How to Write a News Story STUDENTS WATCH ALL!

Summary

This video provides a comprehensive guide on how to write a compelling news story using the journalistic style. Key principles include grabbing attention with a strong, concise headline, maintaining objectivity, and structuring the story with the inverted pyramid format. The video emphasizes the importance of asking essential questions—who, what, when, where, why, and how—while writing. It also covers different types of leads, such as summary, news, quote, and description leads, and advises on writing with clarity and precision. Ultimately, the goal is to deliver news without fluff, keeping the focus on the facts and engaging the reader.

Takeaways

• 😀 Headlines should grab the reader's attention without being overly cutesy. Look at major newspapers for inspiration.
• 😀 Journalistic writing should be objective, presenting facts without bias or commentary.
• 😀 The 'who, what, when, where, why, and how' are essential questions to ask when writing a news story.
• 😀 Good journalism follows the inverted pyramid structure, starting with the most important facts and moving to less critical information.
• 😀 A strong lead is crucial to grab attention, and it should briefly summarize the story's key points.
• 😀 There are different types of leads, such as the summary lead, news lead, quote lead, and description lead, each suited for different types of stories.
• 😀 Writing in a clear and concise manner is important. Avoid unnecessary fluff and focus on delivering just the facts.
• 😀 Tight and bright writing means using short, declarative sentences while avoiding irrelevant information.
• 😀 Effective news stories engage the reader emotionally, often including quotes and keeping the pace moving.
• 😀 Always structure your story correctly, using the inverted pyramid and keeping paragraphs short and content-rich.
• 😀 In summary, journalistic writing is about asking the right questions, being objective, and presenting information in a clear, structured way.

Q & A

Why is a headline important in a news story?

A headline is important because it grabs the reader's attention and encourages them to read the rest of the story. It should be clear and impactful, without being overly cute or playful.

What is the inverted pyramid structure in journalism?

The inverted pyramid structure is a method of organizing a news story where the most important information comes first, followed by supporting details. Less important or supplementary information appears towards the end.

What are the key journalistic questions to ask when writing a story?

The key journalistic questions are: who, what, when, where, why, and how. These help gather the essential facts and shape the story.

What is the difference between a news lead and a story summary lead?

A news lead focuses on a specific aspect of the story, such as a notable event or action, while a story summary lead provides a brief overview of the entire story, often summarizing the main point right from the start.

What is a quote lead in journalism?

A quote lead starts the story with a direct quote from someone involved in the story. This type of lead can create interest and set the tone of the article by using a compelling statement from a relevant person.

How does a descriptive lead differ from other types of leads?

A descriptive lead uses vivid language to paint a picture for the reader, setting the scene with sensory details. It is more common in feature stories but can also be used in news stories when appropriate.

What does 'writing tight' mean in journalism?

'Writing tight' means avoiding unnecessary words or fluff. It involves using concise, declarative sentences that get straight to the point, making the story clear and easy to follow.

Why is objectivity important in journalism?

Objectivity is essential because it ensures that the story presents the facts without bias or personal opinion. This allows the reader to form their own conclusions based on the facts, rather than being influenced by the writer's perspective.

What are some examples of writing 'tight and bright' in news stories?

Writing 'tight and bright' involves using short, direct sentences with minimal embellishment. For example, instead of saying 'The weather conditions were extremely difficult and unpleasant,' a tight sentence would say 'The weather was harsh.'

What is the purpose of using the inverted pyramid structure in news writing?

The inverted pyramid structure ensures that readers get the most critical information first, allowing them to understand the key points of the story quickly. It helps make the story accessible even for readers who skim through the article.