top of page
j_quill_white.png

Journalism Lab

Join Us >>>

Jounalism 101

1. What is News

News is information about recent events or issues that are relevant, timely, and important to the public. Good journalism selects stories based on their impact, relevance, timeliness, and public interest—not just what is interesting, but what matters. 

2. “Journalism is the First Draft of History”

This phrase means that journalism records events as they happen, creating the earliest version of how history is understood.Journalists document real-time events before historians later analyze and interpret them.

3. Facts vs. Opinion

Fact — A statement that can be verified with evidence (data, documents, or direct observation)

​

Opinion — A belief, interpretation, or judgment that reflects a person’s perspective

News reporting should be objective, neutral, and evidence-based, while opinion writing is subjective and persuasive

​

Example
Fact: “A protest took place in Boston Common.”
Opinion: “Protests should be banned from Boston Common.”

4. Code of Ethics

A code of ethics is a set of principles that guide journalists to report responsibly, fairly, and truthfully.

Common principles include:

​

  • Seek truth and report it

  • Verify sources

  • Avoid conflicts of interest

  • Allow subjects to respond

  • Be accountable and correct mistakes

5. What is Photojournalism?

A code of ethics is a set of principles that guide journalists to report responsibly, fairly, and truthfully.

Common principles include:

​

  • Seek truth and report it

  • Verify sources

  • Avoid conflicts of interest

  • Allow subjects to respond

  • Be accountable and correct mistakes

6. Types of Ledes

A lede is the opening sentence of a news story. It is designed to capture attention and deliver key information.

​

Common Types:

  • Summary Lede (Hard News Lede): Direct approach that delivers the most essential, time-sensitive information, typically following the inverted pyramid style.

  • Feature Lede (Delayed Lede): Set a scene, tell a story, or hook the reader emotionally before diving into the main topic.

Blind Lede: A summary that intentionally withholds a key detail, such as a name to build suspense.

Press Pass

Press Pass is PATH-J’s monthly speaker series designed to connect students with journalists, editors, and professionals across media and related fields.

​

Through these sessions, students gain insight into how journalism works in the real world—beyond the classroom.

​

Each conversation offers a closer look at how stories are developed, how decisions are made in newsrooms, and how media shapes the way we understand the world.

Press Pass features voices from across the media landscape, including:

​

  • Journalists from local and national news organizations

  • Editors and content creators

  • Media professionals working in politics, technology, and culture

  • Civic leaders and researchers connected to public discourse

Young
Journalist
Workshop

Young Journalist Academy empowers young people to critically engage with modern news and media and tell stories that matter to their communities ethically and responsibly. Students will learn the basics of journalism, including news, opinion, and feature writing. The program will culminate in a collaborative, multi-media project of the student’s choice
Image by ASIA CULTURECENTER

Goals:

1. Conduct basic reporting, including interviews and fact-checking

2. Distinguish news, opinion, and advertising media

3. Write or produce a short journalism piece either independently or collaboratively

4. Evaluate sources for credibility, bias, and evidence

5. Identify misinformation and disinformation

6. Understand journalistic ethics and civic responsibility


 

Target Age: Grades 6–8 (middle school), could potentially make a high school branch

Format: Weekly sessions (spring) + optional intensive sessions (summer)

Session Length: 90 minutes (recommended)

 

Address:

Milton Public Library (476 Canton Ave, Milton MA)

bottom of page