Application
This unit describes the skills required to identify news, features or other journalistic material for Defence publications, such as services newspapers, magazines and internet sites. The reporter can identify a story through personal initiative or following direction from the editor or sub-editor. Usually information comes from within the organisation, but occasionally material will be provided from external sources.
This unit applies to those working as Defence reporters.
The skills and knowledge described in this unit must be applied within the legislative, regulatory and policy environment in which they are carried out. Organisational policies and procedures must be consulted and adhered to.
Those undertaking this unit would work under limited supervision. They would perform complex tasks in known contexts.
No licensing, legislative or certification requirements apply to unit at the time of publication.
Elements and Performance Criteria
ELEMENTS | PERFORMANCE CRITERIA |
Elements describe the essential outcomes | Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element. Where bold italicised text is used, further information is detailed in the range of conditions section. |
1. Identify/locate sources for potential stories | 1.1 Obtain, read and analyse up to date material about Defence issues and current affairs from a wide variety of sources. 1.2 Maintain and engage with a network of contacts. 1.3 Maintain a library of professional publications. 1.4 Identify and record trends in reader interests. 1.5 Assess information for newsworthiness and likely reader appeal. |
2. Identify relevant public affairs objectives | 2.1 Identify and factor into planning public affairs objectives/constraints and client needs. 2.2 Identify relevant factors affecting research for stories. 2.3 Identify an approach to the potential story and obtain clearance from the supervisor. |
Evidence of Performance
Evidence required to demonstrate competence must satisfy all of the requirements of the elements and performance criteria. If not otherwise specified the candidate must demonstrate evidence of performance of the following on at least one occasion.
making notes from spoken and written sources
applying communications ethics that are relevant to the audience and organisation
Evidence of Knowledge
Evidence required to demonstrate competence must satisfy all of the requirements of the elements and performance criteria. If not otherwise specified the depth of knowledge demonstrated must be appropriate to the job context of the candidate.
command of language structures, registers, vocabulary and idiom required in conversational exchanges
readers’ and organisational interests
the publication’s definition of news
the types of stories used in Defence publications
constraints on using information
Defence issues
current affairs issues
a variety of writing genres
the Standard Operating Procedures of relevant public affairs organisations which influence parent organisation
ADF public affairs objectives and the characteristics of Defence public affairs organisations
Defence News Editorial Board guidelines
Australian Journalists Association Code of Ethics
relevant legislation
Assessment Conditions
Competency should be assessed in an actual workplace or in a simulated environment, with access to equipment and infrastructure appropriate to the outcome. Competency should be demonstrated over time to ensure the candidate is assessed across a variety of situations.
Assessors must satisfy the NVR/AQTF mandatory competency requirements for assessors.
Foundation Skills
The foundation skills demands of this unit have been mapped for alignment with the Australian Core Skills Framework (ACSF). The following tables outline the performance levels indicated for successful attainment of the unit.
Further information on ACSF and the foundation skills underpinning this unit can be found in the Foundation Skills Guide on the GSA website.
Competency Field
General