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Group Work
Class 1: Groups 1-4, 10 Class 2: Groups 3 and 6
lcome to the world of urnalism, where porters have been gging dirt, raking muck, king headlines and adlines for centuries w. It’s a history full of bloid trash, of slimy nsationalists, of runkards, deadbeats and mmers” (as a Harvard iversity president once scribed reporters). But it’s a history full of roes, too: men and men risking their lives tell stories of war and agedy, risking prisonment to defend ee speech. And as you n see here, reports have come beloved characters p culture, too, turning up movies, comics and TV ows as if guided by an cult hand.
Every culture seeks effective ways to spread new information and gossip. In ancient times, news was written on clay tablets. In Caesar’s age, Romans read newsletters compiled by correspondents and handwritten by slaves. Wandering minstrels spread news (and the plague) in the Middle Ages. Them came ink on paper. Voices on airwaves. Newsreels, Web sites, And 24-hour cable news networks. Thus when scholars analyze the rich history of journalism, some view it in terms of technological progress—for example, the dramatic impact of bigger, faster printing presses. Others see journalism as a specialized form literary expression, one that’s
constantly evolving, reflecting and shaping its culture. Others see it as an inspiring quest for free speech, an endless power struggle between Authority (trying to control information) and the People (trying to learn the truth). Which brings to mind the words of A.J. Liefling: “Freedom of the press is guaranteed only to htose who own one.” In the pages ahead, we’ll take a quick tour of 600 years of journalism history, from hieroglyphics to hypertext: the media, the message and the politics. Technical advances and brilliant ideas forged a new style of journalism. It was a century of change, and newspapers changed
dramatically. The typi newspaper of 1800 wa undisciplined mishma legislative proceedinglong-winded essays a secondhand gossip. B1900, a new breed of tor had emerged. Jourhad become big busin Reporting was becom disciplined craft. And newspapers were becmore entertaining and essential than ever, wmost of the features w expect today: Snappy headlines, Ads, Comic Sports pages. And an “inverted pyramid” sty writing that made stori tighter and newsier. Radio and television brought an end to newspapers’ media monopoly. Why? Well yourself: Which did yo
Inside ReportingTim Harrower
Beyond breaking news
6
McGraw-Hill © 2010 The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. All rights reserved.
McGraw-Hill
Slide
© 2010 The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. All rights reserved.
The world of features
News stories focus on timely, public events.
Features are more personal.• Include topics,
treatments, styles not found in news.
Personalizing the news with stories
Features explore a variety of topics
•Lifestyles•Health•Science and technology•Entertainment•Food•Homes and gardens
McGraw-Hill
Slide
© 2010 The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. All rights reserved.
The world of features
Personality profile
Human-interest story
Color story
Backgrounder
Trend story
Popular feature stories10 Reaction piece Flashback How-to Consumer guide Personal narrative
McGraw-Hill
Slide
© 2010 The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. All rights reserved.
Generating story ideas
“Hard” news, “soft” news Relative terms that
describe topic and treatment of story.
• Expect serious, timely events to be written in inverted-pyramid style.
• Items that are less urgent or somber make up “soft” news.
McGraw-Hill
Slide
© 2010 The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. All rights reserved.
Generating story ideas
Great stories are waiting discovery
TV, magazines, newspapers, Web sitesBrainstorming
McGraw-Hill
Slide
© 2010 The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. All rights reserved.
Generating story ideas
Is it a good one? Where did it come
from? Is it original? Did it surprise you? Does the idea have
movement?
Is there a STORY there?
Is there tension? Is it true? Do you like the story?
McGraw-Hill
Slide
© 2010 The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. All rights reserved.
Generating story ideas
Turn your idea into a story See if it’s been done. Focus your angle. Do your research. Write the story.
McGraw-Hill
Slide
© 2010 The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. All rights reserved.
Feature style
Some stories require a livelier, looser, more literary voice Tom Wolfe dubbed it
“New Journalism.”• Realistic dialogue.• Vivid reconstruction
of scenes.
• Viewed through the eyes of the characters.
• Recording everyday details.
McGraw-Hill
Slide
© 2010 The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. All rights reserved.
Feature style
Successful feature writers rely on literary techniques
Syntax & phrasing Voice & tense Detail & description Dramatic techniques
McGraw-Hill
Slide
© 2010 The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. All rights reserved.
Feature style
Successful feature writers… Helpful tips• Write tightly.
• Vary sentence structure.
• Match treatment to topic.
• Don’t overdo.
• Avoid 1st person.
• Stay objective.
• Read.
McGraw-Hill
Slide
© 2010 The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. All rights reserved.
