Media & Critical Thinking Glossary

A journalism term for the most prominent content placement—originally the top half of a broadsheet newspaper, now also the visible portion of a webpage before scrolling.

A reporting style in which journalists prioritize maintaining close relationships with powerful sources, sometimes trading critical scrutiny for continued interviews and leaks.

Engaging with a text by questioning, summarizing, and evaluating content to enhance understanding and retention.

An ad hominem attack targets a person’s character instead of addressing their argument.

A logical [Fallacy](https://modeldiplomat.com/learn/glossary/fallacy) that argues a claim is true because many people believe it.

A paid advertisement designed to look like editorial content, blending a publication's journalistic style with a sponsor's promotional message.

A website that collects, organizes, and republishes headlines, summaries, or links to news content produced by other outlets rather than generating original reporting.

The process by which platform recommendation systems increase the reach and visibility of certain content, often based on engagement signals rather than accuracy or quality.

Algorithmic bias occurs when automated systems produce unfair results due to flawed data or design.

The extent to which the processes and criteria used by algorithms are open and understandable to users and regulators.

News and information outlets that operate outside mainstream commercial or state-run media, often offering dissenting viewpoints, niche coverage, or non-corporate ownership.

A journalistic tactic in which a reporter confronts a subject unexpectedly, without prior notice or agreed terms, usually on camera and in a public setting.

The process by which certain information, ideas, or [Misinformation](https://modeldiplomat.com/learn/glossary/misinformation) gain increased visibility and influence through repeated sharing and emphasis across media channels.

A critical approach that involves questioning assumptions and evaluating evidence carefully before accepting claims as true.

A news anchor is the lead on-air presenter of a television or radio news program, responsible for delivering stories, conducting interviews, and guiding broadcast flow.

The visible, clickable text in a hyperlink that provides context about the linked content.

A [Cognitive Bias](https://modeldiplomat.com/learn/glossary/cognitive-bias) where individuals rely too heavily on the first piece of information encountered when making decisions.

People rely too heavily on the first piece of information encountered when making decisions, even if it is irrelevant or misleading.

A person who supplies information to a journalist on the condition that their identity is not published, often used for sensitive political or security reporting.

Programming that audiences deliberately schedule their lives around to watch live at its original broadcast time, rather than on-demand.

A standardized set of writing, grammar, and citation rules maintained by the Associated Press and widely used by journalists, press offices, and policy communicators.

Astroturfing is creating fake grassroots movements to disguise orchestrated campaigns as spontaneous public opinion.

In media and journalism, attribution is the practice of identifying the source of information, quotation, or claim reported in a story.

The tendency to attribute others’ behaviors to their character while attributing one’s own actions to situational factors.

The tendency to attribute others' actions to their character while attributing one's own actions to external factors.

Explains how individuals infer the causes of behaviors and events, affecting interpretation of information.

The division of media audiences into smaller groups based on different interests or demographics, leading to varied media consumption patterns.

Accepting a [Claim](https://modeldiplomat.com/learn/glossary/claim) as true solely because an authority figure endorses it, without evaluating the evidence.

The use of algorithms and artificial intelligence to identify and manage inappropriate or harmful content on digital platforms.

A self-reinforcing process where a collective belief gains more plausibility through repeated public expression.

A [Cognitive Bias](https://modeldiplomat.com/learn/glossary/cognitive-bias) where people judge the likelihood of events based on how easily examples come to mind, often leading to distorted perceptions of reality.

Supplemental footage intercut with the main shot to illustrate a story, cover edits, or provide visual context in news and documentary video.

Private or informal communication channels used alongside official public communication to share information or opinions. Often occurs during live events like debates or conferences to influence or coordinate.

When presented with evidence contradicting their beliefs, individuals may hold on to their original views even more strongly.

A briefing or document providing context and history on an issue, often given to journalists or delegates on a not-for-attribution basis.

The bandwagon effect is a [Cognitive Bias](https://modeldiplomat.com/learn/glossary/cognitive-bias) where people adopt beliefs because many others do the same.

A journalism practice in which a reporter covers a specific topic, institution, or geographic area continuously to build expertise and sources.

Journalism or commentary drawn from the user-comment section beneath an online article, often used as a source of public sentiment or counter-narrative.

The tendency to recognize biases in others' thinking while failing to see one's own biases.

Leaving out relevant information or perspectives to skew a narrative or argument.

A form of media bias in which outlets shape audience perception by choosing which stories, sources, or facts to cover and which to omit.

The process of favoring information that confirms preexisting beliefs and ignoring contradictory evidence.

A repetitive cycle where exposure to information confirms existing beliefs, reinforcing those beliefs and limiting openness to opposing views.

A legally mandated interval before an election during which campaigning, political advertising, or publication of opinion polls is restricted or banned.

A quotation published without naming the source, who is instead described generically (e.g., "a senior official") to protect their identity.

A subscription financial data, news, and analytics platform sold by Bloomberg L.P., widely used by traders, journalists, and policy analysts.

