JOURNALISM 9

Quarter 3
WEEK 1

Name of Learner: ______________________________ Grade Level: _____________

Section: ______________________________________ Date: ____________________

LEARNING ACTIVITY SHEET

Breaking News and Flash Reports

Background Information for Learners:

Breaking news refers to events that are currently developing, or "breaking." (Rogers, 2019)
A newsflash is an important item of news that television or
radio companies broadcast as soon as they receive it, often interrupting other programmes to do so.
(https://www.collinsdictionary.com/dictionary/english/newsflash, 2021)

Journalists play a very important role in making breaking news, they go from place to place to make the
news. There are some things that they need to take care of, here; get all the knowledge from the points below:

● Confirm the eyewitnesses: If a journalist makes any breaking news, they must confirm the news by the
authorities. It makes it easier for all to get accurate news. Sometimes people get dramatic, and they say
some things that are not true while going with the flow. Sometimes it is not what it looks like, and it is
why you should confirm the authorities’ statements.
● Get new content: Sometimes people rely on the news of other channels, but that is not applicable.
Everyone has their own new perspective, so it can’t be the same as other channels. It is why a journalist
must not copy others and their news at all. That can also get very bad because if the channel shows false
news and you do the same, the channel will have to face the consequences. By making a piece of first-
hand news and reporting, the channel’s reputation will go up, and it will also gain traffic for the source.
● Don’t make any assumptions: Assumptions never make the news. Many might get to you for that, but
that will come out as fake news. When there is breaking news on the screen, people like to get all the
information they can. When people search for the rest of the things, that can get to the audience that the
channel is showing fake news.
● Never rush: Yes, getting breaking news is good for you, but that doesn’t mean anything can be flashed
on the screen. It is why journalists invest a lot of time making a story and getting to the depth of the
concerned topic. This way, the audience gets the accurate news, and the details are also accurate to the
statements. There should be no speculation in the news. Citizens of the place will do that on their own.
But journalists must report what is true.
● Make sure of the sources: Sometimes the sources that get the information are not authentic, and they
give wrong information. It is why there is no need to rely totally on them. If the journalist relies on the
source totally, the story will be incomplete and with no flow. There can be a time when a source will
tell the wrong information to show that they are useful. If that information reaches breaking news, that
can go terribly wrong, and the consequences can be bad too. (Mathawan, 2020)

Learning Competency with Code:

Explain the characteristics of breaking news and flash reports. SPJ9RDP-IIIa-45

Exercise 1: What happened?

Direction: Watch the video WATCH: DZMM TeleRadyo Flash Report | 25 September 2018 from
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p-TrUL8BhUE then answer the following questions. Write the answer in
your notebook/answer sheet.
 Question Answer
1. What was the title of the current radio
program?
2. Why was the program interrupted?
3. What breaking event was reported?
4. What was the name of the radio reporter?

Exercise 2: Breaking News

Directions: Watch the video Hostage Taking at Quirino Grandstand from the link
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ADFjXsRKAMI&t=117s then complete the graphic organizer below to
identify the elements of the news report. You may create a copy of the graphic organizer and answer in your
notebook/answer sheet.

Reflection:
My most significant learning …
___________________________________________________________________________

JOURNALISM 9
Quarter 3
WEEK 2

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 LEARNING ACTIVITY SHEET
Radio Field Reporting

Background Information for Learners:

The following are special requirements every journalist should consider when writing and reporting in
the field for radio news programs.
1. Simplicity. Words and sentences must be clear and simple. If a listener does not understand, he
cannot go back to it again.
2. Brevity. In most cases, radio stories are much shorter than their newspaper counterparts.
Remember, your audience will have to sit through every word of the story before the next segment
begins.
3. Relevance. With your first words, help your listeners understand why your story is relevant or
interesting to them.
4. Clarity. Ideas must be stated immediately so that they can be understood. Again, listeners cannot re-
read the words.
5. Structure. Radio scripts do not need to include all the important facts in the first paragraph. In fact,
radio scripts with the information that is most likely engage the listener’s interest.
6. Storytelling. Good radio journalists tell good stories. They create narrative, with a beginning,
middle and end.

However, the single most important, common attribute for all journalists is
ACCURACY.
OBJECTIVITY is another is another key to successful reporting in all form of media. A reporter needs to learn
how to set aside his or her opinions, beliefs, and presuppositions.
Every major fact in the story requires ATTRIBUTION. The listener needs to know where the important
information is coming from. It is important that you point out to the listener who provided the facts, opinion
used in your story.
FAIRNESS and BALANCE. It means being able to step back, separate yourself from your opinions, and
be sure that you have reported all the aspects of the story fairly.
DEADLINES. Reporters must do the best job they can within a specified time.
FLUENCY. Good journalists are good writers.
RESEARCH. This means the ability to find facts, confirm their accuracy and accurately present all
those facts in an understandable fashion.

Kinds of radio news stories and programs

1. A NEWS FLASH is the very first report of an important news story. For the most important NEWS
FLASHES, an announcer may interrupt a program to announce the information.
A news flash may come from sources like:
•Your own reporters may call in with a story they have seen or heard about. • Members of the public
may contact you.
• A News Service (for example, AFP or Reuters) may report the information. • An official
announcement may be made.
• Another radio or television station may report the information.
• Be very careful with Internet/social media sources like Twitter or Facebook. Never use such
information without confirming through reputable sources (and even then, be careful that your
“reputable sources” have not gotten their information from the internet).
A news flash (like all news stories) should never be broadcast until you have confirmed that all the
information is correct. Accuracy is much, much more important than speed. Always report the source of your
information. This is the “attribution.”

