Sheridan Burns, L, (2002), Finding News. In Sheridan Burns, L (Eds.). Understanding Journalism (pp. 49 – 62). London: Sage Publications.

Finding News is a chapter within Understanding Journalism that clearly explains a set of processes that journalists must complete in assessing newsworthiness. The chapter is structured in a manner that allows the reader to follow the train of thought succinctly, as the author illustrates why each process is necessary to ensure a good story. It is stated, however, in the chapter that a journalist is required to come to a point in which they evaluate a story based on a list of news values. This aspect of the chapter needs refinement as the definite news values a journalist should abide by are uncertain. The values that Burns has used are a simplified version of Galtung and Ruge’s definition of news values in 1965. Since that point these values have repeatedly been modified, expanded and simplified. Therefore, it can be concluded that with the revision of Burns’ evaluation of the news values, to either include current moderations or reference a source, this chapter can be considered reliable as an academic paper.

Creagh, W. (2011, November 20). Schoolies Gold Coast First Night Blog. Brisbanetimes.com. Retrieved from http://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/queensland/parties-romance-brawls-what-else-but-schoolies-week-20111120-1noxw.html.

The author, William Creagh, uses an informal form of writing throughout the post in relaying the events of the night to the audience. This method seems to serve two purposes; to underline the mood of 2011s Schoolies and to allow audiences to gain an understanding of the fast-paced and crazy culture of a ‘Schoolie’. This, at times when describing various acts that youth are taking part of, leans towards a belittling tone however is saved by the personal reflections that are written throughout the piece. Structured as a timeline it is evident to the audience how the sequences of events unfold and allows for a further insight into the night. Creagh has manipulated time and language in a contemporary manner in the blog that ensures an effective result.  Due to Creagh’s choice to move away from formal language in the post there is a clear push towards descriptive language. Each paragraph details closely the clothes, attitude and atmosphere of the scene. This is effective in conveying a first-hand account of 2011s Schoolies at the Gold Coast. Therefore, while it is evident that the post targets an informal audience and offers a colourful view of the night’s events, it can be considered a credible source.

Field, D. (2011, November 20). School leavers celebrate on Gold Coast. ABC News. Retrieved from http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tYp-bnboa5Q.

The video, reported by Donna Field, about 2011 Schoolies clearly identifies key issues that the public is concerned about regarding the event, however, is contradictory in a few instances. Introduced at the news room, with praise by Queensland Police at the behaviour of those attending, the video is shot with a voice over showing crowds celebrating. As this form of media is visual, capturing crowds and movement along the street is extremely effective way to convey the scene. The video then moves on to show various arrests and includes a voice over from Fields giving the facts about how many arrests had taken place. At this point it is still clear that while the event had not been without drama it was still progressing along with a fair atmosphere. The contradiction occurs at 1:00 minute when Field talks about teenagers ‘getting out of hand’ in buildings as well as on the ground. The manner in which the reporter describes that ‘many’ as misbehaving is contradictory to the introduction as well as her next sentence in which she states, “But the majority just relishes their first week without parental guidance…”. Aside from the contradictory remark the piece does not lean to a bias of any sort and serves to cater to the whole public as an audience. Therefore this video can be considered reliable.

Stolz, G. (2011, November 25). Police Commissioner Bob Atkinson praises 2011 schoolies as best behaved yet. The Courier-Mail. Retrieved from http://www.couriermail.com.au/news/queensland/schoolies-score-high-marks-from-cops/story-e6freoof-1226205435465.

The article written by Gary Stolz on Schoolies presents a simple update on reported behaviour and gives the Queensland Police’s official opinion on the occasion.  In establishing that the event was not without violence, Stolz continues on to explain that, even with this in mind, the behaviour of the Schoolies class of 2011 has been “arguably the best yet” to which he quotes Police commissioner Bob Atkinson. In quoting various officers Stolz ensures the credibility of his report and also gives the audience reassurance. Paul Ziebarth, the superintendent of the Gold Coast was one such officer quoted to remark about the favourable behaviour of the teenagers. Stolz takes this further in quoting Ziebarth who explained that he continues to “remind schoolies to watch their behaviour”. This ensures that he has effectively targeted his audience in multiple ways. By giving credence to his report through the use of the police, Stolz has given reassurance to the family and friends of those attending as well as the community who could perhaps be worried about the condition of their buildings and beaches. Targeting the teenagers attending Schoolies has also been achieved in Ziebarth’s quote to continue to stay safe.  Therefore, this report has attained credibility and ensured its relevance.

Reference List.


Creagh, W. (2011, November 20). Schoolies Gold Coast First Night Blog. Brisbanetimes.com. Retrieved from http://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/queensland/parties-romance-brawls-what-else-but-schoolies-week-20111120-1noxw.html.

Field, D. (2011, November 20). School leavers celebrate on Gold Coast. ABC News. Retrieved from http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tYp-bnboa5Q.

Sheridan Burns, L, (2002), Finding News. In Sheridan Burns, L (Eds.). Understanding Journalism(pp. 49 – 62). London: Sage Publications.

Stolz, G. (2011, November 25). Police Commissioner Bob Atkinson praises 2011 schoolies as best behaved yet. The Courier-Mail. Retrieved from http://www.couriermail.com.au/news/queensland/schoolies-score-high-marks-from-cops/story-e6freoof-1226205435465.