Feature story structures
Standard story structures How long should
this story be? What key points do
I need to make? Think visually.
McGraw-Hill
Slide
© 2010 The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. All rights reserved.
Writing profiles
Good profiles reveal feelings, attitudes, habits and mannerisms How to research and
write successful profiles• Solicit your subject’s support.• Interview and observe.• Find your focus.
• Follow up with interviews and research.
• Structure your story.
McGraw-Hill
Slide
© 2010 The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. All rights reserved.
Writing profilesSample story structures for profiles
Anecdotal lead• Engaging, revealing small
story to lure readers in
Nut graf• Summarizes why this
person matters now
Scene #1• Observe subject in action
using dialog, details, descriptions
Chronology • Recap of subject’s
past
Scene #2• Another look at the
subject in action
What lies ahead• Plans, dreams, goals
and obstacles
Closing quote
McGraw-Hill
Slide
© 2010 The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. All rights reserved.
Writing profiles
1. Capture details.
2. Re-create scenes.
3. Add quotes and dialogue.
Ways to paint a better portrait3
McGraw-Hill
Slide
© 2010 The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. All rights reserved.
Enterprise projects
Finding the time• Make lists.• Prioritize.• Devote time each day.• Keep the project organized.• Don’t overwork.
Enterprise stories explore Why, How, and What Happens Next
McGraw-Hill
Slide
© 2010 The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. All rights reserved.
Enterprise projects
Start with thesis. Do your research. Report. Report.
Report.
Doing the reporting Control the
material. Look for universal
connections. Keep a running list of
questions and things to do.
McGraw-Hill
Slide
© 2010 The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. All rights reserved.
Enterprise projects
Write from the first. Write after each
interview.
Writing the story
Rewrite each time. Plan your ending. Save often, print
frequently.
Don’t be afraid of the edit.
Seek outside input. Enjoy the process.
McGraw-Hill
Slide
© 2010 The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. All rights reserved.
Investigative reporting
• Investigation is the work of the reporter.
• Subject involves something of importance to readers.
• Others are attempting to hide these matters from public.
Proud tradition may be in declineDigging up dirt
•Be skeptical…•…but remain objective.•Focus tightly.•Cast a wide net.•Keep your nose clean.•Work the Web.
McGraw-Hill
Slide
© 2010 The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. All rights reserved.
Short-form alternatives
Fast-facts box Bio box Checklist List Step-by-step guide
To reach readers, condense the data Quiz Factual index Diagram Quote collection Timeline
McGraw-Hill
Slide
© 2010 The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. All rights reserved.
Writing editorials and columns
Editorial – usually from 300 to 500 words; comments on current events; appears to express the opinion of the paper
Editorials and columns provide personality and passion to a paper
Editorial cartoon – combines art and commentary of current events
Column – signed opinion
McGraw-Hill
Slide
© 2010 The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. All rights reserved.
Writing editorials and columns
Topical commentary• Reaction to
events Personal
meditations• Personal life
Slice of life• Storyteller
Columns: The options are endless
Advice for columnists•Develop a distinctive voice.•Do your own reporting.•Choose worthy topics.•Avoid jumping on bandwagons.•Always have a backup.
McGraw-Hill
Slide
© 2010 The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. All rights reserved.
Writing editorials and columns
Column logos Different headline
font Initial cap
How do readers recognize this story is an opinion column?
McGraw-Hill
Slide
© 2010 The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. All rights reserved.
Writing reviews
Criticism – study, evaluation and interpretation of the arts• For reader-friendly
reviews, create a fact box.
Readers depend on critics for advice
McGraw-Hill
Slide
© 2010 The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. All rights reserved.
Writing reviews
Structure your reviews.
Balance reporting and opinion.
Know your stuff. Be aware of biases. Don’t be pompous. Don’t be cruel.
How to write criticisms
lcome to the world of urnalism, where porters have been gging dirt, raking muck, king headlines and adlines for centuries w. It’s a history full of bloid trash, of slimy nsationalists, of runkards, deadbeats and mmers” (as a Harvard iversity president once scribed reporters). But it’s a history full of roes, too: men and men risking their lives tell stories of war and agedy, risking prisonment to defend ee speech. And as you n see here, reports have come beloved characters p culture, too, turning up movies, comics and TV ows as if guided by an cult hand.
