7.4 Writing and presenting in-depth news stories
6 min read•july 30, 2024
uncovers hidden truths, exposing wrongdoing and . It's a powerful tool for holding the powerful accountable and driving . But crafting these complex stories requires skill and strategy.
Writing an in-depth news story is like piecing together a puzzle. You need a , clear structure, and to engage readers. The goal? To present complex information in a way that's accessible and impactful for your audience.
Compelling narratives for investigations
Uncovering information and revealing wrongdoing
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- Investigative journalism uncovers information of and significance that someone is trying to keep secret
- Stories should have a clear thesis that reveals wrongdoing, abuse of power, or systemic issues (corruption, environmental hazards, human rights violations)
- The writing should aim to explain complex issues in clear, accessible language appropriate for a general audience
- Technical terms and jargon should be defined (fiduciary duty, redlining, dark money)
Structuring narratives to build evidence
- Narratives should be structured to gradually build evidence that supports the central findings
- Key facts, data points and human stories should be woven together to create a compelling case
- Analogies, metaphors and real-world examples can help illustrate abstract concepts and systems in a relatable way (comparing shell companies to Russian nesting dolls)
- Potential impacts and ramifications of the findings for individuals and society should be clearly spelled out to underscore the "so what" and build a sense of importance and urgency
- Whenever possible, the story should amplify the voices of those directly impacted to humanize the issues
- Vivid quotes, anecdotes and scenes help bring the narrative to life (a struggling family describing their experience with predatory lending)
Setting the appropriate tone
- The tone should be authoritative and credible, yet engaging
- The writing should exude without reading like a dry government report
- A sense of righteous indignation on behalf of the wronged can be effective, but avoid overt editorializing
- Let the facts speak for themselves - the most damning details often come directly from primary documents (emails, memos, financial records)
Structure for in-depth news stories
Crafting compelling beginnings
- The inverted pyramid structure used for breaking news is less effective for long-form investigative pieces
- In-depth stories often use and techniques from fiction writing to engage the audience
- The lead should be a compelling "hook" that draws readers in and sets up the central or mystery to be unraveled
- It could be an affecting scene, startling statistic, or powerful quote (One in five children in the county go to bed hungry, according to a new report.)
- Nut grafs high up summarize the main findings and outline the stakes to quickly establish relevance and importance
- They serve as a roadmap for the narrative ahead (An investigation by the Tribune uncovered a pattern of corruption in the mayor's office involving no-bid contracts to campaign donors.)
Building the story arc
- The should have a clear beginning, middle and end
- It should build toward key revelations and end with a satisfying resolution or thought-provoking questions
- Subheadings, section breaks and other visual elements create a scannable structure
- They allow readers to mentally organize the different story threads (The Flint water crisis: A timeline of events)
- Complicated backstories and technical details should be broken out into sidebars to avoid derailing narrative momentum
- Links can direct readers to primary documents and previous coverage for more context
Delivering a strong ending
- The ending should reveal the full scope of the findings and grapple with the implications
- It's an opportunity for the reporter to step back and offer analysis and reflections without editorializing
- A powerful image, anecdote or quote can leave a lasting impression and underscore the story's significance
- The ending can point to potential solutions, further questions to be answered, or challenges that remain
- It can inspire readers to take action or follow the story as it continues to unfold (The investigation is ongoing and more findings will be published in the coming months.)
