JCM 303

Journalism's roles: Accountability

EX: Senator Rand Rawl: why to delay or deny assistance to 911 1st responders (flee) -Judgement call: drawing the line at your own behavior: was it obnoxious?

-Full direct quotes -Good FDQs: Are.... (sharp observation) Show.... (colorful, humorous, emotional) Has... (controversial) and bad FDQs: U... L... U... -Setup sentence (setup sentence and quote should not repeat each other) -Routine factual information? -Can I change a FDQ? -If you do, must be honest (use of ellipsis and parentheses) -Be more willing if speaker... -FDQ STYLE: -IF ATTRIBUTION IS BEFORE QUOTE -IF ATTRIBUTION IS AFTER QUOTE In both cases verbatim words start with a open quote mark and end with a closed quote mark

-Speaker's words verbatim and in full sentences. -If used wrong, full direct quotes can DESTROY your story. (You write better than most people talk, full quotes might be unclear/long-winded/ungrammatical) -But, a FDQ is wonderful too - What is 'good'? -Good FDQs are insightful (sharp observation) or shows perspective (colorful, humorous, emotional) or has news value (controversial) -Good FDQs are also short, clean, and clear -Add clarity to FDQ with a clear 'setup sentence' But the setup sentence and the quote should not repeat each other -Do not use a FDQ to convey routine factual info (PARAPHRASE INSTEAD). "It's unnecessary and a waste of the taxpayers' money." GOOD "The annual budget is $3.7 million." BAD, routine fact should be paraphrased CAN I CHANGE A FDQ? -Still unsettled ethical debate in journalism. -According to our professor, yes small edits are OK if they are necessary for understanding or to spare embarrassment, provided that meaning and tone do not change. (Narrow license). -If you make a small edit, you must be honest with your reader. -Use ellipses where you took out words -Use parentheses around any word you changed or added -Be more willing to edit the speaker if the speaker if not a public figure or public official, not your job to save public people from embarrassment. -Remember: If a FDQ cannot be fixed with small edits or you oppose changing quotes, you can always turn that quote into a PDQ or a paraphrase. FULL FDQ STYLE: -Attribution (who said something) at the end: -title not capitalized, name before said, comma is inside the quotation marks and between the end of the quote and an attribution -Attribution at the beginning: capital letter at start of quote, comma between attribution and start of quote is outside parenthesis, period inside the quotation marks -In both cases, verbatim words begin with an open quote mark (") and end with a closed quote mark (").

Timeliness -Just happened -Related to event currently in news (news peg)

Means a time-related reason to be published now -Event or development just happened - also known as breaking news -Story related to event or topic currently in news (gives story a news peg): EX: Process for developing vaccines (COVID-19 gives news peg to manufacturing of vaccines) -Story related to a seasonal event (also gives story a news peg) EX: High cost of college (reported in AUGUST when students are going back to school, pegged to particular season and events going on with the world). You would not produce this story in February. -Do not discount new revelations about old topics. EX: Crash involving hazardous materials closes AL freeway - Immediacy for those that need to use that freeway

MATTERS OF STYLE FOR MEETING COVERAGE -"Board" -"city council", "city commission", "school board" -Board member titles -Stories about meetings can take a hard, soft or advance-impact approach. STORIES ABOUT SPEECHES: -Before you cover: prepare for it by finding out as much as you can about the speaker and issue. Check clips, blogs, and online databases. -With a prominent speaker, can often get text of speech in advance, but do not rely on it as the speaker may depart from it, but you can still use it. "The speaker said in prepared remarks" "in a written text." -Reporters sometimes rely more on written version, especially if deadline is before speech or news conference is over -During speech, try to get full quotes of important points (especially if vary from written text), jot down reactions of speaker and audience -Note when and if speaker? -Try? - if someone asks a good question after speech or meeting and then leaves, should follow that person out of room quickly so you can check the name and get more information YOUR STORY SHOULD ALWAYS INCLUDE SOME BASIC INFO (5) soa, l, r, h, roa -Although you need to include basic info, do not clutter at top of story with it unless it is crucial to the event

-A collective noun, therefore takes a singular verb. If approach seems awkward, say board members said THEIR next meeting would be Tuesday. -Capitalize when they are part of a proper noun (Rockville City Commission) And when the reference is to a specific commission in your town - The City Commission, The City Council. If you are not referencing to a specific city commission, but just saying most municipalities have city commissions, use lowercase letters. -CAPITALIZE IF BEFORE (Mayor John Corrupt) DO NOT IF AFTER (John Corrupt, the mayor) -When and if the speaker shows emotion and how the audience responds. -Try to get an aisle seat. 1) Size of audience 2) Location of speech 3) Reason for speech 4) Highlights of speech, including good quotes 5) Reaction of audience, especially at dramatic points during the speech

Traits of good journalist stories (regardless of being hard or soft) -Accuracy -Objectivity (not too rigid..., emotional objectivity) -Fairness -Balance (False Balance, Artificial/False Equivalency, Both Sideism)

-Accuracy (VERIFYING) -Objectivity - do not put personal opinion or bias in your story or do not put personal opinion/bias in reflecting in your work (under attack: a too "restrictive principle" can go beyond to an extreme definition: NOT GOOD: feel so detached, so desiring to be neutral or appear to be objective that you do not challenge contradictory information needed for context: will not challenge or present contradictory facts) EX: NYT Editor violating principle of objectivity "Anti-Trump": As long as you are presenting the facts your coverage or story can be negative, not going against the principle of objectivity EX: Emotional objectivity: Blackwell: Could be a violation of objectivity. All a matter of personal opinion. (On these 2 examples). -Fairness: Justified presentation of someone or something EX: Crime rate up in city one year, but down all the rest, showing just the one year is accurate, but not fair to the city -Balance: Presenting ALL SIDES. -Extreme forms of balance (False Balance, Artificial/False Equivalency, Both Side-ism) -Adolph Rupp is or is not racist: show both sides, but the facts prove he is a racist -"Some experts" view ingestion of household disinfectants as dangerous. Look at the facts! -Some say it is raining, some say it is dry. Look outside!

-Attribution Attribution identifies who said something (a name and job title or connection to the story ('witness') If quote is a paraphrase being used as the lead, put the attribution at the end! (Remember news first, attribution last.)

-All 3 types of quotations must have an attribution -Attribution can go at the beginning or end of a quotation (or in the middle) -However, if quote is more than 1 sentence, do not wait longer than 1 sentence to tell the reader who is talking, open the quote and close and attribute in first sentence, start second sentence with open and close quote. -Don't put attribution in same place too many times ('He said,' 'He said,' 'He said,') -The best verb is said. Use it as often as you wish. Said comes after the name (Smith said, not said Smith).

BEFORE THE MEETING: -Many times knowing what is ____ ___ _____ at a meeting is more important to readers than knowing what ___ ___. A story that tells readers what is ___ ____ can alert residents to make their concerns known before a measure is adopted by local officials -> A PRE-MEETING STORY IS KNOWN AS? -An ___ is especially crucial if local officials are planning to conduct a public hearing about an issue. If the public doesn't know about it, how can the public be heard? -City and school boards usually publish an agenda in advance of their meetings. This agenda lists _, although _. -When you receive an agenda look through it for items that might be of special interest to readers. -Ask board members to discuss items they expect to be the most interesting or controversial. -If you are writing for a ___ ____, make sure you give the time and location of the meeting. COVERING THE MEETING: -Arrive early. -Find out names of board members. Find out who is in charge. -Ask board members, especially head of board, whether you may talk to them after the meeting. -If you know people in the audience who are leaders of a group favoring or opposing a controversial issue greet them and tell them you would like ot get comments after the meeting. -Check items on the ____ and get any b/g you need. -Check the ___ ____, a list of items on the ____ that the board will approve without discussion. They may include bids for approval or other points the board may have discussed in work sessions. -Don't remain? When members of the audience give public comments, get their names and more comments. You can catch up with the action inside later. -Or? Sometimes the comments of people attending are more interesting than the ones the board members make. -Stay? The most important issue could emerge at the end of a meeting, when board asks for new business or public comments. Or something dramatic could happen.

