Journalism Merit Badge

Free Resources and Answers

Time: 2–4 weeks
Difficulty: Moderate
Setting: Indoor, newsroom, interviews
Best For: Scouts interested in writing, news, communication
Hands-On Level: Moderate
Eagle Required: No

The Journalism Merit Badge invites you to explore how news is discovered, created, and shared. You’ll learn how journalists report important events, tell meaningful stories, and serve their communities by presenting information fairly and accurately.

As you work on this badge, you’ll strengthen your research, writing, and communication skills. You’ll practice gathering facts, asking thoughtful questions, organizing information, and recognizing reliable sources across newspapers, television, radio, and digital media.

You’ll also discover how journalism can shape public understanding and influence everyday life. Whether you dream of becoming a reporter, editor, photographer, or media producer—or choose a different path—the skills you gain will help you think critically, communicate responsibly, and share the truth with confidence.

Download the Journalism Merit Badge Requirements

Journalism Merit Badge Pamphlet

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.

• Requirement 1: Definitions
• Requirement 2: Observation
• Requirement 3: Types of Stories
• Requirement 4: Covering a Public Event
• Requirement 5: Careers
• More Resources

Requirement 1: Press Freedom and Ethics

What You Need To Do

Describe freedom of the press and the First Amendment. Define key journalism terms, compare facts with opinions, and discuss how ethical reporters use these ideas.

Helpful Tips

• Freedom of the press protects the right to publish news and opinions without government control.
• The First Amendment protects freedom of speech and freedom of the press.
• A fact can be checked and proven true or false.
• An opinion expresses a personal belief, judgment, or point of view.
• Libel is a false written or published statement capable of harming someone’s reputation.
• Slander is a false spoken statement capable of harming someone’s reputation.
• Defamation is false information presented as fact and capable of harming someone’s reputation. Libel and slander are forms of defamation.
• Fair comment and criticism allows honest opinions about public issues or public figures when supported by accurate facts.
• A public figure is a person with a major role in public life, such as an elected official or celebrity.
• Privacy is a person’s right to keep personal information from unnecessary public attention.
• Malice in a defamation case means publishing false information while knowing it is false or carelessly ignoring whether it is true.
• Ethical journalists check sources, correct errors, separate facts from opinions, respect privacy, and avoid needless harm.

Resources

• Freedom of the Press in the United States (video)
• What Are Libel and Slander? (video)
• How To Identify Fact vs Opinion in Writing & Research (video)
• Understanding News Media: Fact vs. Opinion (PDF)
• Fair Comment and Criticism (website)

Leader Tips

• Ask the Scout to give one example of a fact and one example of an opinion.
• Use a made-up news story to compare libel, slander, and fair criticism.
• Invite the Scout to discuss how privacy and public interest can conflict.
• Guide the conversation with questions about accuracy, fairness, and responsibility.

Requirement 2A-1: Compare News Stories

What You Need To Do

On one day, compare coverage of the same event from a local news source, a national news source, a news magazine, and a social media news feed. Discuss each story’s length, accuracy, fairness, viewpoints, and style with your counselor.

Helpful Tips

• Get permission from a parent or guardian before using online sources.
• Choose an event covered by all four sources on the same day.
• Save each article as a clipping, printout, link, or screenshot.
• Record the word count or another useful measure of length.
• Check names, dates, places, quotes, and other facts for accuracy.
• Look for sources supporting the information in each story.
• List the viewpoints included and any important viewpoints left out.
• Compare headlines, photos, details, tone, and story placement.
• Watch for opinions presented as facts.
• Prepare clear examples for your counselor discussion.

Leader Tips

• Help the Scout select a suitable event with coverage from all four sources.
• Ask open-ended questions about accuracy, fairness, and source choices.
• Guide the Scout toward evidence from each story.
• Avoid choosing conclusions for the Scout.

Requirement 2A-2: Tour a News Organization

What You Need To Do

Visit a newspaper, magazine, or internet news organization and tour its main divisions. Speak with a business executive about management, the news staff, and the qualities of a good news organization.

Helpful Tips

• Contact the organization early to arrange the visit.
• Request access to the editorial, business, and printing divisions.
• Ask about digital publishing when no printing division exists.
• The editorial division selects, reports, writes, and edits stories.
• The business division manages money, advertising, sales, and subscriptions.
• The printing or digital team prepares stories for public release.
• Ask how managers work with reporters, editors, and photographers.
• Ask how the organization protects editorial decisions from business pressure.
• Ask what standards support accurate, fair, and useful reporting.
• A virtual visit is acceptable when local visits are unavailable.
• Get counselor approval before arranging a virtual visit.

