MAC225 NEWS WRITING AND REPORTING

MODULE 5 SPECIALISED REPORTING

Unit 1 Introduction to Specialised Reporting

Unit 2 Reporting from the Beats
Unit 3 Online Reporting
Unit 4 Follows

UNIT 1 INTRODUCTION TO SPECIALISED

REPORTING

CONTENTS

1.0 Introduction
2.0 Objectives
3.0 Main Content
3.1 What is Specialised Reporting?
3.2 Who is a Specialised Reporter?
3.2.1 Academic Qualification
3.2.2 Professional Qualification and Experience
3.2.3 Personal Qualities
3.3 How to Identify Specialised Reports
4.0 Conclusion
5.0 Summary
6.0 Tutor-Marked Assignment
7.0 References/Further Reading

1.0 INTRODUCTION

Specialised reporting has become a necessary part of the press because

of the need to address the inadequacies presented by straightforward
news reports. The society is getting more and more complex with time
so are the people. Mere news stories are no longer adequate to address
the yearnings of the complex human societies for complex angles to
stories. This is what this unit is all about.

2.0 OBJECTIVES

At the end this unit, you should be able to:

• define specialised reporting and identify the attributes of a typical

specialised report
• distinguish between a specialist reporter and a generalist
• identify and explain the special qualities of specialised reporter.

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3.0 MAIN CONTENT

3.1 What is Specialised Reporting?

Specialised reporting, according to Obe (2005:45), simply means

reporting from special areas or fields. It is a clear departure from the
general type of reporting that is not focused on particular fields or areas.
It is therefore referred to as reporting specialties.

Specialisation is not unique to journalism alone. Other professions like

law and medicine also have their areas of specialisation. For law, some
lawyers specialise in maritime law, company and allied matters, criminal
law, civil law, jurisprudence, etc. For medicine, specialization is even
more pronounced. In some advanced western nations, you must
specialize before you are allowed to practice.

This underscores the need for specialisation in the media industry. A cub
reporter that just left journalism school may not be able to give the
required treatment to energy or budgetary issues as a financial
correspondent with adequate training in financial issues or energy
correspondent will do. Therefore, the cause of specialisation in the
media industry should continue to receive adequate attention in order to
properly institute it in the profession and subsequently prepare reporters
well to fulfill its demands.

Specialised reports could therefore be regarded as in-depth, thorough,

elaborate, comprehensive, discriminate and very lucid report of a
specific area or field of journalistic coverage. In other words, specialised
reporting is knowledge demanding and brain tasking intellectual piece
focusing on specific issues in specific areas of media coverage.

3.2 Who is a Specialised Reporter?

A specialised reporter is a special kind of correspondent who covers a

particular beat for his or her media organisation. A special reporter
could also be referred to as a seasoned, professional reporter who covers
a particular beat for his organisation. A specialist is a beat reporter and
is very knowledgeable in his/her area of coverage. He/she is contrasted
with the generalist or roving reporter. A correspondent is usually in
charge of his/her organisation’s news bureau or office in major cities or
towns where his organisation operates. He or she could also be in charge
of subject areas or matters for his/her organisation. This will be further
explained in beat reporting.

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3.2.1 Academic Qualification

A good university degree or diploma in the area of coverage is a good

starting point for specialist reporters. This means a specialist reporter in
financial matters, e.g. a Financial Correspondent, should have at least a
degree or diploma in finance, banking, accounting, business or
management. This gives him or her the requisite knowledge base to hold
his/her own in that area. Such academic background also enables the
specialist to acquire the necessary technical competence to cover such a
special beat.

3.2.2 Professional Qualification and Experience

a. The specialist reporter must be an accredited journalist registered

with the professional association or, as the case may be, in the
country of practice.
b. He/she must have worked as a journalist at whatever capacity for
some time.
c. He/she should have adequate exposure or professional training in
the area of specialisation.
d. He/she must have long-term experience as a generalist and
assisting correspondent in the particular field of coverage.

3.2.3 Personal Qualities

1. First and foremost, s/he must be a good and seasoned reporter.

2. S/He must be a good analyst.
3. He/she must be passionately and resolutely committed to the area
of coverage.
4. He must have a wealth of experience and knowledge in the field
or area of coverage.
5. He must be skilful in packaging interesting and intellectually
stimulating write-ups.
6. He must be research-driven so as to give his stories enough depth
and factual support.
7. S/He must always be prepared.
8. S/He is always at alert.
9. S/He is very persistent.
10. S/He is always there whenever the news breaks.
11. S/He easily mixes up.
12. S/He easily cultivates sources and maintains them.
13. S/He dresses fine, very courteous and amiable.
14. S/He must be knowledgeable about the area of coverage and have
the technical, professional and educational competencies to cover
the area.
15. S/He has a nose for news.

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16. S/He must be an expert/specialist in his beat.

17. S/He must be information and communication technology (ICTs)
compliant.
18. S/He must be a career-oriented personality and journalist.
19. S/He must be courageous and fearless.

SELF-ASSESSMENT EXERCISE

Discuss the academic qualification of a specialised/specialist reporter.

3.3 How to Identify Specialised Reports

a. Specialised report is in-depth, thorough and detailed. It is

complete in content and delivery.
b. Specialised reports also involve the use of technical and advanced
language with explanation where necessary.
c. Specialised reports are usually serious in tone and well packaged.
d. Specialised reports should provide background and precedence.
This is the primary reason the specialist must be research savvy.
e. Specialised reports should reflect sound professionalism and
experience of the writer in the choice of words, sentences, and so
on.
f. Sometimes, there are some levels of professional subjectivity in
the stories reported.
g. Specialised reports are sometimes very critical and scientific.

4.0 CONCLUSION

Specialised reports are in-depth reports, which inform and educate its
readers than entertaining them or anything else. Such reports must be
written with this understanding in mind. For reporters to deliver on the
demands of this type of reporting, they must have requisite education
and professional training, which must be supported by long and relevant
experience as a generalist/reporter.

5.0 SUMMARY

This unit has introduced you to specialised reporting, its attributes and
the qualities expected of a specialist reporter.

6.0 TUTOR-MARKED ASSIGNMENT

1. Discuss briefly 10 items you expect to find in a specialized report

that is well written.
2. Which five qualities are most needed for a specialist reporter?

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7.0 REFERENCES/FURTHER READING

Agbese, D. (2008). The Reporters’ Companion. Lagos, Nigeria:

Newswatch Books Limited.

Bonder, F. F.; Davenport, J. R., & Drager, M. W. (2005). Reporting for

the Mass Media (8th ed.). New York: Oxford University Press.

Folarin, et al.(eds.) (2006). Themes in Communication Writing. Lagos,

Nigeria: SMC.

Harper, C. and the Indiana Group (1998). Journalism 2001. Madison:

Coursewise Publishing.

