writing a news story. learning objectives identify the types of news leads and their elements...

Writing a News StoryWriting a News Story

Learning ObjectivesLearning Objectives

Identify the types of news leads and their Identify the types of news leads and their elementselements

Write news leadsWrite news leads Organize news storiesOrganize news stories Be accurate and objectiveBe accurate and objective Use third person point of viewUse third person point of view Use sentence length and structure that are Use sentence length and structure that are

appropriate for journalistic writingappropriate for journalistic writing Use transitionsUse transitions

Writing the LeadWriting the Lead

The The leadlead is the beginning of a news story. It is is the beginning of a news story. It is the most important part of the story because it the most important part of the story because it conveys the main idea.conveys the main idea.

Readers scan leads to gather information Readers scan leads to gather information quickly and to help them decide which stories quickly and to help them decide which stories to read.to read.

Readers decide in the first seven to 14 words Readers decide in the first seven to 14 words whether or not to read a story. The lead must whether or not to read a story. The lead must grab the readers’ attention and arouse their grab the readers’ attention and arouse their curiosity.curiosity.


Direct news leadsDirect news leads are used on are used on hard hard news storiesnews stories— stories about timely, — stories about timely, breaking news. The first one or two breaking news. The first one or two paragraphs, the lead, give the most paragraphs, the lead, give the most important facts about the story.important facts about the story.

Leads on Leads on soft news storiessoft news stories, the less , the less timely feature stories about individuals or timely feature stories about individuals or about lifestyle issues, are often several about lifestyle issues, are often several paragraphs long. paragraphs long.


Soft news leads use anecdotes or set up Soft news leads use anecdotes or set up scenarios that capture readers’ scenarios that capture readers’ imaginations. imaginations.

These indirect leads may run as many as These indirect leads may run as many as six to 10 paragraphs before the reader six to 10 paragraphs before the reader discovers the subject of the story. But discovers the subject of the story. But whether a lead is one paragraph or half a whether a lead is one paragraph or half a dozen, it must be dynamic enough to dozen, it must be dynamic enough to make the reader want to know more. make the reader want to know more.

Direct News LeadsDirect News Leads

Direct news leads are also called Direct news leads are also called 5 Ws and an 5 Ws and an H leadsH leads, because they answer most or all of , because they answer most or all of the main questions readers will ask: Who? the main questions readers will ask: Who? What? Where? When? Why? And How?What? Where? When? Why? And How?

Example:Example: Choir members mixed business and Choir members mixed business and pleasure at a recent national contest in New pleasure at a recent national contest in New Orleans April 14-18 where the choirs reached Orleans April 14-18 where the choirs reached first place all around. (first place all around. (RampageRampage, John Marxhall , John Marxhall High School, San Antonio, Texas)High School, San Antonio, Texas)

Direct News Leads cont.Direct News Leads cont.

Try analyzing this direct news lead Try analyzing this direct news lead according to the 5 Ws and the H:according to the 5 Ws and the H:

Who: choir membersWho: choir members What: mixed business and pleasureWhat: mixed business and pleasure When: April 14 to 18When: April 14 to 18 Where: News OrleansWhere: News Orleans Why: a national contestWhy: a national contest How: by winning first placeHow: by winning first place

Prioritizing Information Prioritizing Information for the Direct News Leadfor the Direct News Lead

The direct news lead puts the most important The direct news lead puts the most important information at the top of the story.information at the top of the story.

Deciding which facts to use to begin the lead is Deciding which facts to use to begin the lead is extremely important.extremely important.

Leads that tell who, what and why are popular Leads that tell who, what and why are popular because readers recognize prominent names, because readers recognize prominent names, and they want to know what is happening and and they want to know what is happening and what it means to them.what it means to them.

When something happened is seldom the most When something happened is seldom the most important or interesting part of a story.important or interesting part of a story.


A good strategy is to use the values that make A good strategy is to use the values that make a story news: timeliness, prominence, a story news: timeliness, prominence, proximity, conflict, impact and human interest.proximity, conflict, impact and human interest.

If a reporter is not sure which of the 5 Ws and If a reporter is not sure which of the 5 Ws and an H will interest readers most, assigning a an H will interest readers most, assigning a number value to each word or phrase may number value to each word or phrase may help. help.

