The Body of a News StoryThe Body of a News Story

Nicole Park

Laura Forbeck

Body

Give Direction - Foundation

Lead Paragraphs Conclusion

Capture Attention

Styles

Helpful Hints

Transitions

Beef It Up!

Keeping On Track…

Writing Styles

Inverted-Pyramid

Hourglass

Focus

Narrative

The Inverted-Pyramid Style

Most Important Information

Least Important Information

The Inverted-Pyramid Style

Advantages Disadvantages

Quick Read

Easy Edit

Repetition

No Surprises

Difficult to Follow

The Hourglass Style

Inverted-Pyramid Style

The Turn

Chronological Conclusion

The Hourglass Style

For Reporting…

Sports Contests

Criminal Investigations

Natural Disasters

Political Campaign

The Focus Style

Nut GraphKicker

Body of Story

Focus Lead

The Focus Style

For Reporting…

A lead story related to a larger issue

Advantages:

Flexible

Can be arranged

chronologically

The Narrative Style

Like Painting a Picture with Words

Helpful Hints

Avoid Leapfrogging

Names = Dull!

Avoid Complexities

Necessary Background Information Only

Transitions

Like Railroad Ties…

…Transitions help to connect ideas

Types:

Words

Sentences

Transitions

Words

Time Causation

Addition Contrast

Comparison

Sentences

Declarative Interrogative

Beef It Up!

How?

Examples

Description

Humor

Objectivity

Discussion Questions

Is it sufficient when covering public controversies to simply report the facts accurately and fairly? Does it matter that fair and accurate reporting of facts might not do justice to the truth about the facts?

Does the practice of objective reporting distance reporters from the substance of their stories in ways contrary to the ideals of responsible journalism?

Discussion Questions

Should a journalist release all known case details regardless of possible harm?

End of the Line…

Choose a Style Conducive to Story

Use the Helpful Hints

BEEF IT UP!Follow the 3 C’s

Clear * Concise * Creative