What is the primary function of a reporter's notebook?

• A. To draft articles before publication
• B. To record personal reflections on journalism
• C. To jot down notes during interviews or observations
• D. To create graphics for news stories

Answer: (C)

The primary function of a reporter's notebook is to jot down notes during interviews or observations. This essential tool allows reporters to capture quotes, facts, and important details in real-time as they gather information for their stories. Quick and precise note-taking enables journalists to accurately portray events and statements, providing the foundation for their articles.

While drafting articles and creating graphics are part of the journalistic process, these activities occur after the initial gathering of information has taken place. Recording personal reflections can be useful for a reporter's own growth or understanding of their field, but it is not the main purpose of the notebook used in day-to-day reporting. The focus of a reporter's notebook is on immediate and practical data collection during interactions with sources or while observing events, ensuring that journalists have the necessary material to inform their writing effectively.