Example: “We interrupt this program for a NEWS FLASH. There has been an airplane crash at the
ABC airport, according to several witnesses on the scene. It’s not yet known if there have been any fatalities.
Airport officials confirm that a plane has crashed, but no other details are available at this time. We will
provide more information as it becomes available.”

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 What kinds of stories should be NEWS FLASHES? What stories can be reported later, without interrupting a
program?

Here are some suggestions:

An automobile accident in which two cars are damaged?
An automobile accident in which a cabinet minister is killed?
A plane crash that kills three people in Seoul, South Korea? A plane crash
that kills three people in Kabul?
2. BREAKING NEWS is a story that is still developing. Not all of the facts are yet known, but enough
information has been carefully confirmed so that you can report partial information. Be sure to inform
your audience that information is still incomplete. Your report may include PHONERS with reporters
or witnesses on the scene.

Here is an example. Do you remember that plane crash we reported earlier in the lesson? Now it is time
for the regular news. The program might begin like this:

“We have a developing story. As we reported earlier, an airplane has crashed at the ABC airport,
according to witnesses. Airport officials say that the plane is burning, but we still don’t know the cause
of the crash or whether there have been injuries or fatalities. We have on the phone Mr. (NAME), the
manager at ABC airport. Can you tell us what happened?”

What other questions would you ask if you were the reporter on the scene?
Whom would you interview?
Were there injuries or fatalities?
What kind of plane. How many people were on board was it taking off or landing?
Where was the plane going or coming from?
What was the weather? Who owns the plane?
Can eyewitnesses provide details about what happened?

3. A READER is the simplest kind of radio news story. It is a story read by an announcer in the studio. It
might be a BREAKING NEWS story or, more often, any other live news report that does not include
pre-recorded sound or interview.

For example:
ANNOUNCER: An airplane crashed earlier today at the ABC airport, killing at least five people.
Reports from the scene say that the plane was trying to land in poor weather, and skidded off the
runway.

4. A WRAP is a story read by an announcer that also includes some pre-recorded sound or interviews.

For example:
ANNOUNCER: As we reported earlier, an airplane has crashed at the ABC airport. We spoke to
the manager Mr. (NAME) of the airport who explained what happened.

ANNOUNCER: Our reporter on the scene tells us that the plane apparently broke apart on landing.
We will have more details as they become available.

5. The term PACKAGE refers to a report that is entirely pre-recorded and selfcontained.

For example, a reporter at the airport might record and combine his own words with SOUNDBITES
from eyewitnesses and the airport manager. The reporter or a technician would combine the
reporter’s narration with the soundbites to create a self-contained report that can be played back at
the radio station.

Some Basic Radio Terminology

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 1. ANCHOR - the reader or present or in the studio.
2. ANCHOR LEAD - the words read by an ANCHOR when introducing a package or live report. 3
3. BREAKING NEWS - a story that is still developing.
4. BULLETINS – brief, scheduled news programs. They are often hourly, run several minutes in
length and may include several individual news stories and the weather.
5. COPY - words which are written to be read on air. (The script.)
6. NARRATION - a script read by the reporter.
7. NAT or NATURAL SOUND (sometimes called WILD or CLEAN SOUND) - background sounds,
including traffic, crowds, machinery, music, etc. Natural sound helps paint a sound "picture" for
your listeners.
8. NEWS FLASH - the very first report of an important news story
9. PACKAGE - a report that is entirely pre-recorded and self-contained.
10. PHONER - a report from the field by telephone. Also, a telephone interview.
11. READER - a story that is entirely read by the ANCHOR (with no PACKAGE or SOUNDBITES).
12. SOUND BITE or SOUNDBITE (sometimes called an ACTUALITY) - a piece of spoken sound
usually taken from an interview.
13. TAG – The words read by an ANCHOR at the very end of a story, usually after a
PACKAGE or SOUNDBITE
14. TRT – Total Running Time. The length of the entire story.
15. VOX POP - these are interviews seeking the opinions of ordinary people.
16. WRAP - the ANCHOR reads COPY before and after a SOUNDBITES.

Learning Competencies:
Explain the qualities and functions of field reporting in radio news programs. SPJ9RDP-IIIf61
Deliver a live report about school and community events. SPJ9SEG-IIIf-62

Activity 1. Match Me Well!

Match the terminologies on the left with the description on the right.

1. TRT A. A brief, scheduled news programs.

2. NAT SND or NATURAL SOUND B. Background sounds, including traffic,
crowds, machinery, music, etc.
3. READER C. Total Running Time. The length of the
entire story

4. NEWS FLASH D. The words an ANCHOR reads at the very end of

the story, usually after a SOUNDBITE.
5. PACKAGES E. A report that is entirely pre-recorded and
selfcontained.
6. BULLETINS F. A piece of sound usually taken from an interview.

7. ANCHOR G. Interviews seeking the opinions of ordinary

people.
8. SOUND BITE or SOUNDBITE H. The very first report of an important news story.

9. TAG I. The reader or presenter in the studio.

10.VOX POP J. a story that is entirely read by the ANCHOR
(with no PACKAGE or SOUNDBITES)

Activity 2. Writing My First Account

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 Write a radio news story about a plane crash at the ABC airport. Note: Use the details in No. 3 – Kinds of Radio
News Stories and Programs. Try to keep the length to about one minute (1:00) read aloud. Remember to use
clear, conversational language.

Activity 3. Inquire, Write, and Report

Conduct a “one-on-one” interview with your parent or your subject teacher of his/her thoughts on the proposal
of a face-to-face instruction once vaccine is available. Send the recorded interview to your subject teacher.

