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News writing
In this section we focus on news writing, including the inverted pyramid structure of putting the most important information first. We look at the power of words, using the right words, language and style, and words that are frequently misused. This section also covers attribution and plagiarism, clichés and jargon, and using quotes in journalism.
News writing for beginners
A journalist writing a news story is the author, organiser and decision maker. Without them the story may never be told.
The power of words
Journalists need to understand the power of using the right words when writing news stories
The inverted pyramid
The inverted pyramid model puts key news first, followed by supporting details, with the least important background information at the base of the article.
Accuracy in journalism
Precision is the soul of journalism. Rule one is simple: get it right. If you can't respect the absolute need for accuracy, this isn't the career for you.
Impartiality in journalism
For journalists, being impartial means presenting information without demonstrating favouritism towards any specific viewpoint or party.
Integrity and journalism
Without integrity your journalism is untrustworthy and suspect. Integrity is essential if a journalist wants to investigate issues, shine a light in dark places, and to dig where others don't.
Unconscious bias and journalism
Bias is a prejudice for or against a group, often leading to unfair judgements. While it's a normal human trait, understanding our biases is vital for fairness.
In journalism, good writing is plain writing
The purpose of news writing is to convey meaning clearly and effortlessly by using precise, comprehensible, and easily digestible words.
The questions every journalist should ask
There are six questions that journalists should consider asking. They are What? Why? When? How? Where? and Who?
Clarity is as important as accuracy
Journalists must write clearly as well as accurately using accessible language that the audience can understand.
Clichés, journalese, and jargon
Journalists need to recognise and then avoid using journalese, jargon, and clichés. Their writing must be clear, easy to understand, and informative.
Language and style
Learn how to write clear, impactful sentences for better understanding and discover why choosing the right language is essential for your readers.
Using the right words
Words are the essential tools of journalism. They convey meaning and help the audience understand the issues we are covering. So they need to be used properly.
The power of quotes in journalism
Quotes can define an era, a person, or a story. Used thoughtfully, they transform reporting from factual to memorable, from clear to compelling.
Grammar for journalists
Journalists need to observe important grammatical rules when writing news stories and avoid common mistakes that could confuse the audience.
Words that are frequently misused
It's essential for journalists to maintain precision in their use of language, especially when dealing with words that sound or look similar but which carry different meanings.
The use of idioms in journalism
Journalists producing serious news coverage must always write in a way that is clear, accurate, free from jargon.
Attribution and plagiarism
Producing a piece of original journalism involves uncovering facts that, had it not been for you, would have remained hidden.
Adjectives and adverbs in journalism
When it comes to writing - not just news writing but any kind of writing - adjectives and adverbs have a bad reputation.
Militaristic words used in journalism
Explore common militaristic terms in journalism, their meanings, and non-militaristic alternatives to help soften your tone and improve clarity.
Spotting errors in your own writing
Most journalists need a second pair of eyes to check through their copy in order to spot any factual, grammatical or spelling mistakes.
Related learning resources
Quick Guide: Language and style
Writing clear impactful sentences and choosing the right language, style and tone is essential for all news journalists.
Quick Guide: Plain writing
Effective news writing clarifies meaning through precise, simple language. Learn how to make your reports easily digestible for every reader.
Quick Guide: Grammar for journalists
Journalists must follow key grammar rules to write clearly. Avoiding common mistakes is vital. Explore these news writing style tips.
Quick Guide: News writing
Journalists must research, identify a story, and choose a sharp angle. Learn how to refine your material and decide what to cut for maximum impact.
Quick Guide: Using quotes in journalism
Quotes are a journalist’s most powerful tool. Used well, they bring stories to life, add credibility, and let audiences hear directly from sources.
Quick Guide: Clichés, journalese, and jargon
Journalists need to recognise and then avoid using journalese, jargon, and clichés. Their writing must be clear, easy to understand, and informative.
Quick Guide: Writing clearly
As a journalist, facts are vital. While accuracy provides the truth, clarity ensures your audience actually understands it.
Quick Guide: Attribution in journalism
Master news attribution and referencing by following our checklist for ensuring your reporting is accurate, credible, and avoids plagiarism.
Workshop: Adjectives and adverbs in news
Journalists must write tight, concise copy. Avoid wasting words and prune unnecessary adjectives or adverbs to ensure news stories remain sharp and impactful.
Quick Guide: Avoid editorialising in news
Journalism should be fact-based and impartial. Understand why news reporters must leave their opinions at home to guard against conscious and unconscious bias.
Lesson: Clarity is as important as accuracy
A lesson plan designed to help students understand the importance of clarity in their writing so that they produce news articles that the reader can understand.
Workshop: Avoiding jargon
Journalists should avoid journalese, jargon, and clichés. Writing must be clear, accessible, and informative to ensure the audience stays engaged and informed.
Exercise: The inverted pyramid
Inverted pyramid writing puts essential, newsworthy info first, followed by supporting details and background. It ensures readers see the most vital facts straight away.
Workshop: News writing for beginners
Journalists are the vital authors and decision-makers of news. Without them, key stories go untold. Every report must remain truly interesting and informative.
Lesson: The active and passive voices in news
A lesson plan to help journalism students understand the difference between the active and the passive voices in news
Tool: The Content Value Matrix
In this article we look at the 'content value matrix, a tool designed to help media managers prioritise effort and resources on the stories that really matter to the target audience.
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