Bachelor of Science in Journalism (BSJ) Comprehensive Assessment — Questions and Answers

Question 1: What elements are typically found in a summary lead?

Instructions on how to read the story
A list of all the sources quoted in the story
A direct quote
The most important facts of the story (Correct answer)

Correct answer: The most important facts of the story

A summary lead, often found at the beginning of a news story, is designed to quickly provide the reader with the most crucial information. It typically answers the 5 W's and 1 H (who, what, when, where, why, and how) to give a concise overview of the main event or topic. This allows readers to grasp the core facts without needing to read the entire article.

Question 2: What is 'clickbait' and why is it criticized in journalism?

Sensational or misleading headlines designed to maximize clicks over accuracy (Correct answer)
Sponsored content clearly labeled as advertising
A technique to link related articles within a story
An interactive quiz embedded in a news story

Correct answer: Sensational or misleading headlines designed to maximize clicks over accuracy

Clickbait uses exaggerated or misleading headlines to attract clicks, prioritizing traffic over accuracy and undermining journalistic credibility.

Question 3: What is a 'hyperlink' and why is it important in online journalism?

An embedded video player for news stories
A form of digital advertising embedded in articles
A type of audio player used in multimedia packages
A clickable text or image that connects readers to related content or sources (Correct answer)

Correct answer: A clickable text or image that connects readers to related content or sources

Hyperlinks allow journalists to connect readers to source documents, related stories, and supporting evidence, increasing transparency and depth.

Question 4: A news editor discovers that a story was sourced from a fabricated document. The ethically and professionally correct immediate action is:

Kill the story, investigate the lapse, and consider issuing a correction or retraction if the story ran (Correct answer)
Publish a correction without removing the story
Replace the fabricated document with a paraphrase
Publish the story anyway since the core narrative may be true

Correct answer: Kill the story, investigate the lapse, and consider issuing a correction or retraction if the story ran

Journalistic integrity requires halting publication of material based on fabricated evidence and, if already published, issuing a full retraction.

Question 5: Which concept in media studies describes the practice of news organizations focusing disproportionately on elite nations, persons, or institutions in international coverage?

Media imperialism
Elite bias (Correct answer)
Foreign news framing
Ethnocentrism

Correct answer: Elite bias

Elite bias in international news refers to the tendency to cover wealthy, powerful nations and individuals far more than developing countries or ordinary people, skewing global understanding.

Question 6: Among various forms of mass media, which one provides the highest accessibility to information while being the least regulated?

All mass media is highly regulated
Digital/social media (Correct answer)
Print media
Broadcast media

Correct answer: Digital/social media

Digital and social media platforms offer unparalleled accessibility to information, allowing anyone with an internet connection to publish and consume content globally. Compared to traditional broadcast (TV, radio) and print media, which are often subject to licensing, editorial oversight, and specific regulations, digital platforms generally have fewer formal regulations regarding content creation and dissemination, leading to a vast and often unfiltered information landscape.

Question 7: Callie is going through her Facebook news feed. She notices that some of her friends are sharing articles from an organization called The Society for the Re-humanization of American Music. She goes to the group's website and finds that she agrees with what they say about putting soul and imagination back into modern music. Callie starts to back and promote what they are doing. Callie's political views have been shaped by (choose one).

Liking (Correct answer)
Immediate connection
News you can choose
Sharing

Correct answer: Liking

In the context of social media, 'liking' content often signifies agreement, approval, or interest, and can be a first step in engaging with and internalizing information. Callie's agreement with the group's message and subsequent decision to 'back and promote' them stems from her initial positive reception, which is akin to 'liking' the content and its underlying message. This engagement shapes her views and actions.

Question 8: A reporter writes a story claiming a restaurateur 'probably' committed health code violations based on anonymous tips alone. The restaurateur sues for defamation. The reporter's weakest defense is likely:

The publication added a correction
The restaurateur is a limited-purpose public figure
The story was based on single-source anonymous tips without verification (Correct answer)
The statement was clearly labeled as opinion

Correct answer: The story was based on single-source anonymous tips without verification

Relying solely on unverified anonymous tips to publish a damaging claim demonstrates reckless disregard for the truth, undermining a falsity defense.

Question 9: What does 'responsive design' mean for a news website?

A CMS that alerts editors when corrections are needed
A site that automatically publishes breaking news alerts
A web layout that adapts to display correctly on any device screen size (Correct answer)
A design that changes based on reader feedback

Correct answer: A web layout that adapts to display correctly on any device screen size

Responsive design ensures a news website displays and functions properly across desktops, tablets, and smartphones by adapting its layout to screen size.

Question 10: What is 'ambient light' in photography?

Light bounced off a reflector
Existing natural or artificial light at a scene without added flash (Correct answer)
Flash light from an external strobe
Light filtered through a diffuser

Correct answer: Existing natural or artificial light at a scene without added flash

Ambient light is the natural or existing artificial light present at a scene, used without supplemental flash or artificial lighting.

Question 11: What does 'record retention' mean for investigative journalists?

Keeping subscription records for paid news databases
Retaining copyright for all published photographs
Deleting sensitive files after a story is published to protect sources
Systematically storing notes, documents, and recordings to support and defend published reporting (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Systematically storing notes, documents, and recordings to support and defend published reporting

Record retention means keeping thorough, organized files of notes, recordings, emails, and documents to verify facts and defend against legal challenges after publication.

Question 12: Which storytelling technique involves beginning a narrative at a dramatic or critical moment before flashing back to explain context?

Chronological structure
The inverted pyramid
The Wall Street Journal formula
In medias res (Correct answer)

Correct answer: In medias res

In medias res drops the audience into a compelling scene mid-action before stepping back to provide background, a technique adapted from literary journalism for multimedia.

