News WritingTell me a story!

News Writing

The Inverted Pyramid

This refers to the style of Journalism which places the most important facts at the beginning and works down from there.

LeadMost important information

BodyLess important info

Quotes or paraphrasesTransitions

Least importantinfo

News WritingThe Basic Story OutlineThe best way to structure a newspaper article is to first write an outline.

I. Lead sentence/HeadlineGrab and hook your reader right away! II. IntroductionWhich facts will ground your story? You have to tell your readers where and when this story is happening. III. Opening quotation What will give the reader a sense of the people involved and what they are thinking? IV. Main bodyWhat is at the heart of your story? V. Closing quotationFind something that sums the article up in a few words. VI. Conclusion What is a memorable way to end your story? The end quote is a good way to sum things up. That doesn’t always work. If you are quoting more than one person with different points of view in your story, you cannot end with a quote from just one of them. Giving one of your interviewees the last word can tilt the story in their favor.

News Writing

What information is considered important?

0 WHO0 WHAT0 WHEN0 WHERE0 WHY0 HOW

Also known as “5 W’s and H”.

News Writing

Jack and Jill exercise

News Writing

0 Bad Fall Injures ChildrenIt was reported by a reliable source last night that Jack and Jill Jones both fell down Slippery Hill. The twelve year old twins were sent by their mother to get a bucket of water. In returning, Jack fell down, hit his head on a rock and received a slight concussion. Jill apparently tripped over Jack, and in falling down, received a skinned knee. The two were taken to County Hospital. Jill was treated and released. Jack remains in satisfactory condition and will probably be released tomorrow.

News Writing0Steps to News Writing

1. Compile all your facts0 Before you write a news article, make a list or outline of all the facts and information that need to be

included in the article. This fact list will help prevent you from leaving out any relevant information about the topic or story.

2. Start with a lead0 News articles begin with a leading sentence that is meant to grab a reader's attention and interest them.

This is one of the most important parts of the piece, so start with the leading statement when writing a news article. Your lead should be one sentence and should simply, but completely, state the topic of the article.

3. Give all the main facts0 The next important step to writing news articles is including all the relevant facts and details that relate

to your lead statement. Include the basics of what happened, where and when it took place, who is involved and why it's newsworthy. These details are important, because they are the focal point of the article that fully informs the reader. (5 W’s and H)

4. Follow up the main facts with other details0 After you've listed all the main facts in your news article, include any additional information that might

help the reader learn more, such as contact information, additional facts about the topic or people involved, or quotes from interviews. This additional information helps round out the article.

News Writing0Steps to News Writing

5. Check your facts before concluding0 Be sure to double check all the facts in your news article before you submit it, including names, dates,

and contact information or addresses. Writing accurately is one of the best ways to establish yourself as a competent news article writer.

6. Remain unbiased 0 A news article is meant to convey direct facts, not the opinions of its writer. Keep your writing unbiased

and objective. This is not like persuasive writing, here you are delivering just the facts.7. Conclude your article

0 Make sure your news article is complete and finished by giving it a good concluding sentence. This is often a restatement of the leading statement or a statement indicating potential future developments relating to the article topic.

News WritingMore Tips:

It's About PeopleNews stories are all about how people are affected. In your sports story, you might spend some time focusing on one or more individuals, or on how the team morale is doing, or how the supporters are feeling.

Have an AngleMost stories can be presented using a particular angle or "slant". This is a standard technique and isn't necessarily bad - it can help make the purpose of the story clear and give it focus. Examples of angles you could use for your sports story:"Team Tackles National Competition""Big Ask for First-Year Coach""Local Team in Need of Funds"

Keep it ObjectiveYou are completely impartial. If there is more than one side to the story, cover them all. Don't use "I" and "me" unless you are quoting someone.

Quote PeopleFor example: "We're really excited about this competition," says coach Bob Dobalina, "It's the highest target we've ever set ourselves".

Don't Get “Flowery”Keep your sentences and paragraphs short. Don't use lots of heavily descriptive language. When you've finished, go through the entire story and try to remove any words which aren't completely necessary.

News WritingReporting Tips1. Accuracy Make sure you have the facts right (including how to spell names).

2. Audience Keep in mind the audience who will read the paper. Is your story of interest to them?

3. Interviews It may be necessary to schedule an interview. Prepare your questions ahead of time. Take notes during the interview and ask for clarification when needed. If possible, use a quote to make your story more interesting.

4. Research Use reference materials to get the facts you need, or check facts that you have collected.

5. Writing Start with a good lead. You want to grab the reader’s attention and make him or her want to read more. Don’t forget to answer the five W’s and H and leave out your opinion!

6. Images It’s never too soon to start thinking about what images you want to go along with your story. Do you need a digital photo or clipart? Make sure you don’t wait until the last minute.

News WritingParts of a newspaper

Headline/Title0 The title of your news article should be catchy and to the point.

Byline0 This is your name! The byline is the name of the writer.

Lead0 The lead is the first paragraph (one or more sentences, about 25 words), but it is written to provide a

detailed preview of the entire story by answering the 5 W’s and H. It summarizes the story and includes all of the basic facts. The lead will help readers decide if they want to read the rest of the story, or if they are satisfied knowing these details. For this reason, the lead may contain a hook.

The story0 Once you’ve set the stage with a good lead, you follow up with a well-written story that contains facts

from your research and quotes from people you’ve interviewed. The article should not contain your opinions.

0 Detail any events in chronological order. 0 In a news article, you would typically put the most critical information in the early paragraphs and

follow with supporting information, background information, and related information.

News Writing

Parts of a newspaper

Editorial0 A type of story on the editorial page that expresses an opinion.

Index0 Tells the reader where regularly featured pages, such as sports, weather, and local news can be found.

Jump line0 The line that tells the reader on which page the story is continued

Caption0 Explains what is happening in the photograph or illustration.

News Writing

Newspaper SectionsThere are several different sections to the newspaper we see commonly:

0 Sports0 Entertainment0 Business0 Politics0 Weather0 Editorials0 Advice Columns0 Comics