JUNIQUES GOSPEL MUSICAL REVIEW

Gospel Music Reporter Training Manual

SECTION 1 — ROLE OVERVIEW

1.1 Mission of the Gospel Music Reporter

A Gospel Music Reporter for JGMR serves as a storyteller, culture carrier, and bridge between gospel artists and gospel music enthusiasts.

Your purpose is to:

• Highlight artists’ stories, testimonies, and creative journeys

• Document multicultural gospel expressions across Arizona and beyond

• Provide accessible, inspiring content for gospel music enthusiasts

• Strengthen the JGMR movement through accurate, uplifting reporting

1.2 What Makes This Role Unique

• You are not just reporting news—you are building a gospel ecosystem

• You help artists gain visibility and credibility

• You help enthusiasts feel connected, informed, and valued

• You represent a multicultural, inclusive gospel movement

SECTION 2 — CORE RESPONSIBILITIES

2.1 Weekly Responsibilities

• Attend JGMR conference calls or virtual sessions

• Conduct interviews with artists, choirs, musicians, and community leaders

• Write short reports, spotlights, or summaries

• Capture photos, audio, or video clips when possible

• Submit content for review and publishing

• Engage with gospel music enthusiasts through questions, polls, and feedback

2.2 Monthly Responsibilities

• Attend at least one gospel event (virtual or in-person)

• Produce one feature story or artist spotlight

• Identify emerging artists or trends

• Participate in reporter training or team meetings

2.3 Professional Conduct

• Maintain respect for all cultures, denominations, and traditions

• Uphold accuracy, fairness, and integrity

• Represent JGMR with professionalism at all times

SECTION 3 — REQUIRED SKILLS

3.1 Communication Skills

• Clear interviewing

• Strong writing and storytelling

• Confident speaking for calls or live segments

• Ability to simplify industry language for enthusiasts

3.2 Research & Reporting Skills

• Fact-checking

• Artist discovery

• Event observation

• Trend identification

3.3 Digital Media Skills

• Basic recording (audio/video)

• Social media content creation

• Digital publishing familiarity

3.4 Community & Relationship Skills

• Artist relations

• Enthusiast engagement

• Cultural sensitivity

SECTION 4 — REPORTING STANDARDS

4.1 Accuracy

• Verify names, dates, song titles, and event details

• Confirm quotes with artists when needed

• Avoid assumptions or unverified claims

4.2 Fairness

• Represent artists respectfully

• Avoid negative or harmful commentary

• Focus on uplift, empowerment, and cultural celebration

4.3 Clarity

• Write in simple, accessible language

• Avoid jargon unless explained

• Keep stories engaging and easy to follow

4.4 Cultural Respect

• Honor diverse gospel traditions

• Avoid stereotypes

• Highlight the beauty of multicultural gospel expressions

SECTION 5 — REPORTING PROCESS

5.1 Step-by-Step Interview Process

1. Prepare

   • Research the artist

   • Prepare 5–7 questions

   • Know the purpose of the interview

2. Conduct the Interview

   • Start with warm, respectful conversation

   • Ask open-ended questions

   • Listen actively

   • Capture quotes accurately

3. Close the Interview

   • Thank the artist

   • Confirm key details

   • Ask for photos, links, or music samples

4. Write the Story

   • Create a clear headline

   • Introduce the artist

   • Highlight their journey, music, and message

   • Add quotes

   • Close with how enthusiasts can support them

5. Submit for Review

   • Send to JGMR editorial team

   • Make revisions if needed

SECTION 6 — CONTENT TYPES YOU WILL PRODUCE

6.1 Artist Spotlights

Short features highlighting an artist’s background, music, and message.

6.2 Event Reports

Summaries of concerts, showcases, church programs, or community events.

6.3 Interviews

Q&A-style or narrative interviews with artists or leaders.

6.4 Enthusiast Engagement Content

• Polls

• Questions

• “Fan Favorite” voting prompts

• Social media micro-stories

6.5 Multicultural Gospel Features

Stories that highlight diverse gospel expressions (African American, Latino, Caribbean, African, Contemporary, etc.)

SECTION 7 — ETHICAL GUIDELINES

7.1 Integrity

• Never fabricate quotes

• Never misrepresent an artist

• Always credit sources

7.2 Respect

• Honor spiritual traditions

• Avoid divisive topics

• Maintain confidentiality when requested

7.3 Professional Boundaries

• No favoritism

• No personal criticism of artists

• No sharing unpublished content without permission

SECTION 8 — PERFORMANCE EXPECTATIONS

8.1 Quality Standards

• Clear writing

• Accurate reporting

• Positive, uplifting tone

• Consistent submission of content

8.2 Engagement Standards

• Respond to enthusiast questions

• Encourage participation

• Promote multicultural appreciation

8.3 Growth Expectations

• Improve interviewing skills

• Expand gospel music knowledge

• Build relationships with artists and communities

SECTION 9 — CERTIFICATION REQUIREMENTS

To become a Certified JGMR Gospel Music Reporter, you must:

9.1 Complete Training Modules

• Interviewing

• Writing & storytelling

• Digital media basics

• Cultural awareness

9.2 Submit Required Assignments

• One artist interview

• One event report

• One enthusiast engagement post

• One multicultural gospel feature

9.3 Demonstrate Professional Conduct

• Respectful communication

• Timely submissions

• Alignment with JGMR mission

9.4 Pass Final Review

• Evaluation by JGMR leadership

• Feedback session

• Certification approval

SECTION 10 — APPENDICES

A. Sample Interview Questions

• What inspired your latest song?

• How did your gospel journey begin?

• What message do you want listeners to receive?

• How does your culture influence your music?

• What do you want gospel enthusiasts to know about you?

B. Story Template

1. Headline

2. Artist introduction

3. Background & journey

4. Music focus

5. Quote

6. Cultural impact

7. How enthusiasts can support

C. Reporter Checklist

• Research completed

• Interview scheduled

• Notes captured

• Story drafted

• Story submitted

• Media files attached