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

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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

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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

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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.

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Generating story ideas

Great stories are waiting discovery

TV, magazines, newspapers, Web sitesBrainstorming

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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?

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Generating story ideas

Turn your idea into a story See if it’s been done. Focus your angle. Do your research. Write the story.

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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.

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Feature style

Successful feature writers rely on literary techniques

Syntax & phrasing Voice & tense Detail & description Dramatic techniques

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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.

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Feature story structures

Standard story structures How long should

this story be? What key points do

I need to make? Think visually.

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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.

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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

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Writing profiles

1. Capture details.

2. Re-create scenes.

3. Add quotes and dialogue.

Ways to paint a better portrait3

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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

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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

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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

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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.

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Writing editorials and columns

Column logos Different headline

font Initial cap

How do readers recognize this story is an opinion column?

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Writing reviews

Criticism – study, evaluation and interpretation of the arts• For reader-friendly

reviews, create a fact box.

Readers depend on critics for advice

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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

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Law & ethics

Press rights

Press wrongs

Understandinglibel

Invasion of privacy

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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:

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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.

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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

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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.

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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

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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.

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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.

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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