Question 13: What is the primary concern with using anonymous social media accounts as sources in online journalism?

They violate platform terms of service
They are difficult to embed in articles
Their identity and credibility cannot be independently verified (Correct answer)
They require special software to access

Correct answer: Their identity and credibility cannot be independently verified

Anonymous accounts cannot be verified, making it impossible to confirm the source's identity, expertise, or potential conflicts of interest.

Question 14: What serves as the foundation or basis for morals?

if it is legal or not
community standards
a gut feeling
personal standards (Correct answer)

Correct answer: personal standards

Morals are deeply personal beliefs and values that guide an individual's sense of right and wrong. They are often shaped by one's upbringing, culture, religion, and personal experiences, forming an individual's internal compass for behavior. While influenced by external factors, their foundation lies in personal standards.

Question 15: What is 'computer-assisted reporting' (CAR)?

Using a computer to auto-publish approved press releases
Recording interviews using computer software
Using AI software to write news stories automatically
Using spreadsheets and databases to analyze public records and find stories in data (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Using spreadsheets and databases to analyze public records and find stories in data

Computer-assisted reporting (CAR) uses database analysis, spreadsheets, and statistical tools to find patterns and newsworthy information in large data sets.

Question 16: What does research on the 'third-person effect' in media studies suggest?

A story needs three perspectives to be balanced
People believe media has more influence on others than on themselves (Correct answer)
Three sources are needed to verify a story
Third-party fact-checkers are most trusted

Correct answer: People believe media has more influence on others than on themselves

The third-person effect describes the tendency to believe that persuasive media messages influence other people more than oneself.

Question 17: What is the essential requirement that must be demonstrated to file a defamation lawsuit?

That people agreed with them
That the person meant to insult you
That your reputation was damaged (Correct answer)
That it hurt your feelings

Correct answer: That your reputation was damaged

To successfully file a defamation lawsuit (whether libel or slander), the plaintiff must demonstrate that the false statement caused actual harm to their reputation. While hurt feelings or an intent to insult might be present, the legal standard requires proof of tangible damage to one's standing in the community or profession. Without reputational damage, a defamation claim typically fails.

Question 18: What distinguishes a 'hard news' story from a 'feature story'?

Features are shorter and simpler than hard news
Hard news uses anonymous sources; features do not
Hard news covers timely events with immediate public impact; features explore topics in greater depth and narrative style (Correct answer)
Hard news always appears on the front page; features never do

Correct answer: Hard news covers timely events with immediate public impact; features explore topics in greater depth and narrative style

Hard news focuses on immediate, significant events, while features offer deeper exploration with narrative techniques.

Question 19: In what ways does extensive media consumption affect individuals' perceptions of reality?

The more media is consumed, the more skeptical people are of what is shown in the media.
The more media is consumed, the more people will believe that the world is a dangerous place. (Correct answer)
The more media is consumed, the more people will decide what is and is not important.
The more media is consumed, the more people see the media as reflecting reality.

Correct answer: The more media is consumed, the more people will believe that the world is a dangerous place.

This phenomenon is often explained by Cultivation Theory, which suggests that heavy viewers of media, particularly television, tend to adopt beliefs and perceptions about the world that align with the media's portrayal. If media frequently depicts violence, crime, and danger, heavy viewers may come to perceive the real world as more perilous and threatening than it actually is. This can lead to what is known as 'mean world syndrome.'

Question 20: Which of the following best defines 'intrusion' as a privacy tort relevant to journalism?

Misappropriating a person's name or likeness for commercial purposes
Creating a false impression about a person through selective facts
Unauthorized physical or electronic invasion of a person's private space to gather information (Correct answer)
Publishing embarrassing true facts about a person's private life

Correct answer: Unauthorized physical or electronic invasion of a person's private space to gather information

Intrusion involves invading someone's private space or affairs without consent, such as trespassing or using surveillance devices illegally.

Question 21: What is the standard file format used by most U.S. news organizations for high-quality photographic submissions?

BMP
JPEG (Correct answer)
GIF
PNG

Correct answer: JPEG

JPEG is the industry-standard format for photojournalism submissions due to its balance of image quality and manageable file size.

Question 22: What is an 'IRE' and what resource does it provide to U.S. investigative journalists?

Independent Reporting Ethics board — oversees journalism conduct
Internet Research Engine — a specialized search tool for journalists
Internal Revenue Enforcement — provides tax records
Investigative Reporters and Editors — provides training, tipsheets, and a story database (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Investigative Reporters and Editors — provides training, tipsheets, and a story database

Investigative Reporters and Editors (IRE) is a U.S.-based nonprofit that provides training, conferences, tipsheets, and a database of award-winning investigative stories.

Question 23: A news outlet publishes a story identifying a juvenile suspect in a violent crime. This practice is ethically problematic primarily because:

Juveniles cannot be newsworthy by law
It may cause lasting harm to a minor whose identity is legally protected in court proceedings (Correct answer)
The story lacks multiple sources
It conflicts with copyright law

Correct answer: It may cause lasting harm to a minor whose identity is legally protected in court proceedings

Publishing juvenile suspects' identities can cause irreversible harm and conflicts with legal protections designed to shield minors from public stigma.

Question 24: What is a 'podcast' in journalism and why has it grown in popularity?

A video series hosted on news websites
A type of live radio broadcast archived digitally
An audio program distributed digitally via RSS or streaming for on-demand listening (Correct answer)
A scripted TV news segment archived online

Correct answer: An audio program distributed digitally via RSS or streaming for on-demand listening

Podcasts are digital audio programs distributed via RSS or streaming platforms, growing popular because listeners can consume them on demand at their own pace.

