Is it news or not? That is the question young journalists must consider in a lesson about newsworthiness. Class members watch a short video that details five key characteristics of quality, credible news. Individuals then use these tips to identify whether items from other media are either news items or not.

Concepts

news articles, news reporting, journalism, journalism ethics, investigative journalism

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Instructional Ideas

• Enlarge, print, and display the "Is It News" poster

Classroom Considerations

• A free NewseumED account is required to access the video and the media map
• Requires copies, one per participant, of the two worksheets

Pros

• Includes answer keys for the two worksheets

Cons

• None

Common Core

CCRA.R.1 CCRA.R.7 CCRA.W.1 CCRA.SL.1 CCRA.SL.2