Creating quality journalistic content that attracts readers’ attention is one of the essential tasks that must be carried out by institutional public relations to strengthen the image and reputation of institutions, including UGM. Not only that, another challenge is how the resulting news can also be published in the mass media.
Head of the Republika Bureau for DIY, Central Java and East Java, Fernan Rahadi, M.A., shared three recipes for producing quality news that can be published in the mass media. He said that to deliver quality journalistic content, news writing must be fact-based by presenting accurate information. Apart from that, good news writing is done creatively, efficiently, systematically, thoroughly, and comprehensively and follows developments in current societal issues.
“Provide information based on facts, not fake information and do not include personal opinions in the news,” he explained in the UGM SDGs News Writing Workshop, Tuesday (30/4) at the Faculty of Economics and Business (FEB) UGM.
In front of at least 90 public relations staff from work units, faculties, and study centres at UGM, Fernan explained that when writing news, you must also follow the 5W + 1H + 1S principle. Every question regarding what, where, when, who, why, how, and solutions must be answered or appear in the news.
“This is intended to provide a complete picture of the events that are taking place,” explained the alumnus of FISIPOL UGM.
The following news writing recipe is to understand the inverted pyramid. Fernan said good news writing applies the inverted pyramid principle, namely that the essential facts are displayed in the lead or main story. Next, the news body explains the sources’ explanations and other supporting data. Then, the ending contains the background of the news and other additional information.
On this occasion, Fernan also shared tips for making news. Before writing, try to understand what goals you want to achieve, your target audience, and what you will write. Then, when writing news, do not keep facts and personal opinions distinct. Another important thing is to research before reporting and determine the news angle before writing.
UGM is committed to supporting sustainable development through collaboration between all work units at UGM. One of the initiatives is holding an SDGs News Writing workshop for public relations staff at UGM.
This workshop aims to increase the public relations staff’s competence at UGM in journalism and publication, including reporting on various SDG achievement programs that each work unit has implemented. In this way, the quality of news produced by UGM can further improve and strengthen UGM’s image as an educational institution with a solid commitment to sustainable development.
Secretary of UGM University, Dr. Andi Sandi Antonius Tabusassa Tonralipu, S.H., LL.M., in his speech, emphasized the importance of the role and function of public relations in strengthening UGM’s image as a higher education institution that is firmly committed to the principles of sustainable development. Through this activity, we can provide new knowledge and improve the quality of news writing supporting UGM’s SDGs agenda.
Previously, the Deputy Dean of FEB UGM for Research, Community Service, Cooperation and Alumni, Gumilang Aryo Sahadewo, S.E., M.A., PhD, said that FEB UGM, as part of UGM, also has a mission to develop future leaders in economics and business to develop sustainability aspects. Therefore, in all its activities, including education, research and community service, FEB UGM is always oriented towards sustainability. Meanwhile, efforts to support UGM as a sustainable campus can be made through various collaborative efforts between faculties and work units, one of which is through collaboration in reporting and content development.
Reportase: Kurnia Ekaptiningrum
