Write for Media ucsd_ext_spring12_4
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The document outlines key aspects of writing for print journalism, highlighting the profitability of local publications despite challenges like reduced circulation and layoffs. It covers story development, editing techniques, and the characteristics of feature writing, emphasizing the importance of clarity, organization, and audience awareness. Additionally, it addresses common writing challenges and the necessity of thorough research and practice in honing journalistic skills.
Write for Media ucsd_ext_spring12_4
- 1. Writing for Media Session #4 “Writing for Print Journalism” UCSD Extension Spring 2012
- 2. Newspapers/Mags Today • Most still profitable • Local/regional publications doing well • Circulations down • Laying off reporters
- 3. Long-Form News Stories • Inverted pyramid • Attribution • Short sentences and paragraphs • Information • Simplicity • Adherence to style
- 4. Developing a Story • What’s the most important info? • Put it in the lead • What do I want to know next? • Supporting info • Quotes • Wrap it up in a bow -- a bow?
- 5. Transitions • Connectors -- words that unify • Hooks -- word, phrases that unify thru-out • Pronouns -- using with people • Associations -- diff. words, same meaning • Chronology -- establish sequence • Enumeration -- numbering items (bullets)
- 6. News Story Types • Meetings (sports, political, industry, etc.) • Speeches (political, industry, etc.) • Obituaries (most already written) • Weather (seasons, disasters, events, etc.) • Crime and courtroom (lots of drama!) • Anniversaries (holidays, history, events, etc.)
- 7. Editing and Rewriting • Spelling, grammar, style mistakes • Verbs (active and descriptive) • Wordiness (cut down words to express) • Answer all questions (be complete) • Internal consistency (confusion for writer = confusion for reader)
- 8. Feature Stories • Anecdotal -- starts with relating story • Suspended interest -- asks a question • Profiles -- centers around a single person • Question and Answer (Q&A) -- simple, effective, and unfiltered style
- 9. Feature Writing Characteristics • Greater detail • Descriptions: • Actions, People, Places • Reliance of nouns and verbs • Use lots of quotes • Remember 5 senses: • See, Sound, Feel, Taste, Smell
- 10. Parts of a Feature Story • Lead -- multiple sentences and paragraphs • Engine paragraph -- the payoff • Body -- answer all questions • Conclusion -- need one to wrap up in a bow
- 11. Books • Easier than ever to get published • Hard to put one together • Think about your audience -- Who are they? Who’s going to read it? • A good idea and good reporting and writing skills • Don’t forget to finish it!
- 12. Writing Challenges • Gathering info • Learning appropriate structures • Understanding graphics to accompany text • Just doing it • What are your challenges?
- 13. Challenges (cont.) • Present info: • Accurately • Completely • Precisely • Efficiently
- 14. Challenges (cont.) • Learning to do this takes: • Reading • Analysis • Study • Practice
- 15. Questions...