Reflection:
My most significant learning …
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________ ______

JOURNALISM 9
Quarter 3
WEEK 3
LEARNING ACTIVITY SHEET
Radio Advertisement

Background Information for Learners:

Radio is a powerful medium not only in sharing facts from news but also in calling attention for
propaganda especially in advertising.
Advertising is the techniques and practices used to bring products, services, opinions, or causes to
public notice for the purpose of persuading the public to respond in a certain way toward what is advertised.
Most advertising involves promoting a good that is for sale, but similar methods are used to encourage people
to drive safely, to support various charities, or to vote for political candidates, among many other examples. In
many countries advertising is the most important source of income for the media (e.g., newspapers, magazines,
or television stations) through which it is conducted. In the non-communist world advertising has become a
large and important service industry.
In the ancient and medieval world such advertising as existed was conducted by word of mouth. The
first step toward modern advertising came with the development of printing in the 15th and 16th centuries. In
the 17th century weekly newspapers in London began to carry advertisements, and by the 18th century such
advertising was flourishing.

Grab your listener's attention by making a successful radio ad. Motivate and persuade your audience to
take action with powerful words, catchy jingles, and more helpful tips through the 5 Tips For Making A
Successful Radio Ad (www.radio.co)

1. Attention!
With a radio advert it’s important to draw in your listener's attention in the first few seconds.

2. Who Are Your Audience?

When making a radio advert, it’s important to remember who your ideal listener is. For example, if
your typical listener is over 50 then you probably won’t want to be advertising the latest hit single from Drake
or Justin Timberlake.
Keep your advertisements targeted towards your audience and what you know about them. This is one reason
why research into your listening audience is so important.

3. Less is More
Sometimes, less is more. That can prove effective in radio adverts as well. For example, if your radio
advert is a campaign for road safety, you may not even need a voice over until the end.

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 4. Emotional Response
This doesn’t necessarily mean make everything tug on your listener's heart strings or even go for the
shock factor like the driving safety ad. Instead, an emotive voice in your listener's ear can be the key factor for
some adverts.
If you can get a voice-over that perfectly captures the emotion of an advert, be it sad, excited or serious,
it can help to boost the amount of people that actually listen to your advert.

5. Try and Try Again

Don’t be afraid to make mistakes. Your first radio advert may not be the best thing you’ve ever created,
but you will improve with practice. Learning different marketing techniques, what emotional response to go
after, and learning more about your audience can help you grab their attention.

In creating your radio ad, you begin by composing an advertising platform to determine the track of
your propaganda. You have to know your product well and be creative in selling through advertising. Below is
an example of a radio ad script with creative direction, including casting suggestions, suggested music and
sound effects, vocal direction, and target demographic from Voices.com.

ONLINE TRAVEL WEBSITE

Travel Agency

Item Description

Brand www.website.com
Product information Travel and leisure

Product feature/s Tour and guides

Gender Male or female
Length of ad 00:00:30

Target demographic Young adults, family, web savvy decision makers

Character/Narrator Announcer

Voice direction Sympathetic, easy-going, inviting

Suggested music Upbeat, adult contemporary
Suggested sound effects The roar of a plane taking off, typing on keyboard

Radio Ad Script dialogue:

Itching to go on a vacation but don’t have time to plan your getaway? We’ve solved
that problem for you, and then some! Visit www.website.com to take full advantage of pour
complementary travelogues and destination guides. After all, half the battle is knowing where
to go! Book discounted airfares, hotels, and your rental car all on our website.,.
www.website.com. www.website.com... Simple, inexpensive, and fast… Shouldn’t everything
in life be like this?

Learning competency:
Create advertisements by using appropriate propaganda techniques. SPJ9SEG-IIIc55

Exercise 1: Elements of Advertising Vocabulary

Direction: Carefully study the image to identify the different elements in advertising. Write your answer in your
notebook/ answer sheet.

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 Exercise 2: Composer
Direction: Select an image below and create an advertising platform for the chosen product.
Give a brand for your product and create its special feature. Complete the chart to begin creating an ad. After
completing the ad platform, compose your radio ad script dialogue. Write your answer in your notebook/answer
sheet.
1, Choose a product

2. Complete the chart

Item Description

Brand

Product information

Product feature/s
Gender
Length of ad
Target demographic
Character/Narrator
Voice direction
Suggested music
Suggested sound effects

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 3. Compose your ad dialogue.
___________________________________________________________________________

Reflection:
My most significant learning …
___________________________________________________________________________

JOURNALISM 9
Quarter 3

WEEK 4
LEARNING ACTIVITY SHEET
Commentary

Background Information for Learners:

Radio listeners have a right to objective and factual reporting. They rely on journalists giving them correct,
unprejudiced and balanced information about events and developments. Listeners do not want to be manipulated
– and they should not be. For us journalists, this means that we should report the facts and give background
information. Our listeners are hardly ever interested in our personal opinions. They should never become visible
in the news we write, or in our reports, analyses and background pieces. We will not be credible with these
informative formats if our personal opinions shine through. However, there is one journalistic format that is
different. A format that is more or less in total contrast to the earlier mentioned rules: THE
COMMENTARY.

