HomeManaging a media businessWhen a ‘big story’ breaks
Managing a media business

When a ‘big story’ breaks

David Brewer
By David Brewer
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Using this slide deck

This presentation outline is based on the article Accuracy in journalism, which we recommend you read before downloading and adapting the suggested slides below. The material is free to use under the terms of Creative Commons BY-NC-SA 4.0. Every slide in the deck you create from this material must include the footer and links to Media Helping Media and the Creative Commons licence.

News writing tips for beginners

A guide to journalistic craft and judgement

Media Helping Media

The journalist's role

  • The journalist is the organiser of information.
  • The most critical decision: Is there a story?
  • Thousands of potential stories are discarded daily; only those that pass the "news test" survive.

News judgement

Professional judgement determines what is news:

  • The people: Stories about public figures carry more weight than private individuals.
  • The surprise: Unexpected or unusual events are more likely to be news.
  • The knowledge: Is this information new to the audience?

Evaluating the source and subject

  • The source: Is it trustworthy, independent, and believable? If in doubt, verify.
  • The subject: Does the story fit your specific output (e.g., sports, finance, or health)?
  • The audience: Will this appeal to your specific readers or listeners?

Timing and "the yawn"

  • Timing: New information can make an old event newsworthy again.
  • The yawn: Avoid "boring" the audience with subjects that have been over-covered.
  • Efficiency: There is never enough space; you must decide what to leave out early.

Essential qualities of a story

  • New: Unknown info.
  • True: No rumours.
  • Provable: Demonstrate truth.
  • Interesting: Use facts.
  • Complete: Coherent.
  • Illustrative: Examples.
  • Contextual: Background.

Structure and impact

The inverted pyramid: Arrange facts from most important to least important.

  • The intro: Maximum impact in 20–25 words.
  • Flow: Ensure the reader doesn't struggle.

The language of journalism

  • Plain English: Simple, digestible words.
  • Active voice: "The police caught the thief."
  • Short sentences: Aim for 20–25 words.
  • Avoid jargon: Use everyday language.

Integrity and ethics

  • Accuracy: Double-check names and dates.
  • Impartiality: Facts without bias.
  • Fairness: Honest and ethical practices.
  • Perspectives: Diverse views without false equivalence.

Summary checklist

  • [ ] Is the most important news first?
  • [ ] Have you answered the 5 Ws and 1 H?
  • [ ] Is the language clear and free of clichés?
  • [ ] Have you attributed all information?
  • [ ] Have you read it back for sense?

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Using this slide deck

This presentation outline is based on the article Accuracy in journalism, which we recommend you read before downloading and adapting the suggested slides below. The material is free to use under the terms of Creative Commons BY-NC-SA 4.0. Every slide in the deck you create from this material must include the footer and links to Media Helping Media and the Creative Commons licence.

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Adopting the ‘big story’ approach
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Developing news sense
David Brewer
David Brewerhttps://mediahelpingmedia.org/
David Brewer is the founder and editor of Media Helping Media. He has worked as a journalist and manager in print, broadcast, and online. David was the UK editor for the launch of BBC News Online, becoming the managing editor soon after. Later he was appointed managing editor of CNN.com International EMEA where he set out the editorial proposition, hired staff, and oversaw the launch. David was the managing editor for the launch of CNN Arabic in Dubai, and a launch consultant for Al Jazeera English in Qatar. David has spent many years delivering journalism training worldwide, mainly in transition and post-conflict countries. He is currently mentoring journalists and editors of refugee and exiled media online as well as helping train journalists in countries where the media is still developing.