Hule, B.D. & Anderson, D.A. (2003). News Writing and Reporting for
Today’s Media. Boston: McGraw-Hill Higher Education.

Mencher, M. (2010). Mencher’s News Writing and Reporting (11th

ed.). Boston: McGraw-Hill Higher Education

Mencher, M. (2003). News Reporting and Writing (9th ed.). San

Francisco: McGraw-Hill.

Moemeka, A. (2000). Reporter’s Handbook: An Introduction to

Effective Journalism. Kearney, USA: Morris Publishing.

Obe, Joseph J. (2005). Reporting Diverse Areas: A Concise Text. Akure,

Nigeria: SMC.

Stovall, J. G. (2006). Writing for the Mass Media. New York: Pearson
Education.
.

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UNIT 2 REPORTING FROM THE BEATS

CONTENTS

1.0 Introduction
2.0 Objectives
3.0 Main Content
3.1 What is a Beat?
3.2 What is Beat Reporting?
3.3 Who is a Beat Reporter?
3.4 Types of Beats
3.5 Principles of Reporters on a Beat
4.0 Conclusion
5.0 Summary
6.0 Tutor-Marked Assignment
7.0 References/Further Reading

1.0 INTRODUCTION

Beat is a journalistic term used to refer to segmented area or particular

field a reporter is assigned to monitor and report from there on a regular
basis. The act of monitoring and covering assigned beats for the purpose
of publication is referred to as beat reporting. This is another angle to
the discussion on specialised reporting. This unit will concentrate on
beat reporting, types and the kind of reporters assigned to cover
particular beats.

2.0 OBJECTIVES

At the end this unit, you should be able to:

• define what beat reporting is all about

• identify and discuss the types of beats available
• identify the requisite qualities expected of a beat reporter
• identify the principles or rules guiding reporters on the beat.

3.0 MAIN CONTENT

3.1 What is a Beat?

A beat is a reporter’s assigned area of responsibility. A beat may be an

institution, such as the National Assembly; a geographical area, such as
a small town or an entire city/town, or a subject area, such as science
and technology, business etc.

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3.2 What is Beat Reporting?

Beat reporting is the act of covering and reporting from a particular field
or subject of coverage for your media organisation. Beat reporting is
therefore specialised news gathering. It could also be regarded as a form
of correspondence. Here, the beat is the place of coverage while the
correspondent in that place is the beat reporter.

3.3 Who is a Beat Reporter?

A beat reporter is a person with well-trained and adequate knowledge in

a particular area of news coverage where he represents his news
organisation. A beat reporter may be a young reporter assigned to cover
such local beats like the police, the courts, local government or the
schools. A beat reporter could also be a well-trained and very
experienced reporter of many years standing who covers very important
institutions like Aso Rock for his media organisation. In this instance,
one has to be a successful reporter before one is assigned to cover such
important beats.

3.4 Types of Beats

There are two types of beats. The first is the topical beat. Topical beats
thrive because the media audience constantly needs updates from such
topical subject. Some topical beats are education, politics, business,
economy, science and technology, health, and so on. The second type of
beat is the geographical beat. Geographical beat require the reporter to
report from specific location on all topical issues and subject matter.

3.5 Principles of Reporters on a Beat

If you must succeed as reporter on the beat, you must:

1. Be prepared: Have a basic education in journalism, understand

the society, understand the government, know history, economics
and psychology and be well exposed in your area of coverage.
2. Be alert: The germ (the beginning) of a good story is hidden in
many a routine one. So, always stay focused and take tips
seriously.
3. Be persistent: Persistence entails two things to a reporter on a
beat. First, it means that when you ask a question; you cannot
give up until you get an answer. Second, it means that you must
keep track of slow-developing projects or problems.
4. Be there: In beat reporting, there is no substitute for personal
contact. The only way to cover a beat is to be there every day, if

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possible. You must make yourself seem to be part of the

community you are covering.
5. Be wary: You must always try to keep your readers informed
about the latest events or developments. You must also be
cautious in your dealings that come across you.
6. Set daily goals: Make sure you have a good idea of what you
want to accomplish on a daily basis.
7. Build sources: There is no substitute for regular contacts that
will alert the reporter the first time they hear or see anything
news worthy in the beat.
8. Do favours: Where appropriate, go out of your way to do favours
for your sources. It sure will help in times of your own need.
9. Ask the sweeping questions: If you like, ask the dumb questions
but make sure you are asking the questions that will get
something out of your sources or subjects.
10. Listen carefully and watch carefully: Some reporters look but
they do not see. When you look, try to observe and see what is
happening around. Check out the moods, the reactions, body
language when the question was asked. Look and see.
11. Look at the Records: In covering your beat, you are expected to
constantly keep in touch with original documents. Go for the
original source material.
12. Make Phone Calls: Make constant phone checks and calls even
if not very necessary. You should also know that phone calls
cannot replace direct contact. They are only a supplement.
13. Start out Early and Fast: You need to constantly leave your
office early to your beat. You must a clear understanding that
stories do not usually pump up in the newsroom. So, what are
you still doing there by 9.00 in the morning?
14. Know the Beat: You must make a concerted effort to know your
beat like you know your true friend. There is no substitute for
this. Just make sure you understand the process in and around
your beat.
15. Show Some Courtesy and be Friendly: As a beat reporter, you
should be able to relate with people in your beat and treat
individuals you beat there some respect. You may never know
who the next source might be. A beat reporter should also try to
make friends in his/her area of coverage. You sure need them
than enemies.
16. Be an Observer: A beat reporter should maintain a critical
distance between him and the subjects he is covering. He must be
a non-participant observer and not a participant. The moment a
reporter associates very closely with the subjects of his beat, he
begins writing for his sources rather than the audience. This is
very dangerous.

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17. Be Protective of Confidential Sources: You must respect the

off-record rule. You must also maintain the confidence of your
sources even at gunpoint. Any beat reporter who easily divulges
the sources of information or gives a hint about it because of
threats, is already dead professionally.
18. Maintain the Triple News Virtues: The triple news virtues are
they fundamental pillars upon which every news story must rest.
They are: truth, objectivity and accuracy. For no reason should
any of these be violated.
19. Finally, I tell my students that there are no dry beats but dry
people covering a beat. You must be lively, amiable, a goal
getter, a keen observer and very courageous and passionate about
that beat. Without this, your beat may turn out dry because you
made it so. Do not be dry in your approach to your beat
assignment.

SELF-ASSESSMENT EXERCISE

1. Discuss the assumed qualities of a beat reporter.

2. How will a beat reporter effectively cover his or her beat to get
maximum returns?

4.0 CONCLUSION

Beats come and go but good reporting remains. A beat reporter must
remain a fine reporter of the highest standards. There are beats that will
come up to address specific trends at that time and some become more
sophisticated with time and developments in technology etc. The
reporter is expected to keep abreast of these developments and ensure he
is not left out when the trains moves.

