Journalism 101: Tips for journalists reporting IDF assaults

A short analysis for everyone who wants to check the quality of news.

On Tuesday, 15th of October, the globally known Sky News has published a news piece with the title:

Israel has named the 4 teenage victims of Hezb0llah drone strike on a military base.

For being honest, I didn't read this title by myself, as when I checked Sky News website, I found the title changed to "Israel names soldiers killed in Hezbollah drone attack - as 23 killed in Gaza school strike." I got the picture from the account of Caitlin Johnstone on Sub stack. So, we will move starting from that point.

Every young man or woman who studies journalism learns the basics of writing news pieces. These basics include asking the following questions:

• Who?

This question addresses the people involved in the event or situation. It requires identifying the main subjects of the story, such as key figures, institutions, or groups.

• What?

This explores what has happened. The journalist must describe the event, action, or situation clearly, stating the specific details of what occurred.

• When?

This, clearly, asks when the event took place.

• Where?

I believe I don't need to describe that!

• Why?

This addresses the reasons behind the event or situation. It often explores the motivations, causes, or background circumstances that led to the event.

• How?

This explores the process by which the event happened. It can detail the manner or method in which the action unfolded, explaining sequences or mechanisms that contributed to the event.

Now all of you know how to report a specific incident. Right? Let's apply these new skills you have recently gained to check whether Sky News reporters did their job correctly!

Well, they answered the who, where, what, when, why and how. However, if we took a closer look at the "Who," we would find absolute manipulation!

They have mentioned, before changing the title, that the killed were "4 teenage victims". This statement will maximize the "cruelty" of Hezb0llah, who aren't defending themselves (as it appears that Israel is the only nation worldwide that does whatever it likes in terms of self-defense), but instead they are targeting a group of "innocent" younglings who were having their dinner in the canteen.

These 19-year old victims were absolutely soldiers. They were killed in a military base.

So, Sky News were manipulating the world. However, thankfully, they have corrected the title.

Now, let's dive more through this news piece! The current one present in Sky News website.

Israel has named the four soldiers killed in a Hezbollah drone strike on a military base - as at least 23 people were killed in an attack on a central Gaza school. Local hospitals said the school in Nuseirat was sheltering people displaced by the war when it was hit on Sunday night. Women and children were reported to be among the dead after the strike. Israel has not commented but regularly accuses Hamas operatives of concealing themselves in school buildings - claims the group denies.

Now it is a time for a quick test! Have you spot any differences between Sky News reporting the Israeli military base targeting and the school targeted in Nuseirat?

Let's analyze what have been said:

1. 4 Israeli soldiers were killed by Hezb0llah drone strike on a military base: The reporter has provided us with the real context, answering the Who, where, and how.

2. At least 23 people were killed in an attack on a central Gaza school: Here, the same reported only answered the where!

At this point, we have learned that Hezb0llah has killed a group of teenage soldiers in a military base by using drones, very clear.

However, there were 23 people who "were killed" in "an attack" on a central Gaza school.

How is this manipulating us?

1. Sky News didn't mention who performed the attack on the school.

2. 23 people were killed. This lefts a clear space to ask: who were killed? Here, Israel would say "we were targeting Hamas military."

3. Sky News tried to say that those who were martyred were "citizens", but for some reason they couldn't say it clearly. Instead, they said "local hospitals said."

4. They added "women and children were reported to be among the dead" after the "the forces you know who" strike.

5. As a final context they mentioned "Israel has not commented but regularly accuses Hamas operatives of concealing themselves in school buildings - claims the group denies." Here, I felt that the reporter says "like what happens everyday. Don't expect more details."

So, Sky News reporter has the failed to pass a very ordinary test for junior journalists.

Finally, don't believe whatever you read. Always make sure that the news you are watching aren't designed to manipulate you and that it follows the very basics of journalism.