Producers in TV, radio, or podcasting who identify, pitch, and secure guests for interviews, acting as gatekeepers between newsmakers and on-air talent.

A communications practice in which companies, governments, or NGOs produce journalistic-style content about themselves and their sectors to inform audiences and shape perception.

Urgent, newly developing news that broadcasters or publishers interrupt regular programming or push to the top of feeds to report in real time.

Rules and guidelines governing the content, conduct, and technical quality of radio and television transmissions, set by regulators or broadcasters themselves.

A large-format newspaper, historically associated with serious, in-depth journalism and policy coverage, as distinct from smaller tabloid formats.

A short, time-sensitive news report or official notice issued by a government, organization, or news outlet to communicate breaking developments.

A printed line on a news article identifying the journalist (or journalists) who wrote it, and sometimes their location or affiliation.

The continuous 24-hour pattern in which cable television networks select, repeat, and reframe news stories, shaping public and political attention.

A media practice in which a publisher buys exclusive rights to a story specifically to suppress it, preventing rival outlets from reporting it.

A causal [Fallacy](https://modeldiplomat.com/learn/glossary/fallacy) wrongly assumes one event causes another without sufficient evidence.

A newsroom model in which editorial planning, assignment, and production are coordinated from a single hub rather than split across separate desks or platform-specific teams.

The practice of paying sources, interviewees, or subjects for exclusive access to their story, photos, or testimony.

Selecting only evidence that supports a particular conclusion while ignoring evidence that contradicts it.

The deterrent impact of laws, threats, or surveillance that causes people to self-censor lawful speech or journalism out of fear of penalties.

An argument where the conclusion is included in the premise, offering no actual evidence.

A situation where information appears to come from multiple independent sources but actually originates from a single source, creating false [Credibility](https://modeldiplomat.com/learn/glossary/credibility).

A reference to a source of information used to support claims and allow verification.

A research method that involves following citations from one source to related sources to deepen understanding.

The collection, reporting, and dissemination of news by members of the public, typically using smartphones and social media rather than professional newsrooms.

A reform movement in journalism that treats readers as participants in public life and frames reporting around helping communities deliberate and solve problems.

Content designed to attract attention and encourage clicks by using sensationalist or misleading headlines that do not accurately represent the content.

A group or organization that generates fake clicks or views to manipulate online metrics and popularity.

The study of the sequence of clicks or online actions a user takes, used to understand behavior and improve digital experiences.

A user-toggleable text overlay on video that transcribes dialogue, speaker identification, and relevant non-speech audio for viewers.

Systematic patterns of deviation from norm or rationality in judgment, leading individuals to make illogical decisions or inferences.

The psychological discomfort experienced when holding conflicting beliefs or when new information contradicts existing beliefs.

The total amount of mental effort being used in working memory during information processing.

A [Framework](https://modeldiplomat.com/learn/glossary/framework) explaining how the amount of information processed affects learning and decision-making effectiveness.

The tendency to conserve mental energy by relying on shortcuts and heuristics rather than thorough analysis.

A short assessment measuring the tendency to override intuitive responses and engage in reflective thinking.

A unit of print-media measurement equal to one inch of vertical space in one column, used to quantify article length, advertising space, and coverage.

The use of computing, data analysis, and algorithms to gather, verify, and present news stories that would be difficult to produce by traditional reporting alone.

The use of automation, algorithms, and data analytics—often via bots and fake accounts—to manipulate public opinion and political discourse at scale on digital platforms.

Confirmation bias is the tendency to favor information that confirms existing beliefs and ignore opposing evidence.

A reporting approach that pairs rigorous coverage of problems with solutions, context, and future-oriented questions to better inform public debate.

A website or network that mass-produces low-cost articles or videos optimized for search engines and ad revenue rather than editorial quality.

The process by which online platforms review, label, restrict, or remove user-generated content according to internal rules, legal obligations, and community standards.

The flattening of multiple social contexts into one online space, complicating communication and interpretation.

Selective editing of quotations to distort the original meaning and mislead the audience.

Bias introduced when information is interpreted or presented without considering the full context, leading to misunderstanding or misrepresentation.

The principle that privacy depends on the appropriate [Flow](https://modeldiplomat.com/learn/glossary/flow) of information according to social norms within specific contexts. Violations occur when information spreads beyond its intended context.

Information that is factually accurate but misleading due to omitted or altered context around it.

Providing background information and circumstances to better understand a news story or [Claim](https://modeldiplomat.com/learn/glossary/claim).

The editorial unit in a newsroom responsible for editing, fact-checking, headlining, and standardizing reporters' copy before publication.

The process of reviewing written text to correct grammar, spelling, style, factual accuracy, and clarity before publication.

A journalist assigned to report regularly from a specific geographic location, institution, or subject area for a news organization.

A scheduling tactic where a broadcaster or political actor airs content designed to draw audiences away from a rival's simultaneous programming or event.

A communications tactic in which two or more entities use each other's audiences or channels to amplify shared content, products, or political messages.

Confirming information by consulting multiple independent and reliable sources.

