CJSF News Reporting Values

Like other campus and community radio stations, CJSF has special obligations for the way we report. CHRY (York, Ont.) has developed very helpful guidelines, here adapted for CJSF:

Alternative News Reporting Values

* Public Service-oriented. One of the main differences between community news and mainstream news is that a story must serve the public interest to be considered for community radio. Stories should enlighten and educate audiences, and sometimes even move them to positive action.

* Locally focused: Our community is our broadcasting zone, so we want to cover issues affecting the Vancouver Metro Area and its surrounding communities. Even international stories have a BC face to them.

* Alternative: We focus on giving a voice to the voiceless, so we try to represent those stories and those communities that are not represented in the mainstream, or that are misrepresented. When we cover stories already told in the mainstream, we do so from an alternative perspective: catching what other stations have missed. There is no need to duplicate what is being aired elsewhere: People love us because we are different.

What does “alternative news” mean?

It is inclusive -- not exclusive. Alternative news means the stories that are not being told by the big guys. It is the voice in the story that mainstream media excluded. Alternative news seeks to inform, not dumb-down and can provoke debate among listeners, but also inspire them to action.

What makes a good story?

Look for three elements to focus your stories: People doing something for a reason. Newsworthy stories should have a local element and be timely and relevant to your audience.

A good story is:

1. Balanced – There are many sides and viewpoints to cover in most stories. Its not just “the other side” of the story, its “the different side”. There are always multiple, overlooked perspectives. We do not talk about people without inviting their perspective to the table - that means calling for an interview or a statement to be read on air. Balance also means conflict. A story needs duality to be interesting and alive. Things to think about: When is one source/voice okay? Do I have to invite an NDP for every Liberal? How to write-in conflict?

2. Fair and Accurate - Stories must be whole to be truly accurate. Stories can have the facts right, and still be misleading. Researching without preconceived impressions helps. Never, ever rely on just one source. Always check facts against alternative sources and the opposition. We do not report hearsay, gossip and rumour. Always attribute your source (I read it in the paper is not good enough)

3. Honest - Once you have covered all perspectives and voices relevant to the story, ask yourself: “ How would I feel about that?” Do you have a vested interest in the story and are you acknowledging this bias? Your own opinion is not journalism. Many subjective subjects can be covered more objectively with honesty. If you have a bias, acknowledge it and compensate with alternative voices.

4. Never assume – Never assume your audience knows all the background details of the story. Do all you can to help a listener understand the story. If you don’t understand it, there is no way your audience will.

****Above all: The Spoken Word Department is not a personal soapbox. If you want an opinion to air, invite a relevant guest on to express it. You are the conduit for ideas not the source.