news and reporting ielts essay

IELTS General Training

A hub for IELTS GT test takers to help them reach their goal.

Essay 27 – News editors decide what to broadcast and what to print

Gt writing task 2 (essay writing) sample # 27.

You should spend about 40 minutes on this task.

Present a written argument or case to an educated reader with no specialist knowledge of the following topic:

News editors decide what to broadcast on television and what to print in newspapers. What factors do you think influence these decisions? Do we become used to bad news? Would it be better if more good news was reported?

Write at least 250 words.

Use your own ideas, knowledge and experience and support your arguments with examples and relevant evidence.

Model Answer 1:

News editors play a crucial role in shaping the information landscape by selecting which stories to broadcast on television or print in newspapers. Their decisions are influenced by various factors that impact the news industry and society as a whole. This essay will explore the factors that influence news editors’ decisions, discuss the concept of becoming desensitised to bad news, and weigh the potential benefits of reporting more good news.

Several factors influence news editors when deciding what stories to feature. Firstly, news organisations are driven by the pursuit of high ratings, readership, and profitability. Therefore, stories that are more likely to attract attention and generate public interest, such as sensational or controversial topics, are prioritised. The desire to retain audience engagement and compete with other media outlets plays a significant role in shaping editorial decisions too. Secondly, the influence of advertising and corporate interests cannot be overlooked. News organizations often rely on advertising revenue, and as a result, they may be influenced by the preferences of their advertisers.

Constant exposure to negative news can potentially lead to desensitisation. As individuals consume a steady stream of distressing stories, they may become emotionally numb or develop a sense of resignation towards the negative events occurring in the world. This desensitisation can be attributed to a psychological defence mechanism that helps individuals cope with overwhelming information. However, it is essential to strike a balance and ensure that critical issues are not ignored or downplayed.

While bad news often dominates the media landscape, there are valid arguments for increasing the coverage of positive stories. Firstly, reporting good news can inspire and uplift individuals, fostering a sense of hope and optimism. It can provide examples of human achievement, resilience, and progress, highlighting the potential for positive change in society. Research indicates that an increased focus on positive news can counterbalance the negative narratives that can contribute to anxiety, fear, and a distorted perception of reality. Furthermore, reporting good news can serve as a catalyst for community engagement and inspire individuals to take positive action.

The decisions made by news editors are influenced by a combination of factors. While the prevalence of bad news can lead to desensitisation, it is essential to strike a balance and provide a comprehensive representation of the world. While reporting more good news can bring several benefits, it is crucial to avoid neglecting critical issues.

Model Answer 2:

News editors have a difficult job to do as they are the ones who decide what news to broadcast or publish. However, to do their jobs, editors, around the world, rely on several factors which influence their decisions. I think we become accustomed to the type of news we like to read as readers, and it would definitely be more useful if more positive and encouraging news is reported.

To begin with, some of the factors that influence news editors may include the cultural, political and religious traditions of a country while “freedom of speech” can also be a deciding factor in some countries. By taking all of these factors into proper consideration, the editors want to make sure that certain news doesn’t cause any unnecessary chaos, confusion or controversy among people while also maintaining the “authenticity” of the news at the same time as best as possible. After all, broadcast and newspaper media also have a very important role in maintaining peace and order. The number of readers is also something they keep in their minds. Of course, this is true for most major mainstream broadcast and print media. But, not all broadcast and print media in this world necessarily fall into this “mainstream” category as there are others who think that there is nothing called “bad” news, subject to its definition, as they also “reveal” some ugly and controversial aspects of our life and society.

I do not necessarily agree with the idea of “getting used to bad news”, as readers and viewers we always have the freedom to choose the type of news we want to view or read. In the same way, as much as we like the sound of reporting “good news”, broadcast and print media don’t display “good news” just for the sake of it. But I also happen to believe that we should have more good news to encourage people to feel better and become encouraged.

To conclude, presenting news and informing people is a big job for news editors and to uplift our inspiration and motivation, more good news should be presented to us.

Model Answer 3:

News, both in electronic media and print media, is sometimes manipulated by news editors. They sometimes distort the news by reason of political pressure and sometimes for the sake of more circulation. Besides, people are used to negative news because of negativity bias. However, a commonly held belief is that good news should be published for the well-being of our society.

To begin with, news editors’ decisions to publish news can be political control. That is to say that totalitarian regimes and even quasi-totalitarian regimes employ censorship of press freedom. These governments keep a tight rein on the media in order to suppress critical voices. Apart from it, many government allies own the media outlets. Therefore, news editors succumb to owners’ pressure, in turn, much of their news is politically biased.

In regard to our inclination toward bad news, television and newspapers are filled with news of corruption, disaster, rapes, accident and deaths, to mention but a few. Newspapers often deluge to publishing negative news because readers find bad news interesting. To justify the same, there is an epitome of a recent study. The study reveals that people react quicker to negative words due to negativity bias, as psychologists coin it for our collective craving for bad news.

Whereas, many people feel that good news should be aired on television and should be printed in the newspaper. Just as reading negative news sparks neurotransmitters that change our mood, so does positive news. A growing body of research suggests that good news encourages us to take responsibility, take action, and build confidence, which are the key factors for the well-being of society. Last but not least, news houses can shape people’s mindsets. So they should drive a positive change in society.

In fine, the news is oftentimes manipulated by the editors because of the lack of press freedom and political reasons. In addition, everyday people encounter myriad forms of negative news and they become used to it. That is why news outlets ought to publish positive news for the betterment of society as a whole.

Sample Answer 4:

If negative and biased news brings in more viewers and readers, then news editors often opt for that as it is said that in the media business “Good news is bad news”. I think business profit, political affiliation and public demands often motivate news editors to publish or broadcast certain types of news over others. It is indeed true that we are used to bad news and social media has geared up this tendency even more in this era of technology. Personally, I am in favour of more positive news.

While newspapers, radio stations and TV channels report local and global important news, their main objective is often to increase their sales, get more advertisers and earn the favour of political leaders. This is why, besides many true and positive reports, they often include politically biased news, and fabricated and negative news so that more people read their articles or tune in to their channels. Most viewers want to read or view what they like rather than what is true, and this is why it is not surprising to see a flood of fabricated and negative news both in offline and online media.

We would definitely like to see more positive news as it would shape the way we become used to different news. Since the news we read or the programmes we watch shape our mentality and viewpoints, it is absolutely imperative that more positive news is reported in the print and TV media. For instance, news like our achievements and success at the international level or glorious past, make us more patriotic.

To conclude, news editors should put their professional and social responsibilities ahead of their business goals. More positive news, on top of that, will bring more benefits to society as a whole.

3 Comments to “Essay 27 – News editors decide what to broadcast and what to print”

You should write at least 250 words.

The content of many modern media companies is indeed in the hand of profit-oriented editors, which often publish news to attract more public attention. Modern mass media has a tendency to broadcast negative news with many shocking contents, to increase their income. In my view, it will be more useful if the media structures emphasize their broadcast on the relevant and positive news to generate positive emotions.

