Assignment Question
Finding the Next Big Thing Goal: Demonstrate critical reading skills through interpreting, analyzing, discussing, and evaluating a variety of texts. Identify and utilize purpose, audience, and structure of various types of writing Using analytical skills related to the structure of a contemporary piece of journalism, interpret the key angles and elements of a breaking news story, and then determine the purpose, audience, and structure of an appropriate follow-up piece in the genre of your choice, and create a clear plan for that follow up piece.
Assignment Answer
Finding the Next Big Thing: Analyzing Contemporary Journalism and Crafting a Follow-Up Piece
Introduction
In the fast-paced world of journalism, staying ahead of the curve and finding the next big thing is not only a professional goal but a necessity. The news cycle is relentless, and journalists must continuously adapt to changing trends, technologies, and reader preferences. In this essay, we will explore the critical reading skills required to interpret, analyze, discuss, and evaluate various texts related to finding the next big thing in journalism. We will identify the purpose, audience, and structure of different types of writing, specifically focusing on a breaking news story. Furthermore, we will delve into the analytical skills needed to understand the key angles and elements of a breaking news story, and finally, we will create a clear plan for a follow-up piece in the genre of our choice.
I. Analyzing Contemporary Journalism
To begin our journey into the realm of finding the next big thing in journalism, it is essential to analyze contemporary journalism and its ever-evolving landscape. Journalism is not just about reporting the news anymore; it’s about creating engaging, informative, and relevant content that captures the audience’s attention in an age of information overload. Therefore, understanding the purpose, audience, and structure of various types of writing is paramount.
A. Purpose of Contemporary Journalism
The purpose of contemporary journalism goes beyond merely informing the public of current events. It aims to provide context, analysis, and insight into these events. Journalists are increasingly seen as interpreters and guides, helping readers make sense of a complex world. For instance, an article from The New York Times might not only report on a political event but also delve into its historical significance, its impact on various stakeholders, and its potential consequences.
In the context of finding the next big thing, the purpose of contemporary journalism is to identify emerging trends, technologies, or ideas that have the potential to disrupt or revolutionize existing paradigms. Journalists are the scouts of innovation, uncovering hidden gems in various fields, be it technology, science, business, or culture. They aim to spotlight these developments and explore their implications for society.
B. Audience of Contemporary Journalism
Understanding the audience is crucial in contemporary journalism. Today’s readers are diverse in their interests, backgrounds, and preferences. Journalists must cater to this diversity while also recognizing that their audience is well-informed and critical. In an age of social media and instant information sharing, the audience often plays an active role in shaping the news agenda.
The audience for contemporary journalism includes not only traditional readers but also viewers, listeners, and users of digital media. The shift to online platforms has broadened the reach of journalism but has also brought about challenges in terms of attention spans and click-driven content. Consequently, journalists must find ways to engage, educate, and retain their audience’s interest.
In the context of finding the next big thing, the audience comprises individuals and organizations eager to stay ahead of the curve. This could include entrepreneurs looking for innovative ideas, investors seeking promising startups, or policymakers interested in emerging technologies’ regulatory implications. Journalists must cater to this specialized audience by providing in-depth analysis and expert insights.
C. Structure of Contemporary Journalism
The structure of contemporary journalism varies depending on the type of content and platform. However, some common elements can be identified across different formats. A typical news article, for instance, follows a structure that includes a headline, lead, body, and conclusion. The lead (or lede) aims to grab the reader’s attention and provide essential information, while the body elaborates on the story’s details and context.
In addition to traditional articles, contemporary journalism also includes multimedia formats such as videos, podcasts, infographics, and interactive features. These formats offer a more immersive and engaging way to convey information. For instance, a breaking news story might be presented as a live video stream with real-time updates and commentary.
II. Analyzing a Breaking News Story
Now that we have a foundational understanding of contemporary journalism, let’s delve into the process of analyzing a breaking news story. Breaking news stories are characterized by their immediacy and importance. They require journalists to act swiftly while maintaining accuracy and relevance. We will use a hypothetical breaking news story as an example to illustrate our analysis.
A. The Breaking News Story: “Major Technological Breakthrough in Renewable Energy”
Imagine a breaking news story that announces a major technological breakthrough in renewable energy. The story reports that a team of scientists has developed a highly efficient and cost-effective solar panel that can revolutionize the clean energy industry. The solar panel promises to make solar energy more accessible and affordable for a global audience.
- Key Angles and Elements
To analyze this breaking news story, we must identify its key angles and elements:
a. The Breakthrough: The central element of the story is the technological breakthrough itself. This includes details about the new solar panel’s design, efficiency, and potential impact on the renewable energy sector.
b. Scientific Team: The story mentions the team of scientists responsible for the breakthrough. Their qualifications, research methods, and dedication are relevant elements that provide credibility to the news.
c. Industry Impact: The breaking news story highlights the potential impact of the new technology on the renewable energy industry. This includes potential cost savings, increased adoption of solar energy, and reduced carbon emissions.
d. Global Relevance: The story implies that this breakthrough has global significance. It could potentially affect energy policies, international collaborations, and climate change mitigation efforts.
e. Public Interest: Given the importance of renewable energy and climate change, the story is likely to capture the interest of a broad audience, including policymakers, environmentalists, investors, and the general public.