A commentary contains and explains a journalist’s personal opinion about a controversial issue. Unlike a
radio report, it cannot be objective or balanced. It always reflects a subjective point of view and the subjective
judgment of the author.
The main aim of a commentary is not to inform the listeners about facts, events or developments. Instead,
the objective of a commentary is to complement the reporting about a current issue, to discuss and evaluate the
issue and show possible consequences. A commentary confronts listeners with a clearly stated opinion about the
issue and aims to make them think about how they themselves feel about this issue. The length is between 2-4
minutes.
A commentary is a journalist’s critical evaluation of a topic. This personal opinion and line or
argumentation should help listeners form their own opinions. Listeners will either agree or disagree with the
journalist’s judgment. In any case, the journalist’s clearly stated opinion will not leave them indifferent.
Different commentaries concerning one subject will make the listeners more critical and aware of problematic
issues.
A commentary never stands alone. In a radio program, it may, for instance, follow the news block or a
report. It is important that the topic of the commentary has already been covered in the program. That way,
listeners already know the basic facts before that are confronted with an opinion about the issue. However, the
commentary must be clearly separated from the informative parts of the program through an introduction and a
backannouncement. These studio announcements should tell listeners

Example:
Host’s introduction:
“As we heard in the news, Government Ministers and a representative of Company
PILLCO have signed the contract to build the new factory. We now hear Mary Miller’s commentary on this
subject.”
<Commentary>
Host’s back-announcement:
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 “That was a commentary by Mary Miller on the building of the new chemical plant.”
The studio introduction and back-announcement tell listeners that this part of the program reflects only one
person’s opinion – that of the commentator – and not the broadcaster’s opinion.

Commentaries in newspapers usually reflect the political standpoint of the journal, of its publisher or owner.
Public broadcasters, however, must give room to all relevant political standpoints in their programs. Therefore,
they have to make sure that they broadcast commentaries from authors with differing opinions: if the program
includes a “pro” commentary today, it should contain a “con” commentary tomorrow or the day after tomorrow.
Opposing commentaries can even run back-to-back in one program. This creates pluralism within the program
and listeners can derive new ideas and arguments from the different opinions presented.
Radio commentaries can deal with politics, business, culture, social issues, religion, ecology, sports, etc. -
practically anything. But is “anything” really of interest to the listeners? Of course not. The subject of a
commentary should be topical, controversial, and of common interest. It must be an issue, about which
people can have vastly different opinions. And it must be possible to express these controversial opinions on the
radio and present them for discussion. Even though, commentaries usually deal with current affairs, it can in
some cases also make sense to write a commentary about something that happened years ago – for instance if
new aspects have been unearthed and are now being discussed, which show the facts in a different light. This
will turn even a topic that is a century old into a current issue worthy of a commentary.
In most radio stations, there is a question of who should or who could be allowed to write commentaries. Are
only senior editors qualified to share their views and opinions with the listeners? Or could a younger journalist
also be allowed to do this?
The rule of thumb is: anybody who qualifies can and should write commentaries. Journalists who want to write
commentaries must have expert knowledge about the topic in question. They must have an opinion on it and be
willing to make the reasons that led them to this opinion public. They have to be able to make their standpoint
clear. And they should have a strong personality. They will need it to be convincing and credible, and to
confront any criticism that their commentary may trigger.
Commentaries often lead to animated discussions if superiors, colleagues or listeners do not agree with the
argumentation. It is important that the commentator can then stand the pressure arising from such a situation.
And commentators can only do this if they have a strong and steadfast personality.

Pros and cons of a commentary

PROS CONS
Structures facts, developments and background Commentator must have comprehensive knowledge of the
information and evaluates them. subject in question (must have spent a lot of time
researching the topic).
Helps listeners form their own opinions. Not every commentator has the strong personality and
charisma that are required.

Authentic (strong and convincing Commentators might face criticism from people who
expressions of opinion). think differently.

How is it done?
In a commentary, radio journalists can do something they are not allowed to do in a news item or a report. They
can clearly voice their opinions and do not have to remain neutral and objective. But this is by no means as easy
as it sounds.
Radio commentaries have to follow certain rules. After all, radio is not a coffee shop, where everybody can just
blurt out what they think. A housewife, a university student or a manual labourer may also have their own
opinions – but they will not be heard on the radio. So what gives the journalist the privilege to present his or her
views on the air?
First of all, any journalist who wants to write a commentary must meet certain criteria: they must have expert
knowledge about the topic of the commentary. They have to know the background and the context, must know
the pros and cons. They also have to have their own opinion on the issue and be courageous enough to express
it. And they must be able to present facts and logical reasons backing up their opinion. Listeners will not take a
commentary seriously if they realize that the journalist is critical or disapproves of something, but is unable to
provide good arguments for this point of view.
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 A commentary is a value judgment, but it must never turn into emotional gossip or even hatespeech. When
writing a commentary, you can use very lively and persuasive language. You can play with words, use irony
and sarcasm and other rhetoric means. After all, you want to sound convincing to your listeners. But you must
always make sure that you are not insulting or hurting anyone personally. A commentary is a well-worded
opinion piece – but no place for personal insults or calls for hate and violence.
As your objective is to convince your listeners with your commentary, it is essential to plan its logical structure
and think about your argumentation beforehand. Write down the answers to some key questions before you start
writing your commentary:

· What is the issue about which you will write a commentary?

· What question about this topic do you find controversial and worthy of a commentary? (Be sure to
articulate a specific question here.)
· How would you answer this question? Or rather, what is your opinion about this question? · What
evidence do you have for building an argument to persuade others that your opinion is valid?
· What are some opposing arguments to your opinion, and how will you counter those arguments?
· What resolution do you want listeners to walk away with after hearing your commentary?

Structure
Opening statement
A strong opening statement is essential for a good commentary. This is your first opportunity to express your
opinion and to attract the listeners’ attention.

Example
Strong opening statements:
“This is hard to believe! …”
“Today is a bad day for the residents of BIGTOWN! …”
“What on earth was the government thinking? …”
“The day has finally come! …”
“This is great news for the residents of BIGTOWN! …”
“The government deserves praise! …”

Opening sentences like these “catch the listeners by the ears” and get them interested in what follows. They will
want to know how you continue, what reasons you give to back up this strong opening statement - regardless of
whether they share your point of view. As you now have the listeners’ undivided attention, you have to make
sure that they will keep listening.

