JMC 457
Lecture Notes 4
Arizona State University
Spring 2023
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News gathering
I. Introduction
A. Definition of News Gathering
News gathering refers to the process of collecting information and data that is relevant to
news reporting (Chapman, 2016).
It is an essential aspect of journalism, as it enables reporters to gather facts, verify
information, and report news accurately.
B. Importance of News Gathering
News gathering is crucial because it allows journalists to provide the public with timely
and accurate information about events happening around them.
It enables journalists to report on issues that are of public interest, provide in-depth
analysis, and hold public officials accountable (Hachten & Scotton, 2013).
Without news gathering, journalists would not have the necessary information to report
on important events and issues, which could result in misinformation and disinformation.
C. Types of News Gathering Techniques
Interviews: Journalists use interviews to gather information directly from sources, such as
eyewitnesses, experts, and public officials (Berkowitz, 2009).
Observation: This involves journalists observing events or situations as they unfold,
enabling them to gather first-hand information (Friedman, 2017).
Research: This involves journalists conducting research on a particular topic or issue,
using various sources such as public records, archives, and academic research
(Berkowitz, 2009).
Online sources: Journalists use social media, blogs, and other online sources to gather
information and track news stories (Bradshaw & Rohumaa, 2011).
A. Traditional News Gathering Techniques
1. Interviews
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Conducting interviews is one of the primary ways of gathering news.
It involves asking questions to sources who can provide valuable information on a
particular topic.
Interviews can be conducted in person, over the phone, or online.
Interviewers should be prepared with a list of questions and should listen actively to
the responses given.
They should also be aware of the body language and tone of the interviewee to get a
better understanding of their responses.
According to Mark Briggs in his book "Journalism Next," interviews are "a
cornerstone of news gathering" (p. 132).
2. Observations
Observing an event or situation can also provide valuable information for news
gathering.
It involves being present at a location and taking note of what is happening.
Observations can be done through direct participation or by observing from a
distance.
Observers should take note of important details and occurrences that can be used in
news reporting.
According to Tim Harrower in his book "Inside Reporting," observation "helps
reporters add texture and authenticity to their stories" (p. 96).
3. Document Research
Document research involves analyzing written records, such as government reports,
court documents, and academic studies, to gather information.
It can provide factual information and support claims made in news reporting.
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Researchers should be able to analyze and interpret data found in these documents to
produce accurate news stories.
According to James Schaffer and Brian C. Miller in their book "The Newspaper
Designer's Handbook," document research is "a reliable and often underutilized
source of news" (p. 50).
4. Press Releases
Press releases are statements written by organizations or individuals to provide
information to the media.
They can provide news outlets with up- -date information on current events or to
topics.
Press releases should be analyzed for accuracy and bias before being used in news
reporting.
According to Tim Harrower in his book "Inside Reporting," press releases "offer a
convenient way to keep tabs on what's happening in government, business, and the
world of non-profits" (p. 100).
B. Modern News Gathering Techniques
In today's digital age, the media landscape has evolved significantly, and with it, the methods
of news gathering. Modern news gathering techniques include social media, data journalism,
citizen journalism, and crowdsourcing. In this lecture, we will examine each of these
techniques in detail.
1. Social Media Social media platforms, such as Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram, have
become valuable tools for journalists to gather news and information. Social media has
given journalists access to a vast amount of user-generated content, including videos and
photos, which they can use to enhance their reporting. Social media has also allowed
journalists to interact with their audience and to monitor breaking news in real-time.
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According to a study conducted by the Pew Research Center, nearly two-thirds of American
adults get their news from social media platforms, and 55% of them get news from Twitter
specifically. (1)
2. Data Journalism Data journalism involves the analysis and presentation of large data sets
to uncover newsworthy information. Journalists use data analysis tools and software to
identify patterns and trends, and then report on their findings. Data journalism has been
used to expose corruption, track government spending, and to investigate police
shootings.
In a study by the Reuters Institute for the Study of Journalism, data journalism was found to
be growing in popularity, with 29% of newsrooms surveyed having a dedicated data
journalist. (2)
3. Citizen Journalism Citizen journalism refers to the practice of non-professional
journalists contributing news and information to the media. Citizen journalists use their
smartphones to capture videos and photos of breaking news events and share them on
social media platforms. Citizen journalism has been used to report on natural disasters,
protests, and other breaking news events.
A study by the Pew Research Center found that 47% of adults in the United States have
participated in some form of citizen journalism, such as sharing photos or videos of news
events. (3)
4. Crowdsourcing Crowdsourcing involves the gathering of information and ideas from a
large group of people, typically via the internet. Crowdsourcing has been used in
journalism to gather information on breaking news events, to conduct surveys and polls,
and to solicit feedback from readers.
