News Writing

An introduction to objective writing with applications in multiple fields

Jose Emmanuel G. GanaIV – Muon

Editor-in-chief: The Science Scholar

INTRODUCTION

What is News?

• The communication of information through word-of-mouth, print media, or technology.

What is a Newspaper?• It’s the OTHER thing that’s black, white, and

read all over.

• Additionally, it is the primary and most common medium of printed news.

Types of ArticlesArticle Type Description

News Articles A straightforward news article.

Editorials (and Columns) An article where the opinion of the author is expressed. However, this opinion is founded on solid facts.

Feature Articles An article wherein a particular subject is put in the spotlight and highlighted.

Sports Articles A news article specifically regarding sports.

Science Articles A news article specifically regarding science.

Development Communication Articles A news article specifically about developments in the community.

Literary Articles A freeform articles based on the author’s interests.

Hybrid Articles An article which combines two or more types of articles. (ex. News-feature, Science-feature, etc.)

NEWS WRITING

Elements of a News Article

• News, obviously• Headline• Byline• Lead• Body• Pictures

(optional)• Caption

(optional)• Photo credits

(optional)Figure 1. A sample news article. The Science Scholar, p. 3 (March 2010)

Basic Structure of a News Article

. . .

WHAT?!

The Inverted Pyramid Structure, THAT’S WHAT!

The Inverted Pyramid Structure

• Begin with broad ideas, then slowly start going into details.

• The lead should contain the 5 W’s (or four, depending on the importance of the “why”).

• The body should elaborate on the W’s. It should also contain the “how”.

TIP # 1A simple way of organizing your article is by asking: “If I were the reader, what would I

want to know first?”

The Good News Article

• Is simple, clear, and easily understood.

• Is factual and not opinionated.

• Does not necessarily require the grouping of all details pertaining to a particular W.

Leads• Contains the most important information of the

article.

• As stated earlier, it usually answers the questions who, what where, when, and sometimes why.

• The lead should begin by answering the question that is most important to the news story.

Types of LeadsType of Lead Description

Straight or Summary Lead The most straightforward lead. Frankly quite boring. Recommended for crammers.

Descriptive Lead A lead describing events rather than summarizing them. Great for the creative writer within you.

Quotation Lead A lead utilizing a quotation to summarize the story.

Question Lead We want ANSWERS from a newspaper! ANSWERS!!!

Personal Lead A lead using first-person singular tense. Only for those with egos to burn. And I WILL burn them.

‘You’ or Direct Address Lead A second-person lead making a direct appeal to the reader. Great for catching the reader’s attention.

Contrast Lead A lead split into two contrasting parts.

Delayed or Suspended Interest Lead

A literary type of lead. It spins a story out of a lead which the reader must finish to understand.

Blind Identification Lead A lead utilizing the anonymity of a person.

Anecdotal Lead A lead that is used to attract the reader.

Gag or Funny Lead You tell me.

Literary Allusion Lead A lead that alludes to literature.

TIP # 2Try making the lead as interesting as possible. However, be sure to retain the essence

of the news story.

Some… Friendly Reminders

• Be sure not to make run-on sentences because run-on sentences become very hard to read because they are actually multiple sentences that were (badly) put together so avoid making run-on sentences.

• On the other, hand, do not use comma, splicing.• Avoid redundancy, being redundant, repeating yourself,

and repeating yourself.• Speling is also important.• Proper Capitalization should Also be Followed.• vAR1antz 0f Th3 englIzh @lpHab3t Sh0Uld v3 avoIDeD. ♥

xD AjejejeJE LolZ!♥

TIP # 3Keep it simple. Keep it clear.