Multimedia for impact in investigations
Presenting data effectively
- like charts, graphs and maps can powerfully communicate key statistics
- They help readers comprehend the scale and patterns of the issues (a heat map showing clusters of housing code violations)
- allows users to explore the data and discover insights (a database of campaign contributions filterable by donor, recipient, amount)
- When using data, be sure to clearly cite sources, explain methodologies, and acknowledge limitations
Capturing human stories
- Photos add emotion, intimacy and visual interest to investigative stories
- They can show the people and places impacted and help readers connect to the story on a human level (portraits of workers in a dangerous factory)
- of sources add authenticity and allow audiences to hear directly from those involved in the story
- Podcasts and audio stories can attract new audiences and allow for a more conversational tone
- Videos are highly effective for showing "caught on camera" moments, undercover interactions, and interviews with key sources
- They can compress a lot of information into a short, shareable clip (footage of an illegal dumping site, a confrontational interview with an executive)
Explaining the abstract and technical
- can break down complex processes and systems into an easy-to-follow visual explainer
- It's useful for abstract and technical topics that are hard to depict with live footage (how a proposed algorithm would determine health insurance rates)
- allow for deeper storytelling and
- They can build on the journalism to create a powerful emotional experience
- Reaching audiences via film festivals and streaming services expands the story's impact and lifespan
Platforms for public impact
Publishing across owned channels
- The outlet's website and print editions are typical first points of publication
- The full story and multimedia elements should be showcased with a compelling digital presentation that encourages exploration
- Social media posts are key for generating buzz and highlighting shareable elements like infographics and video clips
- Reporters should engage directly with readers to build interest and answer questions
- Newsletters and mobile apps deliver the story directly to subscribers and can build loyalty
Amplifying the story through partnerships
- Partnerships with other media outlets expand reach and allow for collaborative, cross-platform storytelling
- Print and radio outlets often team up to produce complementary stories (a newspaper's investigation is summarized on public radio)
- Collaborating with academics or nonprofits can provide additional expertise and resources
- Their networks can help promote the findings to relevant audiences (an environmental group shares a story on pollution with its email list)
Engaging the public directly
- Live events like community forums allow reporters to present findings directly to the public, solicit feedback, and foster civic dialogues
- Investigative stories can prompt calls to action (a panel discussion on solutions to homelessness following a series on the issue)
- Television and cable news segments distill print stories into interviews and video packages that reach new audiences
- Morning shows and primetime newsmagazines offer significant exposure (an investigative reporter appears on 60 Minutes to discuss their scoop)
Preserving the story's impact
- Submitting investigative reports for journalism prizes generates prestige and draws further attention to the story and issues
- Winning a prominent award (Pulitzer Prize) can drive a new cycle of coverage and impact
- Reformatting the story into a book or documentary allows the reporter to reach different audiences, go deeper into the story, and frame their findings for history
- A book (All the President's Men) can become a definitive account that's read for generations
Key Terms to Review (32)
Accuracy: Accuracy refers to the degree to which information is correct, precise, and free from error. In journalism, maintaining accuracy is crucial because it builds trust with the audience, supports the credibility of the news organization, and ensures that the public is well-informed. Accuracy impacts various aspects of reporting, from gathering information and verifying sources to presenting facts clearly and effectively.
Animation: Animation is the process of creating the illusion of motion through a series of images or frames that depict gradual changes. It is used in various media, including film, television, and digital platforms, to engage viewers by bringing stories and characters to life in a dynamic way.
Attribution: Attribution in journalism refers to the practice of crediting sources for information, quotes, or ideas used in a news story. It's essential for establishing credibility, transparency, and accountability, as it allows readers to trace where the information comes from and understand the context behind it.
Audio clips: Audio clips are short segments of recorded sound or spoken content used in media production to enhance storytelling and engage audiences. These clips can include interviews, sound effects, music, or snippets from speeches, adding depth and dimension to news stories. When effectively integrated into in-depth news reporting, audio clips can provide emotional resonance and a more immersive experience for listeners.
Call to action: A call to action is a prompt that encourages the audience to take a specific action, whether it's engaging with content, sharing information, or participating in a cause. It's often used in journalism and media to motivate viewers or listeners to respond to an issue or to seek more information. The effectiveness of a call to action can significantly influence audience engagement and the impact of the message being conveyed.
Capturing human stories: Capturing human stories involves telling narratives that reflect the experiences, emotions, and challenges faced by individuals or communities. This practice is crucial in journalism as it helps provide depth and context to news events, transforming them from mere facts into relatable stories that resonate with audiences. By focusing on the human element, journalists can foster empathy and understanding, making complex issues more accessible to the public.
Character development: Character development refers to the process of creating and evolving a character in a narrative, giving them depth, personality, and a journey that resonates with the audience. This process helps to make characters relatable and memorable, as they often face conflicts, growth, and change throughout the story. Strong character development is essential for engaging storytelling and helps readers connect emotionally with the characters.
