LESSON

11STUDENT LESSON SUMMARY COPY MASTER

Comparing News Formats

TV news stories, newspaper articles, and online reports have advantages anddisadvantages. Recognizing these will help you analyze the news and make informeddecisions about current events and issues.

HERE’S HOW

Strategy 1: Understand the advantages and disadvantages for each newsformat. Each medium delivers news in a different way. Each form has advantagesand disadvantages. Ask yourself: How is the news being delivered? Are all of thebasic questions answered? If not, why not?

Advantages Disadvantages

Print • more details are included

• basic facts and informationare easy to find

• article can be saved

• special sections are included

• readers can choose whicharticles to read

• does not include up-to-theminute information

• not as personal or emotional

• no live footage, sound bites,or music

• stories can be cut for space

TV • up-to-the minute coverage

• viewers see and hear whathappens

• video and audio offer drama

• regular updates

• coverage is not alwaysthorough

• sound bites may be out ofcontext

• video footage cansensationalize topic

• viewers have little or nochoice about which stories toview

Online • up-to-the minute coverage

• stories can run any length

• interactive features bring thescene to life

• readers can choose whicharticles to read

• quick posting can includeinaccurate facts

• site may not be reliable

• site may be biased

Strategy 2: Read several sources. One news source cannot fully inform you.Consult multiple sources so you can be more informed.

Standards Lesson Files Book 6: Media and Speaking and Listening 71Grade 8

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LESSON

11PRACTICE WORKSHEET A COPY MASTER

Comparing News Formats

Directions:The newspaper article and the Web site story below cover the sameincident. Answer the questions after you have read both stories.

1. Which report do you think did the best job of covering the rescue? Explain.

2. How was the online report different from the newspaper article? Be specific.

Standards Lesson Files Book 6: Media and Speaking and Listening 73Grade 8

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Name Date

LESSON

11PRACTICE WORKSHEET B COPY MASTER

Comparing News Formats

Directions: Choose a current event that has received considerable news coverage,such as a local election or an environmental issue. Track the story by finding anonline report and a print report, as well as by watching a TV newscast report.Complete the chart comparing how each format covered the story.

Story: Online Print Newscast

1. What was theheadline?

2. Were any questionsnot answered?Which ones?

3. How much time orspace did the reporttake up?

4. What videofootage, images, orinteractive featureswere used?

5. How timely was thereport?

6. Overall comparison:Which reportcovered the storybest?

74 Book 6: Media and Speaking and Listening Standards Lesson FilesGrade 8

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