Workshop on Report Writing at Loreto College
On June 28, 2025, the Department of Journalism and Mass Communication, Loreto College, hosted an online workshop on Report Writing for all the report writers of the societies, cells and the B.Ed. The resource person for the workshop was Ms. Shalini Datta, a seasoned specialist in social media and multimedia communications. With over 7-8 years of professional experience in the media industry, Ms. Datta shared valuable insights into effective and ethical reporting.
Key Takeaways from the Workshop:
Journalism is experiential: Learning by doing is essential. Reporting should be rooted in what is seen, not what is heard.
The 5Ws and 1H: Every report must answer Who, What, When, Where, Why, and How in the opening paragraph.
Clarity and Structure: Use clear, concise, and unbiased language. Avoid clickbait headlines; ensure facts are accurate and sourced reliably.
Tone and Ethics: Maintain a neutral, professional tone. Avoid flowery language, personal opinions, or unverified claims.
Visuals Enhance Engagement: Use infographics and photographs where appropriate to improve readability and visual impact.
Avoid vague time references: Use specific dates instead of "yesterday" or "today."
Event Reports: If there are no guest speakers, focus on the purpose and visual aspects of the event.
Fact-Checking: Never include participant names or quotes unless they are fully verified. Misinformation can lead to retractions.
Cultural Event Coverage: Focus on the performance and not on audience reactions unless backed by direct quotes or evidence.
Chronological vs. Highlighted Structure: Start with the key facts; subsequent paragraphs can follow a chronological order or highlight major moments.
Tailored Conclusions: Reports on academic sessions should conclude with takeaways; for cultural or celebratory events, end on a hopeful or inspiring note.
Ms. Datta's detailed critique of student-written reports, combined with practical tips, made the session highly interactive and insightful. Her emphasis on credibility, journalistic ethics, and clarity provided students with a clear framework for crafting effective reports.
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