Using a scale of one to 10, with 10 being the Using a scale of one to 10, with 10 being the highest interest and one being the lowest, highest interest and one being the lowest, assign each key word or phrase a number assign each key word or phrase a number value.value.


Creating the direct news lead helps writers Creating the direct news lead helps writers organize their stories by forcing them to identify organize their stories by forcing them to identify the basic elements before they begin to write.the basic elements before they begin to write.

It’s a good idea for beginning reporters to write It’s a good idea for beginning reporters to write down six one-word questions—Who? What? down six one-word questions—Who? What? When? Where? Why? How?—and the key When? Where? Why? How?—and the key words that answer each question before words that answer each question before starting to write a lead. starting to write a lead.

With the answers to these basic questions, the With the answers to these basic questions, the reporter will be able to organize and write a reporter will be able to organize and write a lead that includes all the most important info.lead that includes all the most important info.

Summary LeadsSummary Leads

Direct news leads sometimes begin with Direct news leads sometimes begin with a paragraph that summarizes the story a paragraph that summarizes the story and then add specific details, such as and then add specific details, such as names, ages, dates and locations, in the names, ages, dates and locations, in the second paragraph. These direct news second paragraph. These direct news leads are called leads are called summary leadssummary leads..

Summary Leads cont.Summary Leads cont.

The opening statements of summary leads are The opening statements of summary leads are similar to the previews of movies. Readers get similar to the previews of movies. Readers get an idea of what the story is about, but they an idea of what the story is about, but they can’t really tell how the story will evolve until can’t really tell how the story will evolve until they have more information. Or, like a synopsis they have more information. Or, like a synopsis of a short story, the summary lead outlines the of a short story, the summary lead outlines the plot but leaves out all the descriptive narrative.plot but leaves out all the descriptive narrative.

Summary leads help readers determine Summary leads help readers determine whether or not they want to read the story whether or not they want to read the story based on a brief preview of the content. based on a brief preview of the content.


Either the first or the second paragraph Either the first or the second paragraph or the following story about an accident or the following story about an accident could have been the lead. The first is a could have been the lead. The first is a summary lead:summary lead:

““One teen dies and three other were One teen dies and three other were injured in an accident in Adams County injured in an accident in Adams County over the weekend.”over the weekend.”


The second paragraph gives detailed The second paragraph gives detailed information for readers who are interested in information for readers who are interested in knowing more about the accident and those knowing more about the accident and those involved:involved:

““Travis J. Vapp, 17, died at 12:20 a.m. Sunday Travis J. Vapp, 17, died at 12:20 a.m. Sunday when the car he was driving went off a dead when the car he was driving went off a dead end at the T-intersection of Highway 14 and end at the T-intersection of Highway 14 and the KICS Road. Three passengers, Tom B. the KICS Road. Three passengers, Tom B. Hansen, 17, Amy M. Hayes, 17, and Ryan M. Hansen, 17, Amy M. Hayes, 17, and Ryan M. Conroy, 16, were injured in the crash.”Conroy, 16, were injured in the crash.”


Leads that summarize the story before giving Leads that summarize the story before giving specific information are variations of direct specific information are variations of direct news leads, because they give all the news leads, because they give all the information necessary for the reader to know information necessary for the reader to know what the story is about in the first paragraph.what the story is about in the first paragraph.

The summary lead adds one or more The summary lead adds one or more sentences to the 5 Ws and an H lead. By the sentences to the 5 Ws and an H lead. By the end of the second paragraph, the reader end of the second paragraph, the reader should know the basic facts.should know the basic facts.


School papers use summary leads for School papers use summary leads for news stories because they work well for news stories because they work well for hard news stories that are not published hard news stories that are not published immediately after the event.immediately after the event.


Example:Example: “ “Bodiless heads are not usually the Bodiless heads are not usually the

mainstream definition of beautiful art, but for mainstream definition of beautiful art, but for one TFHS class, they have become both a one TFHS class, they have become both a creative outlet and a teaching tool. creative outlet and a teaching tool.

Art teacher Shelly Christensen’s Studio Art teacher Shelly Christensen’s Studio Art class has recently been learning about Art class has recently been learning about sculpture and the human body through the sculpture and the human body through the molding of heads and torsos.” (molding of heads and torsos.” (Bruin NewsBruin News, , Twin Falls High School, Twin Falls, Idaho)Twin Falls High School, Twin Falls, Idaho)

Indirect Leads Indirect Leads

Indirect leadsIndirect leads are leads that set a scene are leads that set a scene or begin a story before revealing the topic or begin a story before revealing the topic of the article. of the article.