To begin with, nowadays media is one of the most lucrative and profitable businesses which attract the attention of billions of individuals all around the world. Most news editors are after business than seeking and revealing the truth. They take their job responsibilities to bring profit for the organisation they work for, not feel responsible to help people and society learn the truth. Political pressure also forces them to alter news or even report on issues that have little or nothing to do with the interests of ordinary people. For example, many editors often decide to show the success of the governmental campaigns from a beneficial angle to the governmental structure, while at the same time, hide drawbacks for the sake of the state’s glory.

Considering the origin of such complicated issues and the main factors which influence editors to manipulate the news, it is necessary to underline the inclination of the modern planet citizens to negative news. Contemporary society influenced by the media structures strives to hear the bad news to keep their mind sharp and be aware of all recent disasters. This might be explained by the recent unhealthy interest of many people in the COVID 19 misinformation.

In my perspective, modern media products should and must contain far more positive news. It will help shape people’s minds and make our society a far better place to live in. For example, instead of broadcasting horrible news about the victims of COVID 19, tips and preventative measures, that ordinary individuals should adopt on safety grounds, should fill the news for the greater good.

In conclusion, executive editors of private and public media outlets often put their company’s profit and personal gain over their social and professional responsibilities. Through the publication of the most relevant news and positive and honest news, they can contribute to making society a better place to live in.

If we don’t know about the given topic, then what we do?

IELTS Essay topics are taken from everyday issue, social or global issues and are expected to be known by IELTS Candidates. So there is hardly any possibility that you have nothing to tell about a topic that has been given in an IELTS Essay. If someone finds IELTS Essay topics unknown/hard to write about due to knowledge about the topic, maybe, this is the best time for him/her to start reading newspapers, magazines and watch TV news or documentaries on a regular basis.

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Privacy Overview

• AGREE OR DISAGREE ESSAY
• DISCUSS BOTH VIEWS & GIVE YOUR OPINION
• POSITIVE OR NEGATIVE DEVELOPMENT
• IELTS SUCCESS STORIES
• CUE CARDS & PART 3 DISCUSSIONS (𝐉𝐀𝐍 – 𝐀𝐏𝐑𝐈𝐋 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟒)
• PRIVACY POLICY

IELTS WRITING: NEWS AND MEDIA

IELTS WRITING Task 2:

Some people think that news and media are affecting our lives in a positive way while others disagree. What is your opinion? Give reasons for your answer and include examples from your own experience.    

SAMPLE ESSAY

A group of people believe that reports delivered by different media channels have a positive influence on the lives of the public while some do not agree. In my opinion, the media provide both a positive and negative influence on the general public.   

To begin with, the mass media serves as the fourth estate (the watchdog role of the press) in a democratic government whose role is to ensure that the government is free from any anomaly (irregularity) such as corruption. People working in the media inform the public about the different government programs that would improve their lives. In addition to that, they expose (uncover) public officials who are corrupt or involved in any illegal activity. Due to that, the general public becomes well-informed and gets educated about the various activities of government officials. Therefore, the existence of different media outlets enlightens (to give someone with greater knowledge or understanding about something)  people about the different issues that concern or affect them.  

However, it is undeniable that the media has a negative influence on the public. Nowadays, they give emphasis on reporting news that is sensationalized (sensationalize – to present information in a way that tries to make it shocking or exciting as possible) as it easily captures the attention of the masses. Since they need a wide range of audience to sell their news to make a profit, they highlight news that triggers (to cause a strong emotional reaction) negative emotions. Take, for instance, the news of the infidelity of famous celebrities as their headline for the sole purpose of getting the attention of the general public. They do it because they know that it surely rakes in (to earn a lot of money) thousands of dollars. Thus, this kind of practice is unfavorable as it does not add value to the public.   

To conclude, the mass media brings both a positive and negative influence on people’s lives and that I believe is the role of mass media in the world.  

Get ideas on the sample IELTS Writing TASK 2 essay recent topic about general education vs. specific classes in secondary schools:

In some countries, secondary schools aim to provide a general education across a range of subjects. In other countries, children focus on a narrow range of subjects related to a particular career. Which do you think is appropriate in today’s world?

PASS THE TEST LIKE MANY

OTHER STUDENTS!!!

AVAIL THE LATEST

REVIEWERS FOR PART 2 &

PART 3 Here!

Meaning of Words and Phrases Sources: Collins, Macmillan, Cambridge , Oxford

If you want to support my work, you can buy me A CUP OF COFFEE here:

https://www.buymeacoffee.com/ieltsdragon

Thank you so much!

Julius Malaza

Related posts.

• IELTS WRITING: It is not necessary for people to travel to other places

    IELTS WRITING Task 2:     It is not necessary for people to travel to other places to learn about the culture. We can learn as much as from books, films, and the Internet. To what extent...

• IELTS WRITING: MULTINATIONAL COMPANIES & GLOBALIZATION

  IELTS WRITING Task 2:    The increasing presence of multinational companies and globalization is believed by some to have positive implications for everyone involved. To what extent do you agree or disagree?         SAMPLE ESSAY...

• IELTS WRITING: INCREASE IN ECONOMIC WEALTH

  IELTS WRITING Task 2:   When a country is already rich, any additional increase in economic wealth does not make its citizens happier. To what extent do you agree or disagree?           SAMPLE ESSAY...

IELTS WRITING: LOOKING AFTER ONE’S HEALTH AS A DUTY

  IELTS WRITING Task 2:    People should look after their health as a duty to the society where they live, rather than for their own benefit. To what extent do you agree or disagree?        ...

𝗥𝗘𝗖𝗘𝗡𝗧 𝗣𝗢𝗦𝗧𝗦: 𝐉𝐀𝐍-𝐀𝐏𝐑𝐈𝐋 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟒

• IELTS CUE CARD: SOMEONE MADE A LOT OF NOISE
• IELTS SPEAKING PART 1: CROWDED PLACES [ANSWERS]
• IELTS SPEAKING PART 1: CELEBRITY [ANSWERS]
• IELTS SPEAKING PART 1: MONEY [ANSWERS]
• IELTS SPEAKING PART 1: VIDEO GAMES [ANSWERS]
• IELTS SPEAKING PART 1: ADVERTISEMENTS [ANSWERS]
• IELTS SPEAKING PART 1: MEMORY [ANSWERS]
• IELTS SPEAKING PART 1: SINGING [ANSWERS]
• IELTS SPEAKING PART 1: COLLECTING THINGS [ANSWERS]
• IELTS SPEAKING PART 1: BOREDOM [ANSWERS]
• IELTS SPEAKING PART 1: MUSIC [ANSWERS]
• IELTS SPEAKING PART 1: SOCIAL MEDIA [ANSWERS]
• IELTS SPEAKING PART 1: SUNGLASSES
• IELTS SPEAKING PART 1: COLORS [ANSWERS]
• IELTS SPEAKING PART 1: CAKES [ANSWERS]
• IELTS WRITING: LANGUAGE EDUCATION
• IELTS WRITING: EXTINCTION OF NUMEROUS ANIMALS

Author, Band 9.0 Achiever (First Attempt - IELTS Speaking)

Hi students! My name is Julius. I am the author of this IELTS website. I am a non-native English speaker who achieved the highest band score (band 9.0) on the IELTS speaking test on my first attempt. I graduated with a degree in Communication Arts from Cebu Normal University, one of the prestigious state universities in the Philippines. I am a licensed teacher and TESOL-certified. I once worked at a UK-based company teaching business English to Japanese businessmen who primarily work at Nikkei, a popular media company in Japan. I created this website to help you all achieve your desired band scores so you will waste so much money, time, and effort for retaking the exam numerous times. All of the sample answers I provided on this website are a product of my experience as a band 9.0 achiever and an experienced IELTS speaking coach. I've made sure that all of the sample answers are developed in a conversational and natural way because that is how I achieved a crisp band 9.0. Be one of the many students who achieved their target band scores by utilizing this website as one of the learning resources!