Question 25: What is a 'paywall' in the context of digital news publishing?

A firewall protecting newsroom computer systems
A tool for blocking web scrapers from copying articles
A system that restricts access to content unless the reader pays or subscribes (Correct answer)
A legal barrier preventing publication of certain stories

Correct answer: A system that restricts access to content unless the reader pays or subscribes

A paywall limits free access to digital content, requiring readers to pay a subscription or per-article fee to read full stories.

Question 26: What is 'native advertising' in digital journalism?

Paid content designed to match the editorial look and feel of a news site (Correct answer)
Banner ads displayed alongside news articles
Classified listings embedded in sports sections
Advertising sold only to local businesses

Correct answer: Paid content designed to match the editorial look and feel of a news site

Native advertising is paid promotional content formatted to resemble editorial content, which raises transparency and labeling concerns.

Question 27: Why might a photojournalist choose to use a telephoto lens?

To get a fish-eye distortion effect
To shoot in very low light conditions
To photograph subjects from a distance without intruding on a scene (Correct answer)
To capture wider environmental context

Correct answer: To photograph subjects from a distance without intruding on a scene

Telephoto lenses allow photographers to shoot from a distance, minimizing disruption to subjects and capturing candid moments safely.

Question 28: What is the key difference between a 'cutaway' and a 'cutaway shot' in video editing?

A cutaway always shows the reporter on camera
They are identical terms used interchangeably in broadcast journalism
A cutaway is an editorial concept while a cutaway shot is the specific footage used to cover edits and add context (Correct answer)
A cutaway shot is exclusive to documentary filmmaking

Correct answer: A cutaway is an editorial concept while a cutaway shot is the specific footage used to cover edits and add context

A cutaway shot is the actual footage — such as hands, b-roll, or relevant objects — used to smooth edits or provide visual context during an interview.

Question 29: What is 'audience analytics' used for in digital newsrooms?

Measuring reader behavior to inform editorial and distribution decisions (Correct answer)
Fact-checking stories before publication
Editing raw video footage for broadcast
Managing a newsroom's social media accounts

Correct answer: Measuring reader behavior to inform editorial and distribution decisions

Audience analytics tools track metrics like page views, scroll depth, and referral sources to help editors understand what content resonates with readers.

Question 30: What is a 'libel suit' and how can strong investigative reporting help defend against one?

A regulatory complaint about a journalist's broadcast license
A copyright claim filed by a source against a news outlet
A lawsuit claiming a journalist stole intellectual property
A lawsuit claiming a published statement is false and damaging to someone's reputation (Correct answer)

Correct answer: A lawsuit claiming a published statement is false and damaging to someone's reputation

A libel suit alleges that a published false statement harmed someone's reputation; thorough documentation, multiple sources, and giving subjects a chance to respond are key defenses.

Question 31: What is the 'public interest' standard in investigative journalism?

The number of readers who clicked on a story
The level of audience curiosity about a celebrity's personal life
A test that asks whether publishing private or sensitive information serves a legitimate benefit to society (Correct answer)
A legal requirement to publish government-funded stories

Correct answer: A test that asks whether publishing private or sensitive information serves a legitimate benefit to society

The public interest standard asks whether exposing private or sensitive information genuinely benefits society—such as exposing corruption—rather than satisfying mere curiosity.

Question 32: What term best describes the situation when a student, standing before a sizable audience in the cafeteria, engages in spreading false rumors about an ex-boyfriend?

lies
libel
obscenity
slander (Correct answer)

Correct answer: slander

Slander is spoken defamation, meaning false and damaging statements made verbally to a third party. When a student spreads false rumors about an ex-boyfriend 'standing before a sizable audience in the cafeteria,' this is an act of spoken defamation. Libel, conversely, refers to written defamation.

Question 33: Which of the following rights are safeguarded by the First Amendment?

Freedom of Speech
All of the above (Correct answer)
Freedom of Press
Freedom of Religion

Correct answer: All of the above

The First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution safeguards several fundamental freedoms, including freedom of speech, freedom of the press, and freedom of religion. It also protects the right to assemble peacefully and to petition the government. Therefore, all the listed rights are protected by this amendment.

Question 34: What does 'engagement rate' measure on a digital news platform?

The number of journalists employed by an outlet
The speed at which a news site loads
The ratio of ads to editorial content
How actively readers interact with content through clicks, shares, and comments (Correct answer)

Correct answer: How actively readers interact with content through clicks, shares, and comments

Engagement rate measures the degree of reader interaction with content, including page views, shares, comments, and time spent on page.

Question 35: Which model of news production suggests that stories are filtered through ownership, advertising, sourcing, flak, and ideology?

Marketplace of ideas model
Watchdog model
Public journalism model
Propaganda model (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Propaganda model

Noam Chomsky and Edward Herman's propaganda model argues that these five filters shape which news gets published and how it is framed.

Question 36: What is 'metadata' in the context of online news articles?

The photographs embedded within a news story
Descriptive information about an article such as title tags, keywords, and publish date used by search engines (Correct answer)
The comment section attached to an article
The reporter's byline and contact information

Correct answer: Descriptive information about an article such as title tags, keywords, and publish date used by search engines

Metadata includes title tags, meta descriptions, keywords, and publish dates that help search engines index and rank news articles appropriately.

Question 37: What is 'social listening' as practiced in digital journalism?

Monitoring audio streams on social media platforms
Tracking social media conversations to identify trending stories and sources (Correct answer)
Analyzing audience demographics for ad targeting
Using social platforms to broadcast live news segments

Correct answer: Tracking social media conversations to identify trending stories and sources

Social listening involves monitoring social media platforms to spot emerging stories, identify potential sources, and gauge public reaction to news events.

