The Journalist's Questions by Solomon Osuokam Ogbeh

The journalist's questions, often referred to as the "Five Ws and an H," are fundamental tools for gathering comprehensive and accurate information. These questions—Who, What, Where, When, Why, and How—help journalists structure their investigations, interviews, and reports. Mastering these questions is crucial for students, not only for journalistic purposes but also for developing critical thinking and effective communication skills.

The Five Ws and an H

1.     Who

• The "Who" question identifies the people involved in a situation or event. This can include primary subjects, witnesses, experts, and any other relevant individuals. For instance, in a news story about a new educational programme in Lagos, the "Who" could include teachers like Mr. Adebayo, students such as Chidinma and Ibrahim, and education officials like Mrs. Eze.

2.     What

• The "What" question addresses the event or situation itself. It asks what exactly happened, what is being discussed, or what actions are being taken. For example, if the story is about a community clean-up initiative in Abuja, the "What" would detail the activities carried out, such as the removal of waste from streets and the planting of trees.

3.     Where

• The "Where" question pinpoints the location of the event or situation. This can range from a specific address to a broader geographical area. In a report about a cultural festival in Kano, the "Where" would specify the venue, such as the Emir's Palace or the city centre.

4.     When

• The "When" question establishes the time frame of the event or situation. This can include the date, time, and duration. For example, in covering a graduation ceremony at the University of Ibadan, the "When" would detail the date of the event, perhaps stating that it took place on the 15th of July, from 10 AM to 2 PM.

5.     Why

• The "Why" question delves into the reasons behind the event or situation. It explores the motives, purposes, and causes. For instance, in a story about a new health clinic opening in Enugu, the "Why" would explain the reasons for its establishment, such as addressing a lack of medical facilities in the area.

6.     How

• The "How" question explains the manner in which something happened or how it will happen. It covers the process, methods, and means. In reporting on the implementation of a new curriculum in secondary schools, the "How" would describe the steps taken by the Ministry of Education, training sessions for teachers, and the distribution of new textbooks.

Applying the Questions

To effectively use the journalist's questions, students should follow these steps:

1.     Research and Preparation

• Before gathering information, conduct preliminary research on the topic. This background knowledge helps frame the questions appropriately.

2.     Identifying Key Points

• Determine the most crucial aspects of the story. Focus on the elements that will answer the Five Ws and an H comprehensively.

3.     Structuring Interviews

• When preparing for an interview, use the questions to guide the conversation. This ensures all relevant information is covered.

4.     Writing the Report

• Organise the gathered information logically. Start with the most critical details and ensure all questions are addressed within the report.

Example: Community Water Project in Jos

To illustrate the application of the journalist's questions, let's consider a hypothetical news story about a community water project in Jos.

1. Who: Key individuals involved include the project coordinator, Mrs. Adaeze; local residents like Mr. Bala and Miss Zainab; and the NGO funding the project, represented by Mr. Tunde.
2. What: The project aims to provide clean and safe drinking water to the community by installing new boreholes and water purification systems.
3. Where: The project is taking place in the Angwan Rukuba area of Jos.
4. When: The project commenced in March and is expected to be completed by December.
5. Why: The initiative was started due to the high incidence of waterborne diseases in the area, which were attributed to contaminated water sources.
6. How: The project involves drilling new boreholes, installing water purification systems, and conducting community awareness programmes on water hygiene.

Exercises

1. Identify the Five Ws and an H in a recent news article about a local event. Write a brief summary of the article using these questions.
2. Conduct an interview with a school official about a new policy implemented in your school. Use the journalist's questions to guide your interview and write a report based on the information gathered.
3. Create a mock news report on a hypothetical event in your community. Ensure you address all the journalist's questions in your report.

By consistently applying the journalist's questions, students can enhance their analytical skills, improve their ability to gather and present information accurately, and develop a deeper understanding of effective communication techniques. This chapter aims to equip students with these essential skills, preparing them for future academic and professional endeavours.