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Who, What, When, Where, Why, and How

These questions were so deeply embedded in my thought process during my journalism studies that they have shaped the way I see the world ever since. I was taught that asking these questions provides…

Cheryl Leeds

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Who, What, When, Where, Why, and How

These questions were so deeply embedded in my thought process during my journalism studies that they have shaped the way I see the world ever since.

I was taught that asking these questions provides readers with the information and clarity they need to understand a story. They remain the foundation of good journalism.

In today's rapid-fire news cycle, however, I often find that these questions aren't always fully answered. That curiosity sends me searching for more information. A quote in an article may come from someone whose expertise is barely explained, so I research their background, experience, and qualifications to better understand why their perspective matters.

Many of the articles I publish in The Northeastern Journal are the direct result of that curiosity. They begin with a simple question and often lead to a deeper understanding of a much larger issue.

These questions also help keep my writing grounded in facts rather than personal bias. While complete objectivity may be difficult to achieve, striving for fairness, accuracy, and impartiality remains one of the highest standards of good journalism.

The articles Luke and I publish reflect our thoughts and perspectives on current events, but our goal is never to tell readers what to think. Instead, we strive to examine issues from multiple angles, encourage thoughtful discussion, and inspire others to ask their own questions.

Because in the end, good journalism doesn't simply provide answers-it encourages curiosity. It invites us all to keep asking: Who? What? When? Where? Why? And how?

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