News and Network

A contributor is a writer who provides content, such as articles, essays, or stories, to a publication, website, or other media outlet. Contributors may be regular or occasional, offering their work on a freelance basis or as part of a team. They can write on a variety of topics, from news to lifestyle or opinion pieces, depending on the publication's focus. Contributors are often credited for their work, and their contributions help enrich the content and provide different perspectives. The role allows writers to share their expertise or opinions with a wider audience.

Frequency refers to the number of times a wave or signal repeats in a given period, typically measured in cycles per second or Hertz (Hz). In the context of radio, television, or other electromagnetic waves, frequency determines the type of wave and its ability to carry data. For example, higher frequencies, like those in the gigahertz range, are used for things like Wi-Fi and mobile networks, while lower frequencies are often used for AM and FM radio. The frequency of a signal impacts its range, clarity, and how it interacts with the environment.

Wavelength refers to the distance between two consecutive peaks or low points of a wave, typically measured in meters. In terms of radio, television, or light waves, it determines the size of the wave and is closely related to the frequency. A longer wavelength corresponds to a lower frequency, and a shorter wavelength corresponds to a higher frequency. Wavelength affects how waves travel, with longer wavelengths able to travel further and penetrate obstacles more easily, while shorter wavelengths offer higher resolution but may not travel as far.

A lead story is the most important or significant news item in a newspaper, television broadcast, or online platform. It is usually the first story presented, given the highest visibility, and is chosen because it has the greatest impact or relevance at the time. The lead story often covers major events such as breaking news, political developments, or significant global or local issues. It is placed prominently to grab the audience's attention and provide them with the most important information right away.

A newsroom is a dedicated space in a media organization where journalists, editors, and other staff work together to produce news content. It is the central location where reporters gather information, write articles, edit stories, and prepare news for publication or broadcast. The newsroom is equipped with various tools, such as computers, telephones, and research materials, to help journalists carry out their work efficiently. Newsrooms can be found in newspapers, television stations, radio stations, and online media organizations, and they play a crucial role in the production and delivery of news to the public.

Prime time refers to the period during the evening when television or radio programs are most likely to attract the largest audience. It typically occurs between 7 PM and 10 PM, when many people are home and available to watch or listen to their favorite shows. During prime time, networks often air their most popular or high-budget programs, as advertisers are willing to pay more for commercial spots during these hours. Prime time is considered a key time for attracting viewers and generating high ratings.

A clipping refers to a piece of a newspaper, magazine, or other publication that has been cut out, usually to keep for future reference. Clippings can include articles, photographs, advertisements, or specific sections of interest. People often save clippings to track news, gather information on a particular topic, or preserve memories. In journalism, "clipping" can also refer to the practice of collecting and storing articles or stories that mention a particular individual, company, or subject. Clippings are often kept in physical form, but they can also be stored digitally.

Newsgathering is the process of collecting information about events, issues, or topics to create news stories. This involves activities like researching, interviewing people, taking photographs, recording videos, and verifying facts. Reporters, journalists, and photographers often visit locations, attend events, or use online sources to gather accurate and reliable information. Newsgathering is an essential step in producing news for newspapers, television, radio, and online platforms, ensuring that the public is informed about important developments.

Photojournalism is a form of journalism where photographers capture images to tell news stories and report on current events. The goal is to document and convey information about significant events, issues, or human experiences through photographs. Photojournalists often work in challenging conditions to provide a visual account of newsworthy events, helping audiences understand and engage with the stories being reported. Their images are used in newspapers, magazines, and online platforms to complement written articles and provide a powerful, visual perspective on the news.

A periodical is a publication that is issued regularly at fixed intervals, such as daily, weekly, monthly, or annually. It includes newspapers, magazines, journals, and newsletters, which provide news, articles, features, and other content on a variety of subjects. Periodicals are often focused on specific topics, such as current events, culture, science, or business, and are intended to keep readers updated with ongoing developments or trends. They are different from books in that they are published in multiple issues over time, with each issue containing new material.

A tabloid is a type of newspaper or magazine that is smaller in size than a broadsheet, typically focusing on sensational news, celebrity gossip, and scandals. Tabloids often emphasize dramatic stories, eye-catching headlines, and colorful images to attract readers. While they can include serious news, they are generally known for their focus on entertainment, crime, and human interest stories. Due to their sensational content and style, tabloids are often seen as less formal or credible than other types of publications.

Readership refers to the group of people who regularly read a particular publication, such as a newspaper, magazine, or website. It includes the total number of individuals who engage with the content, whether through physical copies or digital platforms. Readership is an important measure for publishers and advertisers, as it helps them understand the size and demographics of their audience. A publication's readership can vary depending on factors such as the type of content, distribution channels, and the publication's reach in specific regions or communities.

Citizen journalism refers to the practice of ordinary people reporting news and information, often through digital platforms like social media, blogs, or videos. Unlike traditional journalists, citizens gather and share news stories from their own perspective, sometimes covering events that may not be reported by mainstream media. This type of journalism allows a wider range of voices to be heard and can provide immediate coverage. While it can be a valuable source of information, it also requires careful attention to accuracy and reliability.

Frequency modulation (FM) is a method of transmitting radio signals by varying the frequency, or pitch, of the radio wave. In FM radio, the audio signal, such as music or speech, causes slight changes in the frequency of the carrier wave. This results in a clearer sound and less interference compared to other methods, like amplitude modulation (AM). FM is commonly used for music and high-quality radio broadcasts because it can transmit sound with better clarity and resistance to noise.

Teletext is a system that provides text-based information, such as news, weather, and television schedules, on a television screen. It works by transmitting data alongside the regular television broadcast, which can be accessed by viewers using a special remote control. Teletext is often displayed as a series of pages that viewers can navigate through, offering a variety of information in a simple, easy-to-read format. Although it was more popular in the past, it is still used in some countries for providing quick, accessible updates and information on a range of topics.