Developing a News Story

JOURN 305

What gets coverage?

There are several variables determining news coverage

The largest variable is the impact that the story has on the readership/public

Other Factors

“Real world” factors– Reporter

interest/prejudice– “Exclusive” access– Competition– Size of the market– Other breaking news

Covering Developing Stories

Each story has its own life cycle There may be several “phases” to the

reporting of the story

Phase 1

Breaking news Front-page placement Reporting may be limited to initial info Time is critical Details updated when available

– For Web and broadcast

Mainbars vs. Sidebars

Mainbar = primary story Sidebar = related story

– Usually human interest angle

Example

Mainbar– The New York Times runs a front-page story on

memorial events marking the 5-year anniversary of the 9/11 attacks

Sidebar– The New York Times revisits the families for a

human-interest profile (“Portraits of Grief”)

Example

Billboard, May 29, 1999

– Anti-Copy Plan Would "Filter' Downloads

Phase 2

Follow-up story with more details Focuses more on the why and how May or may not be front-page news

Example

Billboard, June 5, 1999

– SDMI's "Trigger' Framework Nears Fruition - Some In Online Biz Decry Plan As Attack On Freedom

Second-day Stories

After the initial “breaking news” is reported, a follow-up story that runs a day later will need a new angle

“Second-day lead”– Puts the initial event into perspective– Offers more information and analysis

Example

The space shuttle Columbia explodes on Feb. 1, 2003 – All seven astronauts die

On Feb. 2, the initial event is still important, but it is no longer “breaking news”– Second-day lead focuses on:

Reactions from public Safety of the NASA program Investigation of the cause of the mishap

Example

Phase 1: "Breaking News"One Killed at Stockton "Sideshow"

Phase 2: "Second-Day Lead"Second "Sideshow" Victim ID'd

Example

Breaking news:– Man charged with murder hours after girlfriend taken off life support

Follow-up:– Autopsy puts end to murder charges

Phase 3

New angles on old stories Human-interest angle In-depth analysis Follow-up on events

Phase 4

Most reporters have moved on Findings of long-term investigations New developments from the original event

are uncovered

Internet Reporting

On the Web, your first version of a news story will likely be updated as new info comes in

Developing Story Checklist

Latest news gets highest placement Include original breaking news high in follow-

up stories If possible, go on location Humanize the story Find a new or unique angle Add to your sources Coordinate multimedia and graphics

In-Class Writing Assignment

Go to the class blog for information on writing a “second-day lead” story

The original story is provided Facts and a quote are provided for the

“second-day” lead story