-Going to happen, did happen -Being proposed, ADVANCE -Items to be discussed, although new items can and usually are presented. -Public hearing -Agenda -Consent agenda, agenda -Glued to a seat at the press table -Or sit in the audience. -Stay until the end.

Organizational techniques: Two most common problems of professional writers are writing the lead and organizing the story -What is the best transition? To find your lead ask these questions: What will hook the reader's or viewer's attention? What does the reader or viewer need to know first or most to understand the story? What is the story about? -Write a lead that will follow with your strongest quote. Start with the focus graph, and write the lead later. -Transition techniques 1) Cause and effect (Answering questions) 2) Introducing new sources 3) Repetition of key words ('Stitching') 4) Transition for background (Using time elements) Previously, In the past, or specific time elements (Two months ago) 5) Blocking sources (Should not be ...) -Maintaining the pace in the middle of the story (Transitions are one method) 1) Vary the pace (long and short sentences) 2) Use parallel construction (sentences worded in same grammatical order) 3) Use dialogue 4) BBI: Boring But Important Stuff (do not put all in one block) 5) Simple sentences for complex information 6) Lists 7) Writing short sentences, using active voice whenever possible, and writing simple sentences 8) Avoid jargon -Endings: To many readers, ending is as important as beginning, but many readers do not get that far. Should reward readers with a memorable ending if they do make it there. -"Kicker" it should give a summary feeling to your story without repeating any information you have stated previously. The twist or main point the writer is trying to make. In many cases the lead could be an ending. And returning to your lead as a way to find your ending could be an excellent technique. Types of endings: 1) Quote kickers (Most __? Attribution?) 2) Circle Kickers 3) Future-Action Kickers (What if next step is crucial for a story? Natural conclusion?) 4) Climaxes (Holding suspense till the end. Tease reader in beginning to find out what happens. Features in narrative style or short fiction.) 5) Cliffhangers (Gives readers a mystery, find out what happens next. Reserved for endings of stories and arranged in sections/series. Put key points of story on front page and stopping with a question or suspenseful point just before it jumps to another page. Typically for long features.) 6) Out-Of-Gas Endings (Just ending when you have nothing left to say. Appropriate for, particularly those with which type of lead? Could end on quote, future action, or another fact in story.)

-Best transition is no transition, story so well organized that one thought follow another naturally. 1) Use cause and effect: If one paragraph raises a question, answer it in the next paragraph 2) To make a transition from one source to another, introduce the new source. 3) Repetition of key words: "stitching" as you write, look at last sentence in each paragraph, and find a key word that will trigger a question you can answer in the next paragraph or that will serve as a bridge to the next thought. Do not overuse this technique, writing could become boring. Common for broadcast news anchors. 4) Transition for background: Previously, In the past, or specific time elements (Two months ago) or story chronologically told could set up like "The incident began this way" -To get from one point to another, especially in stories about meetings, say "In another matter" 5) Blocking sources: After a person is identified by a full name once, newspapers and online sites use only last name if person is mentioned again in story. The technique helps eliminate confusion by using sources in blocks instead of placing them sporadically throughout the story. When you have 3 or more sources in a story, use each source once or in consecutive paragraphs, blocking all his or her comments in one part of the story. If must use a source again in another part of the story, reintroduce person by title or some reference to remind reader of person's identity. Exception is well-known sources (mayor, governor, celebrity) -The blocking technique is only a guideline and should not be adhere to strictly when the story order would bee more logical if sources were used in different places throughout the story. . . . . . . . 1) Vary the pace: follow long sentences with short ones. 2) Use parallel construction: means the sentences are worded in the same grammatical order. Some of the words can bee repeated for effect, especially those at the beginning of sentences. 3) Use dialogue: when possible and appropriate, use dialogue in your story. Works well in court cases and feature stories. For broadcast, sound bites and video constitute dialogue 4) BBI: Boring but important stuff: many stories, especially government stories, need explanation or background that could be boring. Don't put all boring info in long block, break into small paragraphs, and place it where it all fits. 5) Simple sentences for complex information: the more difficult the information is, the simpler your sentences should be. Use short sentences with simple construction, especially for bureaucratic information. 6) Lists: itemizing information is an excellent way to keep flow going through middle of story. Works well in summarizing studies, statistical information, or main points in government actions. 7) Write short sentences, use active voice whenever possible, write simple sentences: On average, sentences should be fewer than 25 words. Keep subject and verb close together. 8) Avoid jargon: Translate bureaucratic terms into simple ones, define technical terms. . . . . . . 1) Quote kickers: most common type of ending. Look for quote that sums up mood or main idea of story. When you end with a quote, put the attribution before the quote or in a two-quote ending, after first sentence. Do not let last words the reader remember is "he said". 2) Circle kickers: When you return to your lead for an idea to end your story in a full circle. The writer repeats phrases from the lead, but ends with a twist. 3) Future-action kickers: Many stories end with the next step in the development of an issue. But this technique only works if the story lends itself to a future element. If the next step is crucial to the story, it should be higher in the body. But if it works as a natural conclusion, then it can be the ending. 4) Climaxes: works on stories like fiction, where the reader is kept in suspense until the end. It is more suited to features in narrative style or short news stories that tease the reader in the beginning and compel the reader to find out what happens. 5) Cliffhangers: Give the readers or viewers a mystery, and make them want to find out what happens next. It is usually reserved for endings of stories and can bee arranged in sections or series that will continue on another day. But it also can be used in the middle of stories to compel the reader to continue. Excellent on Web. Not all stories lend themselves to cliffhangers. But many could be structured that way by putting the key points of the story on the front page and stopping with a question or suspenseful point in the last sentence before the story continues or "jumps" to another page. -Method more conducive to narrative storytelling, especially in a long feature, but it can be applied to hard news if the story stops at a crucial point. 6) Out-of-Gas endings: You can always jut end when you have no more to say. This method is appropriate for hard-news stories, particularly those structured with a summary lead and arranged with supporting points in descending order of importance. You can end on a quote, future action, or another fact in the story.

