The first Classes and First Impressions

     Usually, lectures don't interest me. I am not an auditory learner so, I often find it hard to focus. However, I find my Journalism One class very interesting. I am the kind of student who doesn't participate in class discussions. I am always attentive, but for the most part, I only observe the other students and their responses. However in Journalism One, somehow I always find myself with my hand raised ready to answer any question thrown my way. I can honestly say, this is the most engaging class I have had yet.
     During the first couple lectures, we discussed both the Ten Elements of Journalism and the Seven Yardsticks of Journalism. Even though the elements were written by journalists and the yardsticks were written by the audience, these two guidelines are actually quite similar. They both focus on portraying important and relevant information and being loyal to the publication's audience. Although it is important to remember these  guidelines prescribe, and not describe journalism. The main similar points of the Ten Elements and 7 Yardsticks of Journalism are, verification and context, watchdog and civic contribution, and make the important interesting and newsworthiness. 
     Verification and context are similar in which they both encourage journalists to make sure it is clear that their information is valid by supporting it with many sources. Without cited sources, the work is creditable. To the viewers knowledge, the work could be untruthful or unreliable. 
     Watchdog and civic contribution both explain how journalists should keep an eye on those with power. These people could be anyone from government officials or the president to board members or the school principal. I find this easy to remember as comparable to the Checks and Balances system. As journalists constantly check in with the people in power, the power is more balanced making sure the power is not being abused.
     Finally, make the important interesting and newsworthiness are corresponding because they both stress the distribution of elitist information. Although these two are more distantly related, they both explain the importance of relevant knowledge. It is essential to not only express the important, but to also explain why the news is important. Answer the question , "Why does it Matter?".
     Going into this magnet, I had the same question. However, after only a few classes, I already have a completely new understanding.