A newsroom term for a young, inexperienced journalist who is still learning the craft, typically assigned routine stories under close editorial supervision.

Selecting only data that supports a particular conclusion while ignoring data that contradicts it, leading to biased results.

Analyzing data excessively or selectively until statistically significant but spurious patterns emerge.

Deliberate creation of false data or results in research or reporting to deceive audiences.

Deliberate manipulation or fabrication of data to mislead or support false conclusions.

Data integrity ensures information is accurate, consistent, and unaltered throughout its lifecycle to maintain reliability in analysis and reporting.

The practice of manipulating or disguising data sources to make misleading or false information appear legitimate.

Incorrectly analyzing or drawing conclusions from data due to misunderstanding statistics or context.

The trail of digital data a person leaves behind from online activities, which can be collected and analyzed without their explicit knowledge or consent.

Overwhelming amount of information that makes it difficult to find useful or accurate data.

The graphical representation of information to help understand patterns, trends, and insights.

Principles guiding the honest and transparent presentation of data through charts and graphs to avoid misleading or manipulating audiences. It emphasizes clarity, accuracy, and context.

The ability to understand and critically evaluate graphical representations of data to avoid misinterpretation.

The line at the start of a news article showing the city — and sometimes date — from which the story was reported, signaling on-the-ground sourcing.

A journalistic sourcing arrangement where information from a source may be used but not attributed to them in any form, not even to an unnamed official.

Analyzing the broader historical, social, and political context to interpret media messages accurately.

A long-form, detailed journalistic or analytical piece that thoroughly examines a single topic, issue, or actor beyond surface-level reporting.

A slow and thoughtful reading process that emphasizes comprehension, critical analysis, and reflection over surface-level skimming.

Deepfakes use artificial intelligence to create realistic but fake audio or video that can mislead viewers.

Artificially created or manipulated audio recordings designed to convincingly imitate real voices to deceive listeners.

Techniques and tools used to identify manipulated videos or images generated by artificial intelligence.

A false statement of fact, communicated to others, that injures a person's or entity's reputation, actionable as libel (written) or slander (spoken).

The newsroom process of editing, rewriting, fact-checking, and laying out reporters' copy at the editorial desk before publication or broadcast.

A period of time during which a person refrains from using digital devices to reduce stress and improve focus.

The trail of data a person leaves behind while using the internet, including social media activity, browsing history, and online communications. Understanding it helps evaluate privacy and information reliability.

The ability to find, evaluate, create, and communicate information using digital technologies effectively and responsibly.

Deliberately false or misleading information spread to deceive or manipulate audiences.

The process by which false information spreads widely and rapidly, often through social media algorithms and user sharing.

An organized effort to spread false information deliberately to deceive or manipulate public opinion.

An echo chamber is an environment where people only encounter information that reinforces their existing views.

A situation where beliefs are amplified by communication and repetition inside a closed system, limiting exposure to differing views.

A brief statement appended by an editor to a published article to clarify, correct, contextualize, or disclose information relevant to the original reporting.

A group of senior editors at a news outlet who set institutional opinion, decide endorsements, and write unsigned editorials representing the publication's stance.

A single-panel illustration on an opinion page that uses caricature, symbolism, and satire to comment on current political events or public figures.

Editorial independence ensures journalists can report without influence from owners or advertisers.

A designated section of a newspaper where the publication's institutional opinions, signed columns, and reader letters appear, kept separate from news reporting.

Editorializing occurs when journalists insert personal opinions into news reporting, compromising [Objectivity](https://modeldiplomat.com/learn/glossary/objectivity).

A press release shared with journalists in advance on the condition that they not publish or broadcast its contents until a specified release time.

A reporter who lives and travels with a military unit during operations under a formal access agreement that grants proximity in exchange for ground rules.

A [Cognitive Bias](https://modeldiplomat.com/learn/glossary/cognitive-bias) where people believe something is true based on emotional responses rather than objective evidence or logic.

A quantitative measure of how users interact with media content, such as likes, shares, comments, watch time, or click-through rate.

An informational environment where relevant voices are excluded unintentionally, leading to isolated knowledge and reinforcement of existing beliefs.

Recognizing the limits of one's knowledge and being open to new evidence or perspectives.

The cognitive mechanism that helps individuals assess the reliability of information sources and reject falsehoods.

A formal correction issued by a publication or author to fix a factual or production error in a previously released piece of content.

Obtaining information or materials in a way that respects legal standards, privacy, and consent, avoiding harm or exploitation of sources.

Media or written content that remains relevant, accurate, and useful long after its publication date, rather than being tied to a fleeting news cycle.

A news story, interview, or document published by only one outlet, typically obtained through privileged access, a leak, or original reporting before competitors.

A style of reporting that prioritizes background context and conceptual explanation over breaking news, aiming to make complex issues understandable to general audiences.

Fact-checking is verifying information accuracy using reliable sources before accepting or sharing it.

The process where one verified fact-check triggers a series of further verifications, creating a chain reaction that helps uncover widespread [Misinformation](https://modeldiplomat.com/learn/glossary/misinformation).

