Comprehensive Scripts for Journalism Video Styles
Below are full scripts for each type of video. These can be adapted based on the specific topic, tone, and audience.
1. Adversarial Video
Topic: Understanding Social Media Algorithms
Script: “Have you ever stopped to think about why you see certain posts on social media? Believe it or not, it’s not random. Algorithms are constantly working behind the scenes to decide what you see. They analyse your likes, shares, even how long you pause on a video. Sounds helpful, right? Well, not always. This same system creates echo chambers, where you’re only exposed to ideas you already agree with. That’s why it’s so important to follow diverse voices and double-check the information you’re consuming. The next time you scroll, ask yourself: who’s really deciding what you see?”
2. Inquiring Video
Topic: Why Does disinformation Spread Faster than Truth?
Script: “Why do false stories seem to travel faster than the truth? Researchers found that fake news spreads 70% faster than accurate reports. Why? One reason is emotions. Fake stories often trigger fear or anger, emotions that make people hit ‘share’ without thinking. Another reason is how algorithms reward engagement. The more a post is liked or shared, the more it’s shown—even if it’s not true. So how can we stop this? First, pause before sharing anything emotional or shocking. Then, check the source. Let’s change how we engage with information and make truth the priority.”
3. Analytical Video
Topic: Debunking a Viral Fake Video
Script: “This video has been shared over a million times, claiming to show a political leader caught on tape in a scandal. But here’s the truth—it’s fake. Let’s break it down. First, notice the unnatural movement of the lips—this is a hallmark of a deep fake. Second, the lighting on the face doesn’t match the background, a common giveaway in manipulated videos. Finally, a reverse video search reveals the original clip from three years ago, and it’s unrelated. Don’t fall for it. Always verify before sharing—it’s the easiest way to stop the spread of lies.”
4. Confirmatory Video
Topic: Confirming a Positive Viral Story
Script: “Is it true that a small town raised $1 million to rebuild a school after a fire? Yes! Here’s how it happened. The community came together with crowdfunding, bake sales, and local events. Within six months, they had the funds. Verified reports from the town’s newspaper confirm the story, and social media posts from organisers document every step of the process. This is the power of people working together. Stories like this remind us that, even in challenging times, communities can achieve amazing things.”
5. Instructional Video
Topic: Verifying an Image with Reverse Image Search
Script: “Have you ever seen an image online and wondered if it’s real? Here’s how to check it using reverse image search. First, save or copy the image URL. Next, go to images.google.com and upload the image or paste the URL. Google will show you where the image appears online. Look for the earliest date it was posted and check reputable sites. If you’re using a smartphone, apps like TinEye can also help. This quick process can save you from sharing something fake. Try it today!”
6. Persuasive Video
Topic: The Fight Against disinformation
Script: “Every day, disinformation spreads across social media, harming real people. From false health claims to political propaganda, the consequences are serious. But there’s something you can do. Start by checking the source of any story before sharing. If it’s from an unknown website, dig deeper. Use tools like fact-checking websites or reverse image search to verify content. When you share truth instead of lies, you’re part of the solution. Together, we can build a world where accurate information wins. Are you ready to make that change?”
7. Documentary-Style Video
Topic: The Rise of Deepfakes in Media
Script: “In 2017, the world saw its first convincing deep fake. Since then, the technology has grown more sophisticated—and dangerous. Deepfakes are videos created using AI to manipulate faces and voices, making people appear to say or do things they never did. They’ve been used to spread disinformation, blackmail, and even disrupt elections. But how can we fight back? AI detection tools like Deepware Scanner can identify deep fakes, while education campaigns teach people to spot inconsistencies. As technology evolves, so must our awareness. The question is: are we ready for what’s next?”
The Importance of News In The Digital Era
The 17th century English poet John Donne wrote “no man is an island,” implying that people are social animals that cannot live in a silo and remain incognito.
Types of News
There are basically two types of news: (a) soft news and (b) hard news. Salaudeen and Onyechi (2020) examined the influence of media channels (traditional vs. new) and news type (hard vs. soft) on trust in news. It shows that hard news is rated as more credible in traditional media than new media. People tend to trust traditional media more for hard news which is due to the strict standards and more serious and in-depth information provided by traditional media.
The results of the study highlight the ongoing debate about the credibility of traditional and new media and the role that news type and channel play in shaping public trust. While this study’s findings align with previous research, they also underscore the importance of considering how these factors interact to influence public trust and perception of news credibility. For BBC journalists, good writing is mandatory due to its responsibilities under the BBC’s contract with the licence fee payer. The study was designed to offer advice and encouragement on how to address their audiences, whether it be on television, radio, or across an ever increasing range of digital outlets”.
Meanwhile, news consumers must be discerning and critical when evaluating the credibility of news sources and understand the ways in which media channels and news types can impact the perceived credibility of news.