Have you ever realized that the first thing you might do when you wake up is check your smartphone? We look at social media timelines, read messages about traffic conditions, or observe snippets of events that are being widely discussed. Without realizing it, we are consuming news.

News is oxygen for modern society. In the midst of the current ocean of information, accurate and structured reports are not just reading material, but a crucial foundation for making decisions. Starting from simple decisions such as planning a travel route, to major decisions such as determining choices in general elections.

However, how exactly is a raw event processed into news that is sharp, crisp to read, and authoritative? Let's dissect the world of journalism from theoretical foundations, reporting techniques, to writing practices, so you can start compiling reports like a professional journalist.

1. Foundations of Journalism: What is News, Basic Principles, and News Values

In simple terms, news is an objective report about facts or events that have just occurred (actual), are important, and have an impact on many people. It needs to be emphasized: news contains facts, not the author's opinions or assumptions.

To avoid confusion, let's recognize the basic differences in writing formats in the media:

  • Hard News: Direct news that prioritizes speed and crucial facts (e.g., earthquake reports or election results).

  • Feature: News writing that is more storytelling, exploring the human side or background of an event (e.g., the story of earthquake volunteer struggles).

  • Opinion/Editorial: Writing that contains the views, analysis, or attitudes of the author/media towards an issue.