Types of hard news stories -BNS -RS -NES (reveal background of a complicated news story) -NAS (reason and impact for a particular piece of news: why something happened) -IDES (exploring societal issues and world: bring light with what we might need to do to solve them) -IS (failures of the system, injustice, wrong-doings: extension of most recent, focus on these issues in particular)

-Breaking news stories (immediately: plane crash, crime, natural disaster) -Reaction stories (to news happening: leaders or ordinary people) -News explainer stories (reveals the background of a complicated news story: who someone is or sequence to how something happened) -News analysis stories (reason and impact for a particular piece of news: why something happened) -In-depth enterprise stories (exploring issues in society and the world: bring light to what we may can do to solve them) -Investigative stories (wrong doing, failures of the system, injustice: extension of #4 tend to focus on particular kinds of issues) EXS: Breonna Taylor, storm damage, leading in votes (polls), USPS

-Listening Tips: -Focus on 'Hear' and now -Practice conversational listening -Practice critical listening -Be quiet -Be responsive -Listen for what isn't said -Listen with your eyes -Be polite -Block personal intrusions -Be flexible -Note-taking tips: -Be prepared -Concentrate -Use key words -Develop a short-hand system -Slow the pace -Request repetition -Make eye contact -Mark your margins or notebook covers -Verify vital info -Double-check -Be open-minded -Use symbol system -Stand and deliver -Save your notes -Social media: Can help you focus your ?s and get essential info especially for breaking news on radio, TV, or Web. -You can also use Twitter for a pre-interview to get insight before a more in-depth one. (Identify clear purpose for interview, plan and limit number of questions want to ask to about 10)

-Concentrate on what source is saying now, not on what you will ask next. -Base next question on last sentence or thought source expressed. -Listen on one level for facts, another for good quotes, and a third for elaboration. Is source making a point clearly and supporting it? If not, ask source to repeat, elaborate, or define the meaning. -You cannot quote yourself. Let source explain a point, even if you understand it, so you can get info in source's words -Make eye contact frequently. Don't understand something ask why, how, or I don't understand/please explain. -Is the source avoiding a topic? Sometimes what is omitted from a convo is more revealing than what is included. -What kind of body language is the source displaying? Observation can be a good listening tool. -Do not interrupt if source rambles or gives irrelevant info. Wait for source to pause and then change subject. -Block personal thoughts that will affect your concentration. (Bad day) -Do not go into interview with rigid agenda of questions, follow course that will be interesting. "The quality of stories has something to do with the quality of notes." "Writing is the least important part to it; everything that leads up to it is what matters." Legible writing, names and dates, reporters' observations. Detail is what makes the difference of good and bad notes. When you begin writing your story, you may need more info than you originally anticipated during the reporting process. -Do not rely solely on electronic equipment for note taking. -When you hear a good quote or start of one, write rapidly and concentrate. -Jot down key words to remind you of facts and statements of the source. -Abbreviate as many words as possible. -Slow pace of interview by pausing before your next question until you write the quote. If your source is speaking too fast, politely ask him to slow down. -Do not be afraid to ask your source to repeat a a quote or fact you missed. -Look at source when asking questions and taking notes. -When you hear something that prompts another question in your mind, jot it in mrgin as soon as you think of it. Covers can be used to write questions that come to mind so they do not have to flip. -Get exact spelling of source's name and his title during or at end of interview. Do not go by nameplate on door or desk. Could be a nickname. Ask for name they prefer to use, and ask for spelling even if you are sure of it. Even if reporting for TV, will need spelling of name (may be superimposed on screen during soundbite) -Source says 3 main points or reasons for running for office, make sure you get all three. Check before you conclude the interview (Write 3 reasons in margin). -You may have one idea for story when you begin taking notes, but do not limit notes to one concept. Your story angle could change at any time during interview. -Star or some symbol text next to info you think will be important. -Practice taking notes standing. You will not have the luxury of sit-down reporting especially at scenes of fire, accident, disaster, and most other breaking news stories. -Should save your notes after story is published or aired. How long is debatable, but most editors advise saving notes for at least a few weeks in case any question of it arises. Why you should date your notebooks.

Quotes: -Good quotes back up your lead and substantiate info in your story. Good quotes also let the reader hear the speaker. But boring quotes can bog down stories. If they repeat what you have already said, it's better to eliminate them. Consider quotes as the spice of the story. -What is plagiarism? (Applies to blogs, tweets, online sites, publications, sources) -When to Use Direct Quotes: -Interesting and informative? -Backs up the lead, nut graph, or supporting point in your story? -Memorable without referring to your notes? -Repeat your transitions? (Avoid introducing a sound bite with a transition that repeats what the source will say -> Parroting) -Can you state the info better in your own words? -Does the quote advance the story by adding emotion, interest, or new info? -Are you including the quote for your source or for your readers or viewers? Most important question of all. The readers' and viewers' interests always take priority. -Quotes to avoid: (3) -Libel (If police or other criminal justice officers make accusations in an official capacity, you may use direct or indirect quotes provided you attribute them carefully)

-Copying the words of other writers, even if you paraphrase info you receive from other publications, you are plagiarizing if you do not attribute it. Plagiarism also applies to blogs, tweets, and other online sites as well. -Yes -Yes -Yes -No -No -Yes -For source, no. For readers, yes. -Direct quotes when source is boring or info is factual and indisputable. "We are going to have our regular monthly meeting Tuesday night" -Avoid any direct quote that is not clearly worded. Bureaucratic language. -Avoid accusatory quotes from politicians or witnesses of a crime. If you intend to include any accusations, get response from person accused. A direct quote does not save you from libel. If police or other criminal justice officers make accusations in an official capacity, you may use direct or indirect quotes provided you attribute them carefully

WRITING THE STORY: -HOW NOT TO WRITE IT. -If the length of a debate is crucial to the story, include it. If meetings are usually long, and time element is not a major factor related to the focus, do not. -Points to include in your story (6) tom and l, v, ns: if a major issue or ordinance cannot be adopted until a public hearing is conducted, ior, q, bg -To write the story, select only one key issue for the focus. If the board approved several other measures, add them to the end. "In other business." -If several important actions occurred, consider breaking another key issue into a separate story, if possible. If not, try a lead mentioning both items or put the other key point in the second paragraph and give supporting background later. (City commissioner example) -Although many meeting stories are written with summary leads, especially if news is significant, they do not have to follow that form. Try an impact lead that emphasizes how readers and viewers are affected by the action or lack of action that occurred at a meeting.

-Do not say 'The city council met and discussed x (something).' Tell what they discussed or enacted. 1) Type of meeting and location (if the city council or school board meets all the time in the same building, do not mention location) 2) The vote on any major issue (in a 4-1 vote) if the issue is particularly controversial, say who voted against it or for it if an affirmative vote was more controversial. If the measure was approved unanimously, say so. But do not give the vote for every minor item. 3) The next step : if a major issue or ordinance cannot be adopted until a public hearing is conducted, tell readers when a hearing is scheduled or what the next step is before the action is final 4) Impact on readers : explain how the decision will affect them 5) Quotes : use only quotes that are dramatic, interesting, or crucial to the story 6) B/G of the issues : what do readers need to know to understand what has happened? -("City commissioners yesterday approved plans for the city's first shopping mall but rejected plans for a new public golf course.") Then proceed with discussion about shopping mall.