Compelling hook: A compelling hook is an engaging and intriguing opening statement or question that captures the audience's attention and encourages them to read further. This element is crucial in writing, particularly in in-depth news stories, as it sets the tone and piques interest, making readers want to learn more about the topic being discussed.
Conflict: Conflict refers to a struggle or clash between opposing forces, ideas, or individuals. It is a central element in storytelling, driving the narrative forward and engaging the audience by creating tension and emotional investment. Understanding conflict is essential for crafting in-depth news stories and compelling feature pieces, as it highlights the complexities of human experiences and societal issues.
Data visualizations: Data visualizations are graphical representations of information or data, designed to make complex data easier to understand and analyze. By using charts, graphs, maps, and other visual tools, data visualizations help present information in a way that allows audiences to quickly grasp patterns, trends, and insights. They enhance storytelling by providing a clear and engaging way to convey statistics and other quantitative information.
Descriptive writing: Descriptive writing is a style of writing that focuses on detailing the characteristics of a person, place, event, or object to create vivid imagery in the reader's mind. This technique enhances storytelling by immersing the audience in the narrative, allowing them to visualize and emotionally connect with the content. It is particularly crucial in in-depth news stories, where providing rich details can help convey the significance of an event or issue.
Documentaries: Documentaries are non-fiction films or television programs that provide a factual report on a particular subject, often involving in-depth research, interviews, and a narrative structure to present information. They are important for storytelling in journalism as they allow for the exploration of complex issues, drawing from both primary and secondary sources to create a comprehensive view of the topic at hand.
Expository Writing: Expository writing is a form of writing that aims to inform, explain, or describe a topic in a clear and straightforward manner. It focuses on delivering factual information and analysis without personal opinions, allowing readers to understand complex subjects through logical organization and evidence-based arguments. This style is essential in journalism, particularly when crafting in-depth news stories that require thorough investigation and presentation of facts.
Fact-checking: Fact-checking is the process of verifying information to ensure accuracy and credibility before it is published or broadcasted. This critical practice helps maintain journalistic integrity and builds trust with audiences by holding media outlets accountable for the information they present.
Interactive content: Interactive content refers to digital media that requires active engagement from users, allowing them to participate and influence their experience. This type of content is designed to enhance user interaction through features like quizzes, polls, videos, and infographics, making the experience more immersive and personalized. By encouraging participation, interactive content can lead to a deeper understanding of the material and foster a stronger connection between the audience and the information presented.
Interactivity: Interactivity refers to the dynamic relationship between users and digital content, allowing for two-way communication and engagement. This concept is essential in modern storytelling as it enables audiences to actively participate, respond, and shape their experience rather than being passive consumers of information. Interactivity can enhance the depth and richness of news stories, making them more compelling and relevant to the audience's interests.
Investigative Journalism: Investigative journalism is a form of reporting that seeks to uncover and expose hidden information, wrongdoing, or corruption through in-depth research, interviews, and analysis. It plays a crucial role in holding power accountable and informing the public about important issues, often involving difficult interviewees and sensitive topics, requiring a blend of persistence and ethical considerations.
Lead paragraph: A lead paragraph is the opening section of a news article that serves to grab the reader's attention and provide the essential information about the story. It usually answers the who, what, when, where, why, and how, setting the stage for the rest of the piece. A well-crafted lead paragraph is crucial for in-depth news stories as it lays the foundation for understanding the context and significance of the events being reported.
Multimedia elements: Multimedia elements refer to the various forms of content that combine different types of media, such as text, images, audio, and video, to create a richer storytelling experience. In-depth news stories utilize these elements to engage audiences more effectively and convey complex information in an accessible way. By incorporating multimedia, journalists can enhance narratives, illustrate key points, and provide a more immersive experience for readers and viewers.
Multimedia integration: Multimedia integration refers to the seamless combination of various forms of media, such as text, images, audio, and video, to enhance storytelling in journalism. This approach enriches the narrative by providing multiple layers of information and engagement, making the content more accessible and appealing to a diverse audience. By utilizing multimedia elements, journalists can present complex stories in a more dynamic way, ultimately improving the overall user experience and deepening the audience's understanding.
