- Scoop (term)
Scoop is an informal term used in
journalism . The word connotes originality, importance, surprise or excitement, secrecy and exclusivity.Stories likely considered to be scoops are important
news , likely to interest or concerning many people. A scoop is typically a new story, or a new aspect to an existing or unfolding story. Generally the story is unexpected, or surprising, and/or a former secret. This means the scoop typically must come from anexclusive source. Events open to a multitude of witnesses generally cannot become scoops, (e.g. a natural disaster, or the announcement of a scientific breakthrough at a press conference). However, exclusive news content is not always a scoop, as it may not provide the requisite importance or excitement. An example of this may be interviews with a local resident about a local event. A scoop may be also defined retrospectively; a story may come to be known as a scoop because of a historical change in perspective of a particular event. Due to their secret nature,scandals are a prime source of scoops (e.g. theWatergate scandal byWashington Post journalists Woodward and Bernstein).Scoop in this context may also be a verb. To scoop another journalist is to acquire a scoop-like story before the other, typically by initiative. So, to make a scoop also implies that the journalist in question is hard-working and professional. Scoops typically raise the profile of the journalist that makes them.
The word scoop is of American origin, first referenced in 1874. [ [http://www.etymonline.com/index.php?term=scoop Online Etymology Dictionary ] ]
In some of
John Le Carre 's spy novels, the term "Scoop" is used for obtaining information of major strategic importance - which is, in this context, not intended for outside publication. ["I have received this information from Pali, he has visited Rumania". "Rumania? For the toxic-weapons conference? That would be a scoop!" Le Carre, "The Secret Pilgrim ", Ch. Six., P. 140.]Usage in the Academic Community
The term is also used in the scientific community when a scientist or research group publishes their findings first. Being beat to the punch in this regard renders one group's work redundant, and is regarded as a very undesirable outcome (hence the title of
Phdcomics book 'Scooped'), particularly since in some cases a single paper can include years of work and can qualify the scientists for competitive prizes.Notes and references
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