# Choose Your Event Coverage Format

Part of the Journalism Merit Badge Digital Resource Guide: [Introduction & Overview](https://merit-badge.university/merit-badges/journalism/guide/index.md)

*4. Covering Live Events*

> **4.** Attend a public event and do ONE of the following:

This requirement covers three ways to tell the story of a public event:

- **Req 4a:** write two articles using two different structures
- **Req 4b:** write broadcast-style stories and a critical review
- **Req 4c:** tell the event story through photographs, captions, and a synopsis

## Your Three Choices

**[Req 4a — Two Written Styles](https://merit-badge.university/merit-badges/journalism/guide/req4a/)**: Practice structure by writing one article in inverted pyramid style and one in chronological style about the same event.

**[Req 4b — Broadcast Scripts and Reviews](https://merit-badge.university/merit-badges/journalism/guide/req4b/)**: Write for radio, television, or podcast style by creating a news story, feature story, and critical review.

**[Req 4c — Photojournalism Storytelling](https://merit-badge.university/merit-badges/journalism/guide/req4c/)**: Use photographs, captions, and a synopsis to build a visual story about the event.

## How to Choose

| Option | Best for Scouts who like... | Main task | What you gain |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4a | Writing and revising structure | Two written versions of the same event | A strong feel for story organization |
| 4b | Speaking, audio, video, or reviews | Three broadcast-style pieces | Practice writing for the ear and judging an event |
| 4c | Cameras and visual storytelling | A photo series with captions | Practice capturing moments that explain an event |

**Questions to Ask Before You Pick** — Use these to match the option to the event

- [ ] **Will there be strong visuals?** If yes, 4c may be a smart choice.
- [ ] **Will there be clear beginning-to-end action?** That can make 4a or 4b easier.
- [ ] **Do you want to practice written structure or spoken scripts?** Pick 4a for structure, 4b for audio/video style.
- [ ] **What will you gain?** 4a sharpens organization, 4b strengthens pacing and critique, and 4c builds observation through images.

> **Tip**
>
> Pick the event first, then the format. A parade, ceremony, game, concert, or festival may naturally fit one option better than another.

Next, start with the writing option and learn how to shape one event into two different article structures.

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- Previous: [Cover a Scouting Event](https://merit-badge.university/merit-badges/journalism/guide/req3d/index.md)
- Next: [Two Written Styles](https://merit-badge.university/merit-badges/journalism/guide/req4a/index.md)