© Copyright 2018 – 2024

50 Latest News IELTS Topics

• Unlimited Task 1 checks Get all the feedback you need to keep improving your charts and letters.
• Unlimited Task 2 checks Practice and perfect your skills with essays.
• Personalized suggestions Know how to boost your score.
• Detailed mistakes analysis Get instant feedback. Spot every mistake.
• Topic ideas generator Get topic-specific ideas to enhance your writing.
• Vocabulary helper Get the right words for any topic.
• Progress tracking Track your writing improvements.

• What can IELTS do for you
• Ways to take IELTS
• Who accepts IELTS?
• Sample test questions
• IELTS Trial Test
• Understanding your score
• Trust IELTS
• On test day
• Test centres
• IELTS One Skill Retake
• Cancellations, refunds...
• Access arrangements
• Getting and sharing...
• Improving your results
• Academic Institutions
• Why accept IELTS?
• IELTS Scoring
• Compare IELTS
• IELTS for your sector
• Get started with IELTS
• Verifying IELTS results
• Research reports
• Test statistics​
• Research funding
• Awards and scholarships
• Previously funded...
• News and Insights

Need help finding something? Enter a search term below

10 steps to writing high-scoring IELTS essays

Date Published

01 February 2023

This article was first published on IELTS.IDP.com

Whether you take the General Training or Academic IELTS test, the second writing task is writing an essay in response to a problem or argument. Here are 10 easy steps, with lots of tips, to guide you on how to write high-scoring essays.

How is the IELTS essay component marked?

Fairness and accuracy are critically important when marking IELTS writing tasks . Your essay will be marked by at least two experienced IELTS examiners on the following criteria:

• Task response - Whether you answered the question fully and supported your answer well.
• Coherence and cohesion - How well you linked your ideas together.
• Lexical resource - Whether you used a wide range of vocabulary correctly and appropriately.
• Grammatical range and accuracy - How many grammatical structures you used accurately and appropriately.

Each of these criteria is worth 25 percent of your total score for the essay writing task. Both of your writing tasks are used to calculate your overall writing band score.

How to write high-scoring essays in 10 easy steps

Step one: plan your time.

The Writing test (consisting of Writing tasks 1 and 2) takes approximately 60 minutes. Plan to spend around 20 minutes on your first task, and 40 minutes on your essay task. A sample plan for your time might be:

• 5 to 10 minutes reading the essay question and planning your answer
• 15 to 20 minutes writing your first draft
• 10 minutes proofreading and editing your essay

How to write a good introduction

Step two: Read the question

While you may be anxious to jump straight into writing, make sure you take the time to carefully read the essay question. If you misunderstand the question, you risk writing an essay that does not address the issues properly which will lower your score.

Top 10 podcasts to help you improve your English

Step three: Highlight the issues to address

There will be multiple issues that you will need to address in your essay. Addressing each issue individually is key to achieving a high essay score. Highlight each individual issue that you will need to address.

The A to Z of IELTS: E is for Essays

Step four: Outline your response

Create an outline of how you will respond to the issues in your essay. This will serve as your ‘blueprint’ when you write your first draft. As a general rule your essay should have:

• An introduction stating what you will talk about
• Two or three body paragraphs , each addressing one issue or idea
• A conclusion summing up what was discussed in the essay

Make sure you note which idea or issue you will address in each paragraph. Check that the issues you highlighted are all accounted for in your outline.

Step five: Expand on your ideas

Write some notes about any key points or ideas you’d like to include in each paragraph. When you’re writing your first draft, these notes will help to make sure you don’t forget any ideas you want to include.

Mind maps to build your vocabulary resource for IELTS

Step six: Plan how you will connect your ideas

Connecting your ideas clearly and correctly is critical to achieving a high essay score. Try to use a range of linking words to make your essay easy to read. You can use connecting devices and phrases to:

List connected ideas

• ‘Firstly, secondly, thirdly’
• ‘Furthermore’

Provide more information

Compare ideas.

• ‘On the other hand’
• ‘Alternatively’

Don’t fall into the trap of trying to put a linking word in every sentence. Essays will score higher when the writer uses linking words only where necessary and appropriate.

Step seven: Write your first draft

Now that you’ve planned your essay, it’s time to write your first draft. Follow the outline you’ve created and expand on the notes and ideas you included there.

• Avoid informal language unless it is appropriate.
• Avoid spelling and grammatical errors where possible.
• Use a mix of sentence structures such as simple sentences, complex sentences and compound sentences.

How to boost your IELTS Writing score

Step eight: Proofread your essay

When you have completed the first draft of your essay, it’s important to proofread it. Read your essay from start to finish.

You can read it silently, but it may help to read it out loud if you can do so without disturbing others. Make a mental note or mark your paper anywhere that you may need to fix an issue.

How to access FREE official IELTS mock tests

Step nine: Edit your essay

Carefully go through the issues you noted while proofreading. Edit or rewrite these until they look and sound correct. Examples of issues and how to edit them may include:

• The sentence is too long. A sentence is probably too long if you need to take a breath in the middle of reading it. Try splitting this up into smaller sentences.
• A sentence sounds strange when you read it out loud. Try using different words or punctuation until it sounds right. It may need to be connected to another sentence.
• The same word appears many times. Think about any other words you could use instead.

There is more than one main idea in each paragraph. Move any unrelated sentences to the correct paragraph. Each paragraph should address one issue only.

IELTS Writing: How to organise your responses

Step 10: Proofread your essay again

After your edits and before submitting your essay , give it one final proofread. Make sure you have:

• Included all the points you highlighted in step three
• Followed your outline from step four
• Used good connecting words from step six
• Fixed any errors or issues in step nine

IELTS Writing: 8 steps towards a band 8

Why choose IELTS?

IELTS is widely recognised by businesses and universities globally, and is the only English language competency test approved by all four of the following countries:

• New Zealand

With convenient computer and paper based test options, your IELTS test can be completed in a way that you’re most comfortable with. If you’re in a hurry, you could even have your test results back within two to five days!

Also, the IELTS Familiarisation test is designed to give test takers an idea of what to expect on the actual IELTS test. It includes sample questions from different part of the test, such as Listening, Reading, and Writing. Set yourself up for success and explore our extensive library of preparation materials today.

