Report
It!
How to write an effective news report
In the Film "The Shipping
News" Kevin Spacey plays a rookie journalist.
In this scene he listens to advice from an experienced newspaper writer.
Old Man: "Finding the
centre of your story, the beating heart of it, that's what
makes a reporter.
You have to start by making up some headlines - short, punchy, dramatic headlines.
Now have a look out there. What d'you see over there?
Rookie: "Horizon Fills With Dark Clouds."
Old Man: "Imminent Storm Threatens Village."
Rookie: "But what if no storm comes?"
Old Man: "Village Spared From Deadly Storm."
In the exercise below collect the facts then create a headline that goes to the beating heart of the story.
1. Collect the facts in rough. Keep it short. Facts only. Answer the questions: |
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2. Now write a headline. This should attract the reader's attention and summarise the main points of the story in not more than six words. Go for the beating heart of the story.
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3. Write the first paragraph. This should expand the headline, giving the most important facts in not more than 30 words. |
A MAN who had been drinking at The Red Lion Inn was found dead next morning lying by the towpath which borders Camchester's market place | ||||||||||
4. Now write the rest of the story. Give more detail. You might have a paragraph for each of the questions above (see 1) |
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5. The later paragraphs may give opinion, but make clear what is fact and what is opinion. The last few paragraphs may be cut short by the sub-editor if space is short, so make sure your really important news is at the top. |
Mr Marshall's garage business
had experienced financial difficulties since he was fined for
careless driving following an incident in which he collided with
a bus in Broadwood Road. A friend said he had been "very depressed." |
* Now write your own article using these ideas.
* Find examples of real newspaper articles which answer the questions in the check list of questions in 1. and 4. above.
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