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Stuff Every Journalism Scout Should Know: the Study Guide

Practice facts for the Journalism merit badge. Not an official Scouting America credential. Grab a snack: this guide is the friendly version, with the answers explained and a groan-worthy joke waiting at the end of most cards.

Knowing Journalism Scout saves you money, time and the occasional embarrassment.

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Chapter 1: Leadership Foundations

What is defamation?

Short answer: A false statement that harms someone's reputation

Defamation is a false statement that damages a person's reputation, whether spoken or printed.

Groan of the day: Defamation hurts a name, so reputations need armor.

Sources: Scouting America: Journalism

What is the inverted pyramid style?

Short answer: Putting the most important information first

The inverted pyramid puts the most important information first, followed by supporting details.

Groan of the day: The inverted pyramid starts at the top, so readers get the point up front.

Sources: Scouting America: Journalism

What are the five W's and H?

Short answer: Who, what, when, where, why, and how

The five W's and H are who, what, when, where, why, and how, the basic questions of a news story.

Groan of the day: The five W's and H ask the questions, so the story has answers.

Sources: Scouting America: Journalism

What is data journalism?

Short answer: Finding stories in numbers and using numbers to tell stories

Data journalism finds stories in numbers and uses data to support or tell those stories.

Groan of the day: Data journalism does the math, so the story adds up.

Sources: Journalism

What is fake news?

Short answer: Deliberately untruthful information spread to mislead

Fake news is deliberately untruthful information, often spread quickly on social media to mislead readers.

Groan of the day: Fake news is a real problem, so check before you share.

Sources: Journalism

How can readers often judge the credibility of news?

Short answer: By checking the credibility of the underlying news organization

Readers can often evaluate credibility by examining the credibility of the news organization behind the story.

Groan of the day: Check the source, or the source may check your trust.

Sources: Journalism

What does the term fourth estate describe?

Short answer: Journalism acting as a watchdog on government

Journalism is called the fourth estate because it acts as a watchdog on the workings of government.

Groan of the day: The fourth estate keeps watch, so the public gets a watchdog.

Sources: Journalism

What is science journalism?

Short answer: Reporting about science to the public

Science journalism conveys reporting about science to the public in clear language.

Groan of the day: Science journalism makes research public, so it does not stay in the lab.

Sources: Journalism

What is gonzo journalism known for?

Short answer: A highly personal style of reporting

Gonzo journalism is a highly personal style of reporting, first championed by Hunter S. Thompson.

Groan of the day: Gonzo journalism puts the reporter in the story, so the writer is part of the ride.

Sources: Journalism

What is a confidential source?

Short answer: A source whose identity a journalist may protect

A confidential source is an informant whose identity a journalist may keep private, though rules vary.

Groan of the day: A confidential source stays under wraps, so the story can still come out.

Sources: Journalism

Why can time pressure cause factual errors in news?

Short answer: Reporters rush to publish before competitors and may skip checks

Pressure to report promptly can lead to errors, which is why corrections are common in daily papers.

Groan of the day: Deadline pressure can press accuracy, so slow down enough to check.

Sources: Journalism

What is a correction in journalism?

Short answer: A published fix for an earlier factual error

A correction is a published fix for an earlier factual error, helping maintain accuracy and trust.

Groan of the day: A correction sets the record straight, so the record does not stay crooked.

Sources: Journalism

Why should a reporter seek a range of opinions?

Short answer: To represent legitimate points of view fairly

Seeking a range of opinions helps journalists represent legitimate points of view and report fairly.

Groan of the day: A range of views gives the story range, so it does not hit one note.

Sources: Journalism

The cheat sheet

The whole guide on one screen. Screenshot it, print it, stick it on the fridge.

  • Freedom of the press lets journalists report and publish information without government control.
  • Libel refers to published false statements, while slander refers to spoken false statements.
  • Defamation is a false statement that damages a person's reputation, whether spoken or printed.
  • Malice means publishing something known to be false or with reckless disregard for whether it is true.
  • Distinguishing fact from opinion helps readers understand what is verified and what is a personal view.
  • A public figure is someone with fame or influence in public affairs, which can affect legal standards.
  • Privacy protects people from unnecessary intrusion, so journalists should weigh public need against personal harm.
  • Fair comment protects honest opinions on matters of public interest, not false statements made with malice.
  • Separating editorial and advertising helps keep advertisers from influencing news coverage.
  • Bloggers who write about promotional gifts must disclose that they received the products for free.
  • The inverted pyramid puts the most important information first, followed by supporting details.
  • Chronological style tells events in the order they happened, from beginning to end.

Pop quiz

Think of your answer first, then peek.

  1. What does freedom of the press protect?
    • The right to publish news without government control
    • The right to avoid paying taxes on newspapers
    • The right to publish only government-approved stories
    Show the answer

    The right to publish news without government control. Freedom of the press lets journalists report and publish information without government control.

  2. What is the inverted pyramid style?
    • Saving the main point for the final paragraph
    • Putting the most important information first
    • Writing events in strict chronological order
    Show the answer

    Putting the most important information first. The inverted pyramid puts the most important information first, followed by supporting details.

  3. Why do journalists verify information before publishing?
    • To make stories longer than needed
    • To avoid interviewing any sources
    • To provide citizens with reliable information
    Show the answer

    To provide citizens with reliable information. Verification helps journalists provide citizens with reliable information, a core part of journalism.

  4. What can a journalism career research include?
    • Training, education, salary, and advancement
    • Only the job title
    • Only the office color
    Show the answer

    Training, education, salary, and advancement. Researching a journalism career includes training, education, certification, salary, and advancement opportunities.

  5. Which rights does the First Amendment list together?
    • Travel, work, and housing
    • Speech, press, assembly, and petition
    • Voting, taxes, and jury duty
    Show the answer

    Speech, press, assembly, and petition. The amendment bars laws abridging speech, press, peaceable assembly, and the right to petition.

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