• Accessibility
• Legal & policies

2024. IELTS is jointly owned by the British Council; IDP IELTS; and Cambridge University Press & Assessment

The tendency of news reports in the media to focus more on problems and emergencies - Task 2 Band 9

You should spend about 40 minutes on this task.

Write about the following topic:

The tendency of news reports in the media to focus more on problems and emergencies than on positive developments is harmful to the individuals and the society as a whole.

To what extent do you agree or disagree?

Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge and experiences.

You should write at least 250 words.

Get your personalised   IELTS Essay Feedback   from a former examiner

Download IELTS eBooks ,   get everything you need to achieve a high band score

Sample Essay 1

The pervasive focus of media on crises over positive developments skews public perception, fostering an atmosphere of pessimism and fear. This essay contends that such a tendency detrimentally impacts both individuals and society, discussing its psychological effects and societal repercussions.

The relentless deluge of negative news acts as a catalyst for a vicious cycle of stress and anxiety among individuals. Research underlines that exposure to distressing media content can precipitate symptoms akin to post-traumatic stress, affecting even those not directly involved in the reported events. For instance, subsequent studies on the extensive media coverage of natural disasters and terrorist attacks reveal a notable uptick in anxiety and stress levels among viewers, transcending geographical boundaries. This psychological strain is further intensified by the phenomenon known as "negativity bias," where adverse events exert a disproportionately significant impact on an individual's mental state compared to positive or neutral events of similar magnitude. This predisposition means that negative news is not only more readily attended to but also leaves a lasting, more profound psychological imprint, enhancing the overall emotional toll on the public.

Furthermore, the media's skewed emphasis on negative occurrences fabricates a distorted reality, significantly undermining social trust and cohesion. Predominant portrayals of conflict, disaster, and corruption project a bleak outlook on the world, severely diminishing confidence in institutions and the goodwill among fellow citizens. Such a pessimistic worldview deters individuals from engaging in civic duties and participating in initiatives aimed at community betterment, as disillusionment with the possibility of positive change sets in. Moreover, this distorted perspective can aggravate societal divisions, prompting individuals and groups to resort to assigning blame rather than seeking cooperative solutions. The pervasive negativity in media narratives not only discourages optimism but also stifles the collective spirit essential for societal progress and unity, thereby impeding constructive dialogue and collaborative efforts towards solving communal challenges.

In conclusion, the media's predilection for reporting problems over positive developments has profound negative implications for individual well-being and the fabric of society. It is crucial to balance the narrative, highlighting achievements and progress alongside challenges, to foster a more accurate, optimistic, and cohesive community.

Sample Essay 2

In the tapestry of our globally connected existence, the media's predilection for highlighting the adverse over the auspicious has sparked discourse concerning its detrimental influence on the psyche of individuals and the fabric of society at large. I staunchly argue that this disproportionate emphasis on negativity not only undermines individual mental health but also corrodes the pillars of societal trust, advocating for a paradigm shift towards equitable news reporting.

The relentless barrage of bleak narratives, spanning from environmental catastrophes to escalating crime rates, has been empirically linked to a decline in psychological well-being. Research by the American Psychological Association underscores a direct correlation between persistent exposure to negative news and a surge in stress, anxiety, and a pervasive sense of desolation. For instance, the aftermath of the 2008 financial debacle witnessed a marked increase in public anxiety and a waning sense of communal belonging, as evidenced by findings from the University of Sussex. This psychological burden transcends the personal sphere, impairing productivity in professional settings and straining social bonds, thus engendering a culture of negativity that permeates society.

The media's focus on crises overemphasizes danger, fostering societal distrust, a concept highlighted by Harvard's research on the 'Mean World Syndrome'. This skewed portrayal exaggerates crime perception, damaging communal bonds. Yet, the media's role in addressing significant issues, like their coverage of the COVID-19 pandemic, is undeniable. Introducing stories of achievement, from environmental victories to healthcare breakthroughs, could enrich public discourse. Embracing such narratives would not only balance the media landscape but also mend the fabric of societal trust, promoting a more optimistic and cohesive community view.

Conclusively, while the media's watchdog role is indispensable, its excessive negativity bears a profound toll on individual well-being and societal integrity. Advocating for a recalibrated approach to news reporting is not just preferable but essential for nurturing a more optimistic, unified society.

Sample Essay 3

There is a prevailing sentiment among the general populace that the tendency of news reports is to prioritize sensational negative headlines over constructive societal progress. Many assert that this inclination towards focusing on problems and emergencies exerts detrimental effects on both individuals and the collective. I completely concur with this notion because negative news has the potential to breed a negative mindset in individuals, which can cause significant harm to social interactions.

The constant barrage of negative propaganda on issues such as violence, natural disasters, and diseases, to name a few, can adversely affect our cognitive processes and behavior. The overexposure to such content can lead us to believe that the world is teetering on the brink of collapse, despite the fact that numerous aspects of life have improved significantly over the past few decades. Individuals who consume an excessive amount of negative news tend to spend more time ruminating on their anxieties and fears. They suffer from a persistent feeling of apprehension and tend to view everything in a negative light. For example, the images of the 9/11 attacks in New York City triggered stress, anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in many people who watched the coverage.

Moreover, the impact of negative news goes beyond individuals and affects society as a whole. Negative stories can have a ripple effect on how people interact with each other, as it leads to a general distrust of others. The fear and anxiety instilled by negative broadcasts can make individuals hyper-vigilant about issues such as homicide, violence, natural disasters, and other disturbing events. Irrespective of the authenticity of the news report, this negative mindset contributes to the rapid spread of negative propaganda and creates social chaos, eroding the foundation of trust that underpins any society.

In conclusion, the emphasis on negative news can create a sense of pessimism and world-weariness that leads us to view the state of the world in an excessively negative light. This negative mindset, in turn, facilitates the spread of negative propaganda and erodes trust within society.

Sample Essay 4

In today’s rapidly evolving media landscape, the predilection of news outlets to spotlight crises and adversities over positive developments has ignited a debate about its impact on individual well-being and societal harmony. Contrary to the pervasive belief that such an emphasis is detrimental, this essay posits that the journalistic commitment to uncovering the truth is, in fact, beneficial to both individuals and society at large.

From an individual standpoint, being well-informed about current challenges is crucial for personal and professional development. News stories about societal issues or emergencies are not merely reports; they serve as cautionary tales that foster preparedness and resilience. For example, the recent increase in media coverage on human trafficking incidents has galvanized many women to adopt proactive measures for their safety. They have not only become more vigilant but have also pursued self-defense courses, illustrating how awareness can translate into empowerment. Thus, far from being harmful, such news items equip individuals with the knowledge and tools to navigate a complex world.

At the societal level, the relentless reporting on pressing issues plays a pivotal role in spurring governmental action and policy reform. A media landscape that exclusively celebrates successes, glossing over flaws and failures, would stifle progress by obscuring the need for improvement. It is through the diligent scrutiny of the media that governments are prompted to address and rectify societal issues. The persistent coverage of climate change, for example, has been instrumental in galvanizing international consensus on ambitious environmental targets, including the global initiative to limit warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius by 2050. This underscores the media’s critical function as a watchdog that can instigate positive change.