-Conducting the Interview (Interview Tips) -The Dumb Factor -Start out by using icebreakers -Plan your first question -Put questions in non-threatening order -Ask basic questions -Ask follow-up questions (give you quotes and anecdotes) -Keep quiet -Be nonjudgmental -Contol the interview -Repeat questions -Ask b/g questions -Construct a chronology -Ask about developments -Role-play -Ask about pros and cons -Ask for definitions -Verify -Use 'blame others' technique -Handle emotional questions with tact -Ask summary questions -Use 'Matchmaker' technique -Ask free-choice questions -End on positive note

-Don't worry about what you don't know. You are there to listen and learn, not to be an expert. Acting dumb can give you an advantage. Even if you know the answer, should ask anyway so you can get the info in the source's words. Most sources enjoy teaching role and showing off what they know. Here are some ways to conduct the interview and some types of ?s to ask. Not all of these techniques and questions apply to every story. -Introduce yourself and briefly state your purpose. Establish rapport with some general convo. Do not pull out your notebook immediately. Try to sit at angle. Observe surroundings (do you notice anything you can mention as an icebreaker?) -Try to find a ? or approach that would interest the source, especially if person is celeb, athlete, or official who has been interviewed often. -Start with nonthreatening questions, if you only have 5 minutes though, may have to ask toughest questions first or whichever one will yield you the most crucial info for your story. -Who, what, when, where, why, and how are the most basic. Then add 'so what' factor. Ask significance. Who will be affected and how? This question will give you info for your impact paragraph. -These are questions that will give you quotes and anecdotes. Use conversational technique. When source answers one question, follow trend of thought by asking why and how and asking source to explain or give details. (What was your reaction? What do you mean by that? How did that happen? How did you do that? What is the significance? Who will be affected?) -Let the source talk. -If you have to ask a controversial question, use 'blame others' technique "Your opponent says that ... How do you respond?" -Do not interrupt as source rambles or prolongs an answer. Wait for natural pause before asking next question. -What should you do if the source gives you an evasive or incomplete answer? The best tactic is to drop the ? and continue the interview. After discussed a few other points, repeat ? you want answered but state it in slightly diff. way. -Get history of issue, if applicable. How and when did the problem or program start? Why? -Ask questions to establish a sequence of events. -What are the current concerns and developments? HOw did the issue evolve? What is likely to happen in the future? Answer to the question about future may provide you with a good ending for story. In some cases, may give you a lead and new focus. Next step in action is often most newsworthy angle. -What does the reader or viewer need and want to know? -Discuss both sides of issue when relevant. Who agrees and disagrees with his POV? What are his responses to the opposition? -Always get source to define bureaucratic or technical terms in language that you and your readers will understand. Do not accept or write info you cannot explain. -Ask ? even if you know the answers. Always check spelling of source's name. Check person's title and dates of crucial events. Accuracy of info on a resume or news release. Do not have to repeat everything but you should ask the source whether the info released is correct. Also, remember that if the source tells you something about another person, you must check it out with the other person. -When you have to ask tough questions, blame someone else. "Your opponent says you cheated on your income taxes. How do you respond to that?" -Avoid insensitive questions. There ARE stupid questions, which are also insensitive (How do you feel about the death of your children?) Ask person to instead recall specific memories about his children, or ask how the person is coping with tragedy. -Restate info or ask source to clarify key point he is making. -Ask whether anyone else is involved in the issue or if there are other people the source would suggest you contact. You will want more than one source for your story, so you can strive for fairness and balance. -Ask source whether there is anything he would like to add. -Thank your source after interview. Ask whether you can call back if you have any other questions. Ask for another way to reach the source.

HOW NOT TO BE ACCURATE: 1) Let pressure to be ___ or ___ get to you (____ is crucial, but not as crucial as accuracy) 2) Let a ___ ___ ___ cause you to lower your standard for acceptable sourcing for publication - when you and the audience are desperate, resist the temptation. This is especially applicable to? You don't know what is going and neither might your sources, it is a tough situation, there's rumors and innuendos, and no time to confirm this or that. SPECULATION!!! How that causes reports to change over time: Initial info from sources could be wrong -Boston Marathon Example (Vacuum of Information) -More Boston Marathon Inaccuracy examples -Kobe Bryant 3) Do not believe everything you read on ____ and ___ ____ -Use these sources only as ____ to ____ information/a lead -These sources help in assessing online credibility: 1) mediabiasfactcheck.com (site ratings) 2) verificationhandbook.com (site ratings) 3) factcheck.org (evaluate individual websites and social media posts) 4) Do not believe everything you read on ____ THE MOST COMMON MISTAKES ACCORDING TO VERIFICATION HANDBOOK (6) - They are all avoidable through precaution and careful attention to detail. No such thing as a small mistake, but these mistakes are of smaller nature.

-First, fast, speed -Vacuum of information, breaking news stories -Vacuum of information: How that causes reports to change over time: Initial info from sources could be wrong First said according to some sources that 'Suspect was identified, and now arrested' People need to know who suspect is if he is still out there. 'Not 1 but 2 videos of suspect' Then changed to... 'Not arrested yet' 'Arrested' 'In custody' 'Not in custody' -> To then... 'Suspect not arrested and no suspect has been identified' -The reporters tried to be cautious, but inaccurate reports still led to the wrong information (do not lower your standards!) -BAG MEN: Feds seek these 2 pictured at the marathon! "Find these guys" and it was not those guys. They did settle for undisclosed amount for false identification (New York Post) ABC: KOBE BRYANT AND 4 CHILDREN KILLED FOX: BRYANT AND 3 CHILDREN KILLED TMZ: KB SURVIVED BY WIFE AND 4 CHILDREN -ABC suspended their Chief National Correspondent as a result of this inaccuracy -Websites, social media -Tips to pursue -Wikipedia 1) MISQUOTE 2) Incorrect headline 3) Numercial errors 4) Misspelled words 5) Incorrect job title 6) Misspelled names

Hard news stories vs soft news stories -Hard is happening... with more... and just the... They are stories of a .... nature -Soft has no ..., not so ...., more.... -News that .... or .... with an emphasis on .... and ....

-HARD: Happening now, serious subjects, just the facts writing -Stories of a TIMELY nature. Crimes, fires, meetings, protest rallies, speeches, testimony to court cases. -SOFT: no immediacy, not so serious subjects, more creative writing -News that entertains or informs with an emphasis on human interest and novelty. -Man who models airplanes, effectiveness of diets. -Some of the best journalism merges the 2 -Both types of stories dependent on two things 1) subjects, 2) writing style (can blend the two and be a good thing) EX: Mom with opioid addiction (hard news subject), but observing from family home for 3 days with anecdotes and observation (soft news style)

-WHAT TO DO IF YOU DO MAKE A MISTAKE! 1) Do not ___ a ____ ___ ____ - check it out! (Failing to do so could have ___ ____.) 2) If you're wrong, ____ and ____ ___ ____ (Doing so can in some cases reduce legal consequences) ____ ____ / _____: SHOULD BE AS PROMINENT AS THE ORIGINAL STORY AND IDENTIFIED AS SUCH (Put on top of online story - label it and be clear you fixed something - usually a sentence to 1/2 paragraphs) OR in printed story: if printed on front, needs to be on front page not on page 10 (If warranted offer an apology to the person or organization harmed, you'll (MAYBE) earn their respect, not all the time)) EX: A BIG MISTAKE : Washington Post at least 15 mistakes were made and each were posted at the top where it could be seen and was clear 3) Evaluate ____ you made the mistake (How to avoid it for next time) - Make this mistake a learning error, make it constructive. (Figure out what you can do in future to avoid a repeat) 4) Feel ___ about it... for 10 minutes and then get on with your job (Should feel ___ - you know your reputation is all you got, have to be as accurate as possible) LAST THINGS ABOUT ACCURACY: 1) KEEP ____ OUT OF YOUR NEWS AND FEATURE STORIES (can have them, but cannot show in reporting) (even one simple word such as unfortunately could look like ____) 2) ALL ____ IN NEWS AND FEATURE STORIES MUST BE ____ ____ _____ 3) THE ONLY EXCEPTION IS IF WRITING IS LABELED AS AN ____ ____/____ THEN IS OK.

