📝Intro to News Reporting Unit 3 – News Writing Fundamentals

Key Concepts and Terminology

• Inverted pyramid structure presents the most important information first, followed by supporting details and background information
• Byline identifies the author of the article, establishing accountability and credibility
• Dateline specifies the location where the story originated or where the reporter gathered information
• Lead (or lede) refers to the opening paragraph of a news article, designed to capture the reader's attention and summarize the main points
• Nut graph, usually the second or third paragraph, provides context and explains the significance of the story
• Attribution identifies the source of information, such as quotes or facts, to maintain transparency and credibility
  • Direct attribution directly quotes the source (e.g., "The mayor said, 'The new policy will take effect immediately.'")
  • Indirect attribution paraphrases or summarizes the source's information (e.g., The mayor announced that the new policy would take effect immediately.)
• Objectivity requires journalists to present information impartially, without bias or personal opinion

News Values and Story Selection

• Timeliness refers to the immediacy and relevance of the story, prioritizing current events and breaking news
• Impact considers the significance and consequences of the story on the audience, community, or society as a whole
• Proximity emphasizes local news and events that directly affect the target audience
• Prominence focuses on well-known individuals, organizations, or institutions involved in the story
• Novelty and uniqueness highlight unusual, surprising, or rare events that capture the audience's attention
• Conflict and controversy involve stories with opposing sides, disputes, or debates that generate interest
• Human interest stories evoke emotional responses by focusing on personal experiences, challenges, or achievements
  • These stories often aim to inspire, empathize, or provoke thought

Structure of a News Article

• Headline concisely summarizes the main point of the story and attracts the reader's attention
• Byline and dateline provide information about the author and the story's origin
• Lead paragraph answers the essential questions of who, what, when, where, why, and how
• Nut graph provides context, background information, and explains the story's significance
• Body paragraphs expand on the main points, provide supporting details, and include quotes from sources
  • Paragraphs are usually short (1-3 sentences) to maintain readability and clarity
• Conclusion may summarize the main points, provide updates, or indicate future developments

Writing Effective Leads

• Summary leads concisely answer the 5W's and 1H questions (who, what, when, where, why, and how)
• Anecdotal leads begin with a brief story or example that illustrates the main point of the article
• Descriptive leads paint a vivid picture of a scene or event, engaging the reader's senses
• Question leads pose a thought-provoking question that encourages the reader to continue reading
• Quote leads start with a compelling or provocative statement from a source
• Leads should be concise (usually 25-35 words), attention-grabbing, and set the tone for the rest of the article
  • Avoid using complex language, jargon, or clichés in the lead

Developing the Story Body

• Follow the inverted pyramid structure, presenting information in order of decreasing importance
• Use short paragraphs (1-3 sentences) to maintain readability and allow for easy skimming
• Provide supporting details, facts, and examples to reinforce the main points
• Include quotes from sources to add credibility, human interest, and varying perspectives
  • Ensure quotes are accurate, relevant, and properly attributed
• Use transitions to maintain a logical flow between paragraphs and ideas
• Avoid editorializing or injecting personal opinions into the story
• Conclude with a strong ending that summarizes the main points or provides a sense of closure

Sourcing and Attribution

• Identify and cultivate reliable sources, such as experts, officials, witnesses, or documents
• Verify information from multiple sources to ensure accuracy and credibility
• Attribute information to sources clearly and consistently throughout the article
  • Use direct quotes when the source's exact words are important or compelling
  • Use indirect quotes or paraphrasing when summarizing information or ideas
• Protect confidential sources when necessary, but aim for transparency whenever possible
• Avoid overreliance on anonymous sources, as it can undermine the article's credibility
• Seek diverse sources to provide a balanced and comprehensive perspective on the story

Editing and Fact-Checking

• Review the article for accuracy, clarity, and coherence
• Verify facts, names, dates, and figures using reliable sources
• Check for grammatical errors, typos, and style consistency
• Ensure quotes are accurate and properly attributed
• Confirm that the article adheres to ethical standards and journalistic best practices
• Consider the article's length and trim unnecessary or repetitive information
• Revise the headline, lead, and nut graph to ensure they accurately reflect the story's content
• Collaborate with editors and colleagues to improve the quality and impact of the article

Ethical Considerations in News Writing

• Maintain accuracy and truthfulness in reporting, avoiding misleading or false information
• Strive for objectivity and impartiality, presenting multiple perspectives and minimizing bias
• Respect privacy and minimize harm to individuals involved in the story
• Avoid conflicts of interest that may compromise the integrity of the reporting
• Properly attribute information and quotes to their sources
• Be accountable and transparent about any errors or mistakes, issuing corrections when necessary
• Adhere to professional codes of ethics, such as those established by the Society of Professional Journalists (SPJ)
• Consider the potential consequences and impact of the story on individuals, communities, and society