5.0 SUMMARY

In this unit, we have discussed beat reporting as part of specialised

reporting and evaluated the principles of reporters on the beat.

6.0 TUTOR-MARKED ASSIGNMENT

1. Discuss beat reporting as specialised reporting.

2. Does the beat reporter necessarily have to be a specialist? Justify
your position with robust argument.

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7.0 REFERENCES/FURTHER READING

Bonder, F. F.; Davenport, J. R. & Drager, M. W. (2005). Reporting for

the Mass Media (8th ed.). New York: Oxford University Press.

Folarin, et al (eds.) (2006). Themes in Communication Writing. Lagos,

Nigeria: SMC

Hule, Bruce D. & Anderson, D.A. (2003). News Writing and Reporting
for Today’s Media. Boston: McGraw-Hill Higher Education.

Mencher, M. (2010). Mencher’s News Writing and Reporting (11th ed.).

Boston: McGraw-Hill Higher Education.

Obe, Joseph (2005). Reporting Diverse Areas: A Concise Text. Akure,

Nigeria: SMC.

Stovall, J. G. (2006). Writing for the Mass Media. New York: Pearson
Education.

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UNIT 3 ONLINE REPORTING

CONTENTS

1.0 Introduction
2.0 Objectives
3.0 Main Content
3.1 Qualities of Online Reporters
3.2 Online Websites Related to News Reporting and
Journalism
3.3 Tools for Today’s New Media Journalist
4.0 Conclusion
5.0 Summary
6.0 Tutor-Marked Assignment
7.0 References/Further Reading

1.0 INTRODUCTION

This unit is about online reporting which is different from Computer-

Assisted Reporting (CAR). Please note that CAR is not synonymous to
online reporting. However, online reporting is a component of CAR if
given the complete treatment. For the benefit of doubt, CAR is all about
using web resources and database journalism to augment everyday
reportorial assignments, while online reporting is like writing for the
internet newspaper. It is like blogging. Notwithstanding this distinction,
one could see many similarities between CAR and online reporting.

Back to the theme of this unit, online reporting is a revolutionary

departure from known conventional ways of journalism. It is uses
advanced technological tools like the Internet to gather information and
disseminate same through such tools. It is a one-stop reporting. All you
need have is a laptop with wireless internet connectivity and some
advanced search program software and then you have an online
newspaper right on your lap.

The potential of online reporting is unimaginable. Its reach is so wide

and its audience unquantifiable. It is newspaper without borders. Its
primary challenge is credibility. There is little government check on
entry requirements and monitoring capacity. In fact, anybody with very
little resources for the basic needs could start online journalism at will.
This is the major danger in its rise. However, the above does not
diminish its potentials and advantages especially on how it has
revolutionised journalism in the 21st century.

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2.0 OBJECTIVES

At the end of this unit, you should be able to:

• define online reporting/journalism and distinguish this from CAR

• identify and explain the qualities expected of an online reporter
• identify and explain the current tools for today’s new media
journalist
• identify websites related online journalism.

3.0 MAIN CONTENT

3.1 Qualities of Online Reporters

Online reporters must possess the qualities of a reporter, which have

been treated in detail earlier. These qualities are basic. The other ones
following these are additional because of the demands of online
reporting.

Ordinarily, online reporters must be versed in the use of computer and

internet resources. The online reporter should understand most computer
software packages required for internet operations. He or she should also
be able to integrate hypertext links to related topics, sound and video
clips that are relevant to spice up a story.

The online reporter must also be familiar if not at home with the tools
for today’s new media journalist. In the normal sense, the online reporter
is a new media journalist, so, he or she should be able to work with
some or all of these tools.

The online reporter should a research-savvy person. His/her primary

assignment may entail searching and researching online resources for
information. Therefore, he/she must be familiar with research methods
and research sites for his reportorial duties.

The online reporter is not just a nimble wordsmith, in today’s

information society; he/she has to be a database manager, a data
processor and a data analyst.

3.2 Online Websites Related to News Reporting and

Journalism

Many online resources and websites are available for journalists for
news reporting and e-journalism. The list is exhaustible, thus, some of
them are listed below.

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1. PowerReporting.com
2. Reporter’s Desktop (www.reporter.org/desktop/)
3. The Foundation for American Communications’ FACSNET
(www.facsnet.org)
4. National Institute for Computer-Assisted Reporting
(www.nicar.org)
5. Cyber Times Navigator (www.nytimes.com/navigator)
6. ProfNet (www.profnet.com)
7. The National Press Club maintains
(http://npc.press.org/newssources/searchdirectory.cfm)
8. Special Libraries Association, which represents news librarians
maintains (www.ibiblio.org/slanews/internet/experts.html)
9. Investigative Reporters and Editors Inc (www.ire.org)
10. CNN.com
11. ZDNet.com
12. Weather.com
13. MSNBC
14. CNET.com
15. WWW.Zatso.com
16. WWW.Mediachannel.org
17. WWW.newslink.org
18. WWW.trib.com
19. WWW.freedomforum.org
20. http://www.saharareporters.com/

3.3 Tools for Today’s New Media Journalist

The expansion of multimedia ownership has brought about multimedia

journalist also known as new media journalist. Some of the tools
necessary to function at this level include (adapted from Mencher,
2010):

1. A digital camera that can take high resolution still photos and
video.
2. A laptop with wireless Internet access.
3. A handheld computer such as palm personal digital assistant.
4. A digital audio recorder for recording interviews.
5. A mobile Global Positioning Satellite (GPS) receiver for location
finding.
6. A digital cell or smart phone.
7. A high capacity flash-drive for storage purposes.
8. A variety of software packages installed in the laptop.
9. Instant Messenger and Voice over IP (VoIP) software for real-
time, no cost communications over the internet.
10. A handheld scanner for digitizing documents on the spot.

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11. A satellite telephone for making calls when cell phone service is
unavailable.

SELF-ASSESSMENT EXERCISE

1. Discuss the use of 10 new media tools mentioned in this unit.

2. Discuss the qualities of an online reporter.

4.0 CONCLUSION

As the digital revolution continues, the relevance of online journalism

continues to widen. The online reporter is therefore expected to assume
the role of a new media journalist and so equip himself or herself for
enormous challenges associated with Computer-Assisted Reporting and
online journalism.

5.0 SUMMARY

In this unit, you learnt about the meaning of online reporting, Computer-
Assisted Reporting and the distinction plus similarities between them.
You also learnt the qualities of an online reporter as well as the tools a
new media journalist should have to be able to deliver in the 21st
century.

6.0 TUTOR-MARKED ASSIGNMENT

1. Distinguish between online reporting and Computer-Assisted

Reporting.
2. Discuss the application of online reporting /journalism in Nigeria.

7.0 REFERENCES/FURTHER READING

Bonder, F. F.; Davenport, J. R. & Drager, M. W. (2005). Reporting for

the Mass Media (8th ed.). New York: Oxford University Press.

