As a development communicator in-training, finding a development-oriented topic is such a difficult task for me. Not only is it hard to find but also it is very confusing to differentiate it from other types of news. Fortunately, as I gathered information, I’ve come to realize the differences and characteristics that make a topic a development-oriented. Here’s what I got:
Purposive. By this, it only means that a development-oriented topic isn’t just something that provides information to the readers. Instead, it seeks to achieve larger objectives, such as social justice, improving health, education and lastly, bringing people together. It also serves as the voice of those people who are in need of telling their own stories. (George, 2009) Additionally, it should also be aligned to the United Nation’s Sustainable Development Goals and the 4 E’s of Development Communication: Empowerment, Environment, Entrepreneurship, and Equity.
Promotive. Sharing and interpreting the facts to the readers shouldn’t be the only task a development journalist should accomplish in his news topic. He/she should also know how to promote it and bring them home to the readers. It must bring realization to them how serious the development problem is. With that, it would help them think about the problem, help them to be open about the possible solutions and lastly, could bring them together in putting action towards the problem. (Chalkley, 1968)
Participative. In connection with the second characteristic, a development-oriented topic involves the people. It gives focuses on the totality of real-life situations. To put it more simply, it allows the people to talk. After all, the community is the most important thing when it comes to development.
All things considered, a development-oriented topic highlights what the people are trying to do to transform and improve their lives. Obviously, with the help of communication.
References:
https://www.theguardian.com/journalismcompetition/professional-what-is-development-journalism
http://filmsforliberation.com/Fillfullarticle.aspx?Article=240
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