In conclusion, the view that media's emphasis on negative events is detrimental overlooks its essential role in enlightening individuals and driving societal progress. By highlighting global issues, the media educates the public and ensures government accountability, leading to significant improvements. It's through this perspective that we should recognize the media's critical contribution to creating a more informed and proactive society.

• Task 2 Essays

Related Posts

Increasing Number of Serious Crimes Committed Each Year, and The Best Way Is to Use the Death Penalty as a Deterrent - IELTS Essay

The World Has Many Towns and Cities Constructed in Previous Centuries that Were More Suitable - IELTS Essay

In Spite of Many Advances Women Have Made in Education and Employment, They Still Continue to be at a Disadvantage - IELTS Essay

• Writing Correction
• Online Prep Platform
• Online Course
• Speaking Assessment
• Ace The IELTS
• Target Band 7
• Practice Tests Downloads
• IELTS Success Formula
• Essays Band 9 IELTS Writing Task 2 samples – IELTS Band 9 essays
• Essays Band 8 IELTS Writing – samples of IELTS essays of Band 8
• Essays Band 7 IELTS Writing – samples of IELTS essays of Band 7
• Essays Band 6 IELTS Writing – samples of IELTS essays of Band 6
• Essays Band 5 IELTS Writing – samples of IELTS essays of Band 5
• Reports Band 9 IELTS Writing – samples of IELTS reports of Band 9 (Academic Writing Task 1)
• Reports Band 8 IELTS Writing – samples of IELTS reports of Band 8
• Reports Band 7 IELTS Writing – samples of IELTS reports of Band 7
• Letters Band 9 IELTS Writing Task 1 – samples of IELTS letters of Band 9
• Letters Band 8 IELTS Writing – samples of IELTS letters of Band 8
• Letters Band 7 IELTS Writing – samples of IELTS letters of Band 7
• Speaking Samples
• Tests Samples
• 2023, 2024 IELTS questions
• 2022 IELTS questions
• 2021 IELTS questions
• 2020 IELTS questions
• High Scorer’s Advice IELTS high achievers share their secrets
• IELTS Results Competition
• IELTS-Blog App

IELTS Sample Reports of Band 8

• IELTS Reports- Band 8

Last updated: February 6, 2024

Here you can find IELTS Sample Reports of Band 8, written by students and graded by an IELTS teacher. Click on one of the task types below to jump to model reports of that type.

Maps / Plans Bar Charts Line Graphs Pie Charts Mixed Pie Charts + Bar Graphs Tables

Note: the topic of each report appears when you hold the mouse over the link. Every report is checked, marked, has comments and suggestions. Hold the mouse over to see suggested corrections. The teacher’s summary is at the bottom of each report.

IELTS Model Reports Describing Maps / Plans

IELTS Maps / Plans – sample report 1

IELTS Maps / Plans – sample report 2

IELTS Maps / Plans – sample report 3

IELTS Maps / Plans – sample report 4

IELTS Maps / Plans – sample report 5

IELTS Maps / Plans – sample report 6

IELTS Maps / Plans – sample report 7

IELTS Model Reports Describing Bar Charts

IELTS Bar Charts – sample report 1

IELTS Bar Charts – sample report 2

IELTS Bar Charts – sample report 3

IELTS Bar Charts – sample report 4

IELTS Bar Charts – sample report 5

IELTS Bar Charts – sample report 6

IELTS Bar Charts – sample report 7

IELTS Bar Charts – sample report 8

IELTS Model Reports Describing Line Graphs

IELTS Line Graphs – sample report 1

IELTS Line Graphs – sample report 2

IELTS Line Graphs – sample report 3

IELTS Line Graphs – sample report 4

IELTS Model Reports Describing Pie Charts

IELTS Pie Charts – sample report 1

IELTS Pie Charts – sample report 2

IELTS Pie Charts – sample report 3

IELTS Model Reports Describing Mixed Graphs (Pie Charts And Bar Graphs)

IELTS Mixed Graphs – sample report 1

IELTS Mixed Graphs – sample report 2

IELTS Model Reports Describing Tables

IELTS Tables – sample report 1

IELTS Tables – sample report 2

IELTS Tables – sample report 3

IELTS Tables – sample report 4

IELTS Tables – sample report 5

Note: the reports are checked by an IELTS teacher, not an IELTS examiner or examiner trainer. All the bands are approximate.

Related posts:

• IELTS Sample Reports of Band 7 Here you can find IELTS Sample Reports of Band 7,...
• IELTS Sample Letters of Band 8 Here you can find IELTS Sample Letters of Band 8,...
• You can go from IELTS Band 6 to Band 8 by focusing on the right thing (details inside) Achieving Band 8 in IELTS is anything but easy, and...
• IELTS Essay Samples of Band 8 Here you can find IELTS Essay samples of Band 8,...
• IELTS Letter Samples of Band 9 Here you can find IELTS Letter samples of Band 9,...

5 thoughts on “IELTS Sample Reports of Band 8”

It’s a good website to refer. All the best.

Good and helpful website

Need guidline

Nice explanation

Topic, Some people feel that money should not be spent on cultural amenities such as museums and theatre art festival. How important are these things to the society as a whole, are there any areas which are more important for the government to fund.

Nowadays, many people feel that government should not include tourist centers into the budget. However art is highly germane the world at large, as it is believed that human beings are drawn to art and culture inform of communication and expression. This essay will enumerate the necessity of art in the society with examples,as well as other area that government need to focus on.

Overtime attention of many people have been shifted from art and culture due to increase in the rate of civilization and socialization, nevertheless art is highly crucial to people and it is important can not be overemphasize. Firstly history are pass from one generation to another through the help of art and culture, for instance art work are designed inform of sculpture to express how Battle were worn, with the various types of weapon used to conquer the opposite party. This has helped in maintaining historical context. Also art festival has boosted many nation’s economy across the globe through the aid of creations of job opportunities which inturn generate high revenue to the country. Secondly there are other areas were government fund can be redirected to as there importance outweigh art and culture, for example building of hospital s and employing professional in the area of health sector will reduce fatality and mortality rate in the society. In addition infrastructure are also highly importance’s, for example constructions of roads and bridges will reduce traffic jams on the road. This will also reduce stress on one’s health.

In conclusion art and culture need to be funded as studies has human being express themselves through this means, other areas also can not be overlook so as to leave a healthy life style.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

IELTS Mentor "IELTS Preparation & Sample Answer"

• Skip to content
• Jump to main navigation and login

Nav view search

• IELTS Sample

Writing Task 2 Sample

IELTS Writing Task 2 ( also known as IELTS Essay Writing ) is the second task of your IELTS Writing test. Here, you will be presented with an essay topic and you will be scored based on your ability to respond to the topic.

You need to write at least 250 words and justify your opinion with arguments, discussion, examples, problem outlining, proposing possible solutions and supporting your position. You will have approximately 40 minutes to finish your Essay Writing. IELTS Writing Task 2 carries more weights than Writing Task 1.

Are you planning to take your IELTS Exam soon? Take an online course and achieve your dream score on your IELTS test.