Question 38: What is 'document-driven journalism'?

Journalism that avoids using anonymous sources
Journalism that relies solely on press releases for story leads
Reporting that centers on obtaining and analyzing primary source documents to verify claims (Correct answer)
Writing that focuses on historical events only

Correct answer: Reporting that centers on obtaining and analyzing primary source documents to verify claims

Document-driven journalism uses primary source records—contracts, emails, court filings—as the evidentiary backbone of a story rather than relying on verbal accounts alone.

Question 39: How can a source be defined in journalism?

A person that a reporter interviews for his story (Correct answer)
A published news source, such as the Chicago Tribune
A published online news source, such as austintalks.org

Correct answer: A person that a reporter interviews for his story

In journalism, a 'source' is primarily defined as a person whom a reporter interviews to gather information, quotes, or insights for a story. These individuals provide firsthand accounts, expert opinions, or relevant data that contribute to the accuracy and depth of the news report. While published materials can be used for background, direct human interaction is central to defining a journalistic source.

Question 40: Which principle guides ethical photo editing in journalism?

Photos should not be manipulated to change their factual meaning or mislead viewers (Correct answer)
Editors may alter images to improve aesthetic quality
Cropping photos is considered a form of fabrication
Color grading is prohibited in news photography

Correct answer: Photos should not be manipulated to change their factual meaning or mislead viewers

The National Press Photographers Association and major outlets prohibit manipulations that alter the truth of an image, though minor technical adjustments like brightness are acceptable.

Question 41: How do professionals feel about people who don't understand how the media business works?

It is essential for journalism graduates.
It is more important than digital skills.
It is not a critical skill for journalists. (Correct answer)
It is important for new journalists.

Correct answer: It is not a critical skill for journalists.

Professionals might consider understanding the media business less critical for entry-level journalists, perhaps viewing it as knowledge gained on the job or handled by specialized departments. Their priority for new hires often lies in core journalistic craft skills like reporting, writing, and storytelling, rather than business acumen.

Question 42: Which of the following is an example of 'false balance' in news reporting?

Including a dissenting expert opinion in a medical story
Covering both sides of a local zoning dispute equally
Quoting both a Democrat and a Republican on a tax bill
Presenting a fringe climate-denial viewpoint as equally credible to the scientific consensus (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Presenting a fringe climate-denial viewpoint as equally credible to the scientific consensus

False balance occurs when equal weight is given to a fringe view and an overwhelmingly supported scientific or factual consensus, creating a misleading impression of controversy.

Question 43: Which of the following actions would most likely constitute a conflict of interest for a business reporter?

Quoting a competitor's analyst in an article
Using multiple anonymous sources in a single story
Writing a critical review of a product they have never used
Owning shares in a publicly traded company they regularly cover (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Owning shares in a publicly traded company they regularly cover

Owning stock in a company one covers creates a financial stake in the company's performance, compromising the appearance and reality of objectivity.

Question 44: What is 'live blogging' in online journalism?

Using AI to auto-generate breaking news summaries
Scheduling multiple articles to publish throughout the day
Updating a single web post in real time as a news event unfolds (Correct answer)
Publishing a recorded video of a news briefing

Correct answer: Updating a single web post in real time as a news event unfolds

Live blogging involves continuously updating a single web page with new information, quotes, and updates as a news event happens in real time.

Question 45: What does 'A/B testing' mean in the context of digital headline writing?

Editing a headline in two rounds of revisions
Publishing two different headlines to different audience segments to see which performs better (Correct answer)
Testing headlines for AP Style compliance
Comparing two reporters' writing styles for a single story

Correct answer: Publishing two different headlines to different audience segments to see which performs better

A/B testing involves publishing two versions of a headline to separate audience samples to measure which version drives more clicks or engagement.

Question 46: Which U.S. federal law gives citizens the right to request and obtain records from federal government agencies?

The Privacy Act of 1974
The Federal Records Act
The Sunshine Act
The Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) (Correct answer)

Correct answer: The Freedom of Information Act (FOIA)

FOIA, enacted in 1966, grants the public the right to request access to records held by federal executive branch agencies.

Question 47: Which legal doctrine protects a journalist from being compelled to reveal a confidential source in most US states?

First Amendment absolute privilege
Shield law (Correct answer)
Sunshine law
Reporter's privilege clause

Correct answer: Shield law

Shield laws, enacted in most US states, provide journalists with varying degrees of protection against being forced to disclose confidential sources in court.

Question 48: Which element of feature writing involves recreating a scene with vivid sensory detail to immerse readers?

Backgrounding
Paraphrasing
Scene-setting (Correct answer)
Attribution

Correct answer: Scene-setting

Scene-setting uses descriptive writing to recreate places, events, and atmosphere, drawing readers into the story environment.

Question 49: What is 'brand journalism' and how does it differ from traditional journalism?

Journalism that covers the fashion and retail industry
A style of writing focused on brand name products
Content created by a company to tell its own story, without independent editorial oversight (Correct answer)
Journalism funded by a nonprofit's branded grant program

Correct answer: Content created by a company to tell its own story, without independent editorial oversight

Brand journalism is content produced by an organization to promote its narrative, lacking the independent editorial standards and oversight that define traditional journalism.

Question 50: The ethical principle of 'minimizing harm' in the SPJ Code of Ethics would most directly apply when a journalist:

Chooses between two competing story angles
Negotiates deadlines with an editor
Decides whether to name a sexual assault victim in a story (Correct answer)
Calculates the length of a news package for broadcast

Correct answer: Decides whether to name a sexual assault victim in a story

Minimizing harm guides journalists to consider the potential damage to individuals — such as sexual assault victims — before publishing identifying information.

