Journalism Merit Badge

The Journalism Merit Badge teaches Scouts about news and the important role of journalists. Scouts who earn the Journalism Merit Badge learn how news is gathered, written, and shared. They discover how journalists report events and stories in a fair and truthful way. This badge helps Scouts understand how news shapes communities and impacts people’s lives.

Working on the Journalism Merit Badge helps Scouts build skills in research, writing, and communication. Scouts learn to find facts, organize information, and write clearly. They also learn about different types of media, like newspapers, TV, radio, and online sources. This helps them see the many ways news reaches people.

By earning the Journalism Merit Badge, Scouts also learn to ask questions and think critically. They explore how to find reliable information and spot fake news. They practice sharing information responsibly. These skills are valuable in everyday life and can help Scouts in school and beyond.

The Journalism Merit Badge can also introduce Scouts to careers in journalism. They might become interested in becoming a reporter, editor, or media producer. Even if they don’t choose a journalism career, the skills they learn will still help them. Journalism skills build confidence in communication, which is useful in any career.

Download the Journalism Merit Badge Requirements

Journalism Merit Badge Workbook / Worksheet

Journalism Merit Badge Check Off Sheet

Checklist for All Merit Badges

Help with Answers for Journalism Merit Badge Requirements

Find specific helps for some of the Journalism merit badge requirements listed below. Some of these resources will just give the answers. Others will provide engaging ways for older Scouts to introduce these concepts to new Scouts.

Understanding Freedom of the Press and Ethics for the Journalism Merit Badge

Freedom of the press means that people have the right to publish and share news and ideas without government control. The First Amendment of the U.S. Constitution protects this right. This protection allows journalists and citizens to speak out about issues, voice their opinions, and share facts. Freedom of the press is important because it keeps people informed, holds leaders accountable, and supports a healthy, informed society.

When working on the Journalism Merit Badge, Scouts will learn to tell the difference between facts and opinions. Facts are statements that can be proven true, like dates or events that happened. Opinions are personal beliefs or thoughts, which may be based on feelings rather than facts. Understanding this difference is important for journalists so they can share accurate information and avoid misleading people.

Key Terms for the Journalism Merit Badge

Malice: Malice is the intent to harm someone’s reputation on purpose. In journalism, publishing information with malice is against ethical guidelines. Malice involves knowingly spreading false or damaging information, which harms trust in the media.

Freedom of the Press: This is the right to publish information and opinions without government interference. Freedom of the press is protected by the First Amendment in the U.S. Constitution. It allows journalists to report on important issues and keeps citizens informed.

Fact: A fact is a piece of information that can be proven true. Facts include things like dates, names, events, or data that can be checked for accuracy. In journalism, facts are the foundation of trustworthy reporting.

Opinion: An opinion is a personal belief or view that cannot be proven true. Opinions are based on feelings, values, or perspectives. Journalists must clearly separate opinions from facts to avoid confusing readers.

Libel: Libel is publishing false information about someone that harms their reputation. It happens in written or printed forms, such as in newspapers, online articles, or social media posts. Journalists need to check facts carefully to avoid libel.

Slander: Slander is verbally spreading false information that damages someone’s reputation. This can happen in conversations, speeches, or broadcasts. Like libel, slander is a form of defamation and is against ethical journalism standards.

Defamation: Defamation is a general term that includes both libel and slander. It means harming someone’s reputation by spreading false information. Avoiding defamation is important for ethical reporting and helps keep trust in journalism.

Fair Comment and Criticism: This is the right to share opinions about public figures or public matters. Journalists can criticize leaders, entertainers, and other public figures as long as the comments are fair and not intentionally harmful. This protection encourages open discussion and helps keep public figures accountable.

Public Figure: A public figure is someone who is well-known or in the public eye, like a celebrity, politician, or business leader. Public figures are subject to more public criticism than private citizens because of their influence. Journalists should still report on them truthfully and fairly.

Privacy: Privacy means respecting an individual’s personal life and not sharing unnecessary personal information. Journalists should avoid revealing private details unless they are important to a news story. Privacy helps protect people’s personal boundaries.

