Media

The purposes of our Media section are to provide an accurate account of the Youth and Government program and to allow students to gain meaningful, real-life experience in journalism through the publication of a newspaper, social media content, and a news broadcast at the District and State Conferences.

The newspaper, various social media posts, and broadcasts are entirely the work of the student participants from story assignments to production to distribution. Our goal for our Media participants is for them to fully understand and practice the relationship of media with the government.  Students learn to meet deadlines, gain valuable skills like headline writing and interviewing, understand the layout and graphic design tools used by media personnel, and more.

All media inquiries should be sent to the State Office at [email protected]

Media Resources

2023 – 2024 Media Memo and Updates

Media Assignments

Welcome to the exciting world of media assignments! In today’s rapidly evolving digital landscape, media plays a pivotal role in shaping our perceptions, disseminating information, and influencing our daily lives. This series of assignments is designed to empower you as both consumers and creators of media content. Whether you’re passionate about journalism, video production, graphic design, or simply want to enhance your media literacy skills, these assignments will challenge you to think critically, communicate effectively, and harness the power of media for various purposes. Get ready to embark on a creative journey that will not only expand your horizons but also equip you with valuable skills for the modern world. Let’s dive in and explore the vast and dynamic realm of media together! Remember to submit all assignments to [email protected].

Media Assignment #1 (Deadline September 30th)

TX YG Promo:

Using TikTok, Cap Cut, VN Video Editor, or any other social media/Video Editing software, create a 2-minute video promoting the Texas Youth and Government program to be posted on the @texasygmedia Instagram page.

Cover any aspect of the program (sections, history, etc.) and be sure to create a script and shot list to help with cohesion and creativity. Due to [email protected] by September 30th.

TX YG Op-Ed

Write an opinion based editorial article that chooses a side on an issue. This includes Bills, Proposals, or even current pressing issues that are reflected in the SAF topic list, or even research issues discussed in the last Legislative Session.

After deciding on your topic, download template from ymcatexasyg.org, write your article, then submit to [email protected].

TX YG Club Profile

Research the history of the YG program at your school/delegation/club and write an article consolidating this information, while detailing why students participate in YG today. Include interviews of current and/or past alums and YG participants and gather program data.

Download template from ymcatexasyg.org, write, and submit your article to [email protected] by October 14th.

TX YG In Depth Interview

Conduct, Shoot, and Edit an Interview with a Civic Leader in your community. After researching people that fit this role (Principals, Fire Chiefs, School Board Members, etc.), learn how their job impacts the local community and ask for an interview.

Interviews should be formal or informational, however, they can have rapid fire segments (See Vogue’s “7 Question” or “73 Questions with…” series for rapid fire example). Be sure to have an introduction and conclusion/sign off when engaging in interviews.

After editing, submit your final cut to [email protected] by October 21st.

TX YG Research Short

Write a research short related to YG or Texas that is less than 250 words. Include Blurbs of scientific research to draw in interest from YG participants (Example: How Civic Engagement Changes One’s Indicators of Health).

After downloading template from ymcatexasyg.org, and completing your writing, submit to [email protected].

Templates

Delegates are responsible for crafting four unique articles as part of the media assignment outlined above, along with creating a social media post for each of their articles. Below, we have provided two templates for these posts. To promote a diverse range of storytelling structures and enhance the final portfolio’s quality, it is crucial that each template is used only once. Along with the posts, we also need captivating captions that complement the content and engage your audience. Include any key details or highlights from the articles that should be featured in the posts. See the notes section of the template to see the format you should follow to write your caption. You can conveniently create Canva (free) accounts to access and customize the templates. After completing your articles, simply download them and submit them to [email protected] for evaluation.

Article Templates: Option 1 // Option 2 // Option 3 // Option 4 // Option 5 // Option 6

Social Media Templates: Option 1 // Option 2

Tips for Media Delegates

 For aspiring journalism students, navigating the dynamic and ever-evolving landscape of news reporting and storytelling can be both exciting and challenging. In an era where information flows rapidly and communication channels are constantly evolving, it’s essential to stay ahead of the curve. To help you embark on this rewarding journey, we’ve compiled a collection of invaluable tips and insights tailored to media delegates. These practical guidelines will empower you to not only excel in your academic pursuits but also thrive in the real-world, where the power of the press remains a cornerstone of society. Whether you’re looking to sharpen your writing skills, embrace digital media, or delve into investigative journalism, this comprehensive guide will provide you with the knowledge and tools needed to succeed in this dynamic field.

Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you write an article that is engaging, clear, and relevant to your target audience