Folarin, et al. (eds.) (2006). Themes in Communication Writing. Lagos,

Nigeria: SMC.

Mencher, M. (2010). Mencher’s News Writing and Reporting (11th ed).

Boston: McGraw-Hill Higher Education

Obe, J. (2005). Reporting Diverse Areas: A Concise Text. Akure,

Nigeria: SMC.

Stovall, J. G. (2006). Writing for the Mass Media. New York: Pearson
Education.

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UNIT 4 FOLLOWS

CONTENTS

1.0 Introduction
2.0 Objective
3.0 Main Content
3.1 The Second-Cycle Story
3.2 The Developing Story
3.3 The Update
4.0 Conclusion
5.0 Summary
6.0 Tutor-Marked Assignment
7.0 References/Further Reading

1.0 INTRODUCTION

What follows a story may be as important and interesting as the original

story. After people ask what happened, they usually ask, what happened
next? And because newspapers are always in a hurry to meet up with
deadlines, follow-up stories or simply “follow” are now common
features of the media industry.

A follow or follow-up story tells the readers what happened next after
the initial break out of the news. A follow could also aim to catch up on
a running story or complete a story started by another newspaper. A
follow also keep readers posted about breaking news. A follow also
deals with events and issues that happened months ago and reports latest
developments about such issues and events.

2.0 OBJECTIVE

At the end of this unit, you should be able to:

• identify follow-up stories and attempt to write such stories.

3.0 MAIN CONTENT

3.1 The Second-Cycle Story

The second-cycle story is a second version of a story already published.

It is also called a second-day story. A second-cycle story usually
provides a fresh start to an already published story. To give a fresh start
to second-cycle stories, reporters could do the following.

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a. Supply information not available when the first story was written.
News stories should be constantly updated when new facts come
in.
b. Use enterprise to uncover information not contained in the
original and then you can use reportorial creativity to make a
second story out of the new facts.
c. Supply fresh details, colour and background, even when nothing
of substance is new. This will keep your report very lively and
interesting.
d. Respond to news of the first story with analysis, possible
developments or the reactions of people whom the news would
affect. This will entail some digging deep for more relevant facts.
e. Gather local reactions to a national or international story and then
represent a second version of that story using the local or national
angle as the new twist.

3.2 The Developing Story

The developing story contains the latest developments about an

unfolding or continuing event or issue. The developing story begins with
the new information or the latest information in the lead. In the second
and third paragraphs, you write a tie-back to the previous story.
Developing stories are usually organised and written thus:

a. New/Latest Lead: This is a normal lead but contains the latest

information you gathered.
b. Tie-back: This helps to connect the reader back to the original
story. Do not forget that the lead is based on the fresh facts so tie
back is a technique to connect the latest lead with the original
story.
c. Transition: Developing stories are continuing stories. Transitions
help to connect parts to the whole.
d. Return to the Story: After the new lead and tie back, you can
return to the story and continue. This gives a complete picture of
the entire story as it unfolds.

3.3 The Update

The update is the third type of follow-up story. The follow-up story
tends to update your knowledge on a particular story earlier published.
After a story about a person or a situation has been published, a later
look may result in another story of a major significance. This story is
called the update.

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SELF-ASSESSMENT EXERCISE

Discuss the three variants of follow-up stories.

4.0 CONCLUSION

The newspaper business is like a hit-and-run business because of the

craze by journalists to meet lifelines. This singular factor makes it nearly
impracticable for a breaking story to have all the details in before press
time. Follows now offers opportunity to reporters to rush to meet
deadlines and then come back to the story again in the form of follows.
By so doing, the readers hardly miss out on any latest information on
running stories.

5.0 SUMMARY

This unit discussed follows and the three variants of it. The content of
each variant also received attention. It is our expectation that you can
now write follow-up stories after the initial publication of the original
story.

6.0 TUTOR-MARKED ASSIGNMENT

Pick any Nigerian daily national newspaper and attempt to write a

follow-up story on two of the lead stories.

7.0 REFERENCES/FURTHER READING

Bonder, F. F.; Davenport, J. R., & Drager, M. W. (2005). Reporting for

the Mass Media (8th ed.). New York: Oxford University Press.

Mencher, M. (2010). Mencher’s News Writing and Reporting (11th

ed.). Boston: McGraw-Hill Higher Education.

Stovall, J. G. (2006). Writing for the Mass Media. New York: Pearson
Education.

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MODULE 6 ADVANCED REPORTING

Unit 1 Science and Technology Reporting

Unit 2 Reporting Sports
Unit 3 Political Reporting
Unit 4 Economy and Business Reporting
Unit 5 Reporting Crime and the Courts

UNIT 1 SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY REPORTING

CONTENTS

1.0 Introduction
2.0 Objectives
3.0 Main Content
3.1 Qualification and Training
3.2 Issues for Science and Technology Coverage
3.3 Writing Rules for Science and Technology Reporting
3.4 Qualities of a Good Science and Technology Report
4.0 Conclusion
5.0 Summary
6.0 Tutor-Marked Assignment
7.0 References/Further Reading

1.0 INTRODUCTION

The need for people to know the social aspect of sciences informs
science and technology reporting. Science reporting does not bore the
reader with scientific jargons but interprets science-based stories so that
the non-science reader could find meaning in such reports as well as
how such scientific analysis affects them as members of the society.

Science and technology should therefore help laypersons to decode,

analyse, interpret as well as make meaning to scientific issues and
reports. Communicating the social aspects of sciences is a fundamental
objective of science and technology reporting. Science and technology
reporting also falls under advanced and specialised reporting, which
have been partly dealt with earlier in the preceding units. This unit aims
to introduce science and technology reporting as an aspect of advanced
and specialised reporting.

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2.0 OBJECTIVES

At the end this unit, you should be able to:

• explain the meaning and justification for science and technology

reporting
• explain qualification and kind of training expected of a science
and technology reporter
• discuss qualities of a typical science and technology report
• discuss avenue for science and technology reporting
• discuss guiding principles of science and technology reporting.

3.0 MAIN CONTENT

3.1 Qualification and Training

Science and technology reporting is a technical area. As such, not every

reporter cannot function well in this beat. Therefore, some basic
academic and professional training is required for the science and
technology reporter. These include the following points.

1. All the qualities of a reporter already discussed in the preceding

units of this course remain relevant here.
2. The science and technology reporter must have an academic
qualification in any of the basic sciences. This background gives
him a footing and a platform for detailed analysis. Please note
that a degree or any relevant qualification in the sciences is not a
prerequisite for success as a science and technology reporter.
3. Then the reporter must also have some specialised training in
covering such a unique beat.
4. All other qualifications expected of a beat or specialist reporter as
earlier outlined in this course.