Ethics in journalism means reporting truthfully, fairly, and responsibly. Journalists have a duty to provide accurate information and to respect people’s rights. Terms like libel, slander, defamation, and malice relate to ethics because they cover actions that harm others’ reputations unfairly. Avoiding defamation and malicious reporting is part of ethical journalism, as these actions can damage trust in the news. By focusing on facts, verifying sources, and avoiding harmful falsehoods, journalists maintain their credibility and uphold the values of responsible reporting.

Respecting privacy, applying fair comment and criticism, and understanding the rights of public figures are also part of ethical standards in journalism. Journalists should respect people’s privacy and avoid revealing personal information unless it is essential to the story. While public figures are open to criticism, reporters still need to ensure that their comments are fair and based on facts, not meant to harm or mislead. Following these ethical guidelines helps journalists serve the public good and maintain a fair, honest, and reliable media.

Understanding these terms is important for ethical journalism. When earning the Journalism Merit Badge, Scouts will see how ethics help journalists share accurate information and treat people fairly. Journalists have a duty to tell the truth, respect people’s rights, and help the public stay informed.

Exploring News Sources and Visiting a News Office for the Journalism Merit Badge

For the Journalism Merit Badge, Scouts can compare news coverage from different sources to see how stories vary based on where they are reported. Start by choosing an event covered on the same day in a local news source, a national news source, a news magazine, and a social media news feed. Clip and read each story. Compare how each source covers the event by noting how long each story is, how fair and accurate each story seems, and whether all points of view are represented.

Some sources may cover the story in more detail, while others provide quick summaries. You may notice that local news often includes more details specific to the community, while national news focuses on the broader impact. Social media news feeds might add personal opinions or have more informal language.

The next part of the requirement is to visit a newspaper, magazine, or internet news office. If possible, take a tour to see how the different parts of the business work together. The editorial team focuses on writing, editing, and selecting stories, while the business team manages finances and advertising. The printing team (or the digital publishing team for internet news) ensures that the news gets to the public on time.

During the tour, try to talk with someone on the business side about how management works with reporters, editors, and photographers. You can ask what makes a “good” news source. Often, it involves fair, balanced reporting, checking facts carefully, and delivering news that matters to the audience. This experience will help Scouts understand the teamwork and ethics behind journalism.

Comparing News Broadcasts and Visiting a News Station for the Journalism Merit Badge

For a different option for the Journalism Merit Badge, Scouts can compare news stories from different types of broadcasts. Start by watching a local newscast and a national network newscast, listening to a radio newscast, and viewing a national broadcast news source online (with a parent’s permission).

List the stories covered in each, along with how much time or online space each story receives. Note any extra features, such as interviews, graphics, or live footage, used to help tell the story. Then, look at whether the stories seem fair and balanced. Different news sources might present the same story with different details or from different angles. Local broadcasts often focus on community events and people, while national sources look at broader issues that affect the whole country.

The next step is to visit a radio or TV station to see how they prepare and present news. During the visit, ask for a tour of different departments, like production, news editing, and broadcasting. These areas work together to create and air news segments. Try to speak with a manager or station executive about how they work with reporters, editors, and producers.

You can ask what makes a “good” station and what the station values in its news coverage. If possible, go with a reporter to cover a news story in the field. This experience will give Scouts a closer look at how broadcast news is gathered, checked for accuracy, and presented to viewers in a clear, engaging way.

Writing Your News Article for the Journalism Merit Badge

As part of the Journalism Merit Badge, Scouts need to choose a current or unique event of interest and write an article about it. This article can either be a hard news article, which focuses on facts about the event, or a feature article, which provides a deeper, more personal look at the event or people involved. Decide if you want to write it for print, audio, or video journalism. This choice will guide how you write and format your article.

If you choose a hard news article, focus on answering the basic questions: Who? What? When? Where? Why? How? This type of article is clear and direct, giving readers or viewers the main facts quickly. If you choose a feature article, add details that give readers or listeners insight into the story. Feature articles often include descriptions, personal stories, or quotes that help people understand the story’s impact on individuals or communities.

After you finish your article, share it with your counselor. This step is important because you’ll receive feedback on your work, which can help you improve your journalism skills. Writing this article gives Scouts a hands-on experience with reporting and helps them understand what goes into creating accurate and engaging news content.