Question 51: What is the role of a 'chyron' or lower-third graphic in broadcast news?

A colored bar used to signal breaking news
On-screen text that identifies people, places, or provides context to viewers (Correct answer)
A technical overlay visible only to control room staff
A copyright watermark applied during post-production

Correct answer: On-screen text that identifies people, places, or provides context to viewers

Lower-third graphics (chyrons) display name identifications, titles, and contextual information to help viewers understand who is speaking and what is happening.

Question 52: Under U.S. copyright law, when a journalist wants to quote extensively from a copyrighted book for a news article, the primary defense available is:

Fair use (Correct answer)
Public domain
The Freedom of Information Act
Creative Commons licensing

Correct answer: Fair use

Fair use permits limited use of copyrighted material for purposes such as news reporting, criticism, and commentary without requiring permission.

Question 53: What is a 'press conference' and when do organizations typically hold one?

A formal event where an organization addresses multiple journalists simultaneously to announce major news (Correct answer)
A legal proceeding where journalists testify about a story
A private briefing held for a newsroom's editorial board only
A scheduled one-on-one interview between a CEO and a reporter

Correct answer: A formal event where an organization addresses multiple journalists simultaneously to announce major news

A press conference is an organized event where an organization or official presents news to assembled journalists and takes questions, typically used for major announcements.

Question 54: What does 'media relations' mean in a professional context?

The study of how media companies are related to each other
The legal relationship between a publisher and its employees
The strategic management of communication between an organization and journalists or media outlets (Correct answer)
The process of producing advertisements for news programs

Correct answer: The strategic management of communication between an organization and journalists or media outlets

Media relations is the practice of building and maintaining relationships with journalists to facilitate accurate and favorable coverage of an organization.

Question 55: What is a 'media pitch' in public relations?

A formal complaint filed with a media ethics board
A sports broadcast segment sponsored by a company
A financial proposal from a news outlet to advertisers
A brief, targeted message sent to a journalist to suggest a story idea (Correct answer)

Correct answer: A brief, targeted message sent to a journalist to suggest a story idea

A media pitch is a concise, targeted communication from a PR professional to a journalist suggesting a story idea and explaining why it is newsworthy and relevant.

Question 56: What is a 'tip' in investigative journalism and how should journalists evaluate one?

A press release from a government agency flagging a news story
An unverified lead or piece of information suggesting a story worth investigating (Correct answer)
A formal complaint submitted to a newsroom's ethics board
A financial payment to a source for exclusive information

Correct answer: An unverified lead or piece of information suggesting a story worth investigating

A tip is an initial unverified lead that a journalist must independently evaluate through document review, additional sourcing, and fact-checking before publishing.

Question 57: Which video compression codec is most widely used for broadcast-quality HD news delivery over IP networks?

WMV9
DivX
MJPEG
H.264 (AVC) (Correct answer)

Correct answer: H.264 (AVC)

H.264 (AVC) offers an optimal balance of compression efficiency and image quality, making it the broadcast industry standard for HD IP delivery.

Question 58: What ethical obligation does a journalist have before publishing a story that contains serious allegations against a person or organization?

Obtain approval from the newsroom's legal team only
Publish the story immediately to prevent suppression
File a FOIA request for all related documents first
Give the subject an opportunity to respond to the allegations (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Give the subject an opportunity to respond to the allegations

Journalistic ethics require giving subjects of serious allegations a reasonable opportunity to respond before publication, ensuring fairness and accuracy.

Question 59: What is a CMS in online journalism?

Content Management System (Correct answer)
Circulation Metrics Summary
Chief Media Strategist
Copy Markup Standard

Correct answer: Content Management System

A Content Management System (CMS) is software used to create, edit, publish, and manage digital content on news websites.

Question 60: What is the primary purpose of a 'storyboard' in video journalism production?

To write the final script word-for-word
To log tape-recorded audio interviews
To list all sources interviewed for a story
To visually plan shot sequences and transitions before filming (Correct answer)

Correct answer: To visually plan shot sequences and transitions before filming

A storyboard is a pre-production tool that sketches out planned shots and their sequence, helping journalists organize visual storytelling before going to the field.

Question 61: What is the role of a 'stringer' in journalism?

A photographer specializing in portrait photography
A freelance journalist hired on a per-story basis, often covering a specific region (Correct answer)
A senior editor who reviews final copy
A fact-checker who verifies sources

Correct answer: A freelance journalist hired on a per-story basis, often covering a specific region

Stringers are freelance contributors paid per piece, often used to cover geographic areas where the outlet has no staff reporter.

Question 62: In the United States, photojournalists shooting on public property generally have the legal right to photograph whom?

Anyone visible from a public space (Correct answer)
Only public officials
Only events covered by press credentials
Only people who have given written consent

Correct answer: Anyone visible from a public space

U.S. law generally permits photography of anything visible from a public vantage point, including people, without consent.

Question 63: When is digital manipulation of a news photograph considered acceptable by most U.S. journalism standards?

When the subject gives permission
When it improves the aesthetic quality of the image
When approved by the photo editor
Only for basic tonal corrections that do not alter content (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Only for basic tonal corrections that do not alter content

Most U.S. news organizations permit only minor tonal adjustments (brightness, contrast) but prohibit altering content, removing elements, or misleading the viewer.

Question 64: A reporter promises confidentiality to a source, but a judge subpoenas the source's identity. What legal doctrine may protect the journalist?

