Exam #2 Flashcards
Inverted pyramid format
Lead –> summarizes the story (includes 5Ws + H)
Graph 1 –> gives top details
Graph 2 –> Explains further
Further Graphs –> More details/quotes
Wrap-up –> Minor details
*most important info first for reader/efficiency
Summary Lead
- simple/best option
- single sentence (<25-35 words)
- addresses 5Ws and H
- attribution
Alternative Leads
- Buried/delayed → start with anecdote that sets the theme
- Multiparagraph → follows the essence of summary style but takes a couple paragraphs to build info
- Quotation → uses direct quote as the lead (approach this sparingly + the quote must summarize the story + brief/explanatory)
- Question → poses a question to the reader (use sparingly + must be brief, provocative, hard to answer, not vague, not basic + story must answer it)
- Direct address → writer sets a scenario for the reader
Shocker → provide a twist in some way
Immediate identification
putting someone’s name in the lead only when they are a public figure (their personality is known and matters)
Delayed identification
starts with the who but name is saved for later paragraph (done for lesser known person who is still crucial to the story)
Multiple element
lead links a single news topics to multiple related elements (will be covered point by point)
Nut graph
Paragraph written like a summary news lead that puts the core of the story in focus (2-4 paragraphs, in an alternative lead)
5 Ws and H
Who → is involved, are the sources
What → are the details, is it about
When → did it happen, are key dates/times
Where → is it happening
Why → did it happen/unfold this way, is it important
How → did it happen/unfold, do facts/sources build this story
Quote approval before publication
Seeking approval of quotes by sources is NOT ACCEPTABLE
Sources may not know how journalism works
You can fact-check with them + discuss what’s been covered generally without sharing specifics
Can’t reword their sentences if they ask
Four levels of attribution
On the record → fair game
On background → source’s info can be used but no name (general description of source instead)
On deep background → source’s information can be used but no name or description
Off the record → “classified info”, for reporter’s ears only
Alternative Story Options
- Set the scene → reporter observes, captures all the senses and environment
- Dialogue → highlight conversation you captured between two or more individuals
- Anecdotes → sets the tone with a short story that set the scene
- Foreshadowing → keeps readers in suspense to keep reading
- alternative structures are used for complex news and feature stories
Alternative Story Structure
Chronology → in chronological order (most important aspects may be reflected last)
Hourglass → combine inverted pyramid and chronology formats
Focus → follows one individual who is representative of a larger group
*these will use alternative leads
Hourglass
3 parts:
Top → inverted pyramid (3-5 paragraphs)
Turn → change in direction of the story)
Pivot → complete facts in sequential/chronological order
3 Types of Quotations
Direct quote (full quote) → exact words + quotation marks + attribution
Something important/controversial
Can’t improve what the source said
Partial quote → portion of a source’s exact words + quotation marks + inserted into a complete sentence (have to be careful of context)
Clear and interesting and won’t be taken out of context
Generally problematic, risky, awkward
Indirect quote (paraphrase) → info from source is phrased in reporter’s words
Cite general info
When the source’s words are awkward, confusing, uninteresting
Use of profanity in quotes
- Profanity discouraged: Most news organizations have policies blocking the use of profanity (but depends on context and quote)
- Profanity allowed: some news organizations allow profanity in quotes no matter what (especially alternative media)
- Ultimately based on an organization’s readership
Interviewing techniques and tips
Before the interview:
- Define the purpose
- Decide whom to interview
- Assess character
- Settle on topics
- Anticipate answers
- Setting up the interview
- Establish some questions
- Do a brief pre-interview (don’t share actual questions!)
- Determine where to interview
- Set time and date
The interview
- Start with small talk
- Follow your questions but be aware of important tangents (follow ups)
- Keep control (not hostile but direct)
- Save toughest questions for last
- Wrap up asking if there’s anything the source would like to add
Afterward
- Transcribe notes right away (+ keep written notes)
- Contact source with follow up questions
Attribution/citing sources in stories
- Attribution = the citing of sources, person, and document → necessity for credibility and clarity
Must attribute: - Facts that are not common knowledge
- Statements about controversial issues
- Statements of opinion
- All direct, partial, and indirect quotations
No need to cite long-established facts → attribute new information
Minimum number of sources in a story
- 3 sources for credible journalism (to start)
- Exception: news briefs (but full story will follow)
- Bottom line → solid, credible journalism requires multiple sources
Advance and follow stories
Advance → written before meeting happens to explain what will be discussed and give context
Follow up → written after the meeting to cover what happened with sources’ discussion and feedback
Meeting agendas
- Get the agenda (2 days before) → review the materials that will be discussed
- If it is last minute → go early and get it on site
- Timeliness and proximity are at the top of the list for meetings newsworthiness
- Go to the public comments to get interesting quotes/newsworthy
- Get supplemental material (ideally before the event) + on-site materials (factsheet, fliers etc.)
Types of documentary and people sources in public affairs reporting
People sources: law enforcement personnel, public information officers, the public, elected leaders, bureaucratic leadership, middle management, office workers
Documentary sources: Blotter, Accident report, Arrest report, Warrant,
Jail booking report, Autopsy report, Medical examiner’s report, Misconduct , Criminal history record, meeting agendas/minutes, Bids, Contract, License
Inspection report, Zoning, Expense record, Telephone record, Campaign contributions, Resumes
Conversational style in broadcast writing
- conversational, informal, relaxed style (how you talk to a friend)
- contractions, incomplete sentences, first/second person
- not disrespectful or too casual
Story tree
- Story tree = helpful tool for organizing/gathering information for a story
- Used to develop list of sources and databases (+ what photos/video/audio to include to develop central point)
- Helps plan digital stories by identifying and connecting the print, audio, video, and web elements of the story package
“Person of interest”
- Avoid using the phrase “person of interest” because it does not have any specific legal meaning → instead use suspect, target, material witness
- It encourages audiences to think of people as guilty before they have been formally accused of a crime/convicted by a jury
What are “the 26 words that created the internet”?
“No provider or user of an interactive computer service shall be treated as the publisher or speaker of any information provided by another information content provider”
Essentially, Section 230 declared that online platforms are not responsible for what people post on their platforms. As a result of this legal protection, many felt free to share whatever they wanted online which ultimately led to the creation of the Internet.
However, Section 230 remains controversial today since many want to regulate harmful online speech and content.
Name three of the five conditions stated by the North County Times editors to allow unnamed sources in a story
- the reporter has tried to persuade the source to use his/her name publicly
- the information from the anonymous source is crucial to the story and cannot be obtained any other way
- the information is considered reliable and has been verified to the fullest extent practicable
- the editor or managing editor knows the name of the source and OKs using the information without a name
- if an unidentified source is used, the reason for granting the anonymity should be stated and the source should be described as fully as possible without identifying him or her so readers can gauge the source’s credibility
