57015 Political Reporting

Handbook description

This subject develops an understanding of the professional skills required for political reporting and a critical understanding of the coverage of politics, in its broadest sense. Students examine the use of sources in political journalism; the structure, functions and practice of press galleries; the relationship of public relations to journalism in the context of the coverage of politics; the differences between governmental reporting and political reporting and areas of investigative reporting for political journalists. Students also explore alternative and advocacy political journalism, as well as political coverage in another country (United States), and compare and execute political reporting in different media. Students also gain a broad understanding of political reporting, probe specific high profile political stories and engage in debate on current political issues.

Subject objectives/outcomes

After completion of this subject students are expected to be able to:

1. demonstrate an ability to research and write a political news story, editorial, Op-Ed piece, feature story. Students will also show an ability to create a political blog or political documentary
2. demonstrate an understanding of the contemporary debate on political reporting and its function in a democracy
3. engage in critical analysis of this debate
4. demonstrate an awareness of Australian and international political issues and media issues relating specifically to political news
5. demonstrate an ability to recognise and apply basic industry standards in relation to studies and practical work
6. demonstrate professional skills gained during the course by producing high quality journalism and learn how to evaluate your own learning and professional practice.

Contribution to graduate profile

Students who complete this subject will:

• have strong research and reporting skills and be able to effectively retrieve and analyse information from a range of sources
• have a knowledge and critical understanding of the media
• have a knowledge of the historical, philosophical, ethical and cultural foundations underpinning journalism and strive to promote the important role of professional and ethical journalism in the service of the public
• have an understanding of the role of the media in local, regional, national and global contexts
• develop the ability to be self-reliant and pro-active, flexible and innovative
• have an understanding and commitment to ethical journalism professional practice.

Teaching and learning strategies

The subject is delivered with a series of introductory weekly lectures and discussions covering a range of topics related to journalism and political reporting. Students should read the Sydney Morning Herald, the Australian and other relevant magazines, websites, blogs and television shows to stay current, as daily political news and its coverage will provide the basis for much of the class discussion. Additional readings will also be supplied. The subject will also include a class held in parliament in Canberra.

Students will also participate in discussion and review of subject content through UTSOnline and during the semester between the blocks stories will be posted on UTSOnline and communication with the lecturers and other students will also be online. Students will also have access to individual consultations.

Content

The subject will examine aspects of the media coverage of the political process and the professional practice of political reporting in various media – print, radio, television, online and film/video documentary. It will examine the journalists' role in mediating information between governments and the public and in informing the public more generally about policy and process. Under this general rubric, the subject will explore a number of topics. They include the 'watchdog' role of the media toward governments and whether this adequately accounts for contemporary political journalism; the purpose and limitations of press galleries as institutions to fulfil this role; the increasing sophistication of 'news management' techniques as they affect political reporting; problems with the way in which political news is conveyed by journalists.

Assessment

Assessment item 1: Political Blog and class presentation

Assessment item 2: Political News Story

Assessment item 3: A political feature story concerning any aspect of Federal government

Assessment item 4: News Story – A story concerning an aspect of local government. The type of story and potential topics will be dictated by news events

Minimum requirements

Students are expected to read the subject outline to ensure they are familiar with the subject requirements. Since class discussion and participation in activities form an integral part of this subject, you are expected to attend, arrive punctually and actively participate in classes. If you experience difficulties meeting this requirement, please contact your lecturer. Students who have a reason for extended absence (e.g. illness) may be required to complete additional work to ensure they achieve the subject objectives.

Indicative references

Websites of interest
Parliament House www.aph.gov.au
Parliament, an overview www.aph.gov.au/parl.htm
Sitting dates of parliament www.aph.gov.au/house/info/sittings/rsp03tab.htm
The week in parliament www.aph.gov.au/thisweek
Search for parliamentary information http://parlinfoweb.aph.gov.au/piweb
Search parliament, new clippings etc. wipi.aph.gov.au/search/parlinfo.asp?
Parliamentary Handbook www.aph.gov.au/library/handbook
Hansard www.aph.gov.au/hansard