3.2 Issues for Science and Technology Coverage

There are many begging issues that science and technology reporter
could focus on so that his beat will be a constant source of news for his
newspaper. Some of these issues as compiled by Obe (2005) include the
following.

a. News on latest scientific development and discoveries

b. News on scientific predictions
c. News on scientific adventures
d. News on the unusual
e. News on issues and processes for improving health care delivery
f. News on technological developments and innovation

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g. News on scientific warning, nature of the universe and heroism

h. News on scientific researches, findings and breakthroughs
i. News on universities, technology institutes etc that focus on
science and technology issues

3.3 Writing Rules for Science and Technology Reporting

1. Do not use too much technical language especially for impressing

instead of informing. This should be avoided at all cost. You are
the expert.
2. Interpret the reports to the understanding of your audience. They
are reading your article or story to make meaning not to be
dazzled or confused with jargons.
3. Make your reports very brief, accurate, interesting and straight to
the point. Unnecessary details that do not add anything new or
fresh to the story should be removed. Avoid needless verbosity.
4. Be creative as a reporter. Bring colour and human interest angles
to your story.

3.4 Qualities of a Good Science and Technology Report

The qualities of a good science and technology report include the

following.

a. Mechanical Accuracy: There must be grammatical accuracy and

the entire report must be error-free. A good science and
technology is also free of linguistic errors.
b. Technical Accuracy: This has to do with the reporters’ capacity
to write credibly in the area of science and technology. Is the
report an expert opinion in the area? Is the analysis credible?
What are the competencies of the writers? These questions are to
be answered in the affirmative for you to know that you have a
good science and technology report.
c. Internal Consistency: There must be uniformity of purpose and
content especially the way and technical details are presented.
d. Interest: Interest is the primary reason the readers want to read
the story. Therefore, there is no substitute in making the report
interesting.
e. Fact and Objectivity: Apart from making the report interesting,
it must also be factual, accurate and objective in order to retain
the interest of the readers.
f. Persuasiveness: Yes, the primary purpose of science and
technology reports is to provide information. However, it should
also have the capacity to persuade the readers to action.
g. Conciseness: The science and technology story must be brief and
straight to the point. Needless details should be avoided.

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h. Clarity: The science and technology story is not the right avenue
to mesmerise the readers with scientific jargons and needless
technicalities that could easily be explained off in the analysis.
Clarity and brevity are two core qualities that a good science and
technology story should have.

SELF-ASSESSMENT EXERCISE

Name 10 areas from which a science writer could focus his or her
writing on.

4.0 CONCLUSION

Science and technology reporting is a specialised kind of reporting. It

can also fall under advanced reporting. It is also one of common beats
you find in the industry. Every media organisation should endeavour to
have specialist and well trained reporters’ cover this beat for their
organisations. This is the only way to improve on this specialised area of
journalism.

5.0 SUMMARY

This unit has exposed you to the details of one of the core areas of
specialized reporting - science and technology reporting. It is believed
you are now familiar with this area of reporting and what it takes to
write a good science and technology story.

6.0 TUTOR-MARKED ASSIGNMENT

A degree in any of the basic sciences is not a prerequisite for being a

good science writer. Do you agree? Justify your position with solid/valid
arguments.

7.0 REFERENCES/FURTHER READING

Mencher, M. (2010). Mencher’s News Writing and Reporting (11th

ed.). Boston: McGraw-Hill Higher Education.

Obe, J. (2005). Reporting Diverse Areas: A Concise Text. Akure,

Nigeria: SMC.

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UNIT 2 REPORTING SPORTS

CONTENTS

1.0 Introduction
2.0 Objectives
3.0 Main Content
3.1 Role of Sport Reporters
3.2 Qualities of a Good Sport Reporter
3.3 Sources of Information for the Sport Reporter
3.4 Checklist for a Sport Reporter
4.0 Conclusion
5.0 Summary
6.0 Tutor-Marked Assignment
7.0 References/Further Reading

1.0 INTRODUCTION

The sport pages of an average newspaper are amongst the heavily read
pages in a place like Nigeria. In Nigeria for instance, husbands argue
with their children over Premiership clubs. The picture is just crazy.
Sport reporting is a core specialised area of coverage in most nations
because of the abundance of fans all over the place in almost all the
sports.

2.0 OBJECTIVES

At the end this unit, you should be able to:

• explain techniques of sport reporting

• discuss role of sport reporters
• list qualities of a good sport reporter
• discuss sources of information for sport coverage and reporting
• explain checklist sport reporter.

3.0 MAIN CONTENT

3.1 Role of Sport Reporters

Sport reporters occupy a unique place in the society because of the

popularity of the various sporting activities which reporters help convey
to the audience and fans alike. Some other roles of sport writers and
reporters as suggested are listed below.

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1. A good sport reporter should be able to bring the players, coaches

and administrators closer to the public and fans in particular.
Check out the popular players, coaches and administrators and
you will find that their popularity is often connected to
favourable media coverage.
2. Sport reporters could also act as watchdog over the players,
administrators and coaches to avoid and help expose
embarrassing behaviour associated with sportsmen and women.
3. One of the primary roles of sport reporters is to beam their
searchlight on negative boardroom politics that could hamper
sport development.
4. Sport reporters must see to the end of a game and make sure
accurate and unbiased account of such games is published timely.
5. It is one of the core roles of sport reporters to analyse game
situations before and after the games to help build excitement and
sense of fulfillment respectively in the fans.

3.2 Qualities of a Good Sport Reporter

1. A good sport reporter must normally possess the qualities of a

reporter, which has been treated in detail earlier. These qualities
are basic. The other ones following these are additional because
of the demands of sport reporting.
2. A good sport reporter must have a passion for the type of sport he
or she is covering.
3. A good sport reporter must have a clear understanding of the
rules of the game and be able to interpret results of game to his
readers.
4. He or she must also be research savvy and a good historian of
sport matters.
5. He or she must have adequate knowledge about the players,
coaches and administrators and be able to discuss them
comfortably.
6. A good sport reporter must be a good analyst and have a good
sense of judgment.
7. A good sport reporter must always respect the triple news virtues
of truth, objectivity and accuracy in his reports.
8. The good sport reporter must know how to use few words to tell
his story.

3.3 Sources of Information for the Sport Reporter

The sport reporter has an array of places he/she could go to verify the
facts of his story before going to press. Sources of information for sport
reporter include the following.

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1. Venue of the game or meeting

2. Local Organizing Committee of the competition or games
3. The Sports Council
4. The Ministry of Sports
5. The controlling federation of the particular sport
6. Players and coaches hideouts
7. Popular sportsmen, women and administrators
8. Sports library
9. Online resources

SELF-ASSESSMENT EXERCISE

Discuss five reliable places a sport writer may go to verify his facts
before publishing.