-Ignore a complaint of inaccuracy, legal consequences -Admit, correct it publicly -PUBLIC CORRECTION/RETRACTION -Why -Sick, sick -Opinions, opinion -Opinions, attributed to sources -Opinion article/opinion review

-How to write quotes: -Commas and periods? -Question mark or other punctuation marks if punctuation refers to quoted material? Otherwise? -Each new speaker must be... -Do not attribute a single quote .... Two quoted sentences from same speaker in same paragraph only need ... -When the quote is two or more sentences in the same pgph, attribute it ... Attribution in the middle of a quote is acceptable, but not preferable if it... -Do not tack on long explanations for the quote. If quote isn't clear by itself, paraphrase. Instead, introduce the quote with a transition. -Limit the use of partial quotes. They are acceptable when the whole quote would be cumbersome, but too many make a story choppy. And reader wonders what was left out. If you follow a partial quote with a full one, you must close the partial quote. -Limit use of ellipses, indicate when part of quote is missing. ___ for middle of sentence. ___ at end of sentence. -When to use attribution: All quotes must be attributed to a speaker. In addition, you need to attribute info you paraphrase. In print and online writing, the attribution may follow the quote, but in broadcast, attribution must come first. -Do you need to attribute facts that are on record or general knowledge? -Do you need to attribute info that you observed directly? -Do you need to attribute b/g info established in previous stories of same subject? -Do you need to attribute when you receive info from sources that is accusatory or not substantiated, or if you did not witness it? -Do you have to attribute everything in the lead always?

-Inside quotation marks "There are no exceptions to that rule," the professor said. -Go within the quotation marks. Outside quotation marks. He asked, "When does the semester end?" Who said, "I hope it ends soon"? -Quoted in a separate paragraph "Never place quotes from two speakers in the same paragraph," Professor Les Polk said. "Even if it's short?" Janet Rojas asked. "Yes," the professor answered. -More than once. One attribution. "You must study your Associated Press Stylebook," the professor said. "You will have a test Tuesday on material in the first 30 pages." -After the first sentence. Interrupts the thought. "It isn't the best way," he said, "to use a direct quote. But it is all right if the quote is very long. However, it's better to put it at the end of a complete sentence." When asked how he learned about the fire at his apartment complex, he said, "I heard the news on the television." NO "I heard the news on the television," he said when asked how he learned about the fire at his apartment complex. NO He was at a friend's house when the fire broke out at his apartment. "I heard the news on television," he said. YES McDonald says he sees the government as "weak and inept" and fraught with "major-league problems." "There's a crisis in our leadership," McDonald says. -3, 4. -No. The trial will resume tomorrow. A suspect has been arrested in connection with the slaying of a 16-year-old girl in Hometown last week. -No. The protestors, carrying signs and chanting songs, gathered in the park. -No. -The defendant is accused of killing the three Overland park women whose bodies have never been found. -YES. A 2-year-old girl escaped injury when a mattress she was sitting on caught fire and engulfed the studio apartment in flames at Wheatshocker Apartments. - Factual (no att. needed) A 2-year-old girl playing with a lighter started the fire at Wheatshocker Apartments near Wichita State University that caused about $400,000 in damages, fire authorities said Thursday. - Accusatory (attribution needed) . . "She was just kind of flicking it, and she caught the bedding on fire," said fire Capt. Ed Bricknell.

-Organization of the remainder of the story -What is the basic structure of a hard-news story? -What is teasing? -What is developing? -Does a IP story need a wrap-up ending? 1st level: W, W, W, W, W, most important info 2: supporting information, key quotes 3: additional facts, information, and quotes 4: background and alternative explanations 5: Least important information -Other basic elements of all stories (hard or soft) (3) -Easily ... -Use ... -Use short ... to guide reader from one topic to another

-Inverted pyramid - the basic structure of a hard-news story -Most common kind of hard-news story organization - Arrange angles and information from the most important/interesting at the top to the least important/interesting at the bottom. -Exactly what we just got done doing with our lead! -IP good because most readers do not read the entire story, what you want them to know the most must be at the top, you cannot bury the lead. -Basic structure IP tips: -Address or tease (brief mention) of all 7?s in first few grafs (not all in the lead) -Then develop (elaborate) on the last angles in the body of the story. -IP story does not need a wrap-up ending. -Before writing, do outline of pyramid -Info not important/interesting should not be included (be left out) . -Easily readably (lots of short paragraphs: 1-3 sentences each, new graf for new thought and speaker, short, simple sentences less than 30 words, simple language) -Active voice, active verbs -Use short transition phrases or sentences to guide the reader from 1 topic (or angle or speaker) to the next EX: Not everyone agrees. In an earlier decision...

-What is journalism?

-Its focus is objective (reporting facts, no personal opinions or biases) presentation of verified (reporting info that you have confirmed through witnessing events, documentation, and interviews) news through reporting (not simply repeating what you heard - taking the initiative)

STORIES ABOUT NEWS CONFERENCES -Similarity/Difference from Speeches BEFORE: -Do your homework. Before or after news conference, research issue. (Crime and city issue examples) -Don't just recite the news ; interpret it so that your audience can understand how the issues affect them. -STORIES ABOUT NCs MUST HAVE THE FOLLOWING INFORMATION (5) p, r, h, l, rfs -Stories about NCs are like most other news stories. Although reporters' questions may prompt the most interesting info, the answers are usually incorporated into the story without references such as? -Many NCs these days are conducted by audio or video or teleconferences, especially from federal government agencies. However, the principles of coverage are similar to conferences attended in person.

-Like speeches, except that the questions reporters ask after are often more important than the prepared comments the speaker makes, sometimes they are the story. -If conference is about a local crime, check files or background to provide perspective. How many other crimes of this nature have occurred? -If the conference is about a city issue, how does the info affect your readers and viewers? 1) Person or people who conducted the news conference 2) Reason for NC and b/g 3) Highlights of the news, including responses to questions 4) Location, if relevant 5) Reaction from sources with similar and opposing POVs -"In response to a question" or "When asked about ..."

-Ali Velshi, Trump example How to cover a news story: Meetings, speeches, panels. But many other kinds (such as rallies and protests) BEFORE: 1) Research the _ _ and _ _ _. -Government bodies almost always provide a -Think about what your best, but be prepared to 2) Be sure your event is -You have a _ to attend -As a general rule media and citizens have a... 3) Find out if you need a 4) Get there

-Many different roles of journalism in society including to investigate, to provide awareness. Some people do not appreciate when journalists fill that role, sometimes they don't like you (could be government leaders or even citizens). EX: Minnesota rally, Friday night: Trump ridiculing and making fun of an MSNBC reporter getting injured by a rubber bullet (though Trump said it was tear gas) => "Most beautiful thing." "Law and order." Ali Velshi was assigned to cover the early protests and got injured by a police officer. Journalists who do their job to inform the public deserve to be praised, not ridiculed. More alarmed to see the chants and cheers of the crowd. Set alarming and dangerous environment for journalists trying to do their job. 1) Research the agenda topic and key people involved -Government bodies (fairly common) almost always provide an agenda in advance -Think ahead about what your best angle might be, but be prepared to deviate based on what you will see and hear 2) Be sure your event is open to reporters (of course those in public setting like protests and rallies are and government meetings open to public as a general rule and to citizens) -You have a right to attend meetings of government bodies Media and citizens have an equal right to attend government meetings (General rule, vast majority). 3) Find out if you need a press credential to attend (cannot keep you out, but might be required for press credential such as a sports event) 4) Get there early, find a good seat, be sure you know who's who.

