PR Style & News Analysis
PR Style & News Analysis
DUE: Hard copy. In class. Feb. 19
INTRODUCTION:
We have been looking at the opportunities and avenues for PR practitioners to disseminate their messages to the mass media – practices that utilize social media in addition to traditional media platforms.
During today’s class – and as seen in the readings and Study Guide – we have also discussed the importance of developing the PR message so that it “looks, smells, taste like news” – and not appear to be what may be considered as “fake news” or an ad by the gatekeeper and the audience.
Specifically, we have looked at the expectations and the standards set forth by a gatekeeper, the importance of maintaining a journalistic tone and style, and:
1. categorizing the message/story/release, etc. as either hard or soft news,
2. determining and selecting its newsworthiness (PPT or CCH),
3. developing a manageable and focused topic via a focus sentence/statement,
4. incorporating appropriate/legitimate sources/references,

TO DO:
Select an example of “Fake News.” Please select a VNR or an ANR. (Please do not select an ad.)
In a paper of two pages minimum/maximum: In the order provided here:
1. Inform me/Describe your fake news VNR selection.

Describe the product, service, company, length, etc. (Assume that I have not viewed it). Who was responsible for what you believe is this “fake news” item. Be sure to indicate the URL.
2. Address the journalistic tone/style – or lack of – in your selection that addresses how the author develops/plays your selection to make it appear to be either a Hard or Soft news story.
3. Indicate the one, most significant newsworthiness element (other than timeliness) used in the item. PPT or CCH. Only one!
4. Write a focus sentence for your selection. Keep in mind the expectations of a well written focus sentence/statement.
5. Indicate what sources were used in your selection. (A person? An expert? Testimonials? Etc.). Where they Authentic? Legit or not?
6. Describe/Explain one “standout” aspect about your selection that you felt was blatant “fake
news”
CONSIDERATIONS
A. Two Pages. Standard margins, 1.5 spacing, 11 or 12 point font.
B. Minimum of one source. Must include in text citations (APA style)
C. A 3rd page with: Your name, Section, Due date, Name of the VNR and on the same page – Works Cited (APA style).