Journalism Merit Badge
The five requirements, with the two options and the two three- and four-way choices drawn, and the permissions each route needs in advance marked on it.
6 steps (13 parts inside them). 13 parts depend on questions you have not answered yet. · Version 1, published 13 August 2026 · About Journalism Merit Badge
No questions answered
This is the whole plan: everything that could apply to anybody. Answering the 3 questions at the address above takes out the parts that are not for you.
Which of this applies to you
You have not answered anything yet, so this is the whole plan: everything that could apply to anybody. Answering 3 short questions will take out the parts that are not for you.
Your progress
14 steps can be started now; 4 are waiting on something else.
Clear ticksYour ticks are kept in this browser, so they will still be here next time. They are in the address as well, so a link to this page carries them to another device.
The steps
Stage 1 of 6
1 step
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1. Freedom of the press, and the words that go with it Task
The First Amendment, fact against opinion, and libel, slander, defamation, fair comment and criticism, public figure, privacy and malice, then how all of it relates to ethics in journalism. One long discussion and the only requirement with no choice in it.
Stage 2 of 6
1 step
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2. Compare the coverage, then visit a newsroom Often forgotten Decision
One of two options. Both compare four sources on a single day and both need a visit. Only Option A states what to do if there is nowhere near you to visit.
ONLY OPTION A STATES A FALLBACK IF THERE IS NOWHERE TO VISIT. 2(A)(2) allows a virtual visit "if there are no opportunities for in-person visits in your community", provided your counselor approves the option IN ADVANCE, and names Scout Life magazine as one you can ask. Option B's station visit has no stated alternative. If getting to a newsroom or a station is the hard part, that difference should decide the option.
6 parts
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2(A)(2). Tour a newsroom, or, if there is none, a virtual visit Optional May not apply Often forgotten
Stage 3 of 6
1 step
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3. Hard news and features, then write something Decision
The differences between a hard news story and a feature, and what the five W's and H are. Then ONE of four routes: two of them need permission before you can start.
Two of these four need permission before you start: 3(b) and 3(c) each require your parent or guardian's permission AND your counselor's approval. 3(a) and 3(d) require neither. Ask at the session where you choose, not when you reach the step.
4 parts, 1 ticked
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3(c). Read a journalist's autobiography, then write about them Optional May not apply Often forgotten
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3(d). Cover a Scouting event, then send it in Optional May not apply Often forgotten This one has to leave your hands. After reviewing the article with your counselor you submit it to your community newspaper or your local council or district newsletter FOR CONSIDERATION. Being printed is not the requirement (submitting is), but it does mean working to somebody else's deadline, so it is the route in requirement 3 that cannot be done the night before.
Stage 4 of 6
1 step
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4. Attend a public event, but choose HOW first Often forgotten Event
One of three ways to cover it. One needs photographs taken on the day and one needs you watching critically. Read in order this comes after the event; in practice the answer has to come before it.
DECIDE HOW YOU WILL COVER THE EVENT BEFORE YOU GO. Read in order, requirement 4 has you attend and then choose, but 4(c) is a set of photographs taken at the event and 4(b) includes a critical review of it. Neither can be recovered afterwards. Pick the route first, then attend knowing what you are gathering.
3 parts
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4(a). Two articles, two styles Optional May not apply Usually comes after 4. Attend a public event, but choose HOW first.
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4(b). Three pieces, broadcast or podcast style Optional May not apply Usually comes after 4. Attend a public event, but choose HOW first.
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4(c). A series of photographs Optional May not apply Often forgotten Usually comes after 4. Attend a public event, but choose HOW first.
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Stage 5 of 6
1 step
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5. Three careers, then one in depth Task
Identify three career opportunities using journalism skills, then research one for training, education, certification, experience and expenses, and for prospects, starting salary, advancement and career goals. Discuss it with your counselor, including whether it interests you.
Stage 6 of 6
1 step
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Counselor signs it off Milestone
The completion date is the date you met the requirements, not the date of the signature.
Usually comes after 5. Three careers, then one in depth.
Merit badge requirements are republished annually. A Scout beginning work uses the requirements as they stand then; a Scout already working may finish under the ones they started with. Guide to Advancement 7.0.4.3 governs which applies. This page records the date its copy was read. Check it against the official page before relying on it.
This plan is a planning aid: the current Boy Scouts of America publication is always the authority, and the sources used here are listed in full. Each step names its own.