Interviewing a Community Leader for the Journalism Merit Badge

For the Journalism Merit Badge, Scouts can gain valuable experience by interviewing someone influential in their community. With your parent’s permission and counselor’s approval, choose someone who stands out because of their leadership, talent, career, or unique life experiences. This person could be a local business owner, coach, teacher, artist, or someone who volunteers in the community. Prepare questions that will help you understand their background, achievements, and any challenges they have faced.

During the interview, listen carefully and take notes. Ask questions that help you learn not only about what they do, but also why they are passionate about it and how it affects the community. After the interview, organize what you learned into a report. You can choose to give this report in writing or present it to your counselor as an oral report.

This interview helps Scouts practice gathering information directly from a source, an important skill in journalism. It also gives you the chance to hear personal stories that might not be found in regular news sources, providing insight into the ways people positively impact their communities.

Learning from a Journalist’s Life Story for the Journalism Merit Badge

For the Journalism Merit Badge, Scouts can deepen their understanding of journalism by reading an autobiography written by a journalist they admire. With your parent’s permission and counselor’s approval, choose a book by a journalist whose work or career interests you. This could be someone known for investigative reporting, covering important world events, or bringing unique stories to light. Reading about their life will give you insight into what it’s like to work in journalism and the challenges and rewards that come with it.

Here are a few suggestions. Add your own to the comments.

• “Personal History” by Katharine Graham
  Katharine Graham was the publisher of The Washington Post during major events like the Pentagon Papers and Watergate. Her autobiography details her role in these historic moments and gives insight into journalism’s role in holding powerful institutions accountable.
• “A Reporter’s Life” by Walter Cronkite
  Walter Cronkite, known as “the most trusted man in America,” was a respected broadcast journalist. His autobiography shares his experiences covering events like the Vietnam War, the space race, and the civil rights movement.
• “Connie: a Memoir” by Connie Chung
  Connie Chung, one of the first women to anchor major network newscasts, shares her experiences and struggles in journalism. Her career provides a look into the challenges faced by women in media and the evolution of broadcast journalism.
• “Rather Outspoken” by Dan Rather
  Dan Rather’s autobiography covers his long career in journalism, from covering the assassination of President Kennedy to reporting on wars and natural disasters. He discusses his dedication to truth and his passion for journalism.

After reading, write an article about what you learned. Include information on the journalist’s background, important moments in their career, and their contributions to the field. Describe specific stories they covered or changes they brought to journalism. This article will help you understand the impact a single journalist can have on informing the public and shaping the news.

By learning from the experiences of a real journalist, Scouts see how dedication to truth and ethics can make a difference. Writing this article also helps Scouts practice sharing information in a clear, organized way, an essential skill in journalism.

Writing a News Article About a Scouting Event for the Journalism Merit Badge

As part of the Journalism Merit Badge, Scouts have the chance to report on a Scouting event they attend. After attending an event like a camporee, Pinewood Derby, or community service project, Scouts will write a 200-word article about it. They can choose between two popular article styles: the inverted pyramid or chronological.

Inverted Pyramid Style

The inverted pyramid style is commonly used for hard news articles because it provides essential information right at the beginning. In this style, you start with the most important facts first: who, what, when, where, why, and how. This part is called the “lead” and gives readers a quick summary. After the lead, you add additional details in order of importance, with less crucial information appearing further down in the article. This style allows readers to get the key information quickly and is useful if space is limited or if readers only skim the first part of an article.

For a Scouting event article, you might begin with a sentence like: “Over 100 Scouts gathered at Camp Eagle this weekend for a community service project, building new trails and cleaning up the area.” Then you would add details about the specific activities, who participated, and any comments from Scouts or leaders.

Chronological Style

The chronological style works well for feature articles or stories that benefit from a narrative format, guiding readers through events in the order they happened. This style allows you to set the scene, follow the event’s progression, and end with memorable moments or reflections. Chronological order helps readers feel like they are experiencing the event step-by-step and is a good choice if the article is more about sharing an experience than delivering breaking news.

For example, a chronological article about a Scout hike might start with, “Early Saturday morning, Troop 45 met at the trailhead under a bright blue sky.” Then, describe each phase of the hike, noting key moments and finishing with how the Scouts felt afterward. This style works especially well for capturing the excitement and atmosphere of the event.