Page 1 of 76

IELTS Materials

• IELTS Bar Graph
• IELTS Line Graph
• IELTS Table Chart
• IELTS Flow Chart
• IELTS Pie Chart
• IELTS Letter Writing
• IELTS Essay
• Academic Reading

Useful Links

• IELTS Secrets
• Band Score Calculator
• Exam Specific Tips
• Useful Websites
• IELTS Preparation Tips
• Academic Reading Tips
• Academic Writing Tips
• GT Writing Tips
• Listening Tips
• Speaking Tips
• IELTS Grammar Review
• IELTS Vocabulary
• IELTS Cue Cards
• IELTS Life Skills
• Letter Types

• Privacy Policy
• Cookie Policy
• Copyright Notice
• HTML Sitemap

News plays an important part in most people’s lives IELTS Essay

IELTS Essay Topic

News plays an important part in most people’s lives. Why is news so important to people? Why is so much news dedicated to bad news? Should the news focus on good news instead?

Sample Answer   1

Everyday news is a crucial part of some people’s people’s life. News is very important to people because it helps them keep updated with daily happenings worldwide. However, the main focus of news channels is spreading bad news to make people aware of their surroundings. They should keep the right balance between good and bad news to inform people negatively and positively.

News is important because people want to keep themselves updated with happenings worldwide. News channels inform people about upcoming and ongoing circumstances because the issues are connected with individuals’ daily lives. People should have information about current events and make the news an important part of life. Furthermore, in this contemporary epoch , most report is focused on negative things because it is human nature to focus on the problems rather than looking at what is going on well. So, the channels only publish what people want to hear.

Moreover, news needs to balance the good and bad news they convey to the public. Due to hectic life, people face so many problems in their lives. However, only focusing on bad news creates so much negativity around the world, indirectly promoting more crime. Young people tend to do the same things they see worldwide. So, to motivate youth to do something good, they should focus on positive news. Moreover, it is also important to show people what is happening around the world to make them aware. So they can take possible actions for their safety.

To conclude, news has become a daily part of an individual’s life. So many news channels focus on promoting bad news because of the negativity worldwide. They should create the right balance in the information they publish.

Leave a Comment Cancel reply

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

The New Rules of Political Journalism

In this election, the reporting strategies of the past will not be enough.

This is an edition of The Atlantic Daily, a newsletter that guides you through the biggest stories of the day, helps you discover new ideas, and recommends the best in culture. Sign up for it here.

In our digitally chaotic world, relying on the election-reporting strategies of the past is like bringing the rules of chess to the Thunderdome.

First, here are three new stories from The Atlantic :

• The October 7 rape denialists
• Finding justice in Palestine
• Biden’s safe, polite campaign stop in Scranton

This past weekend, I was on a panel at the annual conference of the International Symposium on Online Journalism, in beautiful downtown Austin. Several journalists discussed the question: Are we going to get it right this time? Have the media learned their lessons, and are journalists ready for the vertiginous slog of the 2024 campaign?

My answer: only if we realize how profoundly the rules of the game have changed.

Lest we need reminding, this year’s election features a candidate who incited an insurrection, called for terminating sections of the Constitution, was found liable for what a federal judge says was “rape” as it is commonly understood, faces 88 felony charges, and—I’m tempted to add “etcetera” here, but that’s the problem, isn’t it? The volume and enormity of it all is impossible to take in.

The man is neither a riddle nor an enigma. He lays it all out there: his fawning over the world’s authoritarians, his threats to abandon our allies, his contempt for the rule of law, his intention to use the federal government as an instrument of retribution . Journalists must be careful not to give in to what Brian Klaas has called the “ Banality of Crazy .” As I’ve written in the past, there have been so many outrages and so many assaults on decency that it’s easy to become numbed by the cascade of awfulness.

The former White House communications director Dan Pfeiffer points out a recent example in his newsletter: On a radio show earlier this month, Donald Trump bizarrely suggested that Joe Biden was high on cocaine when he delivered his energetic State of the Union address. It was a startling moment, yet several major national media outlets did not cover the story.

And when Trump called for the execution of General Mark Milley, it didn’t have nearly the explosive effect it should have. “I had expected every website and all the cable news shows to lead with a story about Trump demanding the execution of the highest military officer in the country,” this magazine’s editor in chief, Jeffrey Goldberg, told The Washington Post . “If Barack Obama or George W. Bush had done so, I’m sure [the news media] would have been all over it.” (Trump’s threats against Milley came after The Atlantic published a profile of Milley by Goldberg.)

In our digitally chaotic world, relying on the reporting strategies of the past is like bringing the rules of chess to the Thunderdome. There has, of course, been some progress. The major cable networks no longer carry Trump’s rallies live without context, but they still broadcast town-hall meetings and interviews with the former president, which boost ratings. NBC’s abortive decision to hire Ronna McDaniel, a former chair of the Republican National Committee, as a contributor, despite her role in spreading lies about the 2020 election, highlighted the disconnect between this moment and much of the national media.

And then there is the internet. It is certainly possible that richer, more insightful media will emerge from the digital revolution, but we’re obviously not there now. Back in 2016, we worried that social media had become a vector for disinformation and bigotry, but since then, we’ve seen Elon Musk’s extraordinary enshittification of X. In 2016, we worried (too late) about foreign interference and bots. In 2024, we are going to have to contend with deepfakes created by AI.

This year will see some of the best journalism of our lifetime. (You’ll find much of it here in The Atlantic .) But because both the media and their audiences are badly fractured, much of that reporting is siloed off from the voters who need it most. Because millions of Americans are locked in information bubbles, half of the country either won’t see important journalism about the dangers of a second Trump term or won’t believe it.

As Paul Farhi notes in The Atlantic , MAGA-friendly websites have experienced massive drops in traffic, but social media continues to thrive on negativity and providing dopamine hits of anger and fear. And of distraction—last week, the most-liked videos on TikTok about the presidential race included a video of a man singing to Biden and Trump’s visit to a Chick-fil-A .

To put it mildly, the arc of social media does not bend toward Edward R. Murrow–style journalism.

So what’s to be done? I don’t have any easy answers, because I don’t think they exist. Getting it right this time does not mean that journalists need to pull their punches in covering Biden or become slavish defenders of his administration’s policies. In fact, that would only make matters worse. But perhaps we could start with some modest proposals.

First, we should redefine newsworthy . Klaas argues that journalists need to emphasize the magnitude rather than simply the novelty of political events. Trump’s ongoing attacks on democracy may not be new, but they define the stakes of 2024. So although live coverage of Trump rallies without any accompanying analysis remains a spectacularly bad idea, it’s important to neither ignore nor mute the dark message that Trump delivers at every event. As a recent headline in The Guardian put it, “Trump’s Bizarre, Vindictive Incoherence Has to Be Heard in Full to Be Believed.”

Why not relentlessly emphasize the truth, and publish more fact-checked transcripts that highlight his wilder and more unhinged rants? (Emphasizing magnitude is, of course, a tremendous challenge for journalists when the amplification mechanisms of the modern web—that is, social-media algorithms—are set by companies that have proved to be hostile to the distribution of information from reputable news outlets.)