Leader Tips

• Help the Scout contact a suitable news organization.
• Review the Scout’s questions before the visit.
• Encourage the Scout to speak directly with staff members.
• Follow all youth-protection and visitor rules.

Requirement 2B-1: Compare Broadcast News

What You Need To Do

On one day, compare a local TV newscast, a national network newscast, a radio newscast, and a national broadcast news source online. Record their stories, features, presentation methods, time or space, accuracy, fairness, and viewpoints.

Helpful Tips

• Get permission from a parent or guardian before viewing the online source.
• Use all four news sources on the same day.
• Write down every news story and feature in presentation order.
• Record each broadcast story’s time in minutes and seconds.
• Measure online space by paragraphs, words, screen length, or video time.
• List elements such as interviews, graphics, maps, video, sound, and live reports.
• Mark stories appearing in more than one source.
• Check important facts across reliable sources.
• Compare the viewpoints and sources included in each report.
• Look for missing facts or unsupported claims.
• Consider audience, location, available time, and story importance when comparing coverage.
• Use specific examples during the counselor discussion.

Leader Tips

• Help the Scout create a simple chart for recording results.
• Ask questions about story order, time, sources, and presentation choices.
• Guide the Scout to support each conclusion with evidence.
• Keep the discussion focused on fairness and accuracy.

Requirement 2B-2: Tour a Radio or TV Station

What You Need To Do

Visit a radio or television station and tour the departments involved in news broadcasts. Speak with a manager about station operations, teamwork, and the qualities of a good station.

Helpful Tips

• Contact the station early to schedule a tour.
• Ask to visit the newsroom, studio, control room, production area, and editing area.
• Reporters gather facts, interview sources, and prepare stories.
• Producers organize the newscast and manage its timing.
• Editors review scripts, audio, and video before broadcast.
• Directors and control-room staff manage the live program.
• Ask how station managers and news staff divide their responsibilities.
• Ask how the station checks facts and corrects errors.
• Ask what makes a station accurate, fair, useful, and trusted.
• Request permission to accompany a reporter covering an event, if possible.
• Follow all station safety, privacy, and recording rules.

Leader Tips

• Help arrange the visit and confirm station rules in advance.
• Review useful interview questions with the Scout.
• Encourage active participation during the tour.
• Provide proper supervision if the Scout accompanies a reporter.

Requirement 3: News and Feature Stories

What You Need To Do

Discuss the differences between hard news and feature stories. Describe the five W’s and H used to gather complete information.

Helpful Tips

• Hard news reports important events in a direct and timely way.
• A hard news story places key facts near the beginning.
• A feature story explores people, experiences, or issues in greater depth.
• Features often use descriptions, scenes, personal details, and quotes.
• “Who” identifies the people involved.
• “What” identifies the event or action.
• “When” gives the time or date.
• “Where” gives the location.
• “Why” gives the reason or cause.
• “How” describes the way an event happened.
• Strong stories answer as many of these questions as possible.
• Facts and quotes should come from reliable sources.

Resources

• Feature Writing vs News Writing (video)
• What Are the 5 W’s and H in Journalism? (video)

Leader Tips

• Provide examples of both types of stories.
• Ask the Scout to identify the five W’s and H in each example.
• Guide the Scout toward clear differences supported by details.
• Encourage questions about missing information.

Requirement 3a: Write a News or Feature Article

What You Need To Do

Choose a current or unusual event and create a hard news or feature article. Prepare it for print, online, audio, or video journalism and share it with your counselor.

Helpful Tips

• Choose an event with enough reliable information for a complete story.
• Decide between hard news and a feature before writing.
• Gather facts from interviews, records, or trustworthy reports.
• Answer the five W’s and H.
• Use a clear opening to draw in the audience.
• Place the most important facts first in a hard news article.
• Use scenes, descriptions, and personal details in a feature article.
• Write short, clear sentences for audio or video.
• Add useful images, sound, or video when appropriate.
• Check every name, date, quote, and number.
• Revise the article before sharing it with your counselor.

Leader Tips

• Help the Scout choose a focused event and suitable format.
• Ask how each source supports the article.
• Offer feedback on accuracy, organization, and clarity.
• Let the Scout make the final writing choices.

