Writing a News Story
1. What can I write about? What is news?
On the surface, defining news is a simple task. News is an account of what is happening around us. It may involve current events, new initiatives or ongoing projects or issues. But a newspaper does not only print news of the day. It also prints background analysis, opinions, and human interest stories.
Choosing what's news can be harder.
The reporter chooses stories from the flood of information and events happening in the world and in their community. Stories are normally selected because of their importance, emotion, impact, timeliness and interest. Note: all these factors do NOT have to coincide in each and every story!
2. Identify what kind of a story it is
Hard news (+/- 600 words): This is how journalists refer to news of the day. It is a chronicle of current events/incidents and is the most common news style on the front page of your typical newspaper.
It starts with a summary lead. What happened? Where? When? To/by whom? Why? (The journalist's 5 W's). It must be kept brief and simple, because the purpose of the rest of the story will be to elaborate on this lead.
Keep the writing clean and uncluttered. Most important, give the readers the information they need. If the federal government announced a new major youth initiative yesterday, that's today's hard news.
Soft news (+/-600 words): This is a term for all the news that isn't time-sensitive. Soft news includes profiles of people, programs or organizations. As we discussed earlier, the "lead" is more literary. Most of YPP's news content is soft news.
Feature (+/-1500 words): A news feature takes one step back from the headlines. It explores an issue. News features are less time-sensitive than hard news but no less newsworthy. They can be an effective way to write about complex issues too large for the terse style of a hard news item. Street kids are a perfect example. The stories of their individual lives are full of complexities which can be reflected in a longer piece.
Features are journalism's shopping center. They're full of interesting people, ideas, color, lights, action and energy. Storytelling at its height! A good feature is about the people in your community and their struggles, victories and defeats. A feature takes a certain angle (i.e. Black youth returning to church) and explores it by interviewing the people involved and drawing conclusions from that information. The writer takes an important issue of the day and explains it to the reader through comments from people involved in the story.
Hint: Remember to "balance" your story. Present the opinions of people on both sides of an issue and let the readers make their own decision on who to believe. No personal opinions are allowed. The quotes from the people you interview make up the story. You are the narrator.
Editorial: The editorial expresses an opinion. The editorial page of the newspaper lets the writer comment on issues in the news. All editorials are personal but the topics must still be relevant to the reader.
Young People's Press publishes two types of editorials:
3. Structure for your article
The structure of a news story (hard & soft news & features) is simple: a lead and the body.
The lead
One of the most important elements of news writing is the opening paragraph or two of the story. Journalists refer to this as the "lead," and its function is to summarize the story and/or to draw the reader in (depending on whether it is a "hard" or "soft" news story - See below for the difference between these two genres of news stories).
In a hard news story, the lead should be a full summary of what is to follow. It should incorporate as many of the 5 "W's" of journalism (who, what, where, when and why) as possible. (e.g. "Homeless youth marched down Yonge St. in downtown Toronto Wednesday afternoon demanding the municipal government provide emergency shelter during the winter months." - Can you identify the 5 W's in this lead?)
In a soft news story, the lead should present the subject of the story by allusion. This type of opening is somewhat literary. Like a novelist, the role of the writer is to grab the attention of the reader. (e.g. "Until four years ago, Jason W. slept in alleyways...") Once the reader is drawn in, the 5 "W's" should be incorporated into the body of the story, but not necessarily at the very top.
The body
The body of the story involves combining the opinions of the people you interview, some factual data, and a narrative which helps the story flow. A word of caution, however. In this style of writing, you are not allowed to "editorialize" (state your own opinion) in any way.
MR KREBS SIX STEPS
1. FINDING A TOPIC
2. FIND AN AGLE
3. COLLECT INFORMATION
4. CONDUCT INTERVIEWS
5. ORGANIZE AND WRITE
6. REVISE AND EDIT
Friday, February 26, 2010
Tuesday, February 23, 2010
Tuesday, February 16, 2010
LAW AND ETHICS NOTES
THE 5 FREEDOM OF SPEECH AMENDMENTS
5 freedoms:
religion
assembly
petition
speech
press
The Tinker Standard:
Tinker vs Des Moines School District.
Student speech cannot be censored as long as it does not materially disrupt class work or involve substantial disorder or invasion of the rights of others.
