Glossary

As you explore the Media Inlet project, you may encounter various terms and concepts related to the media industry and our platform. To help you better understand and navigate these concepts, we have provided a glossary of key terms. This glossary serves as a reference guide to familiarize yourself with the terminology used throughout our work and to enhance your experience with the Media Inlet platform.

A: 

  • About Us

This page informs about Media Inlet. Who we are and what we represent and what we believe.

  • Audio Article

This section allows you to send your story idea in an audio format. Either as a live or pre-recorded voice memo.

  • Add Story

This prompt allows you to upload your story idea to Media Inlet.

C.

  • Collaboration

This is a working practice where entities work together for a common goal. Media Inlet is a collaborative space between the audience and the newsroom.

  • Contact Us

This section helps you to get in touch with Media Inlet. 

  • Contributor Journey

These are steps that show you how the news is produced after you have submitted your story. It takes you on a news making journey.

  • Category

This section labels the story idea for easy analysis and collection in the newsroom.

  • Change Post Status

This section allows you to change your post before submitting.

D.

  • Drafting the article 

This action allows you to write out your story idea in text format. Our reporter is currently working on the first draft of the story. They’re using the information gathered during the research and interviews to write a clear, accurate, and engaging narrative for our audience. At this stage, the focus is on getting all the relevant information and main points down in a coherent manner.

E.

  • Editor’s Review

This section tells you when your story idea has been presented to an assignment editor for evaluation. (Read: Your story idea and the reporting plan has been presented to our editor. They’re evaluating if the story is significant, interesting for our audience, and feasible within our deadline. We’ll update you once we have the editor’s approval).

  • Embark on a Behind-the-Scenes Voyage

This is the final step to exploring Media Inlet. (Read: Media Inlet invites you to peek behind the curtain and become a part of the news creation process. Choose to follow up on your story and buckle up for a thrilling, behind-the-scenes voyage. You’ll have the opportunity to interact with the reporter working on your story, learn about the intriguing verification process, and understand the factors that determine if your story will make headlines).

F.

  • First Reader Preview

This is Media Inlet’s chance to reward your collaboration. You get to see the finished article first. (Read: As a special thank you for your contribution, we’re giving you an exclusive preview of the finished article! You’ll have the opportunity to read the story before it’s published, providing you with a unique first look at the piece inspired by your idea).

G.

  • Goal

This is what Media Inlet aims to achieve. 

a) To promote trust in news journalism by facilitating a news co-creation process between journalists and the public. b) To facilitate a news co-creation process between journalist and audience to build trust in news journalism.

  • Gallery

You can find your submitted photo contributions here.

I.

  • Image 

Photo submissions. These can support your story idea if you have them.

  • Idea Submitted

This section tells you when your idea has been accepted by the newsroom. (Read: Your story idea has been successfully submitted to our newsroom! We appreciate your input and will evaluate its relevance, timeliness, and potential impact on our audience).

  • Important Note

Important: Before using Media Inlet, make sure to prepare all your story elements, including a concise outline and any relevant media files. Once everything is ready, simply upload your materials to the platform for a seamless and efficient submission process.

  • In-depth Reporting Underway

This section tells you about the news reporting process (Read: Great news! The editor approved your story idea. Our reporter is now digging deeper into the story, conducting comprehensive research, interviewing sources, and gathering data, quotes, and multimedia elements).

J.

  • Join the Media Inlet Adventure

 

This is the first step to exploring Media Inlet. (Read: Get ready for an exhilarating journey as you dive into the world of Media Inlet! Simply sign up with your name, email address, and a secure password to unlock the door to a realm where your voice matters. You’re now part of an electrifying community, where every member is a catalyst for change).

M.

  • Mission Statement

This is a summary of our aims and values. Media-Inlet is a conduit for the public to witness transparency in the news through co-creation and active audience engagement in news coverage, as a result, regain trust in the news.

  • Media Inlet Experience

Media Inlet isn’t just a platform for submitting stories—it’s an exhilarating experience that immerses you in the heart of the news creation process. By actively participating in this journalistic revolution, you’re fostering a strong bond of trust and transparency between newsrooms and audiences. Are you ready to embark on this journey? Join Media Inlet today and make your mark on the news landscape!

N.

  • Newsroom

This is the part of a newspaper, radio station, or TV station where news is written, edited, and organized.

  • Not Accepted

Sometimes the newsroom is unable to accept your story idea. This section tells you why.

P.

  • Partnership

Media Inlet is a participatory process where the audience and newsrooms become co-owners of the news.

  • Profile Settings

This section sets you up with an account and makes you a bona fide member of the Media Inlet family.

  • Preliminary Research In Progress

We’re currently conducting initial research on your story idea to validate its potential and gather background information. We’re also identifying key sources and outlining the most important aspects and angles to pursue.


  • Proofreading and polishing

This section introduces you to the final step of news production: (Read: In this final step of the writing process, our reporter carefully proofreads the story for any grammatical, spelling, or punctuation errors. They’re also double-checking facts, figures, and quotes for accuracy. At this stage, the reporter ensures the article adheres to our news organization’s style guide and editorial guidelines. Once they’re satisfied with the story’s quality, they’ll submit it for review by our editors and fact-checkers).