Indirect leads entice readers to read the Indirect leads entice readers to read the article by introducing a person or article by introducing a person or situation that arouses readers’ curiosity situation that arouses readers’ curiosity or invites them to feel some emotion or or invites them to feel some emotion or relationship to the person or subject of relationship to the person or subject of the story.the story.

Indirect Leads cont.Indirect Leads cont.

They are also referred to as They are also referred to as delayed leadsdelayed leads, , feature leadsfeature leads and and storytelling leadsstorytelling leads because because they are usually longer that direct leads and they are usually longer that direct leads and they most often introduce soft news stories. they most often introduce soft news stories.

Indirect leads have been popular for use in Indirect leads have been popular for use in lifestyle and feature stories for a long time. lifestyle and feature stories for a long time. Today they are being used for hard news Today they are being used for hard news stories, too, as the trend in newswriting moves stories, too, as the trend in newswriting moves toward making news more reader friendly.toward making news more reader friendly.


Today’s reader is also today’s television Today’s reader is also today’s television viewer and computer user who is viewer and computer user who is surrounded by visual images. Indirect surrounded by visual images. Indirect leads tell stories and create images that leads tell stories and create images that help the reader visualize the story. help the reader visualize the story.

Some indirect leads appear on news Some indirect leads appear on news stories, and some lead into feature stories, and some lead into feature stories. They may be several paragraphs stories. They may be several paragraphs or just one sentence long.or just one sentence long.


Example:Example: WASHINGTON (AP)—There’s a way to tell WASHINGTON (AP)—There’s a way to tell

people about your missing pet beyond tacking people about your missing pet beyond tacking signs on telephone poles.signs on telephone poles.

The U.S. Agriculture Department’s The U.S. Agriculture Department’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection service has Animal and Plant Health Inspection service has made its new Animal Care site on the World made its new Animal Care site on the World Wide Web available to people who want to Wide Web available to people who want to advertise missing or found cats and dogs.advertise missing or found cats and dogs.


Example:Example: Can it.Can it.

The recycling program at Westside, The recycling program at Westside, headed by instructor Harley Hardison, has headed by instructor Harley Hardison, has been successful this year. (been successful this year. (LanceLance, Westside , Westside High School, Omaha, Nebr.)High School, Omaha, Nebr.)

Most indirect leads are longer than the last Most indirect leads are longer than the last example. Typically, they last from one to six or example. Typically, they last from one to six or seven short paragraphs, but there is no rule.seven short paragraphs, but there is no rule.


The nut graf, the paragraph that tells exactly The nut graf, the paragraph that tells exactly what the story is about, concludes the indirect what the story is about, concludes the indirect lead.lead.

In the “Can it” lead, the second paragraph is In the “Can it” lead, the second paragraph is the nut graf, because it tells the reader that the the nut graf, because it tells the reader that the story is going to be about the success of story is going to be about the success of Westside’s recycling program.Westside’s recycling program.

In a direct news lead, the first paragraph is the In a direct news lead, the first paragraph is the nut graf.nut graf.


In the following seven-paragraph lead, In the following seven-paragraph lead, the reader sees the classroom and feels the reader sees the classroom and feels the lack of interest being displayed by the the lack of interest being displayed by the students. The reader become part of the students. The reader become part of the scene and has empathy for the students, scene and has empathy for the students, because the reader has experienced because the reader has experienced similar circumstances. Suddenly, both similar circumstances. Suddenly, both students and reader are jarred awake by students and reader are jarred awake by the teacher’s words.the teacher’s words.

Your eyes are drooping closed and your Your eyes are drooping closed and your mind is far from the classroom, and you doodle mind is far from the classroom, and you doodle drawings on your paper just trying to keep drawings on your paper just trying to keep awake.awake.

““Today we’re going to learn about birth Today we’re going to learn about birth control, class.”control, class.”

Suddenly, your attention shifts to the Suddenly, your attention shifts to the teacher rather than to the squirrel prancing teacher rather than to the squirrel prancing across the telephone wire in the distance.across the telephone wire in the distance.

““Who can tell me what I mean by Who can tell me what I mean by abstinence?”abstinence?”