The First Amendment's absolute press freedom
Attorney-client privilege
Shield law (Correct answer)
The Fifth Amendment right against self-incrimination

Correct answer: Shield law

Shield laws, enacted in many states, provide reporters with a privilege to refuse disclosing confidential sources in legal proceedings.

Question 65: What does 'on background' mean when a source agrees to speak to a journalist?

The source requires the journalist to submit questions in advance
The journalist may not publish any part of the conversation
The source will only discuss historical events
The information can be used but the source cannot be identified by name (Correct answer)

Correct answer: The information can be used but the source cannot be identified by name

'On background' means the journalist can use the information provided but must not identify the source by name, often attributing it to 'a senior official' or similar.

Question 66: A journalist receives a leaked classified government document revealing waste of public funds. Publishing it is most directly governed by ethical tension between:

Accuracy and attribution standards
Copyright law and the work-for-hire doctrine
The public's right to know versus potential harm from unauthorized disclosure (Correct answer)
Shield laws and confidentiality agreements

Correct answer: The public's right to know versus potential harm from unauthorized disclosure

Publishing leaked classified information requires weighing the public benefit of transparency against risks of harm to national security or individuals.

Question 67: What is 'misinformation' as distinguished from 'disinformation' in digital media?

Misinformation applies to images; disinformation applies to text
Misinformation is deliberately false; disinformation is accidental
They are interchangeable terms for false news
Misinformation is false content shared without intent to deceive; disinformation is deliberately false content (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Misinformation is false content shared without intent to deceive; disinformation is deliberately false content

Misinformation is false or inaccurate information spread without deliberate intent, while disinformation is false information deliberately created to deceive.

Question 68: What is the 'inverted pyramid' structure and how does it relate to press releases?

A writing format that leads with the most important information followed by supporting details (Correct answer)
A hierarchy of media outlets prioritized for press release distribution
A diagram showing how media coverage spreads across platforms
A PR organizational chart showing seniority levels

Correct answer: A writing format that leads with the most important information followed by supporting details

The inverted pyramid structure places the most newsworthy information first, followed by details and background, making it easy for journalists to quickly grasp the news.

Question 69: What characteristics or actions would lead to something being classified as obscene?

offends local standards (Correct answer)
makes your grandma blush
is said in front of children
makes someone mad

Correct answer: offends local standards

Obscenity is legally defined by the Miller test, which includes whether the average person, applying contemporary community standards, would find that the work, taken as a whole, appeals to the prurient interest. Therefore, offending local or community standards is a key characteristic in determining if something is legally obscene. The other options are subjective or not legally precise.

Question 70: What is a 'decisive moment' in photojournalism, as described by Henri Cartier-Bresson?

The moment an editor selects the best photo
The moment when a photographer adjusts camera settings
The split second before the shutter is pressed
The instant when visual elements align to tell the story most powerfully (Correct answer)

Correct answer: The instant when visual elements align to tell the story most powerfully

Cartier-Bresson's 'decisive moment' is when all visual and narrative elements peak simultaneously, creating the perfect photographic composition.

Question 71: What is 'follow the money' as an investigative journalism strategy?

Tracing financial transactions to reveal corruption, conflicts of interest, or illegal activity (Correct answer)
Tracking a story's potential advertising revenue before assigning it
Monitoring the stock prices of companies in a news story
Examining a newsroom's budget to find editorial bias

Correct answer: Tracing financial transactions to reveal corruption, conflicts of interest, or illegal activity

'Follow the money' means tracing financial flows—payments, contracts, donations—to uncover corruption, bribes, or hidden conflicts of interest.

Question 72: What is the primary purpose of a caption in photojournalism?

To describe the aesthetic qualities of the photo
To provide context and identify key details about the image (Correct answer)
To replace the need for a written article
To credit only the photographer's name

Correct answer: To provide context and identify key details about the image

Captions give readers essential context—who, what, when, and where—that cannot be conveyed by the image alone.

Question 73: Which of the following sentences is in the active voice?

All of the above
Mourners remembered the four-year old who died after a battle with cancer. (Correct answer)
The flames were extinguished just before 9 a.m.
The Bucaneers record falls to 2-4 after they were beat by the Eagles today.

Correct answer: Mourners remembered the four-year old who died after a battle with cancer.

In the active voice, the subject of the sentence performs the action. In option C, 'Mourners' (the subject) actively 'remembered' (the verb) the child. Options A and B use passive constructions ('were extinguished,' 'were beat'), where the subject receives the action, making them less direct and often less impactful in broadcast writing.

Question 74: What is a 'newsletter' strategy in digital journalism?

A social media post summarizing the day's top stories
A curated email publication sent directly to subscribers to build audience loyalty (Correct answer)
A push notification sent to mobile app users
A print supplement mailed to subscribers weekly

Correct answer: A curated email publication sent directly to subscribers to build audience loyalty

Newsletters are curated email publications sent directly to subscribers, used by news organizations to build a direct, loyal audience relationship independent of social platforms.

Question 75: What is the difference between 'earned media' and 'paid media' in public relations?

Earned media requires a press release; paid media does not
Earned media is coverage gained through PR efforts without payment; paid media is purchased advertising (Correct answer)
Earned media is broadcast coverage; paid media is print advertising
Earned media is digital; paid media is traditional

Correct answer: Earned media is coverage gained through PR efforts without payment; paid media is purchased advertising

Earned media is organic coverage obtained through PR outreach and newsworthiness, while paid media includes advertising placements purchased directly from outlets.

Question 76: Which of the following best describes the concept of 'actual malice' as defined in New York Times Co. v. Sullivan (1964)?