The Fraser Standard:
Because student officials have an "interest in teaching students the boundaries of the socially appropriate behavior" they can censor student speech that is vulgar or indecent even if it does not cause a "material or substantial disruption"
The Hazelwood standard:
Hazelwood school district vs Kuhlmeier (1988)
Censorship of school sponsored student expression is permissible when school officials can show it is "reasonably related to legitimate pedagogical concerns."
The Frederick Standard:
.January 2002, Olympic torch travels through town
. principal morse cancels school
. Senior Frederick unveils a banner on the sidewalk across street which reads " Bong Hits 4 Jesus"
. Suspended for 10 days
Elements of Libel
A Defamatory statement
Published to at least one other person (other than plantiff)...
"Of and concerning" the plaintiff (identify specifically within plaintiff)
That is a false statement of fact (opinions are not libel)...
And made with fault. The level of fault depends on status of plaintiff
-Public Figures: celebs, gov, etc. are required to prove actual malice,meaning the defendant know statements were false
-Private individuals: must only show that the defendant was negligent
5 freedoms:
religion
assembly
petition
speech
press
The Tinker Standard:
Tinker vs Des Moines School District.
Student speech cannot be censored as long as it does not materially disrupt class work or involve substantial disorder or invasion of the rights of others.
The Fraser Standard:
Because student officials have an "interest in teaching students the boundaries of the socially appropriate behavior" they can censor student speech that is vulgar or indecent even if it does not cause a "material or substantial disruption"
The Hazelwood standard:
Hazelwood school district vs Kuhlmeier (1988)
Censorship of school sponsored student expression is permissible when school officials can show it is "reasonably related to legitimate pedagogical concerns."
The Frederick Standard:
.January 2002, Olympic torch travels through town
. principal morse cancels school
. Senior Frederick unveils a banner on the sidewalk across street which reads " Bong Hits 4 Jesus"
. Suspended for 10 days
Elements of Libel
A Defamatory statement
Published to at least one other person (other than plantiff)...
"Of and concerning" the plaintiff (identify specifically within plaintiff)
That is a false statement of fact (opinions are not libel)...
And made with fault. The level of fault depends on status of plaintiff
-Public Figures: celebs, gov, etc. are required to prove actual malice,meaning the defendant know statements were false
-Private individuals: must only show that the defendant was negligent
Monday, February 8, 2010
SUPER BOWL COMMERCIALS
What is the company?
BUDWEISER
Who is the target audience:
FOOTBALL FANS AND PEOPLE WHO CONSUME BEER PRODUCTS.
What persuasive method used (humor, action, celebrity, human interest, etc.)?
HUMOR
How were camera shots and editing used to enhance the message?
THEY MADE IT SEEM LIKE THEY WAS IN A FOOTBALL FIELD REVIEWING THE PLACE,REWINDING.
What is the slogan/message for the company?
NO SLOGAN, BUT IT IS THE KING OF BEER BASICALLY
Was the message effective? Why or why not?
YES IT VERY EFFECTIVE BECAUSE IT GOT THE POINT ACROSS TO ME.
What is the company?
CHRYSLER
Who is the target audience:
GIRLS THAT LIKE CHRYSLER
What persuasive method used (humor, action, celebrity, human interest, etc.)?
ACTION,MUSIC
How were camera shots and editing used to enhance the message?
THEY MADE THE GIRL IN THE CAR SEEMED LIKE SHE WAS RELAXED
What is the slogan/message for the company?
DRIVE AND LOVE
Was the message effective? Why or why not?
YES IT GOT THE POINT ACROSS WITH THE MUSIC AND EVERYTHING
What is the company?
PEPSI
Who is the target audience:
ADULTS 21-35 YEAR OLDS
What persuasive method used (humor, action, celebrity, human interest, etc.)?
humor,celebrity,
How were camera shots and editing used to enhance the message?
they made the pop switch and stuff like that
What is the slogan/message for the company?
TWIST ON A GREAT THING.
Was the message effective? Why or why not?
NOT REALLY I DIDNT GET IT THAT MUCH.
What is the company?
FEDEX
Who is the target audience:
THE PEOPLE WHO WATCHED CASTAWAY THE MOVIE, ADULTS
What persuasive method used (humor, action, celebrity, human interest, etc.)?
HUMOR,SARCASIM
How were camera shots and editing used to enhance the message?