In a study by the Center for International Media Assistance, crowdsourcing was found to be
an effective tool for gathering news and information in countries with limited press freedom.
(4)
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Iii. Ethics in News Gathering
A. Importance of Ethics in News Gathering Ethics in news gathering refers to the
principles and standards that guide journalists in their reporting.
Ethical journalism is essential to maintain public trust in the media and to ensure that news is
reported accurately and fairly.
B. Types of Ethical Issues in News Gathering There are several ethical issues that
journalists must consider when gathering news. Some of the most common ethical
issues include:
1. Confidentiality Journalists often rely on confidential sources to obtain information for
their stories. However, they must balance the public's right to know with the need to
protect their sources' identities.
2. Sensationalism Sensationalism involves the use of exaggerated or shocking headlines
and stories to attract readers or viewers. This practice can be unethical if it
misrepresents the facts or causes harm to individuals or communities.
3. Conflict of Interest Journalists must avoid conflicts of interest, such as accepting gifts
or money from sources or having personal relationships with individuals they are
reporting on.
4. Plagiarism Plagiarism involves the use of someone else's words or ideas without
proper attribution. This practice is unethical and can damage a journalist's reputation.
C. Strategies for Ethical News Gathering To ensure ethical news gathering, journalists
should consider the following strategies:
1. Seek the truth and report it accurately.
2. Minimize harm to individuals or communities.
3. Act independently and avoid conflicts of interest.
4. Be accountable and transparent in their reporting.
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IV. Challenges in News Gathering
A. Technological Challenges
1. Fake News
Refers to false or misleading information presented as news or facts
Challenges in verifying the authenticity of sources and information
Social media platforms have contributed to the spread of fake news
2. Misinformation
Inaccurate or false information that is unintentionally spread
Sources may be unreliable or have a bias
Can spread quickly through social media and other digital platforms
3. Privacy Concerns
Gathering information may require accessing personal data
Ethical considerations surrounding privacy and consent
Legal regulations such as GDPR and CCPA must be adhered to
4. Cyber Security
Threats of hacking and data breaches
Journalists and news organizations must take steps to protect sensitive
information
Cyber attacks may result in the loss of data or compromise of sources
B. Logistical Challenges
1. Resource Constraints
Limited financial resources may limit the ability to gather news
Staffing and equipment may be limited
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May result in a lack of coverage or shallow reporting
2. Time Constraints
News must be reported in a timely manner to be relevant
Journalists must balance the need for speed with accuracy
Breaking news can be challenging to cover due to time constraints
3. Physical Challenges
Covering events in remote or dangerous locations can be difficult
Equipment may be damaged or lost in challenging environments
Weather and other environmental factors can impact the ability to gather news
4. Safety Concerns
Journalists may face physical harm or danger while gathering news
Threats from individuals or groups may be present
May require security measures to be put in place to ensure safety
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References
Allcott, H., & Gentzkow, M. (2017). Social media and fake news in the 2016 election.
Journal of Economic Perspectives, 31(2), 211-236.
Briggs, M. (2010). Journalism Next: A Practical Guide to Digital Reporting and Publishing.
CQ Press.
Center for International Media Assistance, "Crowdsourcing in Journalism," October 2012.
Domingo, D., Quandt, T., Heinonen, A., Paulussen, S., Singer, J. B., & Vujnovic, M. (Eds.).
(2018). The digital transformation of news media and the rise of disinformation and
fake news. Digital Journalism, 6(7), 769-785.
Harrower, T. (2017). Inside Reporting. McGraw-Hill Education.
Krueger, G. P. (2019). Journalism, cyber security, and source protection in the digital age.
Journalism, 20(1), 149-164.
Mark L. Berenson, "Ethics in Journalism: The Pursuit of Truth," Journal of Mass Media
Ethics, 2007.
Nissenbaum, H. (2010). Privacy in context: Technology, policy, and the integrity of social
life. Stanford University Press.
Pew Research Center, "News Use Across Social Media Platforms," September 2020.
Pew Research Center, "The Evolving Role of News on Twitter and Facebook," July 2015.
Reuters Institute for the Study of Journalism, "Journalism, Media, and Technology Trends
and Predictions 2019," 2018.
Schaffer, J., & Miller, B. C. (2013). The Newspaper Designer's Handbook. McGraw-Hill
Education.
Society of Professional Journalists, "SPJ Code of Ethics," accessed March 2023.
6(2), 137-153.
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Tom Rosenstiel and Amy Mitchell, "The State of the News Media 2013," Pew Research
Center, 2013.
Wardle, C., & Derakhshan, H. (2017). Information disorder: Toward an interdisciplinary
framework for research and policymaking. Council of Europe.
William Babcock, "Professional Ethics in Journalism: News Gathering, Freedom and
Responsibility," Journal of Mass Media Ethics, 1993.
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