What do you think sets apart a good news story from a great one? Give an example of a news story that you consider to be great and explain why.

Sample answer to the question

A good news story is informative and well-written, but a great news story goes beyond that. It captivates the audience with its compelling narrative and evokes strong emotions. An example of a great news story is the coverage of the 2019 Australian bushfires. The news story not only provided updates on the situation but also highlighted the heroism of firefighters and the resilience of affected communities. It featured interviews with survivors and showcased impactful visuals of the devastation. The story stood out because it went beyond the basic facts and painted a vivid picture of the human experience during the crisis.

A more solid answer

A good news story is informative and well-written, but a great news story goes beyond that. What sets apart a great news story is the depth of research and the ability to conduct impactful interviews. A great news story is backed by thorough investigation and presents multiple perspectives on the topic. Additionally, strong writing and storytelling skills are crucial. The journalist should be able to engage the audience with a compelling narrative and evoke emotions. Great news stories also require the ability to work well under pressure and meet tight deadlines. Journalists must be able to deliver accurate and engaging content even in high-pressure situations. Excellent oral and written communication skills are essential to effectively convey the story to the audience. Finally, great news stories uphold the highest standards of journalistic ethics and adhere to media law. An example of a news story that meets these criteria is the investigative piece on corruption in government contracts. The journalist conducted in-depth research, interviewed whistleblowers, and presented compelling evidence of wrongdoing. The story was well-written and presented multiple perspectives. It was published under tight deadlines, demonstrating the journalist's ability to work well under pressure. The story adhered to ethical standards by protecting the identity of the sources and maintaining accuracy in reporting.

Why this is a more solid answer:

The solid answer expands on the basic answer by addressing all the evaluation areas mentioned in the job description. It emphasizes the importance of research, interview skills, strong writing, ability to work under pressure, communication skills, and adherence to ethics and media law. The example provided demonstrates how these qualities contribute to a great news story. However, the solid answer could still benefit from providing more specific details and examples.

An exceptional answer

What sets apart a good news story from a great one is the combination of exceptional research, compelling storytelling, and a deep understanding of journalistic ethics and media law. A great news story starts with extensive research, delving into multiple sources and perspectives to provide a comprehensive account of the topic. It goes beyond surface-level information and reveals the underlying complexities. In addition to solid research, the journalist must have exceptional interview skills. They must ask insightful questions that elicit honest and meaningful responses from their sources. These interviews provide a human angle to the story and make it relatable to the audience. Strong writing and storytelling skills are crucial to engage readers and hold their attention. The journalist must be able to craft a narrative that is both informative and emotionally impactful. A great news story also requires the ability to work well under pressure and meet tight deadlines. Journalists must thrive in fast-paced environments and deliver their best work even in challenging circumstances. Excellent oral and written communication skills are essential to effectively convey the story to the audience. Finally, a great news story upholds the highest standards of journalistic ethics and adheres to media law. It ensures accuracy, fairness, and accountability in reporting. An example of a news story that exemplifies these qualities is the investigative report on the opioid crisis. The journalist conducted in-depth research, interviewed medical professionals and recovering addicts, and showcased the devastating impact of the crisis on individuals and communities. The story was written with a compelling narrative that drew readers in and highlighted the urgency of the issue. It was published on time, meeting tight deadlines, and adhered to ethical guidelines by protecting the privacy of the interviewees. This news story truly made a difference by raising awareness and advocating for change.

Why this is an exceptional answer:

The exceptional answer further expands on the solid answer by providing more specific details and examples to demonstrate the candidate's exceptional abilities in research, interview skills, storytelling, ability to work under pressure, communication skills, and knowledge of journalistic ethics and media law. The example provided showcases the candidate's expertise in these areas and illustrates the impact of their work. The exceptional answer addresses all the evaluation areas mentioned in the job description and provides a well-rounded response to the question.

How to prepare for this question

Stay updated on current events and news trends to understand what makes a news story great in today's landscape.
Practice conducting effective interviews and asking insightful questions.
Sharpen your writing skills by regularly writing news articles and seeking feedback.
Familiarize yourself with journalistic ethics and media law.
Develop strong organizational skills to manage tight deadlines and work efficiently under pressure.

What interviewers are evaluating

Exceptional research and interview skills
Strong writing and storytelling skills
Ability to work well under pressure and meet deadlines
Excellent oral and written communication skills
Knowledge of journalistic ethics and media law