3.4 Checklist for a Sport Reporter

1. Do I have all the results, the final score, names of teams, type of
sport, championship type?
2. Where and when did the game take place?
3. What was the turning point of the game?
4. Who were the outstanding players?
5. Any effect on record standing?
6. Post-game comments.
7. Any press briefing?
8. Any external factors?
9. What was the crowd size?
10. Any injuries?
11. What is the physical condition of players/athletes?
12. Game Statistics and details
13. Game duration

4.0 CONCLUSION

Sport reporting has remained a major area of interest for many media
audience. This is because it is in sport you can find fanatical fans, men,
and women who follow the games with passion. Reporters in this area of
interest must therefore take their reportorial abilities to the next level.
This is very vital so that fans expectation will match reporters’ delivery.

5.0 SUMMARY

This chapter x-rayed sport reporting as another special area of media

coverage. It is hoped that you can now describe the intricacies involved
in sports reporting as well as the qualities of a good sport reporter.

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6.0 TUTOR-MARKED ASSIGNMENT

Discuss five qualities a good sport story should have.

7.0 REFERENCES/FURTHER READING

Mencher, M. (2010). Mencher’s News Writing and Reporting (11th

ed.). Boston: McGraw-Hill Higher Education.

Obe, Joseph (2005). Reporting Diverse Areas: A Concise Text. Akure,

Nigeria: SMC.

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UNIT 3 POLITICAL REPORTING

CONTENTS

1.0 Introduction
2.0 Objectives
3.0 Main Content
3.1 Function of a Political Reporter
3.2 Qualities of a Good Political Reporter
3.3 Sources of Information for the Political Reporter
3.4 Challenges Associated with Political Reporting
4.0 Conclusion
5.0 Summary
6.0 Tutor-Marked Assignment
7.0 References/Further Reading

1.0 INTRODUCTION

Covering politics requires a broad range of knowledge of political

science or at least the basic knowledge of governmental structures and
the operational system of government at whatever level. A political
reporter must also understand the dynamics of human societies. This is
vital for his coverage of the beat because he will sure be dealing with
complex human beings called politicians.

2.0 OBJECTIVES

At the end of this unit, you should be able to:

• describe political reporting

• identify and discuss the functions of a political reporter
• identify and discuss the qualities of a political reporter
• identify and discuss the problems associated with political and
how to overcome them.

3.0 MAIN CONTENT

3.1 Function of a Political Reporter

1. The Political reporter interprets the electoral processes to the

electorate in manner they will understand the issues better.
2. It is also the duty of the political reporter to monitor, investigate,
analyze and report political happenings and events in a language
and format the electorate will appreciate.
3. the functions of a political reporter include reporting and
interpreting events; defining issues; portraying personalities;
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investigating support; identifying trends; checking and analysing

public opinion.

3.2 Qualities of a Good Political Reporter

1. A good political reporter must normally possess the qualities of a

reporter, which has been treated in detail earlier. These qualities
are basic. The other ones following these are additional because
of the demands of political reporting.
2. A good political reporter must have passion for politics.
3. A good political reporter must have a clear understanding of the
meaning of politics, political intrigues, power games as well as a
first hand familiarity with the electoral processes. He or she must
also have an understanding of party politics and report such
issues adequately.
4. He or she must also be research savvy and a good historian of
political matters and activities.
5. A good political reporter must also have good memory for faces
and names.
6. A good political reporter should also have the capacity to
understand and interpret the governmental processes to his
audience.
7. He should have the ability to memorise and summarise political
speeches at short notice.
8. The good political reporter should also have a clear
understanding of the laws governing the political process in a
country or locality of coverage.

SELF-ASSESSMENT EXERCISE

The political reporter must have a degree in political science to make it

big in the industry. Discuss.

3.3 Sources of Information for the Political Reporter

There are a variety of sources where the political reporter can look up
records, verify facts and do other sundry and related matters connected
to his beat before going to press. These sources include the following.

1. Political parties
2. State House or Government House or Government Secretariat
3. The leadership of political parties
4. Ministries and Government Parastatals
5. Powerful politicians and individuals
6. Strong party men and supporters

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7. The National Assembly and Houses of Assembly of each state

and the official record platforms
8. Credible sources and witness of political events and issues

3.4 Challenges Associated with Political Reporting

1. The editorial policy of the particular media organisation may

conflict with the political reporter’s perception of the issues. This
is evident when the media organisation becomes partisan or semi-
partisan in the political affairs of the nations.
2. In the developing societies, politics is sometimes seen as a do-or-
die affair. This perspective makes politics always violent prone in
the developing. Many journalists have lost their lives covering
politics in the developing nations. This remains a big challenge in
political reporting.
3. Another major challenge associated with political reporting is
that some reporters have gotten into the habit of becoming “very
close” with politicians thereby influencing their judgment of the
issues.
4. Some reporters in this beat sometimes find it difficult remain
neutral in political issues and party politics. They also find it
difficult to remain neutral or hide their political views. Thus, it is
not surprising to have Liberals, Democrats, Republicans and
others amongst the journalists. This affects objectivity and
fairness in the daily coverage of their beat.

4.0 CONCLUSION

Most of the day-to-day activities of a society or nation starts and ends

with politics. Politics is about power and resource allocation; hence, it is
always a big issue. This is the singular reason why any reporter who is
assigned to cover this beat must do it well and with the understanding
that a nation life and future revolves around politics.

5.0 SUMMARY

This unit focused on political reporting as another primary area of

coverage in specialised reporting. The political beat is a unique beat and
therefore requires commitment, responsibility and dedication in
handling such a beat because of the potential to make or mar a nation’s
development. It is expected you are now familiar with politics as an area
of coverage in the media industry.

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6.0 TUTOR-MARKED ASSIGNMENT

1. Distinguish between power and politics and show the role of the
reporter in covering such a beat.
2. How could you as a new breed reporter eradicate or reduce the
challenges faced by political reporters in covering the political
beats?

7.0 REFERENCES/FURTHER READING

Mencher, M. (2010). Mencher’s News Writing and Reporting (11th

ed.). Boston: McGraw-Hill Higher Education.

Obe, Joseph (2005). Reporting Diverse Areas: A Concise Text. Akure,

Nigeria: SMC.

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UNIT 4 ECONOMY AND BUSINESS REPORTING

CONTENTS

1.0 Introduction
2.0 Objectives
3.0 Main Content
3.1 The Role of a Business and Economy Reporter
3.2 Qualities of a Business and Economy Reporter
3.3 Sources of Information
3.4 Tips on How to Cover the Business Beat Better
4.0 Conclusion
5.0 Summary
6.0 Tutor-Marked Assignment
7.0 References/Further Reading

1.0 INTRODUCTION

Business and the economy affect lives generally. People are interested in
how the economy is faring, what are the business trends, what is
happening at the stock market and what is generally happening with
their investments, inflation, banks, jobs, and so on. This means the
business and economy touch everyone’s lives in very unique ways. This
also elevates this beat to a serious plane because of its capacity to
influence people’s reaction to other issues. Therefore, the business and
economy beat is a serious beat that requires expertise handling. How this
special area is covered is our focus of this unit.