-You can lead with a hard-news approach that emphasizes a main point the speaker made or a soft-news approach that describes the person or uses an anecdote from the speech. Just do not lead with a? -What did they say? It's better to focus on some interesting point they made. -Speakers usually don't make their strongest points?, so your story shouldn't be written in that order. Put the most emotional or newsworthy info first, then back it up with quotes and supporting points. -Sometimes the most interesting info isn't what happens during the speech. It can be what happens after it or outside the place while the person is speaking, especially if there is a protest or other major reaction to the speech. -You can also use ____ ___ for speeches. -Or a basic speech story that starts with a ___ ___ followed by a backup quote. Note the basics of location, audience size, and reaction are lower in the story.

-No-news approach (Someone made a speech.) TELL ME WHAT THE SPEAKER SAID! -First and follow in chronological order -Storytelling techniques, using narrative and descriptive writing -Summary lead

-Pros/Cons of Digital recorders/videotape -Not a substitute for... -Can fail you when you need them most. -Can also prevent... -If you wanted to get the... or interviewing source on... -Should play back entire recording? -Before you hit record: Etiquette (Putting a source at ease) -Telephone laws: -12 states? -Others? -Cannot secretly? (Known as wiretapping) -Most ethical approach is... unless...

-Not substitutes for good notes. Can fail you when you need them most. Could inhibit a source. Can also prevent you from taking good notes if you rely too much on them. If you want to get exact wording of quotes, or interviewing source on controversial subject, recorder in beneficial and even crucial in investigative reporting. Should not play back entire recording and transcribe it before writing, should scan recording for quotes you need (too time-consuming otherwise). Before you begin recording, follow etiquette. State who you are and why you are there and have opening convo. Put source at ease, might ask few questions before ask source whether he or she would object to recording. Be aware of telephone interview laws by state. 12 prohibit recorded convo without consent of person being taped (CA, CT, FL, IL, MY, MA, MI, MONTANA, NV, NH, PA, WA). Other states only need one person to be aware of the taping (either the interviewer/reporter or the interviewee). Cannot secretly record any convo between 2 other people when you are not part of the discourse (extension phone and neither party knows you are recording) -> violating a federal law against wiretapping. $250K, 5 years jail time. Most ethical approach is to let source know you are recording the interview, except in few situations. Undercover investigation in state where only 1 person needs to know of recorded interview. (One-party rule) Most editors consider use of deception or other undercover techniques last resort.

-Press conferences: -A typical event reporters will have to attend (One of the most common kinds of events journalists and PR practitioners might cover (inevitably you will get 1 or more for corporation or client)) -The big problem and some ways around it -If possible get own _ (follow up questions or questions not asked in discussion) -Interview _ _ -Call _ _ (for reaction or response) Press Conference Tips: 1) You can, but always -Listen not only for _, but also for _. 2) Build on the, -To get _ or more _ -To _ a statement Almost no pre-event coordination is made among journalists 3) Usually questions should be, -Maintain respectful _, but is OK to be _ and _. -Keep all hints of _ out of questions. 4) Speaker may have, but your questions should 5) Answers to press questions often _ _ than the opening _ 6) You may get some EXAMPLES OF MAKING NEWS JUDGEMENTS IN PRESS CONFERENCES: 1) Was this an OK question? - Jon Karl - ABC Correspondent, 9/10 Trump has press conference following Woodward's claims from book Rage. Interviews were made from Woodward to Trump, Trump told Woodward that COVID was extremely dangerous back in February, but in subsequent speakings he played down the virus. Karl asks: Why did you lie to the American people? Why should we have to trust you now? 2) Calling out the president? - Early press conference after Trump was sworn in (2/17). 'Biggest march into presidency from Electoral College since Raegan.' -Peter Alexander, White House Correspondent, challenged the president with facts. -> FAIR. He had numbers and was prepared. 3) Was this reporter rude? - 1st press conference following the steel dossier - report compiled by former spy Steel had derogatory info on Trump in possession of Russian government to blackmail him The point is whether the source is a president, governor, mayor, or anyone who the public deservers accountability for, it is OK to be blunt and direct, it is often good and necessary (fact-driven however, no use of opinions!).

-Pack journalism: Listen to the same speaker and ask/listen to the same questions. Everybody gets the same story. -Some ways around that: 1) If possible, get own interviews after press conference (follow up questions or your individual questions not asked in the discussion) 2) Interview relevant people in the room who did not speak 3) Call relevant people who weren't present (For reaction or response) Tips: 1) You can always record, but always take notes by hand. -Listen not only for what speaker says, but for what they do not say. 2) Build on the questions of others; follow up with related questions. -To get elaboration or more detail (if answer is evasive, unclear, or unanswered) -To challenge a statement (based on other known factors) Almost no pre-event coordination is made among journalists: No you ask this question, I ask this one kind of thing. 3) Usually questions should be simple and precise when called upon to ask questions. (If you ask a longwinded question, you have a higher chance of the subject misinterpreting the question.) -Maintain respectful professionalism, but it's OK to be direct or even blunt. -Keep all hints of your opinion out of your questions. -For PR people, know 'friendly reporters' -> If you want some things left unsaid (because the subject is controversial or sensitive), know the journalists who often change the subject, interrupts the momentum of follow-up questions. -Not taking questions makes you look defensive, do not have a press conference if you don't answer questions or take questions at the end. Make a written statement instead. 4) Speaker may have an angle they want to focus on, but your questions should pursue whatever angle you think is most newsworthy. 5) Answers to press questions often are more newsworthy than the opening prepared statement. 6) You may get some flak from the speaker for a question you ask, but that's OK. -You're just doing your job. -Usually, the flak is not personal. EX: Nick Saban yelling at sports reporters. -Could be a leading question, lie is assuming something was an intentional falsehood, does Karl know that as a fact? Maybe he didn't, it is a legitimate statement. -Lie can be a word of opinion, ethical debate still going on today. Are reporters too shy to say the word or should they never say it/be criticized for ever saying it? Bluntness and directness is good. -CNN with anonymous sources posted the summary of what was in the dossier, little proven to be true now, but truthiness/falseness was not known then. -Jim Acosta, White House reporter, asked question about president's response of CNN - attempted to defend his network. -Was Acosta being rude or doing what a good reporter should have done? Trump refused to answer his questions, Acosta seen as defensive or sensitive, ignored decorum, story became this rather than Trump's ideas or statements within the press conference.

