JRN 202Introduction

Journalism involves two main functions: gathering information (reporting) and conveying information (writing)

Structure of how we write is different from what you’ve been taught in your English classes.

The reporting and writing skills you gain in this and other journalism courses can be applied to many different careers.

Writing for the mass media

The reason we write in the mass media is to present information.

The information has a few common characteristics:1. It is recent.2. It is true and verifiable.3. It is relevant to the audience.

Main purpose

In this course, we will discuss writing in a professional environment.

We will learn about the demands of professionalism.

We will discuss how to act professionally.

Professionalism

Writing for the mass media means the work we produce will be seen by a lot of people.

We’ll learn about audiences, and how to best present information to our audiences.

The mass in mass media

When you write in the mass media, you produce work that is meant for consumption by your audience.

It is presented in the third person. It is presented free of your personal opinion. It is presented accurately, concisely,

completely, and in an easy to use format.

Speaking of the audience

Accuracy Clarity Efficiency Precision

Characteristics of media writing

The most important thing we do: accuracy. If what you write is not accurate, how well you write doesn’t matter.

Verify the information with more than one source, double check, do what you have to do to make sure you are comfortable that what you write is accurate.

An old saying: What are the three most important things in journalism? Accuracy, accuracy, accuracy.

Accuracy

Good news writing is clear, simple and easy to use.

Readers don’t want to have to work to understand the information you are presenting.

Your writing should answer all of the basic questions your readers might have.

Clarity

Present the information you have gathered in the most efficient manner.

Fewer words > more words. Ask yourself if some of the words can be

eliminated. Here’s a tip: You never have to use the word

“very.”

Efficiency

Make sure to choose the best word to deliver the information to your audience.

Being precise helps ensure accuracy, clarity and efficiency.

The dictionary and AP stylebook are your friends.

Precision

Writers in the mass media need to have a good command of grammar and appropriate word usage.

We also need to be able to spell and punctuate correctly.

Did you get a good basic grammar education in grade school? Are you a good speller? Do you know the rules of punctuation?

Grammar, spelling, punctuation

Using good grammar, spelling and punctuation allows us to communicate effectively and efficiently.

Ensures our writing is easy to use. If you work with language, you should care

about using it correctly and accurately. The work you produce carries YOUR name.

Your reputation is at stake.

Why?

Run-on sentences and comma splice.The iPod screen started flashing it would not stop. (incorrect)The iPod screen started flashing. It would not stop. (correct)

How about? The iPod screen started flashing, it would not stop. (Nope)The iPod screen started flashing, and it would not stop. (Yes)

A few common errors

Singular and plural errors are common among beginning news writers.

For example: The CMU football team won the bowl game. They played at the GMAC Bowl in Alabama.

That is incorrect usage. The correct way is …

Its and they

The CMU football team won the bowl game. It played at the GMAC Bowl in Alabama.

CMU football team is a singular unit. Now, if it was CMU football players, that is plural, and referring to them as “they” is OK.

We’ll talk more about this one as the semester goes on.

Correct

An apostrophe is not a warning sign that an s is coming.

It’s is a contraction for it is. If you aren’t sure whether or not to use “it’s,” say it out.

The city is using it’s resources. Correct? CMU is not enforcing its parking rules.

Correct?

It’s an apostrophe!

Do I use that or which? Quick and dirty rule: That is used when there is no comma, which is used following a comma.

In a more technical way, that is used with essential clauses, which is used with nonessential clauses.

I remember that day when we met. The team, which finished last a year ago, is

in first place.

That or which

The “journalist’s bible.” Standardizes usage and helps us be

accurate, clear, efficient and precise. Makes writing easier for you, the writer, by

eliminating some usage or word choice decisions you might have to make otherwise.

The AP stylebook

AP style trumps other common usage or spelling rules.

Look it up in the stylebook first; if it’s not there, check the dictionary.

Go to the stylebook first

Punctuate according to generally accepted rules of punctuation, except:- Items in a series. AP style says not to put a comma between the next-to-last item and the last item in the series.

The flag is red, white and blue.

A few common exceptions

A group or organization name followed immediately by an abbreviation in parentheses is unnecessary.

Some organizations are so well known, you don’t need to spell out their names: NCAA, FBI. Look in the stylebook if you wonder if an organization is that well known.

Avoid excessive abbreviation

OMG, we capitalize a lot of stuff nowadays. We even capitalize things For no reason.

Here’s a good general rule on capitalization when writing for the mass media:Never capitalize anything.

Again – never capitalize anything. Unless …

On capitalization

The stylebook or dictionary say you should.

Proper nouns and names should be capitalized.

Formal titles, but only when they come before a name.

We’ll talk more about this and much more from the stylebook each week throughout the semester.

Unless …

Questions?