The facts
You should now quickly summarize the most important facts. Even if your topic is in the news and of general
interest, you cannot automatically assume that your listeners remember all the relevant details. That is why you
should include the most important facts in your text.

Examples:
· Con: “So, the contract will be signed after all. A contract that will allow the pharmaceutical company PILLCO
to build a plant in BIGTOWN and to tap into yet another never-ending source of profit. But for many people
living in BIGTOWN, this will mean relocation and pollution. Relocation, because their homes will be
demolished. Pollution, because the plant will pollute the area with harmful substances. And no modern filtering
systems will be able to stop that…”
· Pro: “After long and difficult negotiations, everything has finally come to a good end. The pharmaceutical
company PILLCO can start building its new plant in BIGTOWN as soon as the old, dilapidated houses have
been removed. This will be a happy day for many residents of BIGTOWN: they can move into new and modern
apartments, and they will be able to find new and urgently needed jobs at the factory. In addition, prices for
prescription drugs will go down in our country, once the new factory operates…”

You have now mentioned the most important facts:

· The contract for building the new plant has been signed;
· Before it can be built, the old houses will have to be torn down and residents rehoused;

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 · There is the risk that the new plant will cause pollution; · New
jobs will be created;
· Medications will be cheaper.
· The listeners have the basic information they need – they know what the commentary is about. The fact
that you have already emphasized some of the facts and left out others is in the nature of things. After all, you
are not writing a report, but a commentary.

Argumentation:
This is the central part of your commentary. Here, you should give further details, possibly some background
information. Present arguments and details that support your opinion, but also devote attention to the arguments
of your opponents in the form of a critical discourse. You can weaken their arguments by counter-balancing
them with your own, much stronger ones. This way you can unveil your line of argument to your listeners step-
by-step and hopefully convince them.

Example
List of arguments:
· Residents of BIGTOWN are demonstrating against re-housing;
· Protests against the dependence on foreign investors;
· What happens if it turns out in a couple of years that the factory is not profitable for the pharmaceutical
company PILLCO? but also
- New opportunities for domestic suppliers;
- Potential for further investments;
- The neighbourhood is so run-down that the houses would soon have to be demolished anyway;
- The plant is urgently needed because many poor people cannot afford expensive imported prescription
drugs.

You have now presented the facts, numerous pro and con arguments. Be careful that your commentary stays an
opinion piece and does not develop into a background report. Make sure that you weigh the arguments - that
you tell your listeners why you think some arguments are more valid than others. Tell them your personal
opinion on the issue. The listeners can then decide whether they agree or disagree with your conclusions and
make up their own minds about the situation. This is followed by:

Assessment / Conclusion
At the end of the commentary, you can summarize your point of view again in one strong, clear statement.
Avoid being indecisive in your closing sentences.

Example (not good):

“By signing this contract to build the new plant, the government may have made a big mistake because the
majority of residents in BIGTOWN is against it. But the pharmaceutical company’s decision could also trigger
more urgently needed investments from other foreign sources. Only the future will tell us whether today’s deal
was good or bad.”
With this wishy-washy ending, the commentator leaves the listeners guessing. They will think that the
commentator does not know what to think about the issue, because he (she) does not make his (her) standpoint
clear. In this case, the “commentary” was a waste of time and effort. The objective of making it easier for the
listeners to form their own opinions was not achieved. An effective ending is just as important for commentary
as a strong opening sentence. Try to build a bridge between your first and final sentences. Do not let your
commentary simply fade to nothing.

Examples (strong ending):

· Con: “…The demonstrations of the residents, the warnings from environmentalists, the sceptical analyses of
countless experts – all this was in vain. The factory will be built – totally disregarding the will of the people.
And that is truly scandalous!”
· Con: “…With the signing of the contract today, the fate of BIGTOWN was sealed. The people who live in this
part of town will be torn away from their old familiar neighbourhood and forced to live in faceless new
apartment blocks. And where children once played in the gardens, factory chimneys will soon pollute the air.
Today was a terrible day for the people of
BIGTOWN!”
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 · Pro: “…Reason has triumphed. Those who wanted to stop progress were not successful. The pharmaceutical
plant will be built despite all efforts to torpedo this project. Now, foreign investors will undoubtedly also start
constructing roads and rail links, and possibly even a new airport. Millions of Euro in foreign investment will
rain down on BIGTOWN. There is only one way to put it: today was the first day of BIGTOWN’s bright new
future!”
· Pro: “…Building the plant will only have positive effects for our town. The local economy will prosper and
new jobs will be created. And many people of BIGTOWN, who still live in run-down houses without sewage
and electricity today, will soon be able to move to bright new homes. This is a very good development for the
residents of BIGTOWN!”

Presentation
It is not only the contents of a commentary that is important, but also the way it is presented. A commentary is
one person’s subjective opinion – the author’s. He or she is convinced of the line of argumentation and of the
conclusions drawn. And that is why a commentary will sound more authentic and powerful if it is read on the
air by the author.

Writing commentary means giving your opinion, interpretation, insight, analysis, explication, personal reaction,
evaluation or reflection about a concrete detail. You are “commenting on” a point you have made. Writing
commentary is higher level thinking; it requires extra effort. It requires you to think! Commentary requires you
to think of some original things to say about your concrete details.
A commentary sentence is a type of sentence that you, the writer, write that comments on facts presented
in a previous sentence or earlier in that paragraph. The commentary sentence allows you to put in some of your
opinion, analysis and interpretation of facts.