Types of soft news stories -p/his (about people) -pf -ef -nf (featuring angle pegged to recent news: Dr. Fauci: who is he? you do it because he is in the news) -as (how-to's) -b (odd or humorous occurrences)

-Profiles/human interest stories/PROFILES or HUMAN INTEREST STORIES (about people, all interchangeable labels) -Place features -Event features -News features (featuring angle pegged to recent news: Dr. Fauci: who is he? You do it because he is in the news) -Advice stories (how-to's) -Brights (odd or humorous occurrences) -And many others... EX: Celebrities

-Before interview tips: -Research? And? -Do other? -Prepare? -Plan to? (TELL THEM YOU WILL BE RECORDING) -Also plan to? -During interview tips: Tip number 1 AND don't be a prisoner to your written questions. -Silence is... -Trump and Swan of Axios asking challenging and specific follow-up questions example -Start with... especially is not used to dealing with reporters -However, start with... if... -Keep questions... -Don't be afraid to ask... -Know when to use .... and .... (usually you will need to mix both) -Keep questions? -DO NOT ASK... -Finish by? (Free Choice) -Get? -Softball and hardball questions -Open-ended versus close-ended questions -Leading questions

-Research topic (website, media articles, documents) -Research interviewee (website, media articles, social media) -Do other interviews that may be needed for background or differing viewpoints -Prepare written ?s -Plan to record the interview, but also to take notes by hand (always let interviewee know you are recording) - -Sometimes your recorder fails you (dead battery), backup is needed -Plan to dress to match interviewee -Tip: Get more respect and better answers if interviewee realizes you're prepared and knowledgeable 1) -Silence is good: SHUT UP AND LISTEN! : If you interrupt or talk over your subject, you may miss something -A silence, subject will want to fit it and they may say something even better! May elaborate and give an even better response. -An interesting or unexpected answer may require a question you did not plan. Don't be a prisoner to your written questions. An unresponsive answer may require a question rephrase or a more-specific followup question. 2) -Start with 'softball' or easy questions to get the interviewee to relax. Especially if not used to dealing with reporters or is a sensitive/traumatic one. -Ask interviewee to spell name for you. -Ask any other easy details needed to know (like job title). 3) -However, start with 'hardball' questions if: a) There's aa limited time (because of deadline, source has limited time, may shut you off at any moment) b) Chasing a major breaking news story c) Source used to dealing with reporters (public officials) 3) -Don't be afraid to ask tough questions. Just doing your job. 4) -Know when to use 'open-ended' or 'close-ended' questions. -O-E: CANNOT BE ANSWERED YES/NO, BEST FOR FEATURE STORIES ("What steps are necessary to control the virus?") -C-E: LIMITED CHOICE ANSWERS - BEST FOR NEWS STORIES ("Will a vaccine be ready by the end of the year?") Usually you will mix both. 5) -Keep questions simple and precise. 6) -Do not ask leading questions. (Questions that steer the source toward a certain answer: "Why is UA the best school in the world?" change to an o-e question: "What do you think of UA?") 7) -Finish by asking if there's anything else the interviewee wishes to say. 8) -Get contact info in case you discover followup questions.

-Telephone interviewing -Advs. and Disadvs. (You have to work hard to keep... and to focus...) -Identification -Icebreakers -Length of questions -Clarification -Specifics -Chronology -Control -Verification Common Interviewing Problems: -What do you do if the source says something is "off the record" during an interview? -What do you do if the source tells you not to use his name after the interview? -What do you do if the source terminates the interview abruptly before you have the info you need? -What do you do if the source gives you info that is inaccurate or false?

-Smartphones can be used in interviewing to capture audio, video, and photos. Skype: free Internet-connected call, network owned by Microsoft: load free app and send calls via audio, video, text, and photos without charge to recipient with Skype account or those on landline and mobile phones without accounts. -Although smartphones are more versatile than basic telephones, the techniques of conducting interviews by telephone still create more challenges than in-person interviews. You need to work harder at keeping the source's attention and focusing your questions. The average telephone interview should be limited to 20 minutes. After that, the attention span of the person responding wanes. If you call a source at home, he or she may be further distracted by children or other family concerns. -Immediately state your name and affiliation and the purpose for the call -May not be necessary. Get to the point quickly. -Keep questions short. Limit number as well. Make two lists: one of all the questions you want to ask and two: crucial questions. If you have time for only a few questions, switch to crucial list. -It may be harder to understand info over the phone, so clarify anything that is confusing. -Ask for details and examples. If you want to describe the scene, ask your source to give you descriptive details. -A chronology is especially important in police and fire stories you receive by phone. After a source tells you the high points of what happened, you could ask him to explain the order in which events unfolded. -You need to control the interview by switching the subject so you get answers to the questions you need. -Double-check spelling of name, title, basic info. If you haven't heard it clearly, spell it back to source especially when dealing with police officers. They usually do not identify themselves by their full names when they answer the phone on duty, so make sure that you get first and last names and the proper rank, such as lieutenant, sergeant, or captain. 1) Ask the source why tje info should be off the record (meaning you cannot use it). And try to convince the source that the info is not harmful. Ask the question another way during the course of the interview you see whether you can get the info on the record. 2) Try to prevent this by making sure you identify yourself and your purpose clearly at the start ofd the interview. If you suspect that this might happen, set ground rules at the beginning of the interview by explaining that you cannot use anonymous sources. If your source still refuses, ask if you can identify the source by a vague title or position such as 'a source in the administration' 3) Ask if you may contact the source again for further ?s. 4) Check your facts, and if you discover inaccuracies or falsehoods, contact the source again and confront him with the problems.

How many news story elements do you see in this news story? AL Quarterback Tua declares for 2020 NFL Draft Despite Hip Injury Justin Bieber DUI news story

1) Prominence, Human Interest (also a celeb), Proximity (Tuscaloosa - UA), Impact ($ for university after he leaves), Conflict (conflicting viewpoints: personal conflict on needing an education vs. his career fulfillment and conflict among others: should he have left vs. should he have stayed?) 2) Prominence, social issue: why do some stars self-destruct? (potential conflict) and also civic issue: will courts treat him fairly like you and me? (potential conflcit)

-What is a lead? -What should you concentrate on first when writing a story? -First step for writing any news story is to... -Types of leads (Direct leads VS. Indirect leads) -Choosing whether to use a direct or indirect lead? (Depends on 4 things). -Subject-verb-object order in summary leads (direct leads: points of emphasis should be where?). Active versus passive voice (When might you need passive voice?). -Where to say WHEN (If something happened yesterday and is being covered in breaking news...) -Delayed identification (How can you identify somebody who is not well-known in the first paragraph? Second?) -Impact Leads: Explains? What does it answer? How can it be written? -Attribution: For print and online? For broadcast? -Attribution Guidelines 1) If factual 2) If received by phone 3) Accusatory 4) General references? Then with delayed identification... 5) Innocent until proven guilty (accusatory statements), charged with full crime? 6) Use full quotes in leads? What is a partial quote and what is a reference quote? -Summary, hard-news, direct leads, also known as "first-day lead", as if readers were hearing the news for the time time.: stresses basic facts about news in immediate past, usually written in past tense. Broadcast TV and online news sites require immediacy, leads are usually updated by advancing the story to the next step. -One of the most common causes of clutter...