  • Paint a Vivid Picture

This is a step towards exploring Media Inlet. (Read: They say a picture is worth a thousand words, so why not supercharge your story with some stunning visuals? Upload mesmerizing photos that pull your audience into the heart of your narrative and give them a front-row seat to the action. High-quality, captivating images can propel your story into the limelight and leave a lasting impression).

R.

  • Representation

Media Inlet prioritizes community and the way that communities are shown or described. It allows newsrooms to speak for or in support of vulnerable and underrepresented communities in their own voices.

  • Review and Revisions In Progress

This section tells you about the editing process. (Read: Your story is currently going through a series of reviews by our editors and fact-checkers. They’re examining the content for accuracy, clarity, and adherence to editorial standards. If any changes or revisions are needed, the reporter will address them to polish the story).

S.

  • Steps

This section shows the steps to follow to make the most out of the Media Inlet experience

Step 1: Join the Media Inlet Adventure

Step 2: Unleash Your Inner Storyteller

Step 3: Paint a Vivid Picture

Step 4: Embark on a Behind-the-Scenes Voyage

 

  • Story

This is the subject you want the newsroom to cover.

  • Story Published and Promoted

This is the final section and the end of the news making process. (Read: Story published and promoted: Congratulations! Your story idea has become a published article. It’s now live on our platform and being promoted through various channels, such as social media and newsletters. Thank you for your contribution!)

  • Structuring and refining

This section shows you the editorial process. (Read: With the first draft completed, our reporter is now revisiting the story to ensure it’s well-structured and compelling. They’re organizing the content to follow the “inverted pyramid” style or another appropriate storytelling format, placing the most important information at the beginning and adding supporting details and context throughout the article. This step involves refining the language, transitions, and flow to make the story more engaging and easy to read).

 

  • Submitting the Article

The section allows you to submit your article when you consider it satisfactory.

T.

  • Text Article

This section allows you to send your story idea in a text format. 

  • The Articles Page

In this section you will find a collection of articles submitted by contributors and published by the newsroom.

  • The Contributor’s Page

This section introduces the contributor to the steps they need to navigate Media Inlet.

U.

  • Update Status

This section allows you to make changes to your status and profile on Media Inlet.

  • User Guide

You’ve got an amazing story to share, and now it’s time to pitch it to the newsroom like a pro! This section guides you to making the perfect pitch to your preferred newsroom. 

 

Read: 

Who: Clearly introduce the main characters in your story. Specify the people, groups, or organizations involved, and highlight their roles or connections to the events.

What: Succinctly outline the events, actions, or issues that make your story newsworthy. Be specific and provide essential details to help journalists understand why your story is important.

When: Establish the timeline for your story. Mention any crucial dates or timeframes that are relevant to the events, emphasizing key moments that make your story more timely and compelling.

Where: Set the scene by describing the location(s) where the events have taken place. Providing context and a vivid description of the setting can help journalists visualize the story and understand its significance.

Why: Explain the reasons, motivations, or consequences behind the events in your story. Offer insights into the underlying causes or potential impacts, allowing journalists to grasp the importance of your narrative and its relevance to their audience.

Choose from various formats like audio, video, or text to present your pitch. Remember, addressing the 5 Ws will make your pitch more engaging, concise, and appealing to newsrooms. The more captivating your pitch, the higher the chances of it being picked up and making headlines.

So, sharpen your 5 Ws and get ready to pitch your story to newsrooms with confidence and flair! With Media Inlet by your side, you’re one step closer to making a lasting impact on the news landscape.

  • Unleash Your Inner Storyteller

This is the second step to exploring Media Inlet. (Read: With your Media Inlet passport in hand, it’s time to unleash your inner storyteller. Choose from a variety of creative formats, like audio, video, or text, to weave your captivating narrative. The more gripping and immersive your tale, the higher the chances of it catching the attention of a newsroom and making waves).

V.

  • Video Article

This section allows you to send your story idea in a video format. 

  • Vision

We aim to normalize transparency and a collaborative, co-creative partnership between journalists and their audiences in news creation.

W.

  • 5 Ws

To make your pitch truly stand out and grab the attention of journalists, use the 5 Ws as your guiding stars: Who, What, When, Where, and Why. By addressing these key questions, you’ll create a pitch that is compelling, concise, and hard for newsrooms to resist.

Read: 

Who: Clearly introduce the main characters in your story. Specify the people, groups, or organizations involved, and highlight their roles or connections to the events.

What: Succinctly outline the events, actions, or issues that make your story newsworthy. Be specific and provide essential details to help journalists understand why your story is important.

When: Establish the timeline for your story. Mention any crucial dates or timeframes that are relevant to the events, emphasizing key moments that make your story more timely and compelling.

Where: Set the scene by describing the location(s) where the events have taken place. Providing context and a vivid description of the setting can help journalists visualize the story and understand its significance.

Why: Explain the reasons, motivations, or consequences behind the events in your story. Offer insights into the underlying causes or potential impacts, allowing journalists to grasp the importance of your narrative and its relevance to their audience.

Choose from various formats like audio, video, or text to present your pitch. Remember, addressing the 5 Ws will make your pitch more engaging, concise, and appealing to newsrooms. The more captivating your pitch, the higher the chances of it being picked up and making headlines.

So, sharpen your 5 Ws and get ready to pitch your story to newsrooms with confidence and flair! With Media Inlet by your side, you’re one step closer to making a lasting impact on the news landscape.