Publishing a story out of personal hatred for the subject
Publishing without editorial review
Publishing with knowledge of falsity or reckless disregard for the truth (Correct answer)
Publishing embarrassing information about a public figure

Correct answer: Publishing with knowledge of falsity or reckless disregard for the truth

Actual malice requires proof that the defendant knew the statement was false or acted with reckless disregard of its truth or falsity.

Question 77: What verb tense is utilized in effective writing for television and radio?

Present (Correct answer)
Perfect
Future
Past

Correct answer: Present

Effective broadcast writing often prioritizes the present tense to create a sense of immediacy and urgency, making the news feel current and relevant to the audience. Even when reporting on past events, broadcast journalists frequently use present tense verbs to describe the ongoing impact or current status of the story. This keeps the listener or viewer engaged and feeling connected to the unfolding narrative.

Question 78: A journalist uncovers government corruption by publishing leaked classified documents. The government seeks an injunction to stop publication. This conflict involves which core principle?

Shield laws vs. national security
Defamation vs. fair comment
Prior restraint vs. freedom of the press (Correct answer)
Right to privacy vs. public interest

Correct answer: Prior restraint vs. freedom of the press

This scenario directly invokes the prior restraint doctrine, pitting government attempts to suppress publication against First Amendment press freedoms, as in the Pentagon Papers case.

Question 79: What does 'media monitoring' mean in a public relations context?

The FCC's oversight of broadcast license holders
Systematically tracking news coverage to measure an organization's media presence and public narrative (Correct answer)
Monitoring employee use of social media during work hours
Watching competitor organizations' press conferences live

Correct answer: Systematically tracking news coverage to measure an organization's media presence and public narrative

Media monitoring involves tracking news articles, broadcasts, and social media posts that mention an organization to evaluate coverage tone, reach, and narrative.

Question 80: A journalist embeds a tweet in an online article without seeking permission. What ethical issue does this raise?

Violation of press shield laws
Plagiarism of the tweet's text
Potential copyright and fair use concerns (Correct answer)
Breach of source confidentiality

Correct answer: Potential copyright and fair use concerns

Embedding social media content can raise copyright questions, though courts have debated whether embedding constitutes infringement under the server test doctrine.

Question 81: What is 'data journalism'?

Journalism that reports exclusively on technology companies
Storing digital articles in a newsroom database
Using data analysis and visualization to uncover and tell news stories (Correct answer)
Using AI tools to fact-check stories

Correct answer: Using data analysis and visualization to uncover and tell news stories

Data journalism involves gathering, analyzing, and visualizing large data sets to find and illustrate news stories in compelling ways.

Question 82: The 'neutral reportage' privilege, where recognized, allows journalists to:

Accurately report serious charges made by responsible organizations against public figures, even if the charges are defamatory (Correct answer)
Publish anonymous opinions without liability
Report government press releases without attribution
Republish content from other news organizations freely

Correct answer: Accurately report serious charges made by responsible organizations against public figures, even if the charges are defamatory

Neutral reportage protects media that accurately and dispassionately reports newsworthy accusations made by credible sources, even if the underlying claims are defamatory.

Question 83: What is the role of a photo editor at a U.S. news organization?

To negotiate licensing fees with wire services
To take photos at breaking news events
To select, crop, and caption images for publication (Correct answer)
To write cutlines for the print department

Correct answer: To select, crop, and caption images for publication

Photo editors curate images from photographers, make selection and cropping decisions, and oversee captions and ethical compliance.

Question 84: What does 'media convergence' primarily refer to in the context of media impact studies?

The merger of print and broadcast companies
The decline of local news outlets
The blending of technology, content, and communication platforms (Correct answer)
The agreement among journalists on editorial standards

Correct answer: The blending of technology, content, and communication platforms

Media convergence describes the integration of previously separate media technologies, industries, and content into a unified digital ecosystem.

Question 85: What is 'source diversification' in investigative journalism?

Limiting reliance on any one media database
Rotating anonymous sources to protect their identities
Consulting a variety of sources with different perspectives and access levels to form a complete picture (Correct answer)
Using sources from multiple countries

Correct answer: Consulting a variety of sources with different perspectives and access levels to form a complete picture

Source diversification means relying on a range of sources—insiders, external experts, documents, and affected parties—to build a well-rounded and verifiable story.

Question 86: What is the purpose of a 'two-shot' in a broadcast news interview setup?

Simultaneously recording from two separate cameras for redundancy
Splitting the screen to show two different news locations at once
A shot composed to include two sequential soundbites back to back
A camera angle showing both the reporter and the interviewee in the same frame (Correct answer)

Correct answer: A camera angle showing both the reporter and the interviewee in the same frame

A two-shot captures both participants in a single frame, establishing the conversational dynamic between the reporter and the subject for editing context.

Question 87: A newsroom receives unverified video of a dramatic event from a social media user. Before airing, what is the minimum standard verification step?

Post it immediately since competitors will air it first
Add a disclaimer graphic and air it unverified
Run it only during the midnight broadcast to limit risk
Confirm the video's origin, metadata, and cross-reference with independent sources (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Confirm the video's origin, metadata, and cross-reference with independent sources

Responsible broadcast newsrooms verify UGC by checking metadata (upload time, geolocation), cross-referencing with eyewitnesses, and confirming authenticity before airing.

Question 88: A journalist embedded with military forces is told by commanders not to report on troop movements for security reasons. This represents a conflict between press freedom and:

National security and operational security (OPSEC) concerns (Correct answer)
The journalist's editorial independence from advertisers
Copyright ownership of military footage
The First Amendment's establishment clause

Correct answer: National security and operational security (OPSEC) concerns

Embedded journalists often agree to ground rules restricting certain information to prevent endangering military operations and personnel.

Question 89: How can a reporter be defined?