The media challenge will be to emphasize the abnormality of Donald Trump without succumbing to a reactionary ideological tribalism, which would simply drive audiences further into their silos. Put another way: Media outlets will need all the credibility they can muster when they try to sound the alarm that none of this is normal . And it is far more important to get it right than to get it fast, because every lapse will be weaponized.

The commitment to “fairness” should not, however, mean creating false equivalencies or fake balance. (An exaggerated report about Biden’s memory lapses , for example, should not be a bigger story than Trump’s invitation to Vladimir Putin to invade European countries .)

In the age of Trump, it is also important that members of the media not be distracted by theatrics generally. (This includes Trump’s trial drama, the party conventions, and even— as David Frum points out in The Atlantic —the debates.) Relatedly, the stakes are simply too high to wallow in vibes, memes, or an obsessive focus on within-the-margin-of-error polls. Democracy can indeed be crushed by authoritarianism. But it can also be suffocated by the sort of trivia that often dominates social media.

And, finally, the Prime Directive of 2024: Never, ever become numbed by the endless drumbeat of outrages.

• Political analysis needs more witchcraft.
• Right-wing media are in trouble.

Today’s News

• The Senate dismissed the articles of impeachment against Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas and ruled that they were unconstitutional, ending his trial before it got under way.
• House Speaker Mike Johnson will proceed with a plan, backed by President Joe Biden, to vote on separate bills to provide aid to Ukraine, Israel, and U.S. allies in the Indo-Pacific. The proposed move has raised criticism from some conservative representatives.
• Four Columbia University officials, including the president, Nemat Shafik, testified in a congressional committee hearing about student safety, free speech, and anti-Semitism on campus.
• The Trump Trials : The first days of the criminal case against Donald Trump have been mundane, even boring—and that’s remarkable, George T. Conway III writes.
• The Weekly Planet : The cocoa shortage could make chocolate more expensive forever, Yasmin Tayag writes.

Explore all of our newsletters here.

Evening Read

Something Weird Is Happening With Caesar Salads

By Ellen Cushing

On a November evening in Brooklyn, in 2023, I was in trouble (hungry). I ordered a kale Caesar at a place I like. Instead, I got: a tangle of kale, pickled red onion, and “sweet and spicy almonds,” dressed in a thinnish, vaguely savory liquid and topped with a glob of crème fraîche roughly the size and vibe of a golf ball. It was a pretty weird food. We are living through an age of unchecked Caesar-salad fraud. Putative Caesars are dressed with yogurt or miso or tequila or lemongrass; they are served with zucchini, orange zest, pig ear, kimchi, poached duck egg, roasted fennel, fried chickpeas, buffalo-cauliflower fritters, tōgarashi -dusted rice crackers. They are missing anchovies, or croutons, or even lettuce … Molly Baz is a chef, a cookbook author, and a bit of a Caesar obsessive—she owns a pair of sneakers with “CAE” on one tongue and “SAL” on the other—and she put it succinctly when she told me, “There’s been a lot of liberties taken, for better or for worse.”

Read the full article.

More From The Atlantic

• The Jews aren’t taking away TikTok.
• Women in menopause are getting short shrift.
• The self-help queen of TikTok goes mainstream.

Culture Break

Look. These photos , compiled by our photo editor, show the importance of bicycles in World War II.

Read. “ The Vale of Cashmere ,” a short story by Benjamin Nugent:

“What I liked about your father was that he helped me find my contact lens.”

Play our daily crossword.

Stephanie Bai contributed to this newsletter.

When you buy a book using a link in this newsletter, we receive a commission. Thank you for supporting The Atlantic .

• Share full article

Advertisement

Supported by

NPR in Turmoil After It Is Accused of Liberal Bias

An essay from an editor at the broadcaster has generated a firestorm of criticism about the network on social media, especially among conservatives.

By Benjamin Mullin and Katie Robertson

NPR is facing both internal tumult and a fusillade of attacks by prominent conservatives this week after a senior editor publicly claimed the broadcaster had allowed liberal bias to affect its coverage, risking its trust with audiences.

Uri Berliner, a senior business editor who has worked at NPR for 25 years, wrote in an essay published Tuesday by The Free Press, a popular Substack publication, that “people at every level of NPR have comfortably coalesced around the progressive worldview.”

Mr. Berliner, a Peabody Award-winning journalist, castigated NPR for what he said was a litany of journalistic missteps around coverage of several major news events, including the origins of Covid-19 and the war in Gaza. He also said the internal culture at NPR had placed race and identity as “paramount in nearly every aspect of the workplace.”

Mr. Berliner’s essay has ignited a firestorm of criticism of NPR on social media, especially among conservatives who have long accused the network of political bias in its reporting. Former President Donald J. Trump took to his social media platform, Truth Social, to argue that NPR’s government funding should be rescinded, an argument he has made in the past.

NPR has forcefully pushed back on Mr. Berliner’s accusations and the criticism.

“We’re proud to stand behind the exceptional work that our desks and shows do to cover a wide range of challenging stories,” Edith Chapin, the organization’s editor in chief, said in an email to staff on Tuesday. “We believe that inclusion — among our staff, with our sourcing, and in our overall coverage — is critical to telling the nuanced stories of this country and our world.” Some other NPR journalists also criticized the essay publicly, including Eric Deggans, its TV critic, who faulted Mr. Berliner for not giving NPR an opportunity to comment on the piece.

In an interview on Thursday, Mr. Berliner expressed no regrets about publishing the essay, saying he loved NPR and hoped to make it better by airing criticisms that have gone unheeded by leaders for years. He called NPR a “national trust” that people rely on for fair reporting and superb storytelling.

“I decided to go out and publish it in hopes that something would change, and that we get a broader conversation going about how the news is covered,” Mr. Berliner said.

He said he had not been disciplined by managers, though he said he had received a note from his supervisor reminding him that NPR requires employees to clear speaking appearances and media requests with standards and media relations. He said he didn’t run his remarks to The New York Times by network spokespeople.

When the hosts of NPR’s biggest shows, including “Morning Edition” and “All Things Considered,” convened on Wednesday afternoon for a long-scheduled meet-and-greet with the network’s new chief executive, Katherine Maher , conversation soon turned to Mr. Berliner’s essay, according to two people with knowledge of the meeting. During the lunch, Ms. Chapin told the hosts that she didn’t want Mr. Berliner to become a “martyr,” the people said.

Mr. Berliner’s essay also sent critical Slack messages whizzing through some of the same employee affinity groups focused on racial and sexual identity that he cited in his essay. In one group, several staff members disputed Mr. Berliner’s points about a lack of ideological diversity and said efforts to recruit more people of color would make NPR’s journalism better.

On Wednesday, staff members from “Morning Edition” convened to discuss the fallout from Mr. Berliner’s essay. During the meeting, an NPR producer took issue with Mr. Berliner’s argument for why NPR’s listenership has fallen off, describing a variety of factors that have contributed to the change.