CHARACTERISTICS OF A RADIO COMMENTARY:

1. Come from a first person perspective
2. Assert clear point of view/opinion
3. Connect personal stories or experiences to bigger social themes
4. Communicate conversationally – how people really talk vs. formal essay-writing
5. Include opposing points of view, arguments &/or research
6. Keep it brief Commentaries are best at 1-2 minutes long (that is about one page single spaced, or
between 200-500 words.)

Things to think about as we get ready to record your radio commentaries:

1. It’s good practice!
2. Vary your voice underline the words you think should be emphasized.
3. Try to make it sound like you are not reading. You do not have to memorize, but you should be
very familiar with what you wrote.
4. Speak slowly and distinctly.
5. Time it out – no more than a minute.
6. It’s good to practice!

DOCTRINE OF FAIR COMMENT. The basis of this doctrine is the constitutional right of free speech,
which assures the citizen of the fullest freedom to express his views and opinions on public affairs. This right is
basic since it is through public opinion that those who administer the government are appraised of what the
people want.
For as long as the comment is directed against the work, not to the official himself, there can be no injury
to his reputation. Former Public Works Secretary Fiorello Estuar was assailed in media for negligence after the
Sevillla Bridge in Mandaluyong had collapsed, resulting in the death of two persons. Columnists claimed Estuar
should be blamed for failing to check on public structures after the killer quake of July 16, 1990. The comments
against Estuar were fair.
For the comment to be considered fair and, therefore, free from any liability, it must be: 1. An
intellectual appraisal or evaluation.
2. Founded on facts, or what in the mind of a reasonable man would normally be accepted as facts
3. Free from any imputation of sordid or corrupt motives
4. The result of honest opinion
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 5. Free from malice
6. Upon a subject possessing public interest

Example: Several Manila columnists called the Christmas bonus of P100,00 given to members of Congress
during the term of President Aquino as immoral. The defunct Philippines Daily Globe even called it “hocus-
bonus” insinuating that the bonus, personally handed to each congressman by the Speaker Ramon V. Mitra, was
done through sleight of hand. These comments, being a matter of public concern, were fair. (Note: Because of a
strong public opinion generated by criticisms from the media, Mitra later ordered the return of the bonus.)

Learning Competency with Code:

Explain the characteristics of Commentaries. SPJ9OPW-IIIb-48
Compose a commentary based on school, community, national and international issues. SPJ9RNW-IIIb-52

Exercise 1: SKETCHNOTING
Directions: Make a sketchnote that represents what you have learned in this lesson. Remember, it’s
not about the quality of the art – it’s about how your drawing prompts you to visualize your
understanding and how you look at your learning from a different perspective.
(An example is presented below.)

Exercise 2: My Commentaries
Directions: Compose a commentary for each of the following:
1. School Issue on ONLINE LEARNING/ ONLINE CLASS
2. Community Issue of WASTE DISPOSAL
3. National/International Issue on COVID-19 VACCINE

Reflection:
My most significant learning …
___________________________________________________________________________

Exercise 2: My Commentaries
RUBRICS FOR ASSESSING COMPOSITION

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 CRITERIA EXCELLENT (7- IMPROVING (4- EMERGING (1-3)
10) 6)

CONTENT The writing clearly The writing partially The writing does not
reflects the purpose of reflects the purpose of reflect the purpose of
the composition the composition the composition

GRAMMAR. The composition is The composition is The composition has

SPELLING & completely correct. mainly correct, has several grammar,
PUNCTUATION No grammar, spelling few errors but do not spelling &
& distract the reader punctuation error
punctuation error

ORGANIZATION The composition has The composition has The composition has
logical weak organization no visible
organization and and sentences need organization and is not
sentences are unified revision interesting

JOURNALISM 9
Quarter 3
WEEK 5-6

LEARNING ACTIVITY SHEET

Ethical Standards in Giving Opinion

Background Information for Learners:

Opinion Journalism
Let's review a few definitions: News is timely information about a subject of some public interest that is
shared and subject to the journalistic process of verification by an independent organization that is accountable.
Opinion is a view, a judgment, or an appraisal formed in the mind about a particular matter.
Just to clarify: A News Report will often include the opinions of experts, participants or witnesses.
That is not what is meant by “Opinion Journalism". This lesson is not referring to the opinions of
witnesses or expert sources. Those opinions are quoted in both Journalism and opinion Journalism and are
Evidence of Research.

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 Horace Greeley founded the New York Tribune in 1841 and is credited with inventing the idea of
segregating news reports from opinion writing, giving opinion its own page.
He labelled it the “Editorial Page” and the idea caught on in American newspapers and continues to this
day, even on websites, where the label is usually “OPINION”.
With Greeley’s innovation came the “Editorial” a short essay or column which delivers each
newspaper’s institutional statement of opinion.

The Ethics of Opinion Journalist

Journalists are accountable to a code of professional conduct just like judges, bankers, engineers,
doctors and any other profession. The Society of Professional Journalists, a reporters organization, is quite
specific about opinion’s place in journalism. Not only is Opinion to be quarantined from news reporting by
labels…it must not, in the interest of arguing a side of a debate, misrepresent facts or the context that helps
people make sense of facts.

Here are some excerpts from that code:

1. Distinguish between advocacy and news reporting.
2. Analysis and commentary should be labeled and not misrepresent fact or context.
3. Deny favored treatment to advertisers and special interests and resist their pressure to influence news
coverage.
4. Remain free of associations and activities that may compromise integrity or damage credibility.
It’s still about V.I.A
• Verification: “Analysis and commentary should be labeled and not misrepresent fact or context.”
• Independence: “Deny favored treatment to advertisers and special interests…(and) remain free of
associations and activities that may compromise integrity or damage credibility.”
• Accountability: “Analysis and commentary should be labeled and not misrepresent fact or context.”
The point of those ethics guidelines is to preserve the essence of journalism:
Verification…Independence…Accountability.
If a person is trying to help you make up your mind, trying to foster democratic debate about how we govern
ourselves, they fight fair. They verify the facts they use to support an argument. They aren’t allowed to pose
as an opinion journalist if they are on the payroll of one interest group or another. And they are accountable
for their opinion, labeling it as opinion so that a viewer or reader is not misled into thinking it is reporting.

