This phrase means that journalism records events as they happen, creating the earliest version of how history is understood.Journalists document real-time events before historians later analyze and interpret them.

Fact — A statement that can be verified with evidence (data, documents, or direct observation)

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Opinion — A belief, interpretation, or judgment that reflects a person’s perspective

News reporting should be objective, neutral, and evidence-based, while opinion writing is subjective and persuasive

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Example
Fact: “A protest took place in Boston Common.”
Opinion: “Protests should be banned from Boston Common.”

A code of ethics is a set of principles that guide journalists to report responsibly, fairly, and truthfully.

Common principles include:

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• Seek truth and report it

• Verify sources

• Avoid conflicts of interest

• Allow subjects to respond

• Be accountable and correct mistakes

A code of ethics is a set of principles that guide journalists to report responsibly, fairly, and truthfully.

Common principles include:

​

• Seek truth and report it

• Verify sources

• Avoid conflicts of interest

• Allow subjects to respond

• Be accountable and correct mistakes

A lede is the opening sentence of a news story. It is designed to capture attention and deliver key information.

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Common Types:

• Summary Lede (Hard News Lede): Direct approach that delivers the most essential, time-sensitive information, typically following the inverted pyramid style.

• Feature Lede (Delayed Lede): Set a scene, tell a story, or hook the reader emotionally before diving into the main topic.

Blind Lede: A summary that intentionally withholds a key detail, such as a name to build suspense.