Requirements for the Journalism Merit Badge
In order to earn the Journalism merit badge, Scouts must demonstrate an understanding of the importance of ethical reporting and the development of stories. This includes an understanding of the fundamental principles of reporting, as well as knowledge of the current journalistic landscape. Scouts must also demonstrate an ability to research a story and construct a well-written article. The following requirements are to be completed in order to earn the Journalism merit badge:
- Requirement 1: Explain the importance of ethical journalism and its role in society.
- Requirement 2: Define at least three of the fundamental principles of journalism.
- Requirement 3: Describe the different types of media outlets that are currently available.
- Requirement 4: Research a current news story and explain its significance.
- Requirement 5: Write a 500-word article about a current topic that includes appropriate media sources.
Journalism Merit Badge Worksheet
The following worksheet can be used to help Scouts complete the requirements for the Journalism merit badge. Scouts should also refer to the official Merit Badge pamphlet for more information.
Requirement 1: Explain the importance of ethical journalism and its role in society.
Ethical journalism is the practice of honest, transparent, and responsible reporting. It is essential for a free and informed society, as it allows people to make informed decisions based on accurate, unbiased information. Good journalism helps to ensure that public officials are held accountable and that people are empowered to make informed decisions. Ethical journalism is also essential for a healthy democracy, as it provides citizens with a steady stream of factual information.
Requirement 2: Define at least three of the fundamental principles of journalism.
- Truth: Journalism should strive to present facts accurately and without bias.
- Accountability: Journalists should take responsibility for the accuracy of their reporting.
- Objectivity: Journalism should strive to present both sides of a story in an unbiased manner.
- Diversity: Journalism should strive to represent different perspectives and experiences.
- Independence: Journalism should be free from external influences and have editorial independence.
Requirement 3: Describe the different types of media outlets that are currently available.
There are many different types of media outlets available today, including television, radio, newspapers, magazines, online outlets, and blogs. Television news is broadcast via various networks and cable channels, including both local and national news outlets. Radio news is still delivered by traditional radio stations or satellite radio. Newspapers, both local and national, are a popular source of news, as are magazines and online outlets. Finally, blogs and social media have become an increasingly popular way to disseminate news stories.
Requirement 4: Research a current news story and explain its significance.
One current news story that has significant implications is the ongoing debate over the legality of the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program. The DACA program was enacted to allow those who were brought to the United States as children to remain in the country and work. The debate over the legality of the program has become increasingly heated, and has become a major political issue. This story has significant implications for both the individuals who are affected by the program, as well as the country as a whole.
Requirement 5: Write a 500-word article about a current topic that includes appropriate media sources.
The recent announcement by the United States Supreme Court that it would hear three cases challenging the legality of the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program is a major political issue that has sparked debate on both sides of the aisle. DACA is a program that was enacted by the Obama administration to allow certain individuals who were brought to the United States as children to remain in the country and work. This program has been a major source of controversy since its inception, and the Supreme Court’s decision to hear the cases is a major development.
The first case, Department of Homeland Security v. Regents of the University of California, challenges the Trump administration’s decision to rescind the program in 2017. The second case, McAleenan v. Vidal, challenges the Trump administration’s attempt to restrict the program’s eligibility criteria. The third case, batalla vidal v. barreto, challenges the Trump administration’s decision to refuse to accept new DACA applications. These three cases are the first time the Supreme Court has taken up the issue since the Trump administration assumed office.
The outcome of this case is of major importance to the individuals who are affected by the program. If the Court upholds the Trump administration’s decision to rescind the DACA program, it could result in the deportation of hundreds of thousands of individuals who were brought to the United States as children. This would be a major blow not only to the individuals affected, but to the country as a whole. In addition, it could potentially result in a major economic impact, as many of the individuals who are eligible for the DACA program are employed and contributing to the economy.
The outcome of this case is also important in terms of the larger political debate surrounding immigration in the United States. This case could set a major precedent with regards to the legality of the DACA program, and could potentially be used as a launching pad for further immigration reform. It is also indicative of the larger debate over the role of the Supreme Court in making decisions that will have a major impact on the lives of millions of individuals.
The Supreme Court’s decision to take up this case is a major political event that has major implications for those who are affected by the DACA program, as well as the larger political debate surrounding immigration in the United States. The outcome of this case could have far-reaching consequences, and it is important that the public is kept informed of the developments in this case. It is also important that the decision is made with an understanding of the ethical implications of the issue.
Sources:
https://www.nytimes.com/2020/11/10/us/politics/supreme-court-daca.html
https://www.cnn.com/2020/11/10/politics/supreme-court-daca-arguments/index.html