Requirement 3b: Interview a Community Leader

What You Need To Do

With parent or guardian permission and counselor approval, interview an influential person in your community. Present a written or oral report about the person to your counselor.

Helpful Tips

• Choose a person known for leadership, talent, career, or life experience.
• Get all required permission and approval before arranging the interview.
• Research basic information about the person before meeting.
• Prepare open-ended questions beginning with who, what, when, where, why, or how.
• Ask about important experiences, achievements, challenges, and community service.
• Ask follow-up questions when an answer needs more detail.
• Take clear notes during the interview.
• Get permission before making an audio or video recording.
• Confirm the spelling of names, places, and organizations.
• Check direct quotes with your notes or recording.
• Organize the report around the person’s influence and experiences.

Leader Tips

• Help the Scout choose a safe and appropriate interview subject.
• Review the questions before the interview.
• Encourage careful listening and useful follow-up questions.
• Follow all youth-protection requirements.

Requirement 3c: Read a Journalist’s Autobiography

What You Need To Do

With parent or guardian permission and counselor approval, read an autobiography written by a journalist. Write an article about the journalist’s life, work, and contributions to journalism.

Helpful Tips

• Choose a book written by the journalist about his or her own life.
• Get permission and approval before starting the book.
• Record the book’s title, author, and publication information.
• Take notes about the journalist’s background and career.
• List major events or stories covered by the journalist.
• Record challenges faced during the journalist’s career.
• Find examples of accuracy, courage, fairness, or public service.
• Identify important contributions to journalism.
• Organize the article with a clear beginning, middle, and ending.
• Use quotation marks for exact words from the book.
• Check all names, dates, events, and quotations before finishing.

Resources

• “Personal History” by Katharine Graham
• “A Reporter’s Life” by Walter Cronkite
• “Connie: a Memoir” by Connie Chung
• “Rather Outspoken” by Dan Rather

Leader Tips

• Help the Scout confirm the book is an autobiography by a journalist.
• Ask questions about the journalist’s work and influence.
• Guide the Scout in choosing strong examples from the book.
• Review the finished article for accuracy and clear organization.

Requirement 3d: Report on a Scouting Event

What You Need To Do

Attend a Scouting event and write a 200-word hard news or feature article using inverted pyramid or chronological order. Review it with your counselor, then submit it to an approved newspaper or Scouting publication for consideration.

Helpful Tips

• Take notes during the event.
• Record the event’s name, date, time, place, purpose, and attendance.
• Interview participants or leaders for useful quotes.
• Check the spelling of every person’s name.
• Use inverted pyramid style to place the most important facts first.
• Use chronological style to present events in time order.
• Choose one style and use it throughout the article.
• Include details supporting the main focus.
• Keep the article at 200 words.
• Check facts, grammar, spelling, and punctuation.
• Review the article with your counselor before submitting it.
• Submit it to a community newspaper or Scouting America council or district newsletter.
• Publication is not required, but submission for consideration is required.

Resources

• What Is the Inverted Pyramid? (video)

Leader Tips

• Help the Scout identify a suitable Scouting event.
• Encourage note-taking and interviews during the event.
• Guide revisions without rewriting the article.
• Help locate an appropriate publication for submission.

Requirement 4a: Write Two Event Articles

What You Need To Do

Attend a public event and write two articles about it. Use inverted pyramid style for one article and chronological style for the other.

Helpful Tips

• Choose an event open to the public, such as a parade, game, festival, or performance.
• Record the five W’s and H during the event.
• Write down accurate names, times, places, and attendance numbers.
• Interview people for useful facts and quotes.
• Begin the inverted pyramid article with the most important facts.
• Place less important details later in the inverted pyramid article.
• Begin the chronological article near the start of the event.
• Present events in time order in the chronological article.
• Use the same accurate facts in both articles.
• Compare how each style changes the story’s focus and flow.
• Check spelling, grammar, facts, and quotations.

Leader Tips

• Help the Scout choose a safe and suitable public event.
• Review the differences between the two writing styles.
• Ask the Scout to point out the structure of each article.
• Give feedback without rewriting the Scout’s work.

Requirement 4b: Create Broadcast Event Stories

What You Need To Do

Attend a public event and prepare three pieces in a radio, television, or podcasting style. Create a news story, a feature story, and a critical review.