A few people giggle and others turn red. A few people giggle and others turn red. What you thought would be another boring day What you thought would be another boring day may turn out to be interesting after all.may turn out to be interesting after all.

Abstinence, particularly in high Abstinence, particularly in high school, is the most effective form of birth school, is the most effective form of birth control. However, abstinence is only as control. However, abstinence is only as effective as the percent of people who use effective as the percent of people who use it.it.

The school, therefore, teaches The school, therefore, teaches contraceptives as part of the health contraceptives as part of the health curriculum to keep the students protected curriculum to keep the students protected if they will not abstain, according to health if they will not abstain, according to health teacher Christy Mata.teacher Christy Mata.

((ShakeriteShakerite, Shaker Heights High School, , Shaker Heights High School, Shaker Heights, Ohio)Shaker Heights, Ohio)


This indirect lead works because it invites This indirect lead works because it invites readers personally into a setting with which readers personally into a setting with which they have some familiarity.they have some familiarity.

The interest level of this lead is also The interest level of this lead is also strengthened by the writer’s use of the pronoun strengthened by the writer’s use of the pronoun you to include each reader individually in the you to include each reader individually in the scene. While the word you is not appropriate in scene. While the word you is not appropriate in a direct news lead, it is occasionally effective in a direct news lead, it is occasionally effective in an indirect lead that invites the reader to an indirect lead that invites the reader to become part of the story.become part of the story.

Types of LeadsTypes of Leads

Types of Leads handout

Organizing the News Organizing the News StoryStory

The organization of a news story is very The organization of a news story is very important. important.

It gives the reader information that It gives the reader information that explains the lead. explains the lead.

It tells the story in a logical sequence.It tells the story in a logical sequence.

Inverted PyramidInverted Pyramid

The sequence in which information is The sequence in which information is presented in most news stories is called presented in most news stories is called the the inverted pyramid..

The inverted pyramid organizes The inverted pyramid organizes information from most important to least information from most important to least important. The majority of news stories important. The majority of news stories are written in inverted pyramid style. are written in inverted pyramid style. Looks like a pyramid turned upside down. Looks like a pyramid turned upside down.

Inverted Pyramid cont.Inverted Pyramid cont.

The direct news lead is the first paragraph in a The direct news lead is the first paragraph in a story.story.

After the lead, the story is logically organized After the lead, the story is logically organized into blocks of detail that explain the lead.into blocks of detail that explain the lead.

The reporter uses news judgment to decide The reporter uses news judgment to decide which information is most important and which which information is most important and which can be left for later in the story.can be left for later in the story.

Inverted Pyramid cont.Inverted Pyramid cont.

News judgment is a “sixth sense,” or intuitive News judgment is a “sixth sense,” or intuitive feeling, that journalists have about what stories feeling, that journalists have about what stories and issues are newsworthy and what their and issues are newsworthy and what their readers will want to know first in a story about readers will want to know first in a story about an event that is important to them.an event that is important to them.

A journalist’s news judgment is developed and A journalist’s news judgment is developed and strengthened through practice, but even strengthened through practice, but even beginners have some sense about what their beginners have some sense about what their readers will want to know first.readers will want to know first.

Testing the Inverted Testing the Inverted PyramidPyramid

Stories can be tested to see if they are Stories can be tested to see if they are organized in inverted pyramid style. Journalists organized in inverted pyramid style. Journalists call this a call this a crop testcrop test..

CropCrop means to cut or to shorten. To use the means to cut or to shorten. To use the crop test, start at the end of the story. Read crop test, start at the end of the story. Read each paragraph and decide whether it contains each paragraph and decide whether it contains information that is absolutely necessary to the information that is absolutely necessary to the understanding of the basic story.understanding of the basic story.

If several paragraphs can be cropped from the If several paragraphs can be cropped from the story without losing important information, it is story without losing important information, it is written in inverted pyramid style.written in inverted pyramid style.

The Storytelling PatternThe Storytelling Pattern

More and more news stories are being More and more news stories are being written in an organizational pattern called written in an organizational pattern called the the storytelling patternstorytelling pattern..

The storytelling pattern invites the reader The storytelling pattern invites the reader in with an indirect lead.in with an indirect lead.

The body of the article gives the facts The body of the article gives the facts and information necessary in any news and information necessary in any news story.story.

The Storytelling Pattern cont.The Storytelling Pattern cont.