THEY PUT SOME CLIPS LIKE THE CASTAWAY MOVIE
What is the slogan/message for the company?
Was the message effective? Why or why not?
YES IT WAS SUPER GOOD
What is the company?
DODGE
Who is the target audience:
CONSTRUCTION WORKERS, GUYS,
What persuasive method used (humor, action, celebrity, human interest, etc.)?
HUMOR
How were camera shots and editing used to enhance the message?
MAKES THE COMMERCIAL MORE INTERESTING
What is the slogan/message for the company?
GRAB LIFE BY THE HORNS
Was the message effective? Why or why not?
YES IT WAS EFFECTIVE
What is the company?
GATORADE
Who is the target audience:
SPORTS FAN, ATHLETIC
What persuasive method used (humor, action, celebrity, human interest, etc.)?
CELEBRITY
How were camera shots and editing used to enhance the message?
THEY PUT THE RETIRED MICHAEL,THE BULLS MICHAEL, AND COLLEGE MICHAEL
What is the slogan/message for the company?
IS IT IN YOU
Was the message effective? Why or why not?
YES IT GOT THE POINT ACCROSS.
What is the company?
SPORTS CENTER
Who is the target audience:
SPORTS FANS, MALES
What persuasive method used (humor, action, celebrity, human interest, etc.)?
HUMOR, SPORTS FIGURES
How were camera shots and editing used to enhance the message?
THEY WERE USED GOOD
What is the slogan/message for the company?
THIS IS SPORTS CENTER
Was the message effective? Why or why not?
YEA IT WAS GOOD
What is the company?
H&R BLOCK
Who is the target audience:
FOR PEOPLE WHO ARE PAYING TAXES, MALES
What persuasive method used (humor, action, celebrity, human interest, etc.)?
A LOT OF HUMOR
How were camera shots and editing used to enhance the message?
THEY WERE USED ON WILLIE
What is the slogan/message for the company?
DOUBLE CHECK YOUR TAXES
Was the message effective? Why or why not?
YES IT WAS GOOD
What is the company?
BUDLIGHT
Who is the target audience:
What persuasive method used (humor, action, celebrity, human interest, etc.)?
HUMOR
How were camera shots and editing used to enhance the message?
THEY MADE THE GUY SEEM LIKE HE WAS SITTING UP SIDE DOWN.
What is the slogan/message for the company?
MAKE IT A BUDLIGHT
Was the message effective? Why or why not?
SORT OF IT TOOK ME A WHILE TO GET
What is the company?
VISA CHECK CARD
Who is the target audience:
EVERYONE 18 AND OLDER
What persuasive method used (humor, action, celebrity, human interest, etc.)?
HUMOR, CELEBRITY
How were camera shots and editing used to enhance the message?
THEY MADE THE YAO AND THE GIRL SEE THEIR OWN HEIGHT
What is the slogan/message for the company?
EVERYWHERE YOU WANT TO BE
Was the message effective? Why or why not?
YES IT GOT THE POINT ACROSS
What is the company?
BUDWEISER
Who is the target audience:
FOOTBALL FANS AND PEOPLE WHO CONSUME BEER PRODUCTS.
What persuasive method used (humor, action, celebrity, human interest, etc.)?
HUMOR
How were camera shots and editing used to enhance the message?
THEY MADE IT SEEM LIKE THEY WAS IN A FOOTBALL FIELD REVIEWING THE PLACE,REWINDING.
What is the slogan/message for the company?
NO SLOGAN, BUT IT IS THE KING OF BEER BASICALLY
Was the message effective? Why or why not?
YES IT VERY EFFECTIVE BECAUSE IT GOT THE POINT ACROSS TO ME.
What is the company?
CHRYSLER
Who is the target audience:
GIRLS THAT LIKE CHRYSLER
What persuasive method used (humor, action, celebrity, human interest, etc.)?
ACTION,MUSIC
How were camera shots and editing used to enhance the message?
THEY MADE THE GIRL IN THE CAR SEEMED LIKE SHE WAS RELAXED
What is the slogan/message for the company?
DRIVE AND LOVE
Was the message effective? Why or why not?
YES IT GOT THE POINT ACROSS WITH THE MUSIC AND EVERYTHING
What is the company?