Helpful Tips

• Choose one broadcast format before writing.
• Gather facts, quotes, sounds, and descriptions during the event.
• Write for listeners or viewers instead of print readers.
• Use short sentences and words easy to speak aloud.
• Keep the news story focused on the main facts.
• Answer the five W’s and H in the news story.
• Give the feature story a human or unusual focus.
• Add interviews and vivid details to the feature story.
• Base the critical review on clear examples from the event.
• Separate personal opinions from reported facts.
• Describe both strong and weak parts in the review.
• Read each script aloud to check timing and flow.

Resources

• How To Write Scripts For Your Podcast (video)

Leader Tips

• Help the Scout select a suitable broadcast format.
• Ask how each piece serves a different purpose.
• Encourage fair criticism supported by examples.
• Review the scripts for accuracy, clarity, and natural speech.

Requirement 4c: Create a Photo Story

What You Need To Do

Attend a public event and use a series of photographs to tell its story. Include news photos, feature photos, a brief event synopsis, and captions for every image.

Helpful Tips

• Check event rules before taking photographs.
• Ask permission when a photo could invade someone’s privacy.
• Capture a wide photo showing the event and location.
• Take news photos of the main actions and important moments.
• Take feature photos of expressions, details, and activities away from the main action.
• Photograph the beginning, middle, and end of the event.
• Use different distances and angles to add variety.
• Keep the photo series focused on one clear story.
• Write a short synopsis covering the five W’s and H.
• Write a caption for every photograph.
• Include names, actions, locations, and relevant details in captions.
• Confirm all names and facts before presenting the photo story.
• Do not change a photo in a way capable of misleading the audience.

Resources

• What Is Photojournalism? (video)

Leader Tips

• Help the Scout review safety, privacy, and event photography rules.
• Encourage a planned shot list before the event.
• Ask the Scout to arrange the photos in a clear story order.
• Review captions for accuracy and useful details.

Requirement 5: Explore a Journalism Career

What You Need To Do

Identify three careers using journalism skills and select one for detailed research. Discuss its entry requirements, costs, employment prospects, pay, advancement opportunities, career goals, and your interest with your counselor.

Helpful Tips

• Choose three careers matching your interests and abilities.
• Select one career for deeper research.
• Find the required education, training, certification, and experience.
• Include college tuition, course fees, equipment, software, travel, and other possible expenses.
• Check current job openings for common employer requirements.
• Use government career data for employment prospects and salary ranges.
• Compare information from several reliable sources.
• Record the typical starting salary for your location.
• Find possible promotions and advanced positions.
• Create short-term and long-term career goals.
• Keep a list of sources and research dates.
• Prepare notes for your counselor discussion.
• Include reasons for your interest or lack of interest in the career.

Careers to Consider

• Reporter
• Editor
• Photojournalist
• Broadcast journalist
• Multimedia journalist
• Investigative journalist
• News anchor
• News producer
• Copy editor
• Social media manager
• Columnist
• Editorial cartoonist
• Fact-checker
• Freelance journalist
• Podcast producer
• Video journalist
• Public relations specialist
• Communications specialist

Resources

• How To Become a Journalist (video)
• What Can I Do With a Journalism Degree? (video)
• 26 Jobs for Journalism Majors (Wordsmith Careers Await) (website)
• What Can You Do With a Journalism Degree? (website)

Leader Tips

• Help the Scout find reliable and current career information.
• Encourage contact with a working professional when possible.
• Ask the Scout to compare career requirements with personal goals.
• Guide the discussion without choosing a career for the Scout.

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.

More Merit Badge Resources

The Journalism merit badge helps Scouts explore how news is gathered and shared. It shows them that communication is an important part of the merit badge program. Scouts learn to ask clear questions, check facts, and write simple stories. This helps build confidence and supports the idea that merit badges open doors to many skills. The badge fits well in the wide range of topics offered, from outdoor skills to science to arts.

This merit badge also connects well with others that build communication skills. Scouts who enjoy Journalism might also try Photography, Public Speaking, or Communication. These badges help young people express ideas with clarity and purpose. The variety lets Scouts discover interests they did not expect.

Learn More about Scouts BSA

The Journalism badge supports the larger Scouts BSA program by teaching clear thinking and careful work. Scouts learn to listen, observe, and organize facts. These skills help them grow in leadership and personal development. Reporting teaches responsibility and honesty, which are important in all parts of Scouting.

Journalism also supports citizenship. Scouts learn how news shapes communities and helps people understand events. They see how truthful reporting supports trust. This builds an awareness of how their actions affect others. It encourages them to use their skills to serve their troop and community.

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.