After writing the article, review it with your counselor to make sure it is clear, accurate, and interesting. Then, submit the article to your community newspaper, BSA council, or district newsletter for possible publication. This requirement helps Scouts learn to report accurately, write concisely, and share news about Scouting events with their community.

Covering a Public Event for the Journalism Merit Badge

For the Journalism Merit Badge, Scouts gain hands-on experience by covering a public event and presenting it in different styles. Choose an event like a parade, sports game, community festival, or school performance. Then, complete one of the options below to practice different journalism skills.

Option 1: Write Two Articles

Write two articles about the event, using the inverted pyramid style for one and chronological style for the other. See the previous answer for more details about these two styles.

Option 2: Write in a Broadcast Style

For this option, write three different pieces about the event as if for a radio, TV, or podcast broadcast.

• News Story: This should be short and focus on the main facts of the event. Use clear, direct language and keep it brief to fit the broadcast format.
• Feature Story: Create a longer, more descriptive piece that highlights personal stories or unique aspects of the event. This style is good for including interviews or interesting details.
• Critical Review: Share your personal opinion of the event, describing what worked well and what could have been improved. This style focuses on analyzing the event rather than just reporting it.

Writing for broadcast helps Scouts understand how spoken media differs from print.

Option 3: Create a Photo Story

Take a series of photos to tell the story of the event visually.

• News Photos: Capture moments that show the main action and important highlights of the event. These should convey the basic story in pictures.
• Feature Photos: Focus on unique or behind-the-scenes moments, such as a performer preparing or an audience reaction. Feature photos add depth and personality to the story.

Write a brief synopsis of the event to provide context for the photos and include captions for each image, explaining who or what is shown. This option teaches Scouts about photojournalism and how pictures can tell a story just as powerfully as words.

Each option gives Scouts the chance to explore different aspects of journalism and improve their skills in reporting, storytelling, and visual presentation.

Exploring Careers in Journalism for the Journalism Merit Badge

For the Journalism Merit Badge, Scouts can learn about a variety of careers in journalism, each with unique roles and responsibilities. Journalists work in different areas, from reporting news to editing, producing multimedia content, and more. Here are some journalism careers that Scouts might want to explore further:

Reporter
Reporters research, write, and report news stories for newspapers, TV, radio, or online platforms. They gather facts, conduct interviews, and write articles or scripts to keep the public informed.

Editor
Editors oversee and improve the quality of written content. They review articles, correct errors, ensure clarity, and often decide which stories to publish.

Photojournalist
Photojournalists tell stories through photographs. They capture newsworthy moments and images that accompany articles, often in fast-paced or high-pressure environments.

Broadcast Journalist
Broadcast journalists report news for radio and television. They may work as anchors, correspondents, or field reporters, delivering news to the public in spoken form.

Multimedia Journalist
Multimedia journalists use a combination of text, photos, video, and audio to report stories online. They are skilled in producing digital content for websites and social media.

Investigative Journalist
Investigative journalists dig deep into complex issues, often uncovering hidden facts or exposing corruption. Their stories are detailed and often require months of research.

News Anchor
News anchors present news stories on television. They often read scripts on-air, introduce reporters, and interview guests. They must be clear, confident, and knowledgeable.

Producer
Producers manage the planning and execution of news programs. They organize content, coordinate with reporters and editors, and ensure the broadcast or publication flows smoothly.

Copy Editor
Copy editors review articles to correct grammar, spelling, and punctuation errors. They make sure writing is accurate and follows the publication’s style.

Social Media Manager
Social media managers handle news outlets’ social media accounts, sharing news, engaging with the audience, and monitoring online discussions.

Columnist
Columnists write regular opinion pieces on topics of interest, such as politics, culture, or sports. They provide personal insights or commentary for readers.

Editorial Cartoonist
Editorial cartoonists use humor and illustration to comment on current events and social issues. Their work appears in newspapers, magazines, and online media.

Fact Checker
Fact checkers verify the accuracy of stories before publication, helping prevent errors and misinformation. This role is essential for maintaining journalistic credibility.

Freelance Journalist
Freelance journalists work independently and sell stories to various media outlets. They have flexibility in their work but must find and pitch their own stories.

