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A report in journalism is a form of journalistic writing that aims to provide objective information about current events, news or topics. Reports are usually written to present the facts and inform readers about what happened, without introducing the author's personal opinions or comments. Here are some important characteristics of a journalistic report:
Objectivity: A journalistic report should be as objective as possible. This means that the author presents the information neutrally and unbiasedly, without introducing personal opinions or judgments.
Currency: Reports focus on current events or news. They inform readers about what has just happened or what happened recently.
Fact-based: A report is based on verifiable facts and information. Journalists conduct research to ensure that the information presented is accurate and reliable.
Clarity and precision: Reports are usually written clearly and precisely. You use clear, factual language to convey the information in an understandable way.
Structure: Reports often follow a fixed structure called "messaging style." This usually includes the “5 W questions”: who, what, where, when and why. A good report answers these questions and provides all relevant information.
Quotes and Sources: Journalistic reports may include quotes from eyewitnesses, experts or relevant people to support the information and increase credibility. It is important to clearly identify the sources of the information.
Headline: A report is often accompanied by a concise headline that summarizes the main topic or message of the report.
Editorial standards: Journalistic reports should adhere to certain editorial standards and ethics rules to ensure the accuracy, impartiality and integrity of reporting.
Reports are a basic form of journalistic writing and are used in newspapers, news websites, magazines, radio and television to convey news and information to the public. They serve to keep readers informed about important events and to provide them with facts from which they can draw their own conclusions.