The ending is usually a The ending is usually a clincherclincher, a statement , a statement that returns the reader to the scene introduced that returns the reader to the scene introduced in the opening paragraphs, or that reaches a in the opening paragraphs, or that reaches a conclusion necessary for complete conclusion necessary for complete understanding of the event or story.understanding of the event or story.

The end of the story ties back to the lead and The end of the story ties back to the lead and is a necessary part of the story. It cannot be is a necessary part of the story. It cannot be cropped without diminishing the meaning of the cropped without diminishing the meaning of the story.story.

The Storytelling Pattern cont.The Storytelling Pattern cont.

Instead of giving facts in the inverted Instead of giving facts in the inverted pyramid style, from most important to pyramid style, from most important to least important, the storytelling least important, the storytelling organization tells the story in a circular organization tells the story in a circular fashion. The end of the story refers back fashion. The end of the story refers back to the beginning, completing the circle of to the beginning, completing the circle of facts that make up the story.facts that make up the story.

Choosing an Organizational Choosing an Organizational PatternPattern

All leads and stories can be organized in All leads and stories can be organized in more than one way. No one more than one way. No one organizational pattern is right for every organizational pattern is right for every story. story.

Sometimes a blend—putting a Sometimes a blend—putting a storytelling lead on an inverted pyramid storytelling lead on an inverted pyramid story—works better than either inverted story—works better than either inverted pyramid or storytelling organization.pyramid or storytelling organization.

Choosing an Organizational Choosing an Organizational Pattern cont.Pattern cont.

The reporter determines the organization in the The reporter determines the organization in the planning stages of the story.planning stages of the story.

Hard news stories—such as those about Hard news stories—such as those about accidents, fires and meetings—are most often accidents, fires and meetings—are most often written with direct leads and inverted pyramid written with direct leads and inverted pyramid organization.organization.

Features and timeless stories most often lend Features and timeless stories most often lend themselves to indirect leads and storytelling themselves to indirect leads and storytelling organization. Human interest news stories may organization. Human interest news stories may fall into either category.fall into either category.

ActivityActivity

Find three examples of stories written in Find three examples of stories written in inverted pyramid form. Print out each inverted pyramid form. Print out each story and write an explanation of why you story and write an explanation of why you think each story is in inverted pyramid think each story is in inverted pyramid form. form.

Find three examples of stories written in Find three examples of stories written in storytelling form. Print out each story and storytelling form. Print out each story and write an explanation of why you think write an explanation of why you think each story is in storytelling form.each story is in storytelling form.

Writing the News StoryWriting the News Story

Once you have decided what kind of lead Once you have decided what kind of lead your story calls for, what will go in your your story calls for, what will go in your lead, and what organizational pattern you lead, and what organizational pattern you will use to write your story, the easy part will use to write your story, the easy part is done. Now begins the challenging part is done. Now begins the challenging part of writing the story—the writing itself.of writing the story—the writing itself.

AccuracyAccuracy

What a reporter writes must be accurate. What a reporter writes must be accurate. The facts must be checked and double-The facts must be checked and double-checked. The spelling of the names and checked. The spelling of the names and the identification of the people must be the identification of the people must be checked and rechecked.checked and rechecked.

Accuracy cont.Accuracy cont.

Checking facts with more than one Checking facts with more than one source is a good habit to develop. Verify source is a good habit to develop. Verify information with at least three sources to information with at least three sources to be certain it is accurate. If three sources be certain it is accurate. If three sources do not agree, the information needs to be do not agree, the information needs to be checked until the reporter is certain that it checked until the reporter is certain that it is correct. Any information that cannot be is correct. Any information that cannot be verified should not be used.verified should not be used.

ObjectivityObjectivity

Reporters report facts. They must be careful to Reporters report facts. They must be careful to maintain objectivity—that is, to report only maintain objectivity—that is, to report only facts, not their own opinions. The reporter’s job facts, not their own opinions. The reporter’s job is to look at news from a distance and from all is to look at news from a distance and from all sides.sides.

In a news story, whether it is hard or soft news, In a news story, whether it is hard or soft news, the reporter must present only the facts about the reporter must present only the facts about an issue or event and let readers draw their an issue or event and let readers draw their own conclusions. The reporter’s personal own conclusions. The reporter’s personal views and values should not be part of a story.views and values should not be part of a story.

