Go to Course: https://www.coursera.org/learn/gathering-the-news
### Course Review: Gathering and Developing the News on Coursera **Overview:** The course "Gathering and Developing the News" on Coursera is an invaluable opportunity for aspiring journalists and media enthusiasts to hone their newsgathering skills. In today’s fast-paced information landscape, mastering the dynamics of journalism is more crucial than ever. This course focuses on the key skills necessary for effective journalism, including sourcing, interviewing, and utilizing technology to enhance storytelling. **Course Structure:** The syllabus is structured around vital components of journalism, each focusing on different aspects of sourcing and reporting. Below is a breakdown of the key topics covered in the course: 1. **Earning and Keeping Trust:** The course begins by emphasizing the foundational principle of trust in journalism. Students will learn how to build credibility through the careful selection of information sources. This segment is essential, as the reputation of a journalist hinges upon the audience's trust in the reports presented. Techniques for identifying trustworthy sources and acquiring credible quotes are explored, giving students a solid framework to base their reporting upon. 2. **Types of Sources:** This module dives into the diversity of sources available to journalists. Students will explore how to gather a rich tapestry of voices to enrich their reports. Ethical considerations and the importance of representation in journalism are also addressed, ensuring that students understand the responsibility that comes with reporting. This understanding is crucial in crafting well-rounded and accurate news articles. 3. **Interviewing:** The interview segment is a highlight of the course. Recognized as one of the most powerful tools in a journalist’s arsenal, mastering the art of interviewing can significantly elevate the quality of reporting. Students will learn different interviewing techniques, how to prepare effectively, and how to navigate sensitive conversations, particularly with individuals who have experienced trauma. The course underscores the importance of empathy and respect in journalism, which are critical for obtaining meaningful insights and quotes. 4. **Tools for Finding Sources:** Adapting to technological advancements is essential for modern journalism. This part of the course introduces students to various tools that can expand their sourcing capabilities. From social media to crowdsourcing, learners will discover how to leverage technology to uncover unique stories and perspectives. This segment not only enhances reporting strategies but also emphasizes the importance of versatility in the digital age. **Recommendation:** I highly recommend "Gathering and Developing the News" for anyone interested in pursuing a career in journalism or enhancing their information-gathering skills. The course is exceptionally well-structured, balancing theoretical knowledge with practical applications. Whether you are a student looking to enter the field or a professional seeking to refresh your skills, this course provides valuable insights that can elevate your reporting. Instructor-led lessons are complemented with engaging content, ensuring that learners remain invested. Roughly designed to foster critical thinking and develop essential skills, it prepares participants to face real-world challenges in the journalistic landscape. Ultimately, if you aspire to be a journalist who produces impactful and trustworthy reporting, enrolling in this course might just be one of the best steps you can take to embark on that journey.
Earning and keeping trust
How - and where - journalists obtain information can determine if their news reports will be deemed credible and trustworthy by their audience. Finding the best sources for information and quotes is a process conducted by every professional journalist. You will learn the best ways to find information and sources for your reporting.
Types of sourcesSuccessful journalists understand the need to bring in different types of information and voices to create a strong and accurate news report. You will learn how journalists carefully consider sourcing, and how to effectively and ethically interact with sources.
InterviewingThe interview is one of the most powerful tools of journalistic newsgathering. You will learn how journalists use interviews, the different forms it can take, how you can best prepare for it, and how to be sensitive to those who have been through trauma. A good interview can make a news report. And a bad interview can sink it.
Tools for finding sourcingTechnology and moving beyond typical sources is letting journalists reach more sources than ever before. You will learn how to use crowdsourcing, social media, press conferences and online resources as valuable tools to enhance your reporting.
Journalists develop information through interviews and sources. The most successful journalists quickly master these important skill sets. The production of journalism relies on several elements: newsgathering, interviewing sources, researching and trying to find as much information as possible. The course will also teach you how to where to find information, interviewing skills and how to process information from various sources for publication.
I like the course and the teachers. I don't like the peer review because most of the students don't work hard enough on their reviews. I do want the challenge and the feedback.
This was the brilliant course. Being a journalist I found so many new things that I did not know earlier. For beginners and for experienced, this is simply gem of a course.
When I enrolled in this course, I realize how valuable the works of real journalists are! Thank you!
Highly recommended. This course is a fast track and full of knowledge for aspiring journalist.
Great course informative and gave helpful tips on how to conduct research via sources.