The Opinion Journalists

"Everyone is entitled to his own opinion, but not his own
facts" (Daniel Patrick Moynihan)
.

. Remembering this, it's important to know that Opinion

Journalism is a part of the news, but a special subset of it. Using our VIA
prism, we set out where Opinion Journalism stands in news.
But then... there are some sets of information that set themselves up to look like opinion pieces, but really fall
into the grey category of things you should be wary of.

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 The Opinion Journalist is given permission to go beyond gathering factual information.
An Opinion Journalist’s job is to select key facts and assemble an argument…to brandish an opinion.
In responsible news organizations, a select few journalists are permitted to do the unthinkable: Arrange and
select the facts and evidence in order to support one side or the other. but...
• Less than 1% of professional journalists are given that license to express opinions.
• They are usually chosen from the cream of the corps of reporters.
• They are supervised from the highest levels of their news organization.
• While they are loyal to journalism’s mission, to inform, they take sides and try to convince readers of
one argument.
The theory is this: the whole purpose of journalism is to give you the information you need to make a decision,
take action or make a judgment. So, once you have a grip on the facts, opinion journalists expose you to
arguments and analysis you may not have come up with on your own. They help you to rehearse your
decision…or rehearse your defense of it.

Learning Competency with Code:

Observe Ethical Standards in giving opinion. SPJ9ETH-IIIb-50

Exercise 1: I COMPREHEND
Directions: Explain the following tandem concepts based on your understanding of the lesson. (Minimum of
one paragraph)
1. News and Opinion
2. Verification, Independence, Accountability
3. News Reporting and Opinion Journalism

Exercise 2: My POV
Directions: Express your opinion on the following while observing the ethical standards in giving opinion.
1. The Government’s Actions on COVID-19
2. The School’s Readiness for the New Normal
3. The Global Aftermath of the Pandemic

Reflection:

JOURNALISM 9
Quarter 3
WEEK 7-8

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 LEARNING ACTIVITY SHEET
Conducting Interviews For Radio

Background Information for Learners

One good source of gathering news stories for radio is through interview since the reporter is not always
present in the scene of an incident or event such as car accident, fire, etc. Defining what an interview is, in
common parlance, interview is the question and answer session of the interviewer and interviewee either
through face-to-face mode or using other modalities like telephone/video call. According to Ceciliano-Jose
Cruz, an interview is an art of asking questions to obtain information. But technically speaking, it is asking
questions to obtain opinions, ideas, or special information on topics of interest to the general public from a
prominent person or from a recognized authority.

Moreover, conducting radio interviews is not a piece of cake. It is not as easy and simple as asking questions
only for it entails a thorough preparation coupled with the other things to be taken into account such as the audio
quality, audience, guest/interviewee and many more.

To be able to make your art of interview a successful one, here are some tips to become a great radio
interviewer.

10 Tips for Becoming a Great Radio Interviewer

1. Research Your Guest

Have some advance preparations like doing proper research on your guest. Before going into the interview, you
should have an extensive research about him/her. Now that almost all pieces of information are being uploaded
in the web besides the written details in the pages of books, newspapers or any printed materials, researching
your guest is already within your fingertips. You can explore and gather facts about him/her through the use of
social media and print media. Discover your guest on what he writes, creates or that he/she is featured in. This
way, you can ask new questions and find different angles on the topics at hand. Most importantly, ensure that
you know the correct pronunciation of your guest’s name and that you have the right information about him/her.

2. Do a Pre-Interview Survey
Aside from your research, a pre-interview will help you to get to know your guest even better and it will
help ensure that you and your guest are on the same page. You might send your guest an email or give him/her a
quick call with a synopsis of how your broadcast will work and how the interview will go as well as a few
questions. The pre-interview survey also gives you a chance to clarify anything that you are unsure about from
your research. The questions not only give you the opportunity to learn things that are likely not public
information, but they also give your guest an opportunity to see the kind of questions you ask.

3. Stick to a Schedule and Format

You should communicate the schedule and format of your broadcast, including the recording date and time,
whether it is live or being recorded for a later date, the expected length, segments to your guest. You and your
guest should be on the same page about everything, so ensure that you clearly communicate all the details
beforehand. Once you communicate the information, ensure that you stick to that schedule and format.

4. Be Conversational
While it is an interview, it should have the feeling of a conversation. Be sure to let your guest speak and let
his/her answers guide the direction of the conversation. Then, you can come up with questions along those
lines. You should always be prepared with research and questions, but don't get caught up in a script or force a
rigid conversation. Leave room for the discussion to develop. Actively listen and then come up with questions
as the interview is happening. And, let your guest shine, but always keep the conversation on track. You don't
want to dominate the conversation or interrupt your guest, but if the conversation is veering too far off topic,
you should bring it back to the topic(s) at hand.

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 5. Test Your Setup Beforehand
As with any broadcast, you should test your setup beforehand. When a guest is involved in your recording
process though, it is even more important to test your setup, perhaps even a few times, to ensure everything is
absolutely perfect. You don't want to waste your guest's time with equipment or audio issues. You should test
your setup before he/she arrives and then again right before you start recording to check your guest's levels.
Also, don't forget to monitor your recording throughout, so you are aware if anything goes wrong. Aside from
testing your equipment, also prepare the space for recording with your guest and ensure that there are no
potential distractions.

