There are many different types of news sources that provide varying kinds of news content through different media. The document discusses analyzing different news sources by having groups research a particular source and topic area. Groups will evaluate the advantages and disadvantages of their assigned news source and media for presenting news on their chosen topic. Each group will then present their findings in a press conference, responding to questions from other "journalists" representing different news sources.

1. Xa PROJECT
News Report
The Discussion: What news?
There are many different kinds of news. The Good News Network reports only on positive
things that are happening, while other networks prefer to use tragedies and scandals as their
top stories. Then there are lots of different topic areas: current affairs, of course, but also
sports, entertainment, science, celebrity gossip, fashion and many others. Finally, news can be
local, national or international.
Discuss in your groups how you personally feel about each different kind of news – does it
bore the pants off you or is it the first thing you log onto each morning? Then talk about how
important each kind of news is for society in general.
Now it’s time to think about the best way to get the news across to the general public. What
types of media typically present news in your country? Are news sources changing as
technology, particularly social media, advances?

2. Research: Who does it best?
So is any one news source better than all the others? For all types of news? In what ways is it
better? Does it have any shortcomings?
Each group should choose a different news source and spend some time reading / listening to
its news stories. This could be a quick look for just 30 minutes, or you might decide to “tune in”
over a week. As you follow the news stories in your chosen media, think about (and keep a note
of) any advantages and disadvantages for receiving the news in this way.
To make sure you get a balanced view, each person in your group should choose a different
topic area to tune into. For example, if you are looking at TV, one of you could look at sports
news, another at current affairs, someone else can do entertainment etc. It doesn’t matter if
you all watch the same TV channel or different ones, as long as it’s TV!
The Verdict
Now get back together with your group and share opinions about how good or bad your
media is in presenting news in your topic area. Can you come to any general conclusions about
how valuable a source of news this type of media is?
The Presentation
Each person needs to write up a report on their findings. In the introduction, say why your
group chose to look at the type of media. Then outline any advantages and disadvantages of
this media for presenting your topic. Conclude by briefly mentioning other advantages or
disadvantages the rest of your group have talked about, and make any necessary
recommendations about how should people follow the news.
Finally, your group must present its findings at a Press Conference. Be prepared to answer any
questions from the journalists present (who may work in the media you are giving a report on,
or may work in rival media sources.)
** When you are listening to other groups’ presentations, be prepared to act as a journalist
who wants to defend the area they work in!