  1. Choose a Topic:
    • We have provide topic areas in each of our Media Assignments posted above. Choose your specific topic that would meet the assignment requirements.
    • Select a topic that interest you within we. Consider subjects with in youth and government or current events. Ensure that the topic is age-appropriate and relevant.
  2. Research:
    • Gather information from reliable sources. Use books, articles, websites, and academic databases to collect data and facts related to your topic.
    • Take notes while researching, and make sure to cite your sources properly.
  3. Create an Outline:
    • Organize your thoughts and information by creating an outline. A basic article structure includes an introduction, body paragraphs, and a conclusion.
    • Plan what each section will cover, and consider the main points you want to convey.
  4. Write a Compelling Introduction:
    • Start with an attention-grabbing hook, such as a surprising fact, a question, a quote, or a brief anecdote related to your topic.
    • Provide some context for the article and introduce the main idea or thesis statement.
  5. Develop the Body:
    • Divide the body of your article into paragraphs, each focusing on a different aspect or subtopic.
    • Use clear and concise language to explain your ideas. Avoid jargon and overly complex sentences.
    • Provide evidence, examples, statistics, or anecdotes to support your points.
    • Transition smoothly between paragraphs to maintain the flow of your article.
  6. Engage Your Audience:
    • Avoid overly formal or technical language.
    • Include relatable examples and stories that connect with the experiences of your target audience.
    • Ask questions or include interactive elements to encourage reader engagement.
  7. Maintain Clarity and Structure:
    • Use clear and concise sentences. Avoid excessive use of long or complex sentences.
    • Break up the text with subheadings, bullet points, or numbered lists to make it easier to read.
    • Ensure a logical flow of ideas throughout the article.
  8. Provide a Conclusion:
    • Summarize the key points you’ve discussed in the article.
    • Reiterate your main message or thesis.
    • End with a thought-provoking statement, a call to action, or a suggestion for further reading or exploration.
  9. Edit and Proofread:
    • Review your article for grammatical errors, spelling mistakes, and clarity.
    • Check that your citations are correctly formatted.
    • Ask a peer or teacher to review and provide feedback.
  10. Format and Publish:
    • Ensure you use the templates provided to have the correct format for your article.
    • Include an appealing title and, if necessary, images or visual aids.
    • Proofread one last time before publishing.

Remember to write with your audience in mind, making the content engaging, informative, and relatable to other delegates. Good luck with your article!

Writing an effective caption for social media, especially for a newsroom, requires a balance of brevity, clarity, and engagement. Here are some tips to help you craft a compelling caption:

  1. Be concise and clear.
  2. Include key details.
  3. Start with an engaging hook.
  4. Stay neutral and professional.
  5. Use relevant hashtags.
  6. Tag relevant accounts.
  7. Encourage engagement.
  8. Consider visuals.
  9. Use emojis sparingly.
  10. Proofread for errors.
  11. Time your post strategically.
  12. Adapt to the platform.

Remember to tailor your approach to your specific social media platform and target audience.

Interviewing is a fundamental skill in journalism that allows you to gather information, perspectives, and quotes to build a compelling news story or feature. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to conduct an effective interview for a journalism piece:

      1. Research the Topic: Before the interview, thoroughly research the topic and the person you’ll be interviewing. Understand their background, expertise, and any relevant information. This will help you ask informed and relevant questions.
      2. Prepare Your Questions: Create a list of open-ended questions that will encourage the interviewee to provide detailed and insightful responses. Start with broad, general questions and gradually move towards more specific ones. Ensure your questions are clear and concise.
      3. Choose the Right Setting: Decide on the interview location. It could be in person, over the phone, or via video conferencing, depending on the circumstances and accessibility of your interviewee.
      4. Set Up the Interview: Contact the interviewee in advance to schedule a suitable time. Confirm the date, time, and location (if in person), and let them know the estimated duration of the interview.
      5. Prepare Your Equipment: If you’re recording the interview, ensure your recording equipment, whether it’s a digital recorder, smartphone, or camera, is in working order and has enough storage space or batteries.
      6. Build Rapport: Begin the interview by establishing a friendly and comfortable rapport with your interviewee. This will help them feel at ease and more likely to provide candid responses.
      7. Start with Easy Questions: Begin the interview with some easy, non-threatening questions to ease the interviewee into the conversation. This helps build their confidence and makes the interview process smoother.
      8. Active Listening: Pay close attention to the interviewee’s responses. React to what they’re saying and ask follow-up questions to delve deeper into interesting points. Avoid interrupting, and allow them to finish their thoughts.
      9. Ask Open-Ended Questions: Encourage the interviewee to provide detailed answers by asking open-ended questions that can’t be answered with a simple “yes” or “no.” For example, use “How,” “Why,” “What,” or “Tell me about…” questions.
      10. Use Probing Questions: If the interviewee doesn’t fully address your question or you need more clarification, use probing questions like “Can you elaborate on that?” or “Could you provide an example?”
      11. Respect Boundaries: Be respectful of personal boundaries and sensitive topics. If the interviewee is uncomfortable with a question, move on to a different topic.
      12. Record and Take Notes: Simultaneously record the interview and take notes. This backup ensures you don’t miss anything important and can verify quotes accurately.
      13. Summarize and Clarify: Towards the end of the interview, summarize key points and ask the interviewee to clarify any statements that may require further explanation or context.
      14. Thank Them: Show gratitude for their time and willingness to share their insights. Ask if they have any additional information or perspectives they’d like to add.
      15. Follow-Up: If necessary, follow up with additional questions or for clarification after the interview.
      16. Transcribe and Verify: After the interview, transcribe your recorded material and fact-check quotes and information.
      17. Write Your Story: Use the information gathered from the interview to craft your journalism piece. Attribute quotes accurately, and maintain journalistic integrity.
      18. Stay Ethical: Always adhere to ethical standards in journalism, including ensuring the interviewee’s consent, respecting their privacy, and verifying facts.

Unchanged

By following these steps, you’ll be well-prepared to conduct successful interviews that provide valuable content for your journalism piece.

Forms to familiarize yourself with

Evaluations Form

District Conference for Media Delegates