Specialty StoriesWhat’s Your Specialty?

Publications now have specialty areas and specialized beats. Let’s look at them!

Science/Health Writing Publications can look at current science and health

issues

This might include physical or mental health issues relevant to teens (p. 59). What are other health issues relevant to you?

Must be treated with utmost care, as people get information from news

Science/Health Writing Make sure you know what you are writing about!

Science/Health Writing Understand the topic before you interview your

source

Interview a professional (of course)

In an interview, keep double-checking to see that you understand the topic

Give a face to the issue—give life to the story!

Use analogies, anecdotes, examples, and metaphors

Academic Writing It’s about what is going on in the classroom

What could coverage include? (p. 62)

Often related to a recent event

Again, give a face to the issue!

Death Coverage We have to remain objective—unless this is an

editorial, or opinion section about the deceased

Include accurate full name, facts, age, cause of death, biographical details, survivors, date, time, place of funeral, and memorials

Can include anecdotes, quotes surrounding life

Advance Stories Give notice of an upcoming event, like a meeting,

sporting event, assembly, dance, etc.

These could be a feature or a news story

Follow-Up Story Reports on an event after it takes place

Choose an angle, but this is related to how much time has passed since the event

Civic or Public Journalism Media doesn’t only cover the community; it is a part of it

We have a stake in the well-being of the community around us

Civic journalists believe they must do more than report on a problem; they must stir public conversation and problem-solving

Work to frame issues in ways that promote understanding and compromise

What are issues you could cover?

Activity Time! Get into a group and start brainstorming ideas of

what to cover in one of the areas of specialty we discussed today. What is the topic? What is the angle you might take? How could you cover it accurately and

informatively? Could you cover it in a civic manner; that is,

encourage problem-solving (if it is a problem)?