Certified Journalism Educator
(CJE) Exam Study Guide

The Certified Journalism Educator exam is designed to demonstrate your knowledge of basics in journalism and media advising. The following information will assist you in preparing for the exam.

1. Both rely on reporting methods for content. Interviewing and using documents and other secondary sources are important techniques in gathering information for both.
2. Both rely on journalistic principles such as timeliness, proximity, importance, interest and balance.
   

Differences:

1. While news writing is based on principles of objectivity, editorials often attempt to persuade readers.
2. Organizationally, news is most often written in an order of importance with least consequential items at the end of the story. Editorials usually start with an introduction of a problem or idea; then in subsequent paragraphs the problem is examined. Finally, some conclusion or recommendation is derived from the logical exposition of the problem.
   

Possible Answer to "b" (in sentence outline format):

Similarities:

1. Both rely heavily on solid reporting. The brevity of broadcast news does not reflect the amount of reporting that went into it.
2. Both begin with leads that get rapidly to the essence of the news.
3. Both print and broadcast leads can emphasize different elements
   who, what, when, where, why and how.

Differences:

1. Broadcast writing is geared to be heard rather than read. It should be conversational. The writer is concerned with how it will sound.
2. While the traditional news story is usually in inverted pyramid structure so the reader can exit at any point, the broadcast news writer rarely provides exit points. The intent is that the entire story will be read in the broadcast.
3. Broadcast news stories generally are much shorter than print news stories. A broadcast piece may be read aloud in only five seconds; others may be up to two minutes. A print story is usually considerably longer and more detailed.
4. The broadcast reporter includes a phonetic pronunciation guide in the text for names or locations not commonly recognized.

1. Digital photography could save money, after the initial equipment expenditure.
2. Photo quality could be improved through manipulation.
3. Photos could be put into production very quickly.
   

1. There are no funds for necessary camera and software purchases.
2. Ethical problems can be caused by photo manipulation.
3. The quality of a digital photo is not likely to be as high as one taken with a single lens reflex camera that you already have.

1. Take a class
2. Build partnerships with area TV stations.
3. Seek volunteers with broadcast skills to work with staff.
4. Do an internship at a local TV station.
5. Develop partnerships with businesses that engage in communications technology.
6. Meet with local video people for ideas (from video wedding
   photographers to Intel folks).

1. Make sure that deadlines are clearly communicated. Create a timeline showing when each facet of production is due.
2. Create a job description, if none exists, for each staff member and make sure that each member understands his role and how it impacts others on the staff.
3. Engage the help of staff leaders and engage to promote effective teamwork within the staff.
4. Develop progress sheets for each staff member to list their responsibilities, what has been completed and what still needs to be done. These are submitted to editors or production managers repeatedly during the production process.
5. Enforce consequences for failure to live up to staff standards, and as a last resort, remove non-productive students.
6. Integrate meeting deadlines in the grading system.