A former U.S. FCC policy requiring broadcast licensees to cover controversial public issues and present contrasting viewpoints on them.

Assigning a statement, quote, or idea to an incorrect or fabricated source to mislead or manipulate the audience.

Presenting two sides of an issue as equally valid when one side is supported by strong evidence and the other is not, misleading audiences about the truth.

Assuming that because one event follows another, the first caused the second without sufficient evidence.

The tendency to overestimate how much others share one's beliefs, attitudes, or behaviors.

A logical [Fallacy](https://modeldiplomat.com/learn/glossary/fallacy) that presents two options as the only possibilities when others exist.

A psychological phenomenon where a person recalls something that did not happen or recalls it differently from the way it actually happened.

A longer, narrative-driven journalism piece that explores context, people, or trends rather than reporting breaking news.

A journalist who organizes and oversees news coverage on location, coordinating logistics, sources, and content for a correspondent or broadcast team.

An informal term for networked, non-institutional actors—bloggers, citizen journalists, hackers, and online communities—who hold power to account outside traditional media.

A state where algorithms selectively show users information that aligns with their preferences, limiting exposure to diverse perspectives.

When algorithms or users fail to appropriately filter content, resulting in exposure to irrelevant, misleading, or harmful information.

A U.S. activist practice of filming government property and officials in public to test compliance with constitutional rights to record and free expression.

A local contact, often a journalist or interpreter, hired by foreign correspondents to arrange logistics, sources, and translation in unfamiliar or dangerous reporting environments.

A network's principal evening news program — its highest-rated, most authoritative bulletin that defines the broadcaster's editorial voice and sets the national news agenda.

A metonym for the British national press, derived from the London street that housed most major UK newspaper offices until the late 1980s.

The press and news media viewed as an informal fourth branch of political power that scrutinises government alongside the executive, legislature, and judiciary.

The way information is presented influences decisions and judgments, often leading to different conclusions from the same facts.

The framing effect occurs when the way information is presented influences decision-making and judgments.

A formal written request asking a public body to disclose records it holds, made under a national freedom of information or access-to-information law.

Journalism produced by self-employed reporters who sell stories, photos, or broadcasts to multiple outlets rather than working as salaried staff.

Disclosure of the sources of financial support behind media outlets or specific content to reveal potential conflicts of interest.

A court or government directive that restricts parties, witnesses, or the press from publicly discussing or reporting on specified information.

Gannett is a US-based media company that publishes USA Today and a national network of local daily and weekly newspapers.

The process by which information is filtered and selected for dissemination by media organizations or individuals.

Monitoring and sharing information from various sources without acting as an exclusive gatekeeper, typical in social media environments.

A highly subjective style of reporting in which the journalist is a central participant in the story, blending first-person narrative, opinion, and reportage.

A coordinated set of visual templates — charts, maps, infographics, and branding — used to present research or news content with a consistent look and feel.

The tendency of groups to make decisions that are more extreme than the initial inclination of their members.

Groupthink happens when desire for harmony leads groups to make poor decisions by suppressing dissent.

Time-sensitive, fact-driven reporting on politics, conflict, economics, and policy, typically presented with neutral framing and prioritized for immediate publication.

Drawing a broad conclusion from a small or unrepresentative sample of data.

Communication that attacks or discriminates against a person or group based on attributes like race, religion, or ethnicity.

The craft of composing short, accurate titles that summarize a news story while attracting readers and signaling its angle, tone, and importance.

A mental shortcut or rule of thumb that simplifies decision-making but can lead to cognitive biases.

An investigative reporting technique that uses concealed recording devices to capture audio or video of subjects who are unaware they are being filmed.

Hindsight bias causes people to see past events as more predictable than they actually were after they have happened.

A publication's internal set of rules governing spelling, grammar, terminology, and presentation, ensuring consistency across all its content.

A journalistic feature that focuses on the personal experiences and emotions of individuals to illustrate a broader social, political, or humanitarian issue.

Journalism focused on a tightly defined geographic community—a neighborhood, town, or district—covering civic affairs largely ignored by regional or national outlets.

A form of news production that uses virtual reality, 360-degree video, or augmented reality to place audiences inside the scenes and events being reported.

A situation where one party has more or better information than another, often leading to imbalance in power or decision-making.

A process where individuals adopt beliefs or actions because others have done so, regardless of their own information.

The confusion caused by the spread of [Misinformation](https://modeldiplomat.com/learn/glossary/misinformation), disinformation, and malinformation, blurring truth and falsehood.

Information echo occurs when repeated exposure to a message within a community reinforces beliefs regardless of accuracy.

A state of mental overload and exhaustion caused by exposure to excessive amounts of information, reducing the ability to process and make decisions.

Practices and habits aimed at maintaining accurate and reliable information consumption and sharing to prevent [Misinformation](https://modeldiplomat.com/learn/glossary/misinformation) spread.

The process by which false or misleading information is made to appear credible by passing through trusted sources or platforms.

A state where excessive information makes it difficult to process or make decisions effectively.