Objectivity cont.Objectivity cont.

Adjectives and adverbs describe things and Adjectives and adverbs describe things and events, but some of them imply opinion. Be events, but some of them imply opinion. Be careful of words such as careful of words such as definitely, largely, definitely, largely, quickly, eagerly, unfortunately, especially, quickly, eagerly, unfortunately, especially, really, wonderful, just, tragic, greatly, finallyreally, wonderful, just, tragic, greatly, finally and and onlyonly..

Words like these imply emotion or judgment Words like these imply emotion or judgment that must be proven by the facts. The that must be proven by the facts. The judgmental or vague word could be omitted judgmental or vague word could be omitted without changing the meaning of the story. without changing the meaning of the story. Stronger, more factual statements would result. Stronger, more factual statements would result.


Reporters who write news for publications that Reporters who write news for publications that appear less often than daily write most of their appear less often than daily write most of their news stories in news feature style.news stories in news feature style.

Descriptive words appear more often in Descriptive words appear more often in features and in news stories with indirect leads features and in news stories with indirect leads than in timely news stories. Reporters can use than in timely news stories. Reporters can use descriptive words and still be objective if the descriptive words and still be objective if the descriptive words add detail rather than opinion descriptive words add detail rather than opinion to the picture being created for readers. to the picture being created for readers.


To be more objective than they might be if they To be more objective than they might be if they described a person or a scene themselves, described a person or a scene themselves, reporters can quote someone describing the reporters can quote someone describing the person or scene.person or scene.

Reporters sometimes feel so strongly about an Reporters sometimes feel so strongly about an issue that they are tempted to put their issue that they are tempted to put their opinions into their stories.opinions into their stories.

Reporters may quote sources who respond Reporters may quote sources who respond emotionally to facts in the story, but reporters emotionally to facts in the story, but reporters must not reveal their personal feelings in must not reveal their personal feelings in writing news.writing news.

ObjectivityObjectivity

Avoid Reporter Opinion handout Fact vs. Opinion handout Remaining Objective handout

Point of ViewPoint of View

Reporters also demonstrate objectivity through Reporters also demonstrate objectivity through point of view. News should be written from a point of view. News should be written from a third person point of viewthird person point of view with no first or with no first or second pronouns such as I, we or you.second pronouns such as I, we or you.

A story written with third person point of view is A story written with third person point of view is written as though the writer were standing written as though the writer were standing back, watching people in action and writing a back, watching people in action and writing a description of their activities.description of their activities.

Point of View cont.Point of View cont.

The second person pronoun The second person pronoun youyou can be a can be a problem for news writers. problem for news writers. YouYou gives a gives a command. It tells the reader how to think and command. It tells the reader how to think and what to do.what to do.

Although it is implied in editorials and reviews, Although it is implied in editorials and reviews, youyou should not be used in straight news should not be used in straight news stories. Even when giving information for stories. Even when giving information for individuals to use, such as phone numbers to individuals to use, such as phone numbers to call for information, a reporter should avoid the call for information, a reporter should avoid the word word youyou..

Point of View cont.Point of View cont.

The word you is occasionally used in an indirect lead to The word you is occasionally used in an indirect lead to entice the reader to become personally involved in the entice the reader to become personally involved in the story, especially if it is a feature story.story, especially if it is a feature story.

After the lead, the story should change to third person.After the lead, the story should change to third person. ““You” is also acceptable in a direct quotation in a story, You” is also acceptable in a direct quotation in a story,

because it is being said by someone other than the because it is being said by someone other than the reporter.reporter.

Quotations are used in news stories to give readers Quotations are used in news stories to give readers information from sources. Quotes are also used to information from sources. Quotes are also used to interpret information introduced by the reporters in interpret information introduced by the reporters in news stories.news stories.

ReadabilityReadability

Newspaper readers don’t want to work Newspaper readers don’t want to work hard at reading and understanding when hard at reading and understanding when they read the paper.they read the paper.

Reporters write in ways that make news Reporters write in ways that make news easy to read. Short sentences and short easy to read. Short sentences and short paragraphs make news appear inviting paragraphs make news appear inviting and easy to read.and easy to read.

Readability cont.Readability cont.