2.0 OBJECTIVES

At the end of this unit, you should be able to:

• explain business and economy reporting

• identify and explain the qualities of a good business and economy
reporter
• identify and explain the role of business and economy reporting
in a society like Nigeria
• identify the sources of business and economy reports.
• explain tips on how best to write a business and economy report.

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3.0 MAIN CONTENT

3.1 The Role of a Business and Economy Reporter

Every story in the media performs one function or the other; so are also
the business and economy stories. The following are some of the roles
the business and economy stories are expected to play in a society.

1. Should present economic data to the populace and interpret them

appropriately.
2. Should introduce the human interest angle to its reports whenever
possible.
3. Should discuss new business policies and labour laws and how
the average person is affected.
4. Should do a thorough analysis of business and economic related
issues to the appreciation of the ordinary and educated audiences.
5. Should give the audience the latest updates on business and
economic issues.
6. Should interpret technical terms related to business and the
economy to the audience in a way they will understand the
meaning and implications.

3.2 Qualities of a Business and Economy Reporter

1. A good business and economy reporter must normally possess the

qualities of a reporter, which has been treated in detail earlier.
These qualities are basic. The other ones following these are
additional because of the demands of business and economic
reporting.
2. A good business and economy reporter must have passion for
business and economic related issues and go in-depth in its
coverage.
3. A good business and economy reporter must have a clear
understanding of the meaning of economy and business related
issues. He or she must also have an understanding of the stock
market and give the audience detailed explanation about the
market happenings.
4. The business and economy reporter is a specialist who feels at
home with numbers and is not frightened by lengthy reports and
press releases, many of which contain rates, percentages, business
and consumer indexes and the jargon of the business world.
5. The business and economy reporter must have the skills and
attitudes to recognise the power business exerts and become a
tough questioner.

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6. He or she must also have a healthy skepticism that keeps him or

her from being awed by the muscle and money that business
power generates.
7. Even though the business and economy reporter is a specialist, he
or she must know much more than the world of finance. He or
she must be knowledgeable in related areas and subjects as well.
8. The business and economy reporter should be a corporate raider.
He should approach the money managers and manipulators with
the same objectivity and distance that any reporter takes on an
assignment.
9. He or she should have a good knowledge of the working system
of the economy and the business world. He or she should be
familiar with market forces and the nitty-gritty of the financial
circle.
10. He or she should have a basic tertiary education in related fields
like business administration, economics, accounting, banking and
finance and others.
11. A good business and economy reporter must also be research
savvy, very analytical, detailed and critical in his or her writings.

3.3 Sources of Information

Good contacts and sources can be made among the following.

1. Bank officers and tellers

2. Savings and loans officials
3. Chamber of Commerce Secretariats and secretaries
4. Union leaders
5. Securities dealers
6. Financial experts and analysts
7. Real estate brokers
8. Trade organisation officials
9. Teachers of business and economy related disciplines
10. Government ministries and parastatals concerned with business
and economy related issues
11. Employees and former employees of businesses

3.4 Tips on How to Cover the Business Beat

The following are some suggestions from Henry Dubroff, a veteran

business editor as cited in Mencher (2010) on how to cover the business
beat better.

1. Become a financial news junkie. Pay attention to developments

on your beats even if there is no obvious local or connecting
angle to the story.

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2. Look for hidden hooks in releases and routine earnings

announcements. Hint: Read the last line first.
3. Use your sources for insight, not necessarily quotes.
4. Be comfortable with basic financial terms.
5. Never be afraid to go back to a company or a source two or three
times to get the whole story.
6. The best stories often are the ones that break late on your beat.
7. Learn from reading and rereading major publications like The
Wall Street Journal, Forbes and Barron’s not just for content but
also for how they approach a big research project or how they tell
a story.
8. It is always better to get off the phone and get on the streets to
actually see what a company looks like up close and personal.

SELF-ASSESSMENT EXERCISE

1. Discuss 10 qualities expected of a good business and economy

reporter.
2. How will a reporter cultivate some of the sources presented in
this unit for business and economy reporting?

4.0 CONCLUSION

No doubt, the business and economy beat is a special area that requires
special attention. The reporter covering this beat is therefore expected to
be a real professional in this area and be interested in the issues that
come up in the course of his assignment. The business and economy
reporter is also expected to report on local spot news stories, features
and interpretative stories.

5.0 SUMMARY

You have learnt in this unit that the business and economy beat is a
unique beat. The reporters who work in this special area must therefore
take cognizance of this and keep the audience posted on happenings.
You also learnt in this unit what it takes to cover the business beat more
effectively.

6.0 TUTOR-MARKED ASSIGNMENT

1. Why is a related degree in management sciences vital to a

successful career as a business and economy reporter?
2. Justify the 8-point item on how to cover the business and
economy beat better as compiled by Henry Dubroff.

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7.0 REFERENCES/FURTHER READING

Mencher, M. (2010). Mencher’s News Writing and Reporting (11th

ed.). Boston: McGraw-Hill Higher Education.

Obe, J. (2005). Reporting Diverse Areas: A Concise Text. Akure,

Nigeria: SMC.

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UNIT 5 REPORTING CRIME AND THE COURTS

CONTENTS

1.0 Introduction
2.0 Objectives
3.0 Main Content
3.1 How to Write Crime Stories
3.2 Contents of Police Reports
3.3 Checklist for Writing Crime Stories
3.4 Reporting Courts: The Basics
3.5 How a Reporter can Commit Contempt of Court
3.6 Checklist for Writing Court Stories
3.7 Tips on Court Reporting
4.0 Conclusion
5.0 Summary
6.0 Tutor-Marked Assignment
7.0 References/Further Reading

1.0 INTRODUCTION

Crime reporting is another unique special area of coverage in the media

business. According to Obe (2005), “the public is in dire need of such
news, the editors are very eager to provide it but the lawyers and the
police have resolved to limit it. Most newspapers that focus extensively
on crime stories stand a better chance of leading the tabloid.” The same
is applicable to court stories that also demand special attention. These
two areas will be our focused in this unit.

2.0 OBJECTIVES

At the end of this unit, you should be able to:

• discuss crime and court stories

• explain how to report crime and court stories
• identify the checklist for writing stories in this beat
• identify some basic concepts related to crime and court reporting.

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3.0 MAIN CONTENT

3.1 How to Write Crime Stories

A crime reporter should be cautious when writing crime stories to avoid

having different story from the police reports. This is the primary reason
crime reporters are encouraged to closely work with the police in the
course of their coverage. This again is supported by the fact that crime
reporters make use of three major sources information in writing their
stories thus: police reports, the people involved and eyewitnesses and
account of the event.

Before you write the crime report proper, you should find out what type
of crime was committed and the circumstances surrounding the crime.
This will help determine amongst the three primary sources which to
give prominence. However, you must note that many of the crimes
committed do not have eyewitnesses. You need to then check out those
who probably heard a strange sound or movement or person. This could
be the beginning point in writing your story.

