Req 2 — Choose Your Newsroom
This requirement covers two different newsroom paths. You will choose exactly one:
- Option A: Newspaper, magazine, and online journalism
- Option B: Radio and television journalism
Your Options
Req 2a — Print, Magazine & Online Reporting: Compare how different written and digital outlets cover the same event, then visit a newspaper, magazine, or online news operation. You will practice noticing story length, tone, fairness, and how a publication is organized behind the scenes.
Req 2b — Broadcast Newsroom Skills: Compare local, national, radio, and online broadcast-style coverage, then visit a radio or television station. You will pay attention to timing, sound, visuals, and the fast coordination needed to get a broadcast on the air.
How to Choose
Choosing Between Option A and Option B
Think about which kind of reporting sounds more exciting to you
- How you like to tell stories: Choose Option A if you enjoy reading, writing, and comparing how articles are structured. Choose Option B if you are interested in voice, sound, timing, or video.
- What you will analyze: Option A focuses on article length, fairness, and how print or digital outlets handle the same event. Option B focuses on rundowns, story order, airtime, and how sound and visuals change the story.
- What you will see on your visit: Option A may show you editors, publishers, and web teams. Option B may show you producers, anchors, control rooms, and studio equipment.
- What you will gain: Option A strengthens close reading and article-writing instincts. Option B builds awareness of pacing, audio, visuals, and teamwork under deadline.
| Option | Best for Scouts who like… | Main challenge | Big skill you gain |
|---|---|---|---|
| A | Reading, writing, websites, magazines | Comparing fairness and depth across written coverage | Understanding how editors shape stories |
| B | Audio, video, live news, fast pacing | Tracking timing and presentation choices | Understanding how broadcast teams package stories |
You do not need to pick the path you think is easiest. Pick the one that will teach you the most about the kind of journalism you might actually want to try again.
Now head into the first option page to see how print, magazine, and online reporting work.