PEPSI
Who is the target audience:
ADULTS 21-35 YEAR OLDS
What persuasive method used (humor, action, celebrity, human interest, etc.)?
humor,celebrity,
How were camera shots and editing used to enhance the message?
they made the pop switch and stuff like that
What is the slogan/message for the company?
TWIST ON A GREAT THING.
Was the message effective? Why or why not?
NOT REALLY I DIDNT GET IT THAT MUCH.
What is the company?
FEDEX
Who is the target audience:
THE PEOPLE WHO WATCHED CASTAWAY THE MOVIE, ADULTS
What persuasive method used (humor, action, celebrity, human interest, etc.)?
HUMOR,SARCASIM
How were camera shots and editing used to enhance the message?
THEY PUT SOME CLIPS LIKE THE CASTAWAY MOVIE
What is the slogan/message for the company?
Was the message effective? Why or why not?
YES IT WAS SUPER GOOD
What is the company?
DODGE
Who is the target audience:
CONSTRUCTION WORKERS, GUYS,
What persuasive method used (humor, action, celebrity, human interest, etc.)?
HUMOR
How were camera shots and editing used to enhance the message?
MAKES THE COMMERCIAL MORE INTERESTING
What is the slogan/message for the company?
GRAB LIFE BY THE HORNS
Was the message effective? Why or why not?
YES IT WAS EFFECTIVE
What is the company?
GATORADE
Who is the target audience:
SPORTS FAN, ATHLETIC
What persuasive method used (humor, action, celebrity, human interest, etc.)?
CELEBRITY
How were camera shots and editing used to enhance the message?
THEY PUT THE RETIRED MICHAEL,THE BULLS MICHAEL, AND COLLEGE MICHAEL
What is the slogan/message for the company?
IS IT IN YOU
Was the message effective? Why or why not?
YES IT GOT THE POINT ACCROSS.
What is the company?
SPORTS CENTER
Who is the target audience:
SPORTS FANS, MALES
What persuasive method used (humor, action, celebrity, human interest, etc.)?
HUMOR, SPORTS FIGURES
How were camera shots and editing used to enhance the message?
THEY WERE USED GOOD
What is the slogan/message for the company?
THIS IS SPORTS CENTER
Was the message effective? Why or why not?
YEA IT WAS GOOD
What is the company?
H&R BLOCK
Who is the target audience:
FOR PEOPLE WHO ARE PAYING TAXES, MALES
What persuasive method used (humor, action, celebrity, human interest, etc.)?
A LOT OF HUMOR
How were camera shots and editing used to enhance the message?
THEY WERE USED ON WILLIE
What is the slogan/message for the company?
DOUBLE CHECK YOUR TAXES
Was the message effective? Why or why not?
YES IT WAS GOOD
What is the company?
BUDLIGHT
Who is the target audience:
What persuasive method used (humor, action, celebrity, human interest, etc.)?
HUMOR
How were camera shots and editing used to enhance the message?
THEY MADE THE GUY SEEM LIKE HE WAS SITTING UP SIDE DOWN.
What is the slogan/message for the company?
MAKE IT A BUDLIGHT
Was the message effective? Why or why not?
SORT OF IT TOOK ME A WHILE TO GET
What is the company?
VISA CHECK CARD
Who is the target audience:
EVERYONE 18 AND OLDER
What persuasive method used (humor, action, celebrity, human interest, etc.)?
HUMOR, CELEBRITY
How were camera shots and editing used to enhance the message?
THEY MADE THE YAO AND THE GIRL SEE THEIR OWN HEIGHT
What is the slogan/message for the company?
EVERYWHERE YOU WANT TO BE
Was the message effective? Why or why not?
YES IT GOT THE POINT ACROSS
Wednesday, February 3, 2010
JOURNALISM NOTES
Definition:
Define “Journalism” in 1-3 sentences.
CURRENT EVENTS THAT ARE NEWSWORTHTY THAT ARE SEND THROUGH NEWSPAPER,INTERNET,RADIO,TV ETC
List and describe the six criteria of newsworthiness.