- Purpose, Audience, and Structure
To understand the purpose, audience, and structure of the breaking news story, we can make the following observations:
a. Purpose: The primary purpose of this breaking news story is to inform the public and key stakeholders about a significant technological advancement in renewable energy. It aims to generate excitement and interest in the breakthrough while also providing essential details.
b. Audience: The audience for this breaking news story includes a wide range of individuals and organizations. Environmentalists and clean energy advocates would be eager to learn about the potential positive impact on the environment. Investors and industry professionals might be interested in the financial opportunities associated with the technology. Policymakers and governments would want to assess the regulatory implications.
c. Structure: The breaking news story adheres to a typical news article structure. It begins with a compelling headline that grabs the reader’s attention. The lead provides the most crucial information—the breakthrough itself. The body of the article delves into the details of the technology, the scientists behind it, the industry implications, and the global relevance. It concludes by summarizing the key points and emphasizing the significance of the breakthrough.
III. Crafting a Follow-Up Piece
Having analyzed the breaking news story, we can now craft a follow-up piece in the genre of our choice. The follow-up piece serves several purposes: it provides deeper analysis, explores potential ramifications, and keeps the audience informed about developments related to the initial news story. For our follow-up piece, we will choose a long-form magazine article format.
A. Title: “Solar Revolution: Illuminating the Path to a Greener Future”
B. Purpose: The purpose of this follow-up piece is to provide a comprehensive and in-depth analysis of the groundbreaking solar panel technology introduced in the initial breaking news story. It aims to explore the implications, challenges, and opportunities associated with this innovation. Additionally, it seeks to inspire readers by showcasing the potential for renewable energy to transform the world.
C. Audience: The target audience for this long-form magazine article includes policymakers, industry leaders, environmentalists, investors, scientists, and the general public interested in clean energy and sustainability. The article aims to cater to a diverse audience by providing both technical insights and relatable narratives.
D. Structure:
- Introduction:
- Engage the reader with a compelling anecdote or statistic related to renewable energy and its importance.
- Reintroduce the breakthrough solar panel technology as the focal point of the article.
- Present the overarching question that the article aims to answer: “What are the implications of this breakthrough for the renewable energy landscape?”
- The Breakthrough Revisited:
- Provide a concise recap of the initial breaking news story, highlighting key details about the technology and the scientific team.
- Offer updates on any developments or milestones since the initial story, such as successful prototypes or pilot projects.
- Technological Advancements and Challenges:
- Explore the technical aspects of the new solar panel, including its design, materials, and efficiency.
- Discuss potential challenges and obstacles in scaling up production, ensuring durability, and addressing any environmental concerns.
- Industry Transformation:
- Analyze the potential impact of the breakthrough on the renewable energy industry.
- Interview industry experts, CEOs, and investors to gather insights into market dynamics and investment opportunities.
- Environmental Benefits and Climate Change Mitigation:
- Highlight the environmental benefits of widespread adoption of the technology, such as reduced carbon emissions and decreased reliance on fossil fuels.
- Discuss the role of renewable energy in global efforts to combat climate change.
- Policy and Regulatory Considerations:
- Examine the regulatory landscape for renewable energy and assess how this breakthrough might influence energy policies and incentives.
- Interview policymakers and legal experts to gain insights into potential challenges and opportunities for government involvement.
- Real-World Applications:
- Showcase real-world examples of the new solar panel technology in action, including case studies of successful installations and their impact on communities.
- The Human Element:
- Share personal stories and experiences of the scientists behind the breakthrough, emphasizing their dedication and passion for clean energy innovation.
- Highlight the collaboration between scientists, engineers, and entrepreneurs in bringing the technology to market.
- Looking Ahead:
- Offer a vision of the future where renewable energy plays a dominant role in global energy production.
- Discuss potential next steps, such as further research, investment opportunities, and international collaborations.
- Conclusion:
- Summarize the key takeaways from the article, reiterating the significance of the breakthrough.
- End with a call to action, encouraging readers to engage with renewable energy initiatives and support the transition to a sustainable future.
Conclusion
In the ever-evolving landscape of journalism, finding the next big thing is not just a goal but a necessity. Journalists must possess critical reading skills to interpret, analyze, discuss, and evaluate various texts, as well as the ability to identify the purpose, audience, and structure of different types of writing. Analyzing a breaking news story, as we have done in this essay, involves understanding its key angles and elements, as well as its purpose, audience, and structure. Crafting a follow-up piece, as demonstrated in our long-form magazine article, requires a deep dive into the subject matter, offering a comprehensive analysis and keeping the audience informed about developments.
In today’s world, where information is abundant and rapidly disseminated, journalism’s role in shaping public understanding and discourse is more critical than ever. Journalists, as the conduits of knowledge and the watchdogs of truth, must continue to adapt to the changing landscape, finding innovative ways to engage their audience and shed light on the next big thing that will shape our future.
References
- Anderson, C. W., Bell, E., & Shirky, C. (2012). Post-industrial journalism: Adapting to the present. Columbia Journalism Review, 51(2), 48-53.
- Kovach, B., & Rosenstiel, T. (2014). The elements of journalism: What newspeople should know and the public should expect (3rd ed.). Crown.
- The New York Times. (2023). “Major Technological Breakthrough in Renewable Energy.” [Hypothetical Breaking News Story].
- Pew Research Center. (2021). News use across social media platforms 2021.
- American Press Institute. (2020). The future of local news: Strategies for survival.
- Smith, A. N., & Telang, R. (2016). Assessing the value of local journalism through local civic engagement. Information Economics and Policy, 37, 41-52.
