What does the term "read-back" refer to in journalism?

• A. Summarizing a story for clarity
• B. The repetition of received messages to acknowledge them
• C. Editing a transcript for publication
• D. Verifying information with sources

Answer: (B)

The term "read-back" in journalism refers specifically to the repetition of received messages to acknowledge them. This is a crucial practice, especially in fields such as reporting or interviewing, where clarity and accuracy in communication are paramount. When a journalist reads back information, whether it’s quotes, facts, or details, it ensures that there is a mutual understanding between the journalist and the source. This practice helps to confirm that the information received is correct, which can prevent misunderstandings and errors in reporting.

In the context of options related to journalism, the other choices touch on important aspects of the journalistic process, such as summarizing stories for clarity, editing for publications, or verifying information with sources. However, these practices are distinct from the specific process of "read-back," which focuses on the acknowledgment of received messages to ensure accuracy.