You wrote a breaking news story about a fire that occurred in a high-rise building downtown. A month later, you do a follow-up story about the fire that focuses on people's opinions about its cause and safety measures that could have prevented it. Give an example of three questions you would ask people for the follow-up story. How are these questions different from the ones you asked for the breaking news story?

What will be an ideal response?


Student examples will vary. For the breaking news story, students should mention that they would focus on asking the 5W’s and 1H. For the follow-up story, possible questions could include: “Has anyone discussed the cause of the fire with residents of other high-rise buildings in the neighborhood?” “Has anything been done to check these buildings for problems like the one that caused the fire?” “Why doesn't the mayor do more to make sure these buildings are safe?” These questions are focused on the safety issues related to the fire. They are focused not on gathering basic facts, but rather on gathering people's opinions.

Communication & Mass Media

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