People who avoid mainstream information channels due to distrust and seek alternative, often less reliable, sources.

Cues and signals in digital environments that guide users toward relevant information efficiently.

Pre-packaged information provided by sources to journalists to influence news coverage efficiently.

A situation where a lack of reliable information leads to speculation or the spread of rumors. It often occurs during crises or fast-moving events when official communication is absent or delayed.

A psychological approach where exposing people to weakened counterarguments strengthens their resistance to persuasion or [Misinformation](https://modeldiplomat.com/learn/glossary/misinformation).

A news-writing structure that front-loads the most important facts, followed by supporting details in descending order of significance.

A form of reporting in which journalists conduct sustained, original inquiry to expose hidden wrongdoing, abuses of power, or matters of public concern.

An edit between two sequential shots of the same subject that breaks visual continuity, producing a noticeable "jump" in time, position, or framing.

A short, often light or surprising closing element of a news story, broadcast, or column intended to leave a memorable final impression on the audience.

Checking multiple sources outside the original page to evaluate the [Credibility](https://modeldiplomat.com/learn/glossary/credibility) of online information.

The opening paragraph of a news article, designed to summarize the most newsworthy facts and hook the reader into continuing.

A government inquiry to identify the source of an unauthorized disclosure of classified or sensitive information, often to journalists.

Libel is the publication of a false statement in a fixed medium — typically written or broadcast — that damages a person's or entity's reputation.

A live shot is a real-time, on-camera report delivered by a journalist from a remote location, typically transmitted into a news broadcast as it happens.

A graphic overlay in the lower portion of a video frame that identifies a speaker, location, or topic, usually with name and title text.

The published list of a news outlet's senior staff, owners, and editorial leadership, typically printed near the top of a paper or on a dedicated web page.

A situation where news media lose independence because owners, advertisers, or governments use financial or political leverage to shape coverage in their favor.

Media consolidation happens when a few corporations own increasing shares of media outlets, affecting diversity and independence of information.

The mix of news sources, platforms, and formats a person regularly consumes, shaping their information environment and political worldview.

An interdisciplinary field studying how communication media shape human perception, social organization, and political behavior as environments rather than neutral channels.

The empirical study of how mass media content shapes audiences' attitudes, beliefs, emotions, and behaviors at individual and societal levels.

The division of media audiences into smaller segments due to the proliferation of channels and platforms.

The ability to access, analyze, evaluate, and create media in a variety of forms to understand and critically engage with content.

Techniques used to distort or influence media content to shape public perception or behavior.

The coexistence of diverse, independent media outlets and viewpoints within a society, ensuring citizens access to a wide range of information sources.

The practice of managing communication between an organization and journalists to shape accurate, timely coverage in news outlets.

An arrangement in which a journalist accompanies officials, troops, or first responders during operations to produce firsthand reporting.

Rapid and widespread dissemination of [Misinformation](https://modeldiplomat.com/learn/glossary/misinformation) during a crisis or epidemic, causing public harm.

False or inaccurate information shared without intent to deceive.

A misleading graph visually distorts data to misrepresent the truth or exaggerate a point.

A statistic presented in a way that deceives or manipulates interpretation, often by omitting context or using biased data.

Using numerical data in a way that distorts the truth, often by cherry-picking or manipulating visuals.

Mobile journalism, or "mojo," is the practice of reporting, producing, and publishing news stories primarily using a smartphone and portable accessories.

The [Cognitive Bias](https://modeldiplomat.com/learn/glossary/cognitive-bias) where past moral behavior makes individuals more likely to engage in unethical actions without feeling guilt.

An exaggerated public reaction to a perceived threat, often fueled by sensational media coverage.

Processing information in a biased way to support desired conclusions or beliefs.

A style of investigative journalism that exposes corruption, abuse of power, or social wrongs, especially associated with U.S. reform-era reporting from 1900–1914.

A narrative form that combines text, images, video, audio, data visualizations, and interactive elements into a unified story across digital platforms.

Informal label for a leaked audio recording attributed to a political figure surnamed Murray, used in media as shorthand for the resulting controversy.

The tendency to interpret information in a way that fits a coherent story, sometimes ignoring contradictory evidence.

Creating a simplified story to explain complex events, ignoring randomness or uncertainty.

Narrative framing shapes how information is presented to influence audience perception and interpretation.

A reporting style that uses literary techniques—scene, character, dialogue, and arc—to convey factual news stories in depth.

The theory that humans understand and communicate through storytelling, shaping beliefs and decisions.

The psychological process where individuals become mentally immersed in a story, influencing their beliefs and attitudes.

Advertisements designed to blend in with the content format of the platform, making them less distinguishable from editorial material.

The tendency to focus more on negative information than positive, influencing perception and decision-making.

A wholesale news organization that gathers, packages, and distributes reports to subscribing media outlets, governments, and businesses rather than to the general public.

A news organization's branch office in a city or country outside its headquarters, staffed by correspondents who report on that region.

Communities with limited access to credible local news sources, reducing informed citizenship and accountability.