Mr. Berliner’s remarks prompted vehement pushback from several news executives. Tony Cavin, NPR’s managing editor of standards and practices, said in an interview that he rejected all of Mr. Berliner’s claims of unfairness, adding that his remarks would probably make it harder for NPR journalists to do their jobs.

“The next time one of our people calls up a Republican congressman or something and tries to get an answer from them, they may well say, ‘Oh, I read these stories, you guys aren’t fair, so I’m not going to talk to you,’” Mr. Cavin said.

Some journalists have defended Mr. Berliner’s essay. Jeffrey A. Dvorkin, NPR’s former ombudsman, said Mr. Berliner was “not wrong” on social media. Chuck Holmes, a former managing editor at NPR, called Mr. Berliner’s essay “brave” on Facebook.

Mr. Berliner’s criticism was the latest salvo within NPR, which is no stranger to internal division. In October, Mr. Berliner took part in a lengthy debate over whether NPR should defer to language proposed by the Arab and Middle Eastern Journalists Association while covering the conflict in Gaza.

“We don’t need to rely on an advocacy group’s guidance,” Mr. Berliner wrote, according to a copy of the email exchange viewed by The Times. “Our job is to seek out the facts and report them.” The debate didn’t change NPR’s language guidance, which is made by editors who weren’t part of the discussion. And in a statement on Thursday, the Arab and Middle Eastern Journalists Association said it is a professional association for journalists, not a political advocacy group.

Mr. Berliner’s public criticism has highlighted broader concerns within NPR about the public broadcaster’s mission amid continued financial struggles. Last year, NPR cut 10 percent of its staff and canceled four podcasts, including the popular “Invisibilia,” as it tried to make up for a $30 million budget shortfall. Listeners have drifted away from traditional radio to podcasts, and the advertising market has been unsteady.

In his essay, Mr. Berliner laid some of the blame at the feet of NPR’s former chief executive, John Lansing, who said he was retiring at the end of last year after four years in the role. He was replaced by Ms. Maher, who started on March 25.

During a meeting with employees in her first week, Ms. Maher was asked what she thought about decisions to give a platform to political figures like Ronna McDaniel, the former Republican Party chair whose position as a political analyst at NBC News became untenable after an on-air revolt from hosts who criticized her efforts to undermine the 2020 election.

“I think that this conversation has been one that does not have an easy answer,” Ms. Maher responded.

Benjamin Mullin reports on the major companies behind news and entertainment. Contact Ben securely on Signal at +1 530-961-3223 or email at [email protected] . More about Benjamin Mullin

Katie Robertson covers the media industry for The Times. Email:  [email protected]   More about Katie Robertson

• Skip to main content
• Keyboard shortcuts for audio player

NPR editor Uri Berliner resigns with blast at new CEO

David Folkenflik

Uri Berliner resigned from NPR on Wednesday saying he could not work under the new CEO Katherine Maher. He cautioned that he did not support calls to defund NPR. Uri Berliner hide caption

Uri Berliner resigned from NPR on Wednesday saying he could not work under the new CEO Katherine Maher. He cautioned that he did not support calls to defund NPR.

NPR senior business editor Uri Berliner resigned this morning, citing the response of the network's chief executive to his outside essay accusing NPR of losing the public's trust.

"I am resigning from NPR, a great American institution where I have worked for 25 years," Berliner wrote in an email to CEO Katherine Maher. "I respect the integrity of my colleagues and wish for NPR to thrive and do important journalism. But I cannot work in a newsroom where I am disparaged by a new CEO whose divisive views confirm the very problems at NPR I cite in my Free Press essay."

NPR and Maher declined to comment on his resignation.

The Free Press, an online site embraced by journalists who believe that the mainstream media has become too liberal, published Berliner's piece last Tuesday. In it, he argued that NPR's coverage has increasingly reflected a rigid progressive ideology. And he argued that the network's quest for greater diversity in its workforce — a priority under prior chief executive John Lansing – has not been accompanied by a diversity of viewpoints presented in NPR shows, podcasts or online coverage.

Later that same day, NPR pushed back against Berliner's critique.

"We're proud to stand behind the exceptional work that our desks and shows do to cover a wide range of challenging stories," NPR's chief news executive, Edith Chapin, wrote in a memo to staff . "We believe that inclusion — among our staff, with our sourcing, and in our overall coverage — is critical to telling the nuanced stories of this country and our world."

Yet Berliner's commentary has been embraced by conservative and partisan Republican critics of the network, including former President Donald Trump and the activist Christopher Rufo.

Rufo is posting a parade of old social media posts from Maher, who took over NPR last month. In two examples, she called Trump a racist and also seemed to minimize the effects of rioting in 2020. Rufo is using those to rally public pressure for Maher's ouster, as he did for former Harvard University President Claudine Gay .

Others have used the moment to call for the elimination of federal funding for NPR – less than one percent of its roughly $300 million annual budget – and local public radio stations, which derive more of their funding from the government.

NPR names tech executive Katherine Maher to lead in turbulent era

Berliner reiterated in his resignation letter that he does not support such calls.

In a brief interview, he condemned a statement Maher issued Friday in which she suggested that he had questioned "whether our people are serving our mission with integrity, based on little more than the recognition of their identity." She called that "profoundly disrespectful, hurtful, and demeaning."

Berliner subsequently exchanged emails with Maher, but she did not address those comments.

"It's been building up," Berliner said of his decision to resign, "and it became clear it was on today."

For publishing his essay in The Free Press and appearing on its podcast, NPR had suspended Berliner for five days without pay. Its formal rebuke noted he had done work outside NPR without its permission, as is required, and shared proprietary information.

(Disclosure: Like Berliner, I am part of NPR's Business Desk. He has edited many of my past stories. But he did not see any version of this article or participate in its preparation before it was posted publicly.)

Earlier in the day, Berliner forwarded to NPR editors and other colleagues a note saying he had "never questioned" their integrity and had been trying to raise these issues within the newsroom for more than seven years.

What followed was an email he had sent to newsroom leaders after Trump's 2016 win. He wrote then: "Primarily for the sake of our journalism, we can't align ourselves with a tribe. So we don't exist in a cocoon that blinds us to the views and experience of tens of millions of our fellow citizens."

Berliner's critique has inspired anger and dismay within the network. Some colleagues said they could no longer trust him after he chose to publicize such concerns rather than pursue them as part of ongoing newsroom debates, as is customary. Many signed a letter to Maher and Edith Chapin, NPR's chief news executive. They asked for clarity on, among other things, how Berliner's essay and the resulting public controversy would affect news coverage.

Yet some colleagues privately said Berliner's critique carried some truth. Chapin also announced monthly reviews of the network's coverage for fairness and diversity - including diversity of viewpoint.

She said in a text message earlier this week that that initiative had been discussed long before Berliner's essay, but "Now seemed [the] time to deliver if we were going to do it."

She added, "Healthy discussion is something we need more of."

Disclosure: This story was reported and written by NPR Media Correspondent David Folkenflik and edited by Deputy Business Editor Emily Kopp and Managing Editor Gerry Holmes. Under NPR's protocol for reporting on itself, no NPR corporate official or news executive reviewed this story before it was posted publicly.

• Katherine Maher
• uri berliner