Every culture seeks effective ways to spread new information and gossip. In ancient times, news was written on clay tablets. In Caesar’s age, Romans read newsletters compiled by correspondents and handwritten by slaves. Wandering minstrels spread news (and the plague) in the Middle Ages. Them came ink on paper. Voices on airwaves. Newsreels, Web sites, And 24-hour cable news networks. Thus when scholars analyze the rich history of journalism, some view it in terms of technological progress—for example, the dramatic impact of bigger, faster printing presses. Others see journalism as a specialized form literary expression, one that’s
constantly evolving, reflecting and shaping its culture. Others see it as an inspiring quest for free speech, an endless power struggle between Authority (trying to control information) and the People (trying to learn the truth). Which brings to mind the words of A.J. Liefling: “Freedom of the press is guaranteed only to htose who own one.” In the pages ahead, we’ll take a quick tour of 600 years of journalism history, from hieroglyphics to hypertext: the media, the message and the politics. Technical advances and brilliant ideas forged a new style of journalism. It was a century of change, and newspapers changed
dramatically. The typi newspaper of 1800 wa undisciplined mishma legislative proceedinglong-winded essays a secondhand gossip. B1900, a new breed of tor had emerged. Jourhad become big busin Reporting was becom disciplined craft. And newspapers were becmore entertaining and essential than ever, wmost of the features w expect today: Snappy headlines, Ads, Comic Sports pages. And an “inverted pyramid” sty writing that made stori tighter and newsier. Radio and television brought an end to newspapers’ media monopoly. Why? Well yourself: Which did yo
Inside ReportingTim Harrower
Law and ethics
7
McGraw-Hill © 2010 The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. All rights reserved.
McGraw-Hill
Slide
© 2010 The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. All rights reserved.
Law & ethics
Press rights
Press wrongs
Understandinglibel
Invasion of privacy
McGraw-Hill
Slide
© 2010 The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. All rights reserved.
Congress shall make
no religion, or prohibiting law
respecting an establishment
of the free exercise thereof;abridging the
freedom of speech,
or of the press…
The First Amendment to the U.S.
Constitution
Press rights
Privileges and protections for journalistic activities.
Access to government operations and records.
Rights fall into two main categories:
McGraw-Hill
Slide
© 2010 The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. All rights reserved.
Press rights
Fair report privilege• Allows journalists
to report anything said in official government proceedings.
• Must be accurate and fair.
Privilege and protection for sources and stories
Opinion privilege• Protects written
opinions from libel suits.
• Distinction between facts and opinion.
McGraw-Hill
Slide
© 2010 The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. All rights reserved.
Press rights
• Allows journalists to criticize performers, politicians and other matters of public interest.
Privilege and protection…Fair comment and criticism
Freedom from newsroom searches
Shield laws
McGraw-Hill
Slide
© 2010 The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. All rights reserved.
Understanding libel
Who can sue for libel?• Living people.• Small groups.
Who is it that gets sued?• Usually, the
publication.
Beginning reporter’s guide to libelWhat is libel?•False statements and•Defamatory and•Published and•Identifiable plaintiffs and•Defendant must beat fault through negligence or malice.
McGraw-Hill
Slide
© 2010 The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. All rights reserved.
Understanding libel
Actual malice –knowing you are lying or disregarding the truth
Opinion – ideas that don’t claim to be factual
Slander – defamation that is spoken
A lexicon of libel
•Public official –someone who exercises power or influence in governmental affairs
•Public figure – person who has acquired fame or notoriety
McGraw-Hill
Slide
© 2010 The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. All rights reserved.
Invasion of privacy
Intrusion• Trespass• Secret surveillance• Misrepresentation
Most common ways to invade someone’s privacy4
Public disclosure of private facts
• Private• Intimate• Offensive
False light• Anything that
portrays someone in an inaccurate way
Appropriation • Unauthorized use of
someone’s name, photo or words to endorse or sell a product or service.
McGraw-Hill
Slide
© 2010 The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. All rights reserved.
The seven deadly sins
Ethical pitfalls Bias • Slanting a story by
manipulating facts to sway opinions.
Plagiarism•Passing off someone else’s words or ideas as your own.
Fabrication• Manufacturing quotes or
imaginary sources or writing anything you know to be untrue.
McGraw-Hill
Slide
© 2010 The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. All rights reserved.
Journalistic ethics
Seek truth and report it.
Minimize harm. Act
independently. Be accountable.
Code of ethics Why ethics? Because...•62% of Americans say they don’t trust the press.•59% think newspapers care more about profits than public interests.•58% don’t think reporters care about inaccuracies.
Week 11 Assignments
Post Beat story #3 idea Deadline: Tuesday, May 28 by 8 a.m.
3rd submission of Beat story #2 Only if mark is lower than 70 Deadline: Tuesday, May 28 by 8 a.m.
Group work assignment Same procedure
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