The editorial hub within a news organization where reporters, editors, and producers coordinate the gathering, verification, and publication of news stories.

The space or airtime in a news outlet left for editorial content after advertising, classifieds, and fixed sections are allocated.

A timely event or angle that journalists use to justify covering a story, linking it to something currently in the news cycle.

A timely event or development used to justify and frame a story, analysis, or commentary, anchoring it to the current news cycle.

The criteria journalists and editors use to judge whether an event is newsworthy and how prominently to report it.

An ordered, time-coded list of every story, segment, and break that makes up a television or radio newscast, used by producers to run the show.

The process by which journalists identify, collect, verify, and prepare information and source material for publication or broadcast as news.

A low-cost, lightweight, uncoated wood-pulp paper used primarily to print newspapers and some flyers, advertising inserts, and tabloids.

The integration of previously separate print, broadcast, and digital news operations into a unified workflow producing content across multiple platforms.

The representation of varied demographic, socioeconomic, and ideological backgrounds among journalists, editors, and decision-makers within a news organization.

A real-time feed of news dispatches distributed by a wire service or agency to subscribing media outlets, governments, and analysts.

Criteria journalists use to decide which events or stories are important and deserve coverage.

A mid-career journalism fellowship at Harvard University that gives working reporters and editors an academic year of study, research, and collaboration.

Using subtle policy shifts or design choices to influence people's behavior and decision-making in predictable ways.

A paragraph near the top of a news story that explains the article's central point, context, and why it matters to the reader right now.

The practice of presenting information fairly and without personal bias or influence.

A sourcing agreement in which information shared by a source cannot be published, quoted, or attributed in any form by the journalist.

A shared, accredited group of journalists granted limited access to Olympic venues and athletes, with their reporting redistributed to all rights-holding and non-rights media.

A press-briefing ground rule under which a source's information is quotable but attributable only to an agreed generic descriptor, not their name.

A sourcing arrangement in which a speaker's statements may be quoted directly and attributed to them by name and title in a published report.

A short opinion essay published by a newspaper or magazine, written by an outside contributor rather than the publication's editorial board.

A designated area of a newspaper or news website containing editorials, columns, and op-eds that present argument and analysis rather than reported news.

Excluding or ignoring individuals or groups in social or media contexts to silence dissent.

Ignoring or avoiding information perceived as unpleasant or threatening to one’s beliefs or well-being.

A statistical modeling error where a model describes random noise instead of the underlying relationship, reducing generalizability.

Drawing a broad conclusion from limited or insufficient evidence.

The range of ideas tolerated in public discourse at a given time, influencing political and social acceptability.

Manipulating data or analyses until statistically significant results are found, compromising research integrity.

A pattern in which reporters covering the same beat produce strikingly similar stories, framings, and angles due to shared sources, proximity, and herd behavior.

A revenue strategy in which media outlets charge recurring fees for access to content, replacing or supplementing advertising income.

The sudden purchase of large quantities of goods caused by fear or [Misinformation](https://modeldiplomat.com/learn/glossary/misinformation) spreading through media.

Deliberately [Spreading](https://modeldiplomat.com/learn/glossary/spreading) fear or alarm through exaggerated or false information.

The practice of sending reporters into an unfamiliar country or crisis zone for short stints to file stories without deep local knowledge or sustained on-the-ground presence.

Overwhelmed by excessive information or options, leading to inability to make decisions.

A statement that includes some facts but deliberately omits important details to mislead.

Audience members actively contribute to news production by sharing information, opinions, or eyewitness accounts.

A digital barrier that restricts access to online content until a reader pays a subscription or one-time fee.

A reporting approach that frames conflicts to highlight nonviolent responses, structural causes, and the perspectives of all parties rather than focusing on violence and victory.

The [Impact](https://modeldiplomat.com/learn/glossary/impact) of peers on an individual's opinions, beliefs, or behaviors, especially in social media contexts.

Peer review is a process where experts evaluate research before publication to ensure quality and accuracy.

A system where experts evaluate research or publications before acceptance to ensure quality and accuracy.

A publication where experts evaluate research articles before publication to ensure quality and validity.

Cheap, mass-circulation newspapers sold for one cent that emerged in 1830s United States, transforming news into a commercial product for ordinary readers.

A form of journalism that uses photographs to report news stories, documenting events, people, and conditions for public information.

A short, targeted message sent to a journalist or editor proposing a specific story, source, or angle for coverage.

Responsibility of social media companies to manage content, protect users, and prevent harm.

Platform governance involves rules and policies social media platforms use to moderate content and behavior.

The policies and actions taken by online platforms to regulate user content and behavior to maintain community standards.

A growing division in opinions and beliefs caused by social influence and [Selective Exposure](https://modeldiplomat.com/learn/glossary/selective-exposure) to information.

A journalist designated to cover an event on behalf of the wider press corps and share notes, audio, or video with colleagues who cannot attend.

Circumstances where emotional or personal beliefs have more influence on public opinion than objective facts.

Political culture where debate is framed largely by appeals to emotion disconnected from factual details.