Standard reading material appropriate for Standard reading material appropriate for a newspaper audience averages 17 a newspaper audience averages 17 words per sentence. Some sentences will words per sentence. Some sentences will be longer; some will be shorter. Variety in be longer; some will be shorter. Variety in sentence length makes reading sentence length makes reading interesting.interesting.

Readability cont.Readability cont.

Sentence structure also affects readability. The Sentence structure also affects readability. The subject-verb-object order is preferred for quick, subject-verb-object order is preferred for quick, easy reading. Even a sentence in S-V-O order easy reading. Even a sentence in S-V-O order can be difficult to read and comprehend if too can be difficult to read and comprehend if too much information is included.much information is included.

When a sentence begins with a phrase or When a sentence begins with a phrase or clause, it becomes more difficult to read.clause, it becomes more difficult to read.

Not every sentence should be a simple S-V-O Not every sentence should be a simple S-V-O sentence. However, if the majority of sentence. However, if the majority of sentences in a story follow this pattern the sentences in a story follow this pattern the story will be easier to read.story will be easier to read.

TransitionsTransitions

TransitionsTransitions are the threads and glue that hold are the threads and glue that hold a story together. Transitions are key words, a story together. Transitions are key words, phrases and even entire paragraphs that link phrases and even entire paragraphs that link the sentences and paragraphs together while the sentences and paragraphs together while letting the reader know when a story moved letting the reader know when a story moved from one idea, place or time to another.from one idea, place or time to another.

Transitions also may help the reader Transitions also may help the reader remember who is speaking. Sometimes they remember who is speaking. Sometimes they set up contrasts or comparisons.set up contrasts or comparisons.

Transitions cont.Transitions cont.

Common types of transitions are key Common types of transitions are key words, ideas, or themes; pronouns; words, ideas, or themes; pronouns; transitional terms; paragraphs; and transitional terms; paragraphs; and quotations.quotations.

However, more than one type of However, more than one type of transition is usually present in every transition is usually present in every story.story.

Key words, ideas or Key words, ideas or themesthemes

Most stories have one or two key ideas, Most stories have one or two key ideas, and they are identified in the lead. The and they are identified in the lead. The same words, ideas or themes appear same words, ideas or themes appear throughout the story to remind the reader throughout the story to remind the reader that the story is still about the same that the story is still about the same subject.subject.

PronounsPronouns

Using a pronoun to refer to a person Using a pronoun to refer to a person named in an earlier sentence or named in an earlier sentence or paragraph simplifies the writing.paragraph simplifies the writing.

If a story has more than one subject or If a story has more than one subject or source, pronouns must have clear source, pronouns must have clear antecedents to avoid confusion.antecedents to avoid confusion.

Transitional termsTransitional terms

All kinds of words serve as connectors. To All kinds of words serve as connectors. To understand how transitional terms work, understand how transitional terms work, picture an outline:picture an outline:

I.I. TransitionsTransitionsA. Glue that holds story togetherA. Glue that holds story togetherB. Help reader understand the storyB. Help reader understand the story

II.II. Types of transitionsTypes of transitionsA. Key wordsA. Key words

1. Definition1. Definition 2. Example2. ExampleB. PronounsB. PronounsC. Transitional termsC. Transitional termsD. Quotations and paragraphsD. Quotations and paragraphs

Transitional terms cont. Transitional terms cont.

Each entry in the outline is preceded by a Each entry in the outline is preceded by a roman numeral, a letter or number. Each time a roman numeral, a letter or number. Each time a new topic is introduced or a fact that explains new topic is introduced or a fact that explains the topic is added, a new letter or number is the topic is added, a new letter or number is added to the outline. The letter or number added to the outline. The letter or number before the new information is a transition.before the new information is a transition.

It indicates that another thought is being It indicates that another thought is being added, a different topic is being introduced or a added, a different topic is being introduced or a new time period is being entered. Transitional new time period is being entered. Transitional terms in news stories serve the same function.terms in news stories serve the same function.

Common types of Common types of transitional terms:transitional terms:

Conjunctions: and, but, or.Conjunctions: and, but, or. Conjunctions usually Conjunctions usually connect ideas that go together, such as two halves of a connect ideas that go together, such as two halves of a compound sentence, or they set up contrasts that tell compound sentence, or they set up contrasts that tell the reader that there is another side to the story.the reader that there is another side to the story.