You must also be cautious in identifying the arrested in your story. Use
special care in doing this because most of the time, those arrested
usually give police fake names and these names may turn out to be the
names of movie stars or celebrities. They could sue if their names appear
on your newspaper as arrested for a crime.

Be sure to understand the classification of crimes and let this reflect in

your reports and stories. Crimes are classified as violations,
misdemeanors or felonies. Violations are low-level crimes, punishable
by small fines or short jail terms. Misdemeanors are more serious and
can lead to a jail sentence of less than a year. Felonies are serious crimes
punishable by a sentence of more than a year. A reporter should
understand this distinction and reflect it appropriately.

3.2 Contents of a Police Reports

Brian Brooks et al. cited in Obe (2005) identify the information

contained in police reports thus.

a. A description of what happened

b. The location of the incident
c. The name, age and address of the victim
d. The name, age and address of the suspect, if any
e. The exact offence with which the suspect is charged
f. The extent of injuries, if any
g. The names, age and addresses of the witnesses

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3.3 Checklist for Writing Crime Stories

Checklists are the information a reporter should have before writing his
or her stories.

Checklist for homicide as compiled by Mencher (2010):

1. Victim, identification
2. Time, date, place of death
3. Weapon used
4. Official cause of death or authoritative comment
5. Who discovered the body
6. Clues, any identification of slayer
7. Police comments; motivation for crime
8. Comments from neighbours, friends
9. Any police record for victim; any connection with criminal
activity
10. Consequences to victim’s family, others

Checklist for homicide (arrest) as compiled by Mencher (2010)

1. Name, identification of person arrested

2. Victim’s name; time, date, place of crime
3. Exact charge
4. Circumstances of arrest
5. Motive
6. Results of tip, investigation
7. Officers involved in investigation, arrest
8. Booking
9. Arraignment; bail, if any
10. Suspect’s police record

SELF-ASSESSMENT EXERCISE

1. How would you approach a crime story that involves rape?

2. Justify five items in the checklist for arrest.

3.4 Reporting Courts: The Basics

Covering the courts is a delicate assignment for reporters. The delicate

nature comes from the fact that a journalist could easily commit
contempt of the courts if proper care is not taken in reporting the beat.
To avoid unnecessary contempt cases, a reporter should adequate
knowledge of the basics of court processes.

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For instance, in the Nigerian Judicial System, there are Superior and
Inferior Courts. The appellate courts fall under the Superior Courts
while the Magistrate Courts fall under the Inferior Courts.

There are two kinds of law: criminal and civil. In criminal law, the
Government is the accuser. In civil law, an individual or group usually
initiates the action. The Government can also initiate civil actions. Most
criminal cases are also settled before they go to trial by plea bargaining
in which the accused agrees to plead guilty in return for a lesser
sentence.

3.5 How a Reporter can Commit Contempt Of Court

Most contempt cases against reporters are often about contempt

committed outside the courts. This is referred to as contempt ex facie
curia. According to Obe (2005:163-164), journalists can commit
contempt of court through the following ways.

1. Writing stories to jeopardize a person’s chances of receiving fair

trial in the court.
2. Taking photographs or drawing sketches in the courtroom.
3. Misquotation or misrepresentation of the court proceedings by
reporters.
4. Any act of disrespect against the court.
5. Mentioning the name of an accused who is a minor in news
stories.
6. Offensive and provocative dressing by female journalists in court
premises.
7. Smoking or chewing gum aloud in the court room while cases are
going on.
8. Unnecessary interruption and distraction of the judge and court
proceedings.

3.6 Checklist for Writing Court Stories

Checklist for Civil Actions (compiled by Mencher, 2010):

1. Identification of person or organisation filing action.

2. Background of plaintiff or petitioner.
3. Defendant; respondent’s particulars.
4. Type of damaged alleged.
5. Remedy sought.
6. Date of filing; court of jurisdiction.
7. Special motivation behind action, if any.
8. History of the conflict, disagreement.
9. Could suit lead to landmark decision? Is it a precedent?

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10. Possibility of an out-of-court settlement.

11. Significance of action; effect on others.
12. Lawyers on both side; types of firm they are associated with.
13. Date and presiding judge for trial, hearing.
14. Judge’s reputation with similar cases

Checklist for Criminal Trials (compiled by Mencher, 2010):

1. Formal charge
2. Full identification of defendant
3. Circumstances surrounding criminal act.
4. Summary of preceding developments
5. Likely next stage.

The Trial Process

1. A typical trial process follows this pattern.

2. Opening statement
3. Direct examination
4. Cross-examination
5. Redirect examination
6. Motions
7. Rebuttal
8. Cross-examination by prosecutor
9. Redirect examination by defense
10. Rebuttals
11. Summations
12. Charge to jury
13. Jury deliberation
14. Verdict
15. Sentence

Please note that these 14 stages represent the court trial process in the
American judicial system. It is slightly different from the Nigerian
context.

3.7 Tips on Court Reporting

1. Court reporters should know that the media houses are not law
courts. They should therefore desist from trial by newspapers.
Notwithstanding the fact that a public has a right to know, the
reporters should also know that an accused is entitled to fair
hearing. Newspapers and other media organisations should
therefore desist from pre-trial coverage and trial by newspapers
as the case may be.

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2. Make sure your report is fair and accurate. All sides on the case
must be given fair hearing and the facts of the case reported as
accurately as possible.
3. Focus on the sentence and leave out unnecessary details.
4. Make sure you get the full sentence and then analyze within the
context of your audience.
5. Limit your report to what happened in court only.
6. Publish only documents that had been tendered as “exhibit” in
court.
7. Do not take pictures without the express approval by the judge.
8. Do not comment or write editorials on matters before the courts.
9. Be sure about the particulars of the accused before releasing such
information.

4.0 CONCLUSION

More than 60 percent of those in jail are still awaiting trial because the
courts have become overwhelmed in recent times with numerous cases.
Monitoring all of these is the reporter. The only way a reporter
maintains stability in this swelling tide of awaiting trials is through
knowledge of the judicial system, good sources and the ability to pick
out the significant and interesting cases out from the lot that may not
sell.

5.0 SUMMARY

In this unit, you have been exposed to another special beat: crime and
court reporting. It is expected that you are now familiar with the
intrigues of reporting from such a beat as well as how to write crime and
court stories.

6.0 TUTOR-MARKED ASSIGNMENT

1. Discuss some of the basic information a crime and court reporter

should know about a typical judicial system.
2. Should a crime and court reporter require a degree in Law to
succeed in this special beat? Discuss.

7.0 REFERENCES/FURTHER READING

Mencher, M. (2010). Mencher’s News Writing and Reporting (11th

Edition). Boston: McGraw-Hill Higher Education.

Obe, J. (2005). Reporting Diverse Areas: A Concise Text. Akure,

Nigeria: SMC.

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