A scheduled session in which an official informs journalists about policy positions, events, or decisions and typically takes questions on the record.

A scheduled event where an official or organization delivers a statement to assembled journalists and typically takes questions on the record.

The right of journalists and media organizations to report news without censorship or government interference.

The reserved area in a legislature or conference hall for accredited journalists, and the corps of correspondents who hold those credentials.

A curated package of background materials distributed to journalists to help them quickly understand and accurately report on an organization, event, or policy announcement.

An official credential granting a journalist access to restricted events, venues, or briefings, typically issued by a host institution or accrediting body.

A small group of journalists who cover an event on behalf of the wider press corps and share their reporting, photos, and footage with all outlets.

The official spokesperson who communicates a government, leader, or organization's positions to the news media and conducts press briefings.

A primary source provides original, firsthand evidence about a topic or event.

Exposure to a stimulus influences response to a subsequent related stimulus, affecting perception and decisions.

Exposure to one stimulus influences the response to a subsequent stimulus, affecting perception and behavior.

The total number of copies of a publication produced in a single printing, used as a rough proxy for a title's reach and influence.

Government action that blocks speech or publication before it occurs, rather than punishing it afterward.

Assuming others share the same beliefs, emotions, or preferences as oneself.

Information, especially biased or misleading, used to promote a political cause or point of view.

A theory describing how mass media serves and propagates the interests of dominant elite groups.

Methods used to influence public opinion by appealing to emotions, stereotypes, or [Misinformation](https://modeldiplomat.com/learn/glossary/misinformation).

An intermediary source that relays information from an original source, potentially impacting accuracy and [Credibility](https://modeldiplomat.com/learn/glossary/credibility).

An event or activity designed solely to attract media attention and influence public perception rather than convey genuine news.

Claims presented as scientific but lacking empirical support, falsifiability, or adherence to the scientific method.

An in-house journalism ombudsperson who independently investigates reader complaints and critiques a news outlet's own coverage for accuracy, fairness, and ethics.

Broadcasting funded and structured to serve the public interest rather than commercial profit, typically with mandates for impartiality, universality, and editorial independence.

An annual American award administered by Columbia University since 1917, honoring achievements in journalism, letters, drama, and music.

A set of metrics and practices measuring how actively audiences interact with media content, including time spent, scroll depth, comments, and shares.

Introducing irrelevant information to distract from the main issue in an argument or discussion.

A set of editorial independence and integrity commitments that govern Reuters news operations and bind its parent company to safeguard impartial reporting.

A legal or normative entitlement allowing the public, journalists, or individuals to obtain information, documents, or media platforms held by governments or other actors.

A legal right allowing individuals to request the removal or de-indexing of personal information from search engines or online databases under certain conditions.

A pejorative term for reporting that relies on a small, recurring set of familiar expert sources rather than seeking out fresh or diverse voices.

A minute-by-minute production document listing every segment, guest, script, and timing cue that makes up a news broadcast or live political program.

Sampling bias happens when collected data does not represent the target population accurately.

The difference between a sample statistic and the actual population parameter caused by chance or biased sampling.

The actual list or database from which a sample is drawn for research or surveys.

A bias that occurs when the sample selected does not accurately represent the population intended to be analyzed.

A news lede that places the most important fact between softer contextual or narrative material, rather than leading with the hard news up front.

Satire detection involves identifying content meant to humorously criticize or mock rather than inform literally.

A scoop is an exclusive news story that a journalist or outlet publishes before any competitor, typically based on original reporting or a confidential source.

Information or analysis derived from primary sources, often summarizing or interpreting original data.

A mid-level newsroom editor responsible for commissioning, assigning, and editing stories within a defined coverage area such as politics, foreign news, or business.

Bias introduced when individuals select themselves into a group, causing the sample to be unrepresentative of the population.

Using exciting or shocking stories or language to provoke public interest or excitement at the expense of accuracy.

Journalism that gives readers practical, actionable information they can use in daily life, rather than focusing on breaking news or investigative exposés.

A statute that gives journalists a legal privilege to refuse to disclose confidential sources or unpublished material when compelled by courts or investigators.

Amplifying a message or piece of information, often through social media sharing, to increase its reach and [Impact](https://modeldiplomat.com/learn/glossary/impact).

The proportion of useful, relevant information compared to irrelevant or distracting data in media content.

The subtle bias or perspective in media coverage that influences how information is presented and perceived.

Presenting information in a biased way to favor a particular perspective or agenda.

A slippery slope [Fallacy](https://modeldiplomat.com/learn/glossary/fallacy) claims a small step will inevitably lead to extreme consequences without proof.

A short, lowercase, hyphenated label identifying a news story or web page, used internally by editors and as the human-readable portion of a URL.

A long-form, multimedia digital news feature combining text, video, animation, and interactive graphics into a single immersive scrolling experience.

The tendency of respondents to answer questions in a manner that will be viewed favorably by others, distorting survey or interview results.

The influence of others' actions or opinions on an individual's beliefs or behaviors.

Reporting that investigates credible responses to social problems, examining how and why they work, with evidence of results and an honest account of limitations.