Public Relations Specialist
PR specialists communicate on behalf of organizations to the media. Although this isn’t traditional journalism, it involves similar skills, such as writing and media relations.

These careers show the wide range of skills used in journalism, from storytelling and research to editing and photography. Scouts interested in journalism can choose a career that matches their strengths, whether they enjoy writing, photography, video, or social media.

Communication Program Feature for Scouts BSA Troops

The BSA Communication Program Feature helps troops plan a month of activities focused on sharing and receiving information. Scouts can work on skills like public speaking, storytelling, and news reporting. Activities might include practicing interviews, writing articles, or presenting information clearly to others. Scouts can also learn about different communication careers and practice techniques that make messages clear and effective. Working on the Journalism Merit Badge fits well with this theme, as Scouts learn about gathering facts, interviewing, and reporting stories. By the end of the month, Scouts will build confidence and improve their ability to communicate in various situations.

What is the Journalism Merit Badge?

The Journalism Merit Badge teaches Scouts about news gathering, reporting, and ethics in journalism. Scouts learn how to write articles, conduct interviews, and understand the responsibilities of a journalist.

What skills do I need to start the Journalism Merit Badge?

You don’t need special skills to start the Journalism Merit Badge, but it helps if you enjoy reading, writing, and asking questions. Being curious and interested in current events is a plus.

What do Scouts learn from the Journalism Merit Badge?

Scouts learn how to gather facts, write news and feature articles, and interview people. They also learn about journalistic ethics, such as accuracy, fairness, and truthfulness in reporting.

Do I have to write articles for the Journalism Merit Badge?

Yes, writing articles is part of the Journalism Merit Badge. You may write different types of articles, like news stories or feature stories, based on events you attend or people you interview.

Will I need to interview someone for the Journalism Merit Badge?

Yes, interviewing someone is usually required for the Journalism Merit Badge. This helps Scouts practice getting information directly from sources, an important skill for journalists.

What styles of articles do I write for the Journalism Merit Badge?

For the Journalism Merit Badge, Scouts may use styles like the inverted pyramid (starting with the most important information) or chronological order (telling the story in time order).

Do I need to read a book for the Journalism Merit Badge?

As one option, with a parent’s and counselor’s approval, you’ll read an autobiography of a journalist. This helps you learn from real experiences in the field of journalism.

What kinds of events do I attend for the Journalism Merit Badge?

You can attend community events, like a sports game, festival, or scout meeting. Any event where you can gather information and report on it works for the Journalism Merit Badge.

Are there any career opportunities in journalism I can learn about?

Yes, learning about journalism careers is part of the Journalism Merit Badge. You’ll explore careers like reporter, editor, photojournalist, and more.

What equipment do I need for the Journalism Merit Badge?

You’ll need basic writing tools, like a notebook and pen. A camera or phone for photos and a recording device (if allowed for interviews) are also helpful.

Can I do the Journalism Merit Badge alone, or do I need help?

You can work on parts of the Journalism Merit Badge on your own, but you’ll need guidance from your merit badge counselor. They will help you understand requirements and give feedback on your work.

The Journalism Merit Badge teaches Scouts the basics of news reporting, from finding a story to sharing it accurately and fairly. Scouts learn about the role of journalists and how the news impacts their community and world. This badge covers essential journalism skills like interviewing, writing, and understanding journalistic ethics. Scouts learn to gather facts, report them clearly, and avoid spreading misinformation. By studying real-life journalism principles, Scouts see how trustworthy news informs people and strengthens communities.

Scouts also explore the variety of writing styles used in journalism. They might write hard news articles, which focus on delivering facts quickly, or feature stories, which dive deeper into the people and details behind events. The Journalism Merit Badge requires Scouts to practice different styles, such as the inverted pyramid (starting with the most important information) and chronological storytelling. These activities help them understand how stories can be told in multiple ways, depending on the audience and purpose.

This merit badge also opens Scouts’ eyes to career paths in journalism. They explore roles like reporters, editors, photojournalists, and social media managers. They also get hands-on experience by interviewing community members, covering events, and even visiting local newsrooms. By earning the Journalism Merit Badge, Scouts gain confidence in their writing and communication skills, learning the value of honest, well-researched reporting in today’s fast-paced news world.