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On the Outside Looking In
Module 2, Activity 3.1 - Introduction to Television Journalism
Student Page
(teacher lesson for this lesson)

Introduction:

The idea of watching something as it happens has created a whole new genre of television. With shows like Survivor and The Amazing Race hooking viewers worldwide, it is necessary to consider the cause of this fascination. In this lesson, you look at how "real" reality T.V. actually is, and look at the original reality T.V. - breaking news.

Activities:

Task One - What is Real?
Reality T. V. is currently one of the most popular forms of entertainment. With new reality shows popping up every week, it is impossible not to come across one when watching television. The most important part of watching "reality" T. V. is to ask yourself, how real can this be?

Watch the clip your teacher has provided of a reality T. V. show. While you are watching, complete the following:

1. Write down the name of each new person that is in the clip.
2. Next to each name, write down your impressions of that person based on what you are watching.

As a class, discuss each person from the tape and consider why your impressions may not be accurate.

Task Two - A Regular Day in the Classroom
Next, watch a reality T. V. show starring your own class. Watch the 15 minute clip, provided by your teacher, detailing a regular day in your classroom. Once you have watched the clip, reflect on what you have seen in writing. In your book, answer the following questions:
1. Is this an accurate representation of what happened in class the day this was taped? Why not?
2. What does this tell us about reality T. V.?
3. Why is reality T. V. so popular despite the fact that it cannot possibly be what the name suggests?
Objectives:

You will be able to
- recognize how pervasive information is in contemporary society
- consider how electronic media, including the Internet, have changed journalism and will continue to affect it in the future
- understand how a radio or television production is created
- understand the requirements for reporting news using radio, television, and the Internet
- recognize the importance of market research
- identify the conventions of the electronic media
- apply understanding of print journalism to the electronic media
- evaluate the quality and reliability of various forms and examples of journalism

Resources:

- breaking news clips (choose events that will be easy to search such as the attack on the World Trade Center or the Asian tsunami)
- a reality T. V. clip
- a video of class work

Task Three - Breaking News
Breaking news may be the only thing we have that could be considered reality T. V. Events are taped as they happen, and reporters often put themselves in harms way to get the breaking story. People enjoy breaking news for the same reason that they enjoy reality T. V.; they get a chance to look in at someone else's life as it is happening.

Look at reports that were broadcast as an event was happening. Participate in a discussion about why live news is more interesting.

Consider what hooks us in to watching a high speed chase or rocket launch as it happens. rocket
 
   

Last Updated
May 30, 2005

 
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