6. Start with Safe Questions

Give your guest a chance to get comfortable with talking on your broadcast and ask him/her a question about
himself/herself or his/her work first. While you may have sent your guest a list of questions for him/her to
prepare a bit, he/she could still be nervous about the interview. So, it's best to start easy to ensure your guest is
at ease.

7. Chat with Your Guest Beforehand

Even if you've given your guest the rundown on your broadcast format and the interview already, remind your
guest of what to expect. If you are recording an interview to air at a later date, this is also a good time to
reassure your guest that you are able to re-record things or edit them if needed. On the other hand, if the
broadcast is live, remind him/her of this while also reassuring him/her. Chatting with the guest a bit helps both
of you get comfortable with talking to each other, so it sounds natural once you get on the mics. This will help
put the guest at ease and again, will ensure that you are both on the same page.

8. Stay in Touch with Your Guest

Although you may be focused on the preparation for the interview and the interview itself, don't forget that it is
extremely important to contact your guest after the interview. Send an email or a handwritten note, give him/her
a call, and/or reach out on social media to thank your guest for being on your station, for sharing his/her
experience and expertise, and for taking the time and effort to participate in a conversation with you. It's
important to show your appreciation and it also helps to build relationships, which is something that you should
always be striving for.
9. Remember Your Audience
You want your audience to get something out of this interview, so ensure that you ask questions for clarification
in order to truly understand your guest and therefore help your audience
understand your guest as well. Don't forget to push for an engaging conversation that is educational and
entertaining. Although it is all about your guest, you also have the control and ability to keep things interesting.

10. Prepare Questions Beforehand

As mentioned, you should have questions prepared beforehand. Using your research as well as your pre-
interview survey, craft open-ended questions and follow-up questions. Your questions should never be yes or no
questions, they should always be open, flexible questions about your guest's experience and expertise. Also, it is
important that you try to write creative and unique questions that will be informational as well as engaging for
everyone involved. Having your guest's bio, intro, or any other information you are going to specifically say
about your guest prepared should also be a priority.

Source: https://live365.com/blog/10-tips-for-becoming-a-great-radio-interviewer/

Learning Competency with Code:

Explain the guidelines observed in conducting interviews for radio. SPJ9SLE-IIIh-65
Interview various authorities/personalities relevant to the stories in a radio news program. SPJ9DGT-IIIh-67

Exercise 1.A Crossword Puzzle

Directions: Relative to the discussion on the tips of becoming a good radio interviewer, solve the puzzle by
providing the word/term described or defined in each item. Write your answers in the boxes.

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 ACROSS
1. This is the date and time of the interview.
2. It is a form of presentation in which one person interviews one or more than one person.
3. This should have been tested already prior to the arrival of your guest to ensure a perfect recording.
4. Aside from your guest, you (interviewer) should also consider them who will most likely be more benefited
in the interview.
DOWN
5. This is a quality of an interviewer to let the discussion progress.
6. These should be prepared ahead of time so you could even send your guest some hints/clues in preparation
for the interview.
7. One of the most important skills to be manifested when interviewing.
8. To achieve this, you and your guest must have on the same page.
9. Getting an adequate background information about your guest.
10. Your interviewee

Exercise 1. Tick-Tok
Directions: Read closely the following statements and identify whether they provide good tips of becoming a
great radio interviewer. Tick (check) the box if the idea presents a sound instruction that would greatly
contribute to a successful interview; otherwise, write the word “tok”.

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1. Always be prepared.

2. Keep your personal bias to yourself.

3. Your facial expression does not matter at all.

4. Go to the interview with a number of questions prepared.

5. If your interviewer is rude, do not accord him/her due respect.

6. Wait for the interviewee, don’t let him wait for you. Be prompt!

7. Introduce yourself and flaunt your position for you to be respected.

8. Know your guest’s habits, strengths, achievements and even weaknesses.

9. You can argue with your guest. Your purpose is to elicit ideas from him/her.

10. Do not hesitate to request repetition or clarification of anything not fully understood.

Exercise 2. Going Graphic

Directions: Fill in the graphic organizer below to explain some guidelines in radio interview. Be guided by the
given criteria.

Graphic Organizer Rubric

1 = Weak; 2 = Moderately Weak; 3 = Average; 4 = Moderately Strong; 5 = Strong

CRITERIA SCORE
1. The graphic organizer has appropriate title and the details provided are correct
and clear.
2. The spelling, grammar, and punctuation of the text on the graphic organizer are
accurate.
3. The graphic organizer presents the information in a manner that is easy to follow.
4. The graphic organizer gives thorough and insightful understanding of the
content/topic.
5. The graphic organizer represents the student’s full potential.
TOTAL SCORE:

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 Exercise 3. Interview like a Pro
Directions: Interview your barangay officials in your own community on how they help their constituents in
coping with the COVID19 crisis. Conduct this activity through a phone/video call interview. Your recorded
phone/video interview will be submitted to your teacher through online submission bins or offline. Be guided by
the given rubric.

Interview Rubric
1 = Weak; 2 = Moderately Weak; 3 = Average; 4 = Moderately Strong; 5 = Strong

CRITERIA SCORE
1. The interviewer has excellent communication skills.
2. The interviewer greets and addresses the interviewee politely in an effective way.

3. The interviewer is well-prepared and confident during the interview.

4. Questions draw out full, interesting, relevant and moving answers from the subject.

5. He/she exemplifies qualities of a great interviewer by following the guidelines and tips.

TOTAL SCORE:

Prepared by:

JUNEL B. CACHERO
TI

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