Writing News StoriesWhether 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
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).
YOUR TURN
Today's assignment is very basic, but it is important because you are deconstructing the style of newspaper writing. You need to understand the style in order to do it yourself. Share your assignment through Google Drive on Google Docs (allancarterspace@gmail.com) or through Office 365 on MS Word (allan.carter@nbed.nb.ca). Make sure to title it "Starting with the Basics" when you share it.
You will need to find two news or sports stories online. Consider sites like: CBC, Vice News Canada, The National Observer (limited access without subscription), and The Huffington Post. Read each story and in your assignment describe the basics. You can use Q and A format (statement/question and answer) or write your findings as a summary.
Include the following for each news article:
- Who, what, when, where, and why
- Is the lead effective? Give reasons why you think it is or isn't.
- Identify one quote and who/what is the source.
- Is the most important/interesting information told first? What was it?
- Does the story have a good ending? Explain why/why not.
- Create a link to each news article you analyze.
You will be graded on the following (5 pts each, value: 20 pts)
- The entry effectively addresses the points outlined in the assignment.
- The entry shows evidence of an understanding of the style and format used in news/sports reporting/writing.
- The entry includes two examples and provides two links.
- The entry was completed on time with less than three grammatical or sentence structure errors.
Deadline is next Monday, October 07.
