writing for mass media midterm basic – Flashcards

first sentence or paragraph of a story 5w's who, what, when, where, why, the how

an explanatory paragraph near the top of the story that summarizes what the story is about or tells readers why they should care

an indirect quote that summarizes in your own words what someone else said

exact words of an author or speaker

the reporter's name often followed by credentials

the big type, written by copy editors that summarizes the story

information about the photo is often collected by photographers but written by copy editors or reporters.

a quotation from the story that's give special graphic emphasis

informational graphics, maps, charts, lists, diagrams, timelines, that display key facts from a story in a visual way

impact: immediacy: proximity: prominence: novelty: conflict: emotions:

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sources that cannot be depicted

breaking news, events, feature stories

planning: do homework, think through story, determine best way to interview sources, set up interview, when/where, ask if photos are okay before: continue research; organize questions; prioritize; rehearse your interview with friend; be on time; dress appropriately during: relax; you're in charge; start with basics; budge time; begin with softball questions; focus on questions; keep it simple; dont use ques imited to yes; make sure all questions are answered; rephrase questions; ask follow up questions; ask ppl to slow down; use silence; dont take sides after: review notes before ending session; ask permission to call back later; say thank you

in person advantage - best way to get sources to cooperate - you can pick up cues -you are taken more seriously disadvantage -you can waste time setting up -distractions -could be awkward phone advantage -fast efficient -sources arent as intimidated -can occur anytime/anywhere disadvantage -impersonal -difficult to record phone convo -more likely to mishear or misquote by email advantage -give sources time to think about questions -offers flexibility disadvantage -no personal interaction -lag time between questions -not as much credibility

inverted:things get summed up at the beginning, start with the strongest then add additional facts; best for breaking news stories martini glass: (hourglass) begins with the inverted pyramid summary then shifts to a chronological narrative and if possible ends with a stronger kicker a surprise twist; best for crimes, disasters, or other dramatic news stories kabob: (the circle/wallsteet journal formula) begins with a quote or anecdote about a specific person then it broadens into a general discussion of the topic then it ends by returning to that specific person again; best for stories on trends or events where you want to show how actual people are affected

basic news leads anecdotal/narrative leads scene-setter leads direct address leads blind leads roundup leads the startling statement wordplay leads

-summary lead: combines 5 w's -delayed identification lead:withholds a significant piece of info until 2nd paragraph (name) -immediate identification lead

some stories unfold slowly as the writer eases into the topic

usually for long feature stories...they are descriptive

feature stories may use second-person voice to speak directly to you, the reader

extreme versions of the delayed id leads...you deliberately tease readers by withholding info

it grabs your attention...we dare you to try to stop reading

instead of focusing on one person, place, or thing you want to impress the reader with a longer list

catch-all category encompasses a wide range of amusing leads including bad puns

topic leads: not enough to state that a game was played question leads: get to the point; no questions quote leads: quote may not fairly summarize the story

on the record: you can use the info, id the source, run actual quotes off the record: you can't do any of the above on background: you can use info & run quotes but cannot id person on deep background: you can use the info

active: betty eats cake passive: the cake was eaten by betty

to reflect entire community

through diversity everyone can be heard