Narrative arcs: Narrative arcs are the structured framework of a story that outlines the progression of events, characters, and themes from beginning to end. They typically include a setup, conflict, climax, and resolution, which work together to create a compelling and cohesive narrative. This structure is crucial for engaging the audience and ensuring that the story unfolds in a way that is both logical and emotionally impactful.
Narrative structure: Narrative structure refers to the organized framework that shapes the storytelling process, including the sequence of events, how the story unfolds, and the way information is presented to the audience. It plays a critical role in guiding the reader’s understanding and emotional engagement, helping to create a compelling narrative that captures attention and conveys the intended message. A well-crafted narrative structure can enhance clarity and impact, making complex stories more digestible and relatable.
Nut graf: A nut graf is a critical paragraph in a news story that succinctly summarizes the main point or theme, often appearing after the lead. It helps readers understand the story's significance and provides context, acting as a bridge between the hook and the details that follow. This concept is essential for maintaining clarity and focus in various forms of news writing.
Objectivity: Objectivity in journalism refers to the practice of reporting news and information in an unbiased and impartial manner, ensuring that personal opinions or emotions do not influence the presentation of facts. This principle is crucial for maintaining credibility and trust among audiences, as it helps to ensure that news is presented fairly and accurately.
Public interest: Public interest refers to the welfare or well-being of the general public and is a guiding principle in journalism and media ethics. It emphasizes the responsibility of journalists to provide information that serves the community's needs, fostering transparency and accountability, especially in matters that may affect people's lives. This concept is crucial when dealing with sensitive topics, ensuring that reporting not only informs but also protects and uplifts society.
Rigorous reporting: Rigorous reporting refers to the thorough and meticulous approach that journalists take when researching and presenting news stories. It emphasizes accuracy, verification of facts, and comprehensive coverage to ensure that the information provided is reliable and informative. This level of reporting fosters public trust and enhances the quality of journalism by prioritizing in-depth investigation over superficial coverage.
Social change: Social change refers to significant alterations over time in behavior patterns, cultural values, and norms within a society. These changes can result from various factors including technology, economy, and social movements, ultimately impacting how communities function and individuals relate to one another.
Story arc: A story arc is the structured progression of a narrative that outlines the development of a story from its beginning to its end, capturing the key events and emotional journey of characters. This concept is crucial in both crafting in-depth news stories and utilizing narrative structures, as it provides a framework that keeps audiences engaged and helps convey complex information effectively. By understanding the elements of a story arc, writers can better shape their narratives to deliver impactful messages and insights.
Strong ending: A strong ending is a compelling conclusion to a news story that leaves a lasting impression on the audience, effectively summarizing the key points while emphasizing their significance. It often includes a call to action, a poignant quote, or a thought-provoking insight that resonates with readers, making them reflect on the story's implications. A strong ending ties together the narrative and provides closure, ensuring that the story remains memorable.
Systemic issues: Systemic issues are deep-rooted problems within a system that affect the overall functioning and well-being of that system. They often stem from interconnected factors such as social, economic, and political structures, creating a cycle of challenges that are difficult to break. In writing and presenting in-depth news stories, understanding systemic issues allows journalists to provide comprehensive analysis and context, revealing the broader implications behind specific events or situations.
Video storytelling: Video storytelling is the art of using moving images, sound, and narrative techniques to convey a story or message effectively. It combines visual and auditory elements to engage viewers, enhance understanding, and evoke emotions, making it a powerful tool in journalism. This approach is essential for creating in-depth news stories that resonate with audiences, allowing for a more immersive experience than traditional text-based reporting.
Visual storytelling: Visual storytelling is the art of conveying a narrative through visual media, integrating images, videos, and graphics to enhance the understanding and engagement of a story. This technique allows journalists to present complex information in a more digestible and impactful manner, often complementing traditional text-based reporting. It transforms how audiences consume news by appealing to their visual senses and creating an emotional connection with the content.