The application of this unit in the workplace - the environments, complexities and situations involved - will be written during Phase II of the Review of the PUA00 Public Safety Training Package.

This text will be useful for the purposes of job descriptions, recruitment advice or job analysis; where possible, it will not be too job specific to allow other industries to import it into other Training Packages, where feasible.

Prerequisite Unit/s

Nil

ELEMENT

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA

1. Identify/locate sources for potential stories

1.1 Up-to-date material about Defence issues and current affairs is obtained from a wide variety of sources, read and analysed

1.2 A network of contacts is maintained and engaged regularly

1.3 A library of professional publications is maintained

1.4 Trends in reader interests are identified and recorded

1.5 Information is assessed for newsworthiness and likely reader appeal

2. Identify relevant public affairs objectives

2.1 Public affairs objectives and constraints are identified and factored into planning

2.2 Client needs are identified and factored into planning

3. Establish likely story 'angle'

3.1 Relevant factors affecting research for stories are identified

3.2 An approach to the potential story is identified and clearance is obtained from the supervisor

This describes the essential skills and knowledge and their level, required for this unit.

Required Skills

establish useful networks

research

sources, reads and critically evaluates background information

makes notes from spoken and written sources

command of language structures, registers, vocabulary and idiom required in conversational exchanges

transcribes material accurately from oral to written text

revises own writing and speaking to enhance meaning and effectiveness

Required Knowledge

readers' and organisational interests

the publication's definition of news

the types of stories used in Defence publications

constraints on using information (eg security requirements, conditions on reporting sensitive issues)

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

Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit

Assessment must confirm the ability to identify information that is newsworthy and suitable for Defence publications, through personal initiative or following direction from the editor or sub editor. Consequently the reporter must demonstrate an awareness of current affairs and Defence issues and apply communications ethics that are relevant to the audience and organisation.

Consistency in performance

Competency should be demonstrated in a range of actual or simulated environments by identifying a variety of Defence stories through various sources and networks.

Context of and specific resources for assessment

Context of assessment

Competency should be assessed in an office and under operational conditions, or in a simulated environment. Simulation should re-create realistic office and operational scenarios in a wide range of situations that may be encountered by the Defence reporter and should cover all of the critical aspects of evidence.

Practical assessment should be supported by targeted questioning to assess underpinning knowledge.

Specific resources for assessment

Access to local and national newspapers and professional publications.

Guidance information for assessment

Information that will assist or guide assessment will be written during Phase II of the Review of the PUA00 Public Safety Training Package.

The Range Statement relates to the Unit of Competency as a whole. It allows for different work environments and situations that may affect performance. Bold italicised wording in the Performance Criteria is detailed below.

Network may include

Contacts within and external to the Australian Defence Force (ADF) who can supply information on events or initiatives of interest to readers of Defence publications

Newsworthiness may include

Information likely to appeal to readers because it is topical, different, unique or relevant to them

Public affairs objectives may include

Defence and ADF internal communications objectives

The reasons why internal clients (such as commanders, headquarters or policy areas) want information communicated through Defence publications

Publication objectives for communicating information

Story angle refers to

Stories being approached from a technical, generalist, niche audience or other perspective

This unit contains employability skills.