Writing the News Article

In the last assignment, we looked at the basics for writing a news article, and then you selected two news article so you could analyze the writing structure. Today you will write your own news article to get a sense of how it is done. If you need to review the basics, click here.

Most of the time finding a news idea to write about is not hard, but for this assignment you will be creating your own news. You will be provided with a few photos, and you have to determine what is happening in one of the photos and then report the news in a written article. You will also create a headline for your article.

Starting with the Basics

Writing News Stories

Whether you are writing for newspaper, radio, podcasting, television, etc. there are some basic guidelines that most journalists follow when reporting news. Click on this link to get a concise formula for a well-written news article.

Notice the basics:

• Who, what, when, where, and why
• Try to catch the reader's attention (the news lead and/or hook)
• Use quotes (sources)
• Strive to be objective (remember our code of ethics)
• Tell the interesting information first

Now let's take some of this basic information and add to it.

Check out this link to see information about the inverted pyramid and writing news. The inverted pyramid is a writing style used by journalist to remind them to tell the most important and interesting information first.

Watch this video to view some tips on how to write a lead or hook (the first paragraph of a news article).

Exploring a Code of Ethics

Click here to see the handout your team will use to complete today's assignment. It is a class activity and your team will be given a paper copy of this handout.

Creating Team Norms and Planning Time

TEAM NORMS

• You have all been assigned your roles and teams.
• The first thing you will do is sit down as a team and create some team norms. 
• These are shared expectations that each team member agrees to follow so that the team can work together. 
• You will create these norms together. 
• Click here to access a copy of the team norms using one of your Google Drive accounts. OR Click here to view and copy the information into MS Word. 
• Discuss what norms you want to create and come to a collective agreement, then type them in the team norms template.
• Also complete the second part on what steps your team will take when someone is not following the team norms. 
• When you have completed the team norms, share the document with your teacher. It will be printed out so you can sign it and then be placed in your team binder. 

First Newspapers

NOTE: Make sure you have finished your letter of application before you do this assignment. CLICK HERE for the letter of application assignment.

Readings (2) and Image

1. Read about the first attempt of a newspaper in America, by clicking here. 
2. Click here to see an image of its first page.
3. Read about the first newspaper in Canada by clicking here.

Written Reflection – First Newspapers

Complete your reflection based on what you have read about the first newspapers (from the linked articles listed above).
Complete the reflection on Google Docs or MS Word. and share it with your teacher Docs: allancarterspace@gmail.com and MS Word: allan.carter@nbed.nb.ca

Make sure to title the assignment "First Newspapers" when you share it.

Consider the following in your reflection:

• The delivery of information: Compared to today, what are some of the obvious differences between these historical newspapers and today’s modern newspapers or reading news online?
• Newspaper suppression: Publick Occurrences was forced to shut down because they were critical of the government. Do you think the government should have that kind of control or power today? Explain your position. 
• Publishing today: Many newspapers today can be critical of the government, businesses, etc. but still continue to publish. Why do you think that is? What do you think prevents the government from closing down newspapers or other media organizations? (Hint: Click here and Click here)
• Newspapers in Canada: What do you think about the first newspaper in Canada being established in Halifax?

You will be graded on the following (5 pts each, value: 20 pts)

• The reflection entry effectively discusses some of the ways modern newspapers and articles online are different from older ones.
• The entry includes substantial thoughts on newspaper suppression.
• The entry effectively addresses why the author thinks newspaper can be critical today and what he/she thought about the first newspaper in Canada being located in Halifax.
• The entry was completed on time with less than three grammatical or sentence structure errors (Deadline: Friday, September 19) 

Applying for the position

Below are the positions available this semester for the Journalism 120 class. They include the online school newspaper, podcasting and sometimes yearbook.

• Read through each of the positions carefully and decide on TWO positions.
• You will write ONE letter of application that you will share with the teacher on One Drive Google Drive.
• In the letter you will include any experiences or qualifications that are relevant to the position. Because you are not submitting a resume, ensure that you state in the letter what makes you the right person for both positions. Consider what talents and experiences you can bring to your desired position.
• Check out this link for information on how to write your letter.
• For an example of a letter, click here.
• When you have finished your letter, share it on One Drive or Google Drive with at least one other student who can proofread it and then make any final revisions.

The World of Journalism in the 21st Century

Below is a link to a collection of commentaries where journalists consider how they think the world of journalism will change this year. You can consider our discussions in class (storytelling, the nature of news and social media/technology) as you select one of the articles. With a partner, discuss the article, what you think of the ideas in the article and whether you agree or disagree with the opinion(s) presented.

Do the following (you will be presenting this to the rest of the class):

• Summarize what you think are the main points of the article
• Provide an example of what the article is discussing (the article itself may have links to examples)
• State whether your team agrees or disagrees with the article and why