<p> Fact Vs. Opinion & Other Problems in Reporting Name______People who publish newspapers or put news on TV have serious responsibilities. People depend upon them to tell the truth and be fair. This is difficult to do when you have a newspaper to publish or a TV program to put on each day. If you don't report the news accurately, people won't believe you and they won't buy the paper or watch your TV news. You will lose your job. If you report something that is not true or you are unfair to a group, you may be sued for libel. Libel is writing something untrue about a person or group and it damages their reputation. Being fair and objective is difficult. Sometimes you will have strong feelings about a story and those feelings will affect how you write the story. Sometimes you simply have to rush to get a story done to meet the deadline to get it on TV or in the newspaper. Haste makes for mistakes. To prevent mistakes, there are certain rules to follow. Rules Always make sure your facts are correct. Make sure they come from a very reliable source or double-check the source by asking someone else. Always make sure that you try to cover all sides of an issue. If you quote one side, make sure you quote another side, or sides. If you have a strong opinion about a story, don't put it in. Save it for an editorial page. This is where a newspaper or program puts its opinions. If you make a mistake, be sure to correct it in the next issue. Be careful of your own opinions or prejudices in writing a story. </p><p>Directions The story below is unfair. Underline the words and phrases that make it unfair. The bungling Giants lost another close game yesterday as George Lopes dropped a fly ball in right field to allow the winning run to cross home plate. The Giants lost to the Dodgers, 9 to 8. Earlier in the game Lopes hit a three run home run to maintain his reputation as an "all hit and no field" ball player. Last year Lopes dropped a fly ball that helped lose the championship game. It is rumored that Manager Gene Staub, who has repeatedly demonstrated his incompetence, will be fired if the Giants don't start winning. The loss, their third straight, dropped them into second place. Decide if the statements below would be facts or opinions if printed as part of a newspaper story. Write an F for fact or an O for opinion.</p><p>_____ 1. It was an exciting game.</p><p>_____ 2. “It was an exciting game,” said Jessica Hakl.</p><p>_____ 3. Way to go, team!</p><p>_____ 4. The Eagles defeated the Pirates.</p><p>_____ 5. Reading is a wonderful way to relax.</p><p>_____ 6. Journalism is interesting.</p><p>_____ 7. Journalism is fourth period on Black Days.</p><p>_____ 8. “Journalism is my favorite class!” exclaimed Araya Cournoyer.</p><p>_____ 9. November will have several vacation days from school.</p><p>_____ 10. November is a cool month.</p><p>_____ 11. South Dakota’s average temperature in November is 41 degrees.</p><p>_____ 12. This year’s Eagle Times and yearbook will be the best yet!</p><p>Word choice can affect attitudes and meaning. Put a + for each word below that sounds positive and a – for each word that sounds negative. _____ hyperactive _____ energetic _____ lazy _____ easy-going _____ assertive _____ aggressive _____ slender _____ bony</p>