TITLE DESCRIPTION EXAMPLE
1 SIGNIFICANCE- ARE IMPORTANT EVENTS THAT IMPACT A LOT OF PEOPLE.
2. TIMELINESS- CARE ABOUT THE THINGS THAT ARE HAPPENING NOW OR TODAY.CARING ABOUT THE PRESENT.
3. UNUSUALNESS- WE CARE ABOUT UNUNSUAL EVENTS THAT HAPPEN ONCE IN A WHILE LIKE FIRES,MURDERS,EARTHQUAKE,9/11
4. PROXIMITY- WE CARE ABOUT LOCAL NEWS, WEATHER,TRAFFIC OR RELATIVE LOCATIONS
5. PROMINENCE- WE CARE ABOUT CELEBRITIES NEWS AND INTERESTING THINGS THAT GO ON IN THEIR LIVES
6. HUMAN INTEREST- A FEEL GOOD STORY, A BABY DOLPHIN BORN AT THE ZOO;)
What are the advantages of print journalism?
1.THE ABILITY OF HAVE THE PAPER IN YOUR HAND AND READ IT WHEN EVER YOU WANT TO.
2.ITS SOMETHING TANGIBLE THAT YOU CAN TAKE WITH YOU. PORTABLE AND BRING IT WITH YOU WHATEVER.
3.THERE IS MORE INFORMATION AND IT IS MUCH MORE DESCRIPTIVE.
What are the advantages of broadcast journalism?
1. BROADCAST JOURNALISM IS A LOT MUCH MORE FASTER THAN NEWSPAPER.
2. YOU HAVE THE ELEMENT OF VIDEO AND SOUND AND YOU GET MORE EXCITEMENT OR FEELINGS FOR THE STORY.
3. IT IS MUCH MORE CURRENT AND THERE IS ALOT OF LIVE NEWS STORIES.
Why has online journalism (convergent media) become so popular?
BECAUSE IT IS A LOT MORE FASTER AND IT ALSO HAS ALOT OF ADVANTAGES FROM PRINT NEWS AND IT PUTS IT IN ONE PLACE. AND IT HAS MUCH MORE VIDEO AND SOUND JUS OVERALL MUCH BETTER QUALITY.
Define “Journalism” in 1-3 sentences.
CURRENT EVENTS THAT ARE NEWSWORTHTY THAT ARE SEND THROUGH NEWSPAPER,INTERNET,RADIO,TV ETC
List and describe the six criteria of newsworthiness.
TITLE DESCRIPTION EXAMPLE
1 SIGNIFICANCE- ARE IMPORTANT EVENTS THAT IMPACT A LOT OF PEOPLE.
2. TIMELINESS- CARE ABOUT THE THINGS THAT ARE HAPPENING NOW OR TODAY.CARING ABOUT THE PRESENT.
3. UNUSUALNESS- WE CARE ABOUT UNUNSUAL EVENTS THAT HAPPEN ONCE IN A WHILE LIKE FIRES,MURDERS,EARTHQUAKE,9/11
4. PROXIMITY- WE CARE ABOUT LOCAL NEWS, WEATHER,TRAFFIC OR RELATIVE LOCATIONS
5. PROMINENCE- WE CARE ABOUT CELEBRITIES NEWS AND INTERESTING THINGS THAT GO ON IN THEIR LIVES
6. HUMAN INTEREST- A FEEL GOOD STORY, A BABY DOLPHIN BORN AT THE ZOO;)
What are the advantages of print journalism?
1.THE ABILITY OF HAVE THE PAPER IN YOUR HAND AND READ IT WHEN EVER YOU WANT TO.
2.ITS SOMETHING TANGIBLE THAT YOU CAN TAKE WITH YOU. PORTABLE AND BRING IT WITH YOU WHATEVER.
3.THERE IS MORE INFORMATION AND IT IS MUCH MORE DESCRIPTIVE.
What are the advantages of broadcast journalism?
1. BROADCAST JOURNALISM IS A LOT MUCH MORE FASTER THAN NEWSPAPER.
2. YOU HAVE THE ELEMENT OF VIDEO AND SOUND AND YOU GET MORE EXCITEMENT OR FEELINGS FOR THE STORY.
3. IT IS MUCH MORE CURRENT AND THERE IS ALOT OF LIVE NEWS STORIES.
Why has online journalism (convergent media) become so popular?
BECAUSE IT IS A LOT MORE FASTER AND IT ALSO HAS ALOT OF ADVANTAGES FROM PRINT NEWS AND IT PUTS IT IN ONE PLACE. AND IT HAS MUCH MORE VIDEO AND SOUND JUS OVERALL MUCH BETTER QUALITY.
Tuesday, February 2, 2010
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