This represents the opening paragraph of your article and sets the stage for information to follow. It’s your chance to grab the reader’s attention, entice them to keep reading, and establish the core elements of your story. Strong ledes include: It’s important to keep in mind that: ‘Lede’ vs. ‘Lead’ While often used interchangeably, there’s
You’ll use numbers in nearly every story you write, and depending on which field of journalism you’re writing in (i.e. data, sports) you might use them at an extremely high frequency. Spelling Out Numbers AP Style emphasizes readability, especially for numbers less than 10. Here’s when to spell them out: Utilizing Numerals For larger numbers
This term holds immense significance to you and your ability to write an engaging news story. It refers to the paragraph following the lede, acting as the explanatory core that clarifies the 5 W’s (Who, What, When, Where, Why). Example of a Nut Graf — from Ryne Ryskoski Things to note The Role of the
Understanding the concepts of “on the record” and “off the record” is crucial for ensuring ethical and transparent reporting. On the Record Off the Record Negotiating the Gray Area Being able to adapt to having quotes and information “on the record” and “off the record” is essential for conducting ethical and informative writing. By establishing
ALWAYS Spell Out Percentages AP Style dictates that you always spell out the word “percent” in your writing and not use the symbol. (Example: A recent poll showed a 20 percent increase in public support for the new policy.) When expressing a numerical value that precedes a percent, use numerals. (Example: The company reported a
Plagiarism, in its simplest form, is the act of taking someone else’s work and presenting it as your own. As we’ve said, credibility is paramount and plagiarism is a serious offense that can damage a reporter’s reputation and career. Here’s a breakdown of plagiarism and its various forms to help you navigate the ethical landscape
On one hand, it can be a valuable source of information about newsworthy events, product launches, or company announcements. On the other hand, poorly crafted press releases can be self-serving and time-consuming to wade through. See a press release example from Ryne Ryskoski here What is a Press Release? A press release is an official
Quotes are the lifeblood of your story and are essential. They inject a human voice into your reporting and allow your sources to share their perspectives, experiences, and expertise directly with your readers. However, simply including quotes isn’t enough; it involves careful selection, accurate attribution, and smooth integration with effective transitioning. Why Quotes Matter? Choosing
Journalists must know and be able to identify different reporting types, which are each tailored to approach a story from a unique angle. Common reporting types Beyond the core types Whether it’s in-depth features, data-driven analysis, or hard-hitting investigations, each reporting type plays a vital role in keeping the public informed and fostering a deeper
Keeping up with the ever-flowing stream of information can be a challenge. This is where a roundup acts as a concise compilation of news stories related to a particular theme, event, or topic. Example: “Tech Roundup: Top 5 AI Advancements This Week” This roundup might feature snippets from different news sources highlighting breakthroughs in artificial