Who

Definition

In the context of news reporting, 'who' refers to the identification of the individuals or groups involved in a story. It helps provide clarity about the key players and stakeholders related to an event, which is essential for audience understanding. The 'who' aspect not only identifies the main characters but also their relevance and connection to the story being told.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. 'Who' establishes the emotional connection between the audience and the story by providing relatable characters.
2. Identifying 'who' allows for deeper understanding of motivations and conflicts within a story.
3. In breaking news, specifying 'who' quickly conveys urgency and importance of the situation.
4. The 'who' element can include not just individuals but also organizations or communities impacted by an event.
5. 'Who' is often accompanied by other 'W' questions (what, when, where, why) to give a complete picture of the news event.

Review Questions

• How does identifying 'who' in a news story enhance reader engagement?
  • 'Who' enhances reader engagement by creating a personal connection between the audience and the individuals involved in the story. When readers can identify with real people—understanding their backgrounds, emotions, and stakes in an event—they are more likely to invest emotionally in the narrative. This connection can make the news more relatable and impactful, encouraging readers to care about the outcomes and implications presented.
• What role does 'who' play in establishing credibility and authority within a news report?
  • 'Who' plays a crucial role in establishing credibility and authority by ensuring that the sources or individuals cited are trustworthy and relevant. By clearly identifying credible sources and public figures, a news report reinforces its reliability. This can include providing background on those involved, detailing their expertise, or noting their significance within the context of the story, all of which help build trust with readers.
• Evaluate how failing to clearly identify 'who' in a news story can affect audience perception and understanding.
  • Failing to clearly identify 'who' can significantly distort audience perception and understanding by creating confusion about who is involved in the events being reported. Without clear identification, readers may struggle to grasp the significance of actions taken by individuals or groups, leading to misinterpretations of motivations and consequences. This lack of clarity can diminish trust in the reporting and reduce overall engagement with the story, as audiences may feel disconnected from the narrative.

Related terms

Source: A person or entity that provides information or insight relevant to a news story, often serving as a primary point of reference.

Attribution:

The act of crediting the source of information or quotes used in a news article, giving readers context on the reliability of the information presented.

Public Figure: An individual who has gained prominence in society, often becoming a focal point in news stories due to their actions or status.