A journalistic and legal principle protecting the identity of anonymous sources who supply information to reporters, often shielded by shield laws or court precedent.

The trustworthiness and expertise of a source providing information or news.

Using multiple independent sources to verify the accuracy and reliability of information.

The practice of clearly identifying and disclosing where information originates to allow verification and trust.

Newsroom jargon for killing a story before publication, whether for editorial, legal, commercial, or political reasons.

Presenting information with a biased interpretation to influence public perception positively or negatively.

Deliberate presentation of information in a biased way to influence public perception or opinion.

An introductory web page shown before a site's main content, often used for branding, age gates, language selection, or breaking-news announcements.

A piece-to-camera segment in a TV news report where the reporter speaks directly to viewers on location, used to convey presence, transition, or analysis.

Misrepresenting or oversimplifying an opponent's argument to make it easier to attack or refute.

A freelance journalist or photographer who contributes reports to a news organization on an irregular, per-story basis rather than as a salaried staff employee.

A reference document setting rules for spelling, grammar, terminology, citation, and tone so that a publication's output reads consistently across authors.

A newsroom editor who checks, corrects, and shapes reporters' copy for accuracy, style, length, and legal risk before publication.

Continuing a behavior or endeavor because of previously invested resources, despite new evidence suggesting it is unwise.

Journalism that uses open-government statutes—public records and open-meetings laws—to surface documents, votes, and deliberations officials would prefer to keep private.

Focusing on successful examples while ignoring failures, leading to distorted conclusions about reality.

The licensing or distribution of media content—columns, broadcasts, cartoons, or wire stories—to multiple outlets for simultaneous or repeated publication.

A style of reporting that emphasizes sensational stories—celebrity, scandal, crime, and human interest—often using punchy headlines and compact page layouts.

A media term for an on-camera commentator, usually shot from the shoulders up, who offers analysis or opinion rather than original reporting.

A display device that scrolls a speaker's script on a transparent screen near the camera or podium, allowing delivery while appearing to maintain eye contact.

Believing that others are more influenced by media messages than oneself.

The belief that others are more influenced by media messages than oneself.

A broadcast handoff in which an anchor verbally transfers airtime to a field or correspondent reporter to deliver a live or recorded segment.

A reconstructive news article that lays out, in chronological order, the behind-the-scenes events leading up to a major political or policy decision.

Criticizing the emotion or delivery of a message rather than its content to undermine the speaker’s argument.

Specialized publications covering a specific industry, profession, or sector for practitioners, rather than the general public.

The diminishing role of facts and analysis in public life, leading to increased reliance on opinion and subjective experience.

A communication technique that presents the truth before and after repeating [Misinformation](https://modeldiplomat.com/learn/glossary/misinformation) to reduce its impact.

A live broadcast format in which a news anchor in studio interviews a correspondent or guest at a remote location via satellite, video, or audio link.

Implicit attitudes or stereotypes that affect understanding, actions, and decisions without conscious awareness.

Independent, often dissident publications produced outside mainstream or state-sanctioned channels to circulate political, cultural, or countercultural content.

A web analytics metric counting each distinct individual who visits a site during a defined period, regardless of how many times they return.

The tendency to seek out information that confirms existing beliefs while ignoring disconfirming evidence.

A step-by-step process to assess the reliability of information, starting from initial suspicion to full confirmation.

A pre-produced video distributed to broadcasters and digital outlets to promote an organization's message, often designed to be aired as if it were independent news.

A self-reinforcing cycle where users share content that brings in new users who then share it further.

False or misleading information that spreads rapidly through social media and online platforms.

Virality describes how quickly and widely content spreads through social networks.

A vlog is a video blog: a serialized online video format in which a creator narrates events, opinions, or analysis directly to camera.

A production technique in which an unseen narrator's recorded speech is layered over visual footage to explain, contextualize, or frame what viewers are watching.

A news article published before a scheduled event that previews its context, stakes, and likely outcomes to orient readers ahead of coverage.

The idea that information about someone is more credible when it cannot be manipulated by that person.

Journalism focused on monitoring and exposing wrongdoing or abuses of power to hold authorities accountable.

Journalism that scrutinizes powerful institutions—governments, corporations, courts—to expose abuses, corruption, or failures and hold them accountable to the public.

Deliberately glossing over or ignoring negative aspects to present a more favorable image.

A complex issue that is difficult to define and has no clear solution, often requiring interdisciplinary approaches.

A news agency that gathers reports and distributes them to subscribing newspapers, broadcasters, and digital outlets, often in near real time.

A style of sensationalist, often poorly sourced reporting that prioritizes eye-catching headlines and emotional appeal over factual accuracy.

The tendency to remember uncompleted or interrupted tasks better than completed ones, affecting attention to information.

Believing that one person’s gain is inherently another’s loss, limiting cooperative solutions.

Switching between unrelated points to confuse or distract from the main issue in debate.

A version of a newspaper or broadcast tailored to a specific geographic sub-area, carrying localized news, ads, or political coverage distinct from the main edition.