Module 2

-Political reporting:
Political reporting in journalism is a branch of journalism, which specifically
keeps eyes on various political events and issues to cover stories neutrally in the
public interest. Political reporting can be done for different channels such as
newspapers, radio, television, magazine, digital newswires, etc.
A journalist working on political reporting covers one or more of the following:
 Different political activities by ruling and opposite parties
 Election campaigns and truth behind them
 Review various public policies
 Keep a check on law and other government and legal systems and
institutes

Importance of political reporting:

1. To Keep the System Running in the Public Interest
The whole nation in any part of the world is dependent on the law and rules set
by the government. Political reporting in journalism plays an important role
to make sure that things are happening in the public interest. Let’s see some of
the examples:
 Political reporting keeps everyone aware of the new rule enforcement or
change in any existing law or process.
 It not only keeps a close watch on the rules made by the government in
different areas, but it also analyzes it from the perspective of the public
and criticizes or appreciates the new rules.
 It shows the weak points in the system or various departments to get the
revolutionary changes.
 Political reporters ask burning questions, which make sure all the steps
taken by any political party are highly calculative.
2. To Assure the Ruling Political Party Works in Favor of Citizens
Generally, all government departments and actions are driven using the money
of the public. These actions affect various factors of your life, such as:
  Getting an education
 Getting a driving license
 Paying taxes on income, property, etc.
Thus, the role of political reporting is very crucial here. Reports keep a close
watch to make sure the government uses the funds in the right direction. Also,
everything can be availed with ease to you.
3. To Know the Unbiased Truth Behind Political Campaigns
Different political parties run various campaigns for election, conduct public
meetings for general awareness, hold press conferences about the new
legislation, and communicate to the public in multiple ways. The political
reporting in journalism takes an important responsibility here. The reporters
working in this branch of journalism make sure that they do not believe and
report what is evident in the campaigns. They do the groundwork to identify the
facts behind various political campaigns and intentions of different activities.
They also raise questions about crucial things. The end report reaches the public
is always based on solid facts and unbiased views.

-Parliament reporting:
A parliamentary reporter is required to report on each sitting of the parliament.
His job is to record each and every point that is being mentioned in the
parliament. This requires a great deal of concentration and writing speed. One
needs to pin down each and every word that is relevant. Also, a strong foothold
on the legal system is a must. A parliamentary reporter needs to be aware of the
new laws and amendments in the constitution.
The reporter is required to make a final report on his/her observations and
present it to the general public without any manipulation or twisting of news. A
reporter must stick to the ethics of journalism and should not be biased or hold
presumptions on a topic that reflects in his writings.
Parliament structure:
The Indian Parliament is composed of The President of India, Lok Sabha
(House of the People) and Rajya Sabha (Council of States). The discussion and
debates that takes place among the members of the parliament.
-Legal reporting
It refers to specialized reporting in the field of all things related to the concept
of law. However, it is distinguished from ‘court reporting’ which is considered a
part of beat reporting and the concerned journalist need not have a legal
education. The concept is very recent and has more or less arisen out of a need
to explore employment options other than practice, by law graduates.
Court reporters, also known as guardians of the record because of their
impartiality and role within the judicial process, capture the words spoken by
everyone during a court or deposition proceeding. Court reporters then prepare
verbatim transcripts of proceedings.
Structure of court:
the Supreme Court of India at the top, followed by High Courts of respective
states with District Judges sitting in District Courts and Magistrates of Second
Class and Civil Judge (Junior Division) at the bottom.
Court hearing precautions and tips:
1: Operating within constraints
Courts of law are a controlled environment. Court reporters must operate within
these controls.
2: Know who is in charge
The judge is in charge of the court and what happens inside it. The judge has to
keep order and usually has the power to imprison those who show contempt of
court. That could include you.
3: Know the local laws
Most countries have their own sets of laws covering court reporting. You must
know them inside-out. Journalists need to act within the law or they may end up
in the dock themselves.
4: Focus on facts
The most interesting elements in any trial are usually the verdict and the
sentence. These will normally provide the lead to your story (assuming the trial
has finished).
5: Avoid trying to do the judge’s job
In most countries there is a presumption of “innocence until proven guilty”.
This should be borne in mind while a trial is in progress and reflected in your
copy.
6: Accuracy, accuracy, accuracy
Ensure you get EVERYTHING right. Check names, spellings, titles and
responsibilities. Fair and accurate journalism is the basic requirement.
7: Keep a careful note
In courts, as in all other reporting, you should make notes carefully and keep
them safely. They may be needed later if your report is disputed.
8: Never take sides
The arguments used by the prosecuting and defence lawyers should be reported
in an even-handed way, regardless of the evidence and what is said in court.
9: Courts are also theatre
Dramatic performances by the judge, lawyers, or witnesses make excellent
copy. Make sure that you capture all elements.
10: Give credit where it’s due
Trials often hinge on a clever piece of detective work, or advocacy. Ensure you
spot these and highlight them in your reporting.
11: Disciplined reporting
It is not particularly skilful to report everything that has been said. It is much
more skilful to use only the most interesting and significant parts of a trial.
12: Be ready with the background
Big stories need big coverage. Before the trial, discover as much background as
you can, and have it ready for publication after the verdict.
13: The trial may be over but the story continues
Some of the most important elements of your story may be the interviews
afterwards with witnesses, family, police etc. Make sure you leave the court in
time to get the interviews.
 Module 3
-Entertainment and lifestyle reporting
Entertainment journalism is any form of journalism that focuses on popular
culture and the entertainment business and its products. Like fashion journalism,
entertainment journalism covers industry-specific news while targeting general
audiences beyond those working in the industry itself. Common forms include
lifestyle, television and film, theater music, video game, and celebrity coverage.
In the era of social media, the audience will always be interested in what is
going on in the latest trend and what is in fashion. This reporting includes
news/stories about the latest fashion/fitness trends and other trending stuff.

-Event reporting
Event reporting involves producing a report after an event has concluded in
order to assess whether the objectives of the event were met. An event report
should also identify areas for future fine tuning and improvement. This is a key
means by which organizations are able to make assessments as to whether
changes in their operational procedure are needed. Event reports are sent to the
sponsors of the event and should be tailored towards the needs and interests of
the sponsor.

Business Reporting
Business reporting is the part of journalism that tracks, records, analyzes and
interprets the business, economic and financial activities and changes that take
place in societies. Topics widely cover the entire purview of all commercial
activities related to the economy. All news related to trade/business falls under
this category. Import/Export, Goods, Trade, Market, Stock Exchange and other
news that are related to business attracts a large set of people and that is why
this type of reporting is one of the most famous reporting in current time.
This area of journalism provides news and feature articles about people, places
and issues related to the business sector. Most[quantify] newspapers,
magazines, radio, and television-news shows include a business segment.
Detailed and in-depth business journalism may appear in publications, radio,
and television channels dedicated specifically to business and financial
journalism.
-Sports reporting
This reporting may seem cool for the audience but they don’t know the hard
work and sweat the reporter has to put to provide information to all the viewers.
Reporters can cover information about hockey, football as well as cricket
tournaments held all around the globe.

-Disaster reporting
[Link]

-Environmental reporting
All modern-day activities like globalization and digitization have their impact
on the environment. From the Ozone layer to Deforestation environmental
reporting includes all. It makes public awareness about what is going on in the
environment. The individual needs to put to use their knowledge of historical
environmental events. One must have the ability to follow environmental policy
decisions and environmental organizations. An environmental journalist should
have a general understanding of current environmental concerns, and the ability
to communicate information to the public in a way that is easily understood.