relevant, providing information about events that have recently occurred or are unfolding. Timeliness is crucial as news becomes less valuable as time passes.

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    • Example: Reporting on a natural disaster as it happens or shortly after it occurs.

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Sample: Timeliness

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PROXIMITY

CHARACTERISTIC 2

The geographical or cultural closeness of an event to the audience can make it more newsworthy. Local events tend to be of greater interest to a local audience.

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    • Example: A local election in a small town is more relevant to the residents of that town than to people in a distant city.

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Sample: Proximity

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PROMINENCE

CHARACTERISTIC 3

News involving well-known individuals or organizations is more likely to attract attention. This includes celebrities, politicians, and public figures.

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    • Example: A story about a famous actor's new movie or a politician's statement.

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Sample: Prominence

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SIGNIFICANCE

CHARACTERISTIC 4

The importance or impact of an event on a large number of people or society as a whole makes it newsworthy. Significant events often have far-reaching consequences.

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    • Example: A major economic policy change affecting millions of people.

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Sample: Significance

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ODDITY

CHARACTERISTIC 5

Unusual, rare, or bizarre events often make compelling news because they capture people's curiosity and attention.

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    • Example: A story about an animal with an unusual ability or a rare astronomical event

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Sample: Oddity

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CONFLICT

CHARACTERISTIC 6

Stories involving conflict, disagreement, or controversy often attract attention because they involve drama and tension.

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    • Example: Political debates, legal battles, or international conflicts.

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Sample: Conflict

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HUMAN INTEREST

CHARACTERISTIC 7

Stories that appeal to emotions, showcasing personal stories, triumphs, tragedies, or unique experiences, often resonate deeply with readers or viewers.

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    • Example: A touching story about a community coming together to help a neighbor in need.

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Sample: Human Interest

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CURRENCY

CHARACTERISTIC 8

News can also be defined by issues that are currently trending or of particular interest to the public at a given time. These stories capitalize on current public discourse and interests.

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    • Example: Coverage of a popular new trend, social movement, or public concern.

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Sample: Currency

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RELEVANCE

CHARACTERISTIC 9

News should be relevant to the audience's interests and concerns, providing them with information that is useful or important to them.

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    • Example: Health advisories, consumer product recalls, or new laws affecting the public.

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Sample: Relevance

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CLARITY & CONCISENESS

CHARACTERISTIC 10

News should be presented clearly and concisely to convey the essential information quickly and effectively. Clarity helps ensure that the audience understands the story without confusion.

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    • Example: A well-written news article that provides the who, what, where, when, why, and how of an event succinctly.

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Sample: Conciseness

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ACCURACY

CHARACTERISTIC 11

News should be factually correct and thoroughly checked for errors. Accuracy is fundamental to maintaining credibility and trust with the audience

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    • Example: A report that correctly cites sources, provides verified information, and avoids misleading the audience.

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Sample: Accuracy

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BALANCE & FAIRNESS

CHARACTERISTIC 12

News should strive to be impartial, presenting multiple viewpoints and avoiding bias. This ensures that the audience receives a well-rounded understanding of the issue.

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    • Example: A news story that includes perspectives from all parties involved in a controversy.

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Sample: Fairness

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New Mining Bill Sparks Debate in Mindanao

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A proposed mining bill in Mindanao has sparked significant debate among various stakeholders. Proponents, including the Chamber of Mines, argue that the bill will attract foreign investments, create jobs, and boost the local economy. They believe that responsible mining can coexist with environmental protection if proper regulations are enforced.

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However, environmental groups and local residents express strong concerns about potential environmental degradation and the displacement of indigenous communities. They cite past incidents where mining activities have led to significant harm to natural resources and local livelihoods. The bill is currently under review in Congress, with a decision expected next month. The government faces the challenge of balancing economic growth with environmental sustainability and social equity.

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A news has distinct characteristics that separates it from any other types of reports.

happening now

close to home

famous people

Timeliness

Proximity

Prominence

LET’S HAVE A QUICK RECAP

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LET’S HAVE A QUICK RECAP

A news has distinct characteristics that separates it from any other types of reports.

important to many

unusual or strange

arguments or fights

Significance

Oddity

Conflict

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LET’S HAVE A QUICK RECAP

A news has distinct characteristics that separates it from any other types of reports.

touching stories

trending topics

important information

Human Interest

Currency

Relevance

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LET’S HAVE A QUICK RECAP

A news has distinct characteristics that separates it from any other types of reports.

clear and short

facts

both sides

Conciseness

Accuracy

Fairness

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LET’S SEE WHAT YOU’VE LEARNED

Detective Challenge: News Characteristics Edition

    • Each participant gets a sheet with five different news article summaries.
    • Carefully read each news summary.
    • Determine which news characteristics (timeliness, proximity, prominence, etc.) are most evident in each article.
    • Write a brief explanation (2-3 sentences) for each article on why you chose those characteristics.
    • After the alloted time, the teacher will facilitate checking of the correct answers.

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(30 minutes)

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Any questions?

Understanding the characteristics of news is important because it helps us evaluate the credibility, relevance, and impact of the information, allowing us to make informed decisions and avoid misinformation.

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End of second session.

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Quick break.