A good writer that happens to be popular with the public
A person who interviews sources, writes copy, and is published (Correct answer)
A person who writes research papers about any topic
Anyone who can publish his writing online

Correct answer: A person who interviews sources, writes copy, and is published

A reporter's role is multifaceted, involving the active gathering of information through interviews with sources. They then craft this information into written content, known as copy, which is subsequently published to inform the public. This definition encompasses the entire journalistic process from investigation to dissemination.

Question 90: What is a 'conflict of interest' in journalism and why must it be disclosed?

A disagreement between two journalists on the same story
A legal dispute between a reporter and a source
A story that covers two competing political parties
A personal or financial relationship that could compromise a journalist's objectivity (Correct answer)

Correct answer: A personal or financial relationship that could compromise a journalist's objectivity

A conflict of interest is any personal, financial, or relational connection that could bias a journalist's reporting, requiring disclosure to maintain credibility and trust.

Question 91: What does ISO measure in digital photography?

The shutter speed range
The focal length of a lens
The aperture opening
The sensor's sensitivity to light (Correct answer)

Correct answer: The sensor's sensitivity to light

ISO measures the camera sensor's sensitivity to light; higher ISO allows shooting in low light but introduces digital noise.

Question 92: What is a 'press release' and what is its primary purpose?

A legal document releasing journalists from liability
An official written statement distributed to media to announce news from an organization (Correct answer)
An editorial opinion piece submitted to a newspaper
A journalist's written request for an interview

Correct answer: An official written statement distributed to media to announce news from an organization

A press release is an official written statement prepared by an organization to announce news or events to journalists and media outlets.

Question 93: Is it ethical for a journalist to guarantee the school's football coach that she will portray the team positively in her story in return for receiving information?

TRUE
Maybe
FALSE (Correct answer)
None of these

Correct answer: FALSE

It is unethical for a journalist to promise positive coverage in exchange for information. Such an agreement creates a clear conflict of interest, compromising the journalist's independence, objectivity, and commitment to reporting the truth fairly. Journalists must maintain impartiality and avoid any actions that could bias their reporting.

Question 94: What advantage does writing out loud offer?

All of the above. (Correct answer)
It's more like "telling someone a story."
You'll be able to hear the words you have trouble pronouncing- which could be a problem when you record your voiceover.
You're more likely to write as you speak.

Correct answer: All of the above.

Reading broadcast scripts aloud is a critical practice because it helps ensure the writing sounds natural and conversational, mirroring how people speak. It also allows the writer to identify awkward phrasing, complex sentences, or difficult-to-pronounce words that might hinder clear delivery during a voiceover or live broadcast. This process ensures the script is optimized for auditory comprehension and smooth delivery.

Question 95: What is 'open-source intelligence' (OSINT) in investigative journalism?

Gathering information from publicly available sources such as social media, court records, and satellite images (Correct answer)
Accessing sealed court documents through legal channels
Sharing story tips with other news organizations
Using only publicly licensed photos in articles

Correct answer: Gathering information from publicly available sources such as social media, court records, and satellite images

OSINT involves collecting and analyzing information from publicly accessible sources—social media, public filings, maps, images—to develop investigative leads and verify facts.

Question 96: What is a 'whistleblower' in the context of investigative journalism?

A sports journalist covering referee misconduct
A source who contacts multiple news organizations simultaneously
An editor who alerts reporters to ethical violations
An insider who discloses misconduct, illegality, or wrongdoing within an organization (Correct answer)

Correct answer: An insider who discloses misconduct, illegality, or wrongdoing within an organization

A whistleblower is an insider—employee, contractor, or official—who reveals confidential information about wrongdoing within an organization to journalists or authorities.

Question 97: What is FOIA and why is it important to investigative journalists in the U.S.?

Federal Online Information Archive — a database of public records
Freedom of Intellectual and Opinion Acts — a Supreme Court ruling
Foundation of Investigative and Open Access — an NGO supporting press freedom
Freedom of Information Act — gives journalists the right to request federal government records (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Freedom of Information Act — gives journalists the right to request federal government records

The Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) gives the public, including journalists, the legal right to request access to records held by federal government agencies.

Question 98: What forms the basis for ethics?

personal standards of right and wrong
a gut feeling
if it is legal or not
a group standards of right and wrong (Correct answer)

Correct answer: a group standards of right and wrong

Ethics refers to a set of principles or rules that govern the conduct of a particular group, profession, or society. Unlike personal morals, ethics are often formalized and shared, providing a framework for collective behavior and decision-making within a specific context, such as a professional code of ethics. They represent a group's consensus on right and wrong.

Question 99: What does 'spokesperson training' typically involve in media relations?

Training journalists on how to conduct interviews
Preparing organizational representatives to communicate effectively and on-message in media interviews (Correct answer)
Training PR professionals to monitor social media
Teaching executives to write their own press releases

Correct answer: Preparing organizational representatives to communicate effectively and on-message in media interviews

Spokesperson training prepares executives and officials to deliver key messages clearly, handle difficult questions, and avoid miscommunication during media interviews.

Question 100: What does SEO stand for in the context of online journalism?

Story Editorial Overview
Social Engagement Output
Syndicated Editorial Operations
Search Engine Optimization (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Search Engine Optimization

SEO (Search Engine Optimization) refers to techniques used to improve a webpage's visibility and ranking in search engine results.

Bachelor of Science in Journalism (BSJ) Comprehensive Assessment

The BSJ comprehensive assessment evaluates undergraduate journalism students across core competencies including reporting, media law, digital media, investigative techniques, visual storytelling, and public relations as defined by ACEJMC accreditation standards.

100

Questions

150 min

Time Limit

70%

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