Additives: also, in addition, again, further, moreover, Additives: also, in addition, again, further, moreover, finally, in conclusion, next, so, thus.finally, in conclusion, next, so, thus. Additives help the Additives help the writer move on to the next piece of information.writer move on to the next piece of information.

Contrasts and comparisons: but, however, on the other Contrasts and comparisons: but, however, on the other hand, yet, instead, likewise, similarly.hand, yet, instead, likewise, similarly. Words like these Words like these tell readers that there is another side to the story or tell readers that there is another side to the story or issue and that now the reporter is going to tell them issue and that now the reporter is going to tell them about that other side.about that other side.

Common types of Common types of transitional terms cont.:transitional terms cont.:

Place indicators: near, here, there, adjacent to, across, Place indicators: near, here, there, adjacent to, across, by, alongside, opposite.by, alongside, opposite. Any word that tells the reader Any word that tells the reader that the scene is changing or adds information that that the scene is changing or adds information that enlarges or adds detail to the picture in the reader’s enlarges or adds detail to the picture in the reader’s mind may be a transition. These words say, “We’ve mind may be a transition. These words say, “We’ve been here; now we are moving over there.”been here; now we are moving over there.”

Time indicators: later, that evening, after, meanwhile, Time indicators: later, that evening, after, meanwhile, soon, next, finally.soon, next, finally. A word or phrase that moves a story A word or phrase that moves a story forward or backward in time helps the reader keep forward or backward in time helps the reader keep track of the sequence of events. Time indicator track of the sequence of events. Time indicator transitions help the reader organize the information transitions help the reader organize the information chronologically.chronologically.

Paragraphs and Paragraphs and quotationsquotations

A paragraph or a quotation can be the A paragraph or a quotation can be the transition that moves a story from one transition that moves a story from one idea to another.idea to another.

Editing the News StoryEditing the News Story

Every reporter is an editor. Writers and editors Every reporter is an editor. Writers and editors continuously check stories for accuracy, continuously check stories for accuracy, organization and writing style. This checking organization and writing style. This checking process is called editing.process is called editing.

Editing is a continual process. It begins as Editing is a continual process. It begins as soon as the reporter receives an assignment soon as the reporter receives an assignment and ends when the story appears in print.and ends when the story appears in print.

Each decision the reporter makes about which Each decision the reporter makes about which sources to consult, which facts to include and sources to consult, which facts to include and which quotes to use is part of the editing which quotes to use is part of the editing process.process.

Editing the News Story Editing the News Story cont.cont.

Each time the reporter chooses one Each time the reporter chooses one organizational pattern or lead instead of organizational pattern or lead instead of another for a story, that reporter is editing.another for a story, that reporter is editing.

Stories should also be carefully reread and Stories should also be carefully reread and edited for accuracy, objectivity and readability. edited for accuracy, objectivity and readability.

After stories are placed on the page, they After stories are placed on the page, they should be checked to be sure that vital should be checked to be sure that vital information has not been deleted or errors information has not been deleted or errors introduced into the story during the placement introduced into the story during the placement process.process.


Editing is a team effort. Everyone who Editing is a team effort. Everyone who writes, reads or places a story as it writes, reads or places a story as it moves through the newsroom is moves through the newsroom is responsible for editing it. responsible for editing it.

The team’s goal is to make every story The team’s goal is to make every story as accurate and well-written as possible. as accurate and well-written as possible. Each member of the team should check Each member of the team should check the facts in the story to make sure their the facts in the story to make sure their accurate.accurate.


Each person should question every fact or Each person should question every fact or word that doesn’t seem right, every word or word that doesn’t seem right, every word or name that might be misspelled, and all the name that might be misspelled, and all the writing that may not conform to the writing that may not conform to the publication’s style or to the standard rules of publication’s style or to the standard rules of grammar.grammar.

Getting this feedback from other helps the Getting this feedback from other helps the reporter identify and correct errors in the reporter identify and correct errors in the writing or gaps in information before the story writing or gaps in information before the story goes out to the readers.goes out to the readers.

SourceSource

Schaffer, James, Randall McCutcheon Schaffer, James, Randall McCutcheon and Kathryn T. Stofer. Journalism and Kathryn T. Stofer. Journalism Matters. Lincolnwood: Contemporary, Matters. Lincolnwood: Contemporary, 2001.2001.

writing a news story. learning objectives identify the types of news leads and their elements...

Documents

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lead soft news

hard news stories stories

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h leads