What does the term "sound bite" refer to in journalism?

• A. A brief, memorable comment
• B. A detailed news analysis
• C. Fictional dialogue
• D. A source of attribution

Answer: (A)

The term "sound bite" in journalism refers specifically to a brief, memorable comment that is often used to encapsulate key messages or sentiments from interviews, speeches, or public statements. Sound bites are strategically crafted to be catchy and easily digestible, allowing audiences to quickly grasp the essence of a speaker's message. This makes them particularly valuable in news media, where time and attention spans are limited. Journalists often pull sound bites from longer interviews or statements to grab viewers' or readers' attention and convey the most impactful segments of information.

In this context, while a detailed news analysis provides depth and thorough exploration of a story, it does not embody the concise, attention-catching nature of a sound bite. Fictional dialogue, on the other hand, pertains to creative writing rather than factual reporting. A source of attribution is significant in establishing credibility and transparency in journalism but is distinct from the concept of a succinct quote intended for easy recall and public dissemination.