-The beginning of the story that entices the reader into the rest of the story. Concentrate first on the "point statement, focus graph, nut graph". What is the story about and what is the point of the story. Any info that does not relate to the point statement should not get included in the story. He continues writing until he gets to his ending, which he calls the "kicker" then he writes the lead. Teaser or foreshadowing of what will come in the story. First step for writing any news story is to find your focus. What is the story about? What is the most important info? What is the point of your story? (To write a lead or a focus graph, also called a nut graph.) 1) Summary leads, hard-news leads, direct leads. Present tense in broadcast (more current angle). 2) Soft leads, feature leads, delayed leads, indirect leads. Delaying telling what the story is about by teasing the reader with a description or storytelling approach before the focus is stated in a separate paragraph called a "nut graph". . -Depends on the significance of the news, the timing, the proximity (interest to your local readers or viewers), or subject matter. . -S-V-O order (Who did what or what happened), this is what makes summary leads most effective. The points of emphasis of a summary lead should be the first or last words in a lead. Usually safe to use SVO format, but sometimes the how or why is most important. Most of the time, the most important info is first in a summary lead (who did what or what happened). Or you might want the emphasis at the end. -Active voice generally preferable to passive in print and always preferred in broadcast writing. Active stresses who is doing the action: passive voice stresses those to whom the action is done. You may need passive voice when the emphasis is on what happened instead of who cause it to happen, especially in police or court stories. For broadcast you ALWAYS put the attribution first (Fire officials say) -Passive voice sometimes is preferable because it gets to the point faster (A former employee was sentenced VS. Philadelphia Common Court Judge ... yesterday sentenced a former employee ... for years of) . -The time element can be confusing in a lead. In breaking news, when something happened yesterday, the time element usually does not come first in the sentence, confusing time element: University officials agreed to raise tuition by $100 Monday. No. University officials agreed Monday to raise tuition by $100. . -When the WHO in your lead is not well-known, you can identify the person by age, location, occupation, or another modification (I.e. being a student) in the first paragraph. Then identify the name in the second paragraph. -Some laws restrict release of juvenile offenders' names, names or rape victims, withhold names until formally charged with crimes. -If you writing about a person who has been in the news frequently, such as a suspect in a trial, you may use the name, but add a phrase or clause to identify the person. . -Explains how the readers and viewers will be affected by an issue. Also good for broadcast. It answers the questions "So what? What does this news mean to a reader?" Can be written in a hard-news summary form or in a soft lead. . -Too much attribution can clutter a lead. Too little, can get you in trouble. For print and online, may put attribution at the beginning or end of the sentence, for broadcast attribution must come first. GUIDELINES: If know info is factual, may eliminate attribution -If received info by telephone, must attribute it to your source. -Saying anything accusatory, must attribute. -Must attribute the quotes or partial quotes you use in a lead. You may give a general reference to some sources "police said" "experts say", if titles too long. Then as in delayed id, give specific name and title in second reference. In broadcast, if source if shown on videotape, name and title may be superimposed under the video. If you do use attribution, put source's title before name. -A person is innocent until proven guilty in court. In crime stories, attribute any accusatory statements to police or other authorities, especially when you are using a suspect's name. If person has been charged with a crime, you may state the fact without attribution. -Full quotes in leads can be difficult and awkward. A more effective technique is the use of partial quotes, especially when the speaker sats something controversial or dramatic. Leads may also contain reference quotes, a few words referring to something controversial. Both partial (when backed up with full quote later: used more often in stories about speeches, politics, court stories) and reference quotes should be backed up later in the story with the full quote or context in which the statement was made. -The general rule in the lead is to the put the most important info first. If attribution is cumbersome and will slow the lead, put it at end. If brief, can put first. In broadcast, the attribution must be first. . . . -One of the most common causes of clutter in leads is too much info about when and where something was said. Put some of this material in the second paragraph.

-Partial direct quotes (PDQ) -Works well if full quote is... Or if you are unsure of... -Indirect quotes or paraphrase (more common name for IQs)

-These combine use of verbatim words and paraphrase. -Pick best word or phrase for verbatim, use as a DQ. -Remainder of sentence is paraphrase -Works well if FDQ is flawed or if you're not sure you got the full quote exactly right -Involve no DQs of any kind -Paraphrase summarizes in your words of what a speaker said without using any of words verbatim -MOST COMMON TYPE OF QUOTATION USED IN BOTH NEWS AND FEATURE STORIES.

Journalism's role -i -e/a -pt&d -m/i -ba -fc -hcww -e

-To inform citizens (what is going on?) -To explain or analyze (bring full understanding of the world) -Provoke thought and debate (good stories or issue/investigative stories, and opinion writing and commentary) -Monitor/investigate (watch-dog role of the government: is it doing the right job or making right decisions? business or institution of ANY kind) -Bring accountability (to ask leaders and decision makers why they did what they did) -Fact check and debunk fake news (emerging and important new role) -Help cope with the world (difficult and complicated: how-to stories) -Entertain (soft stories)

-The basic news story is told... (What is this called? How are the facts presented?) -All news stories are developed around one main point (the center of the story) (Where should this be in your story, also known as? What should the rest of your story do?) -Questions to help you find your focus (3) What is... How are... How would... -All news stories answer some basic questions (who, what, when, where, why, and how)

-Upside down: The end result is given first. This is called a hard-news story. The facts are presented in a direct form that makes it easy for the reader to get the most important information quickly. Presents the key facts in the first few paragraphs. Effective in all types of media, especially important for small screens on mobile media. -A focus: The rest of the story should contain quotes, facts, and information to support that focus. You need to put the focus in the first sentence or within the first few paragraphs of the story. -1) What's the story about? Think of the focus as the headline for your story. How would you describe the main point in a few words? 2) How are readers or viewers affected? Why should readers or viewers care about your story? This is the "so-what" factor. 3) How would you tell the story to a friend? This is a natural conversational method particularly important in broadcast writing. Imagine that your friend asks what the story is about and what happened. Chances are that you might talk about the most interesting information first. The focus is in the first sentence, which is the lead. It tells what the story is about and how it affects the reader. It is also written in a conversational tone. The second paragraph and rest of the story provide facts and info to support this main idea.

-Why does proper AP style matter? -Tips for AP book: 1) Do not memorize. 2) Start with the index. (What does the index list?) 3) If index has no entry for your search, brainstorm broader categories. -Using correct and consistent AP style reflects ___ and ____. Some organizations have their own stylebook (EX: NYT), though most follow AP style rules

-Using correct and consistent AP style reflects professionalism and credibility (Is there something else they cannot get right or are not credible about?) -It could be important to a prospective employer, especially one who values the professionalism of consistency -AP style (and weekly quizzes) also include correct spelling, grammar, and word usage. Not just minutia. Those are as basic and essential as it gets. -Will also help PR practitioners increase publication rate -Associated Press is the largest news-gathering organization in the world. Sends stories for publications to members - local organizations can send stories to AP for regional, national, and international production. NOT APA STYLE (American Psychological Association: academic paper writing) TIPS: 1) Cannot memorize, so learn to use it well (can memorize a few of the most commonly used rules) 2) Start with the index: the index covers the whole book including speciality guidelines. 3) Index entries will snd you to a page or to a related entry. 4) If index has no entry for your search, brainstorm what broader category your word might fall Into. EX: How to spell Honolulu -> go to index -> find the spelling right there Why not just go to Honolulu's main directory? Sometimes what you are looking for may be in a speciality section. Index includes both the main directory and the specialty sections. What island is Honolulu on? -> Honolulu in index -> Honolulu entry (page number listed next to Honolulu in index) Abbreviate October or not? -> Index: October -> no entry Index -> Index: months -> entry (broader category that needed to be brainstormed) How to spell Pittsburgh? (IN CALIFORNIA) -> HAVE to go to entry not just looking up the term in the index (only shows spelling for PA, go to page number, see different spelling based in CA)

Various roles of journalism examples -Balance and Republican National Convention

-Various roles of journalism - performing thse can occassionally make you very unpopular EX: Angry students at reporter regarding bar shutdowns. Resentment from students due to reporter doing job of informing and explaining. -Anger can be unfair or sometimes deserved. BALANCE: The concept of balance is hard especially when 1 side is not telling the truth. Reflect all sides - What if one side is spewing falsehoods? EX: Republican National Convention: Washington Post - Heard lot of falsehoods, balance is important. Just showed DNC, do you show the claims at the RNC or show the RNC at all if these claims are not true? -Is the audience literate enough to know what is a false claim? What most networks did: Fact-checked live (MSNBC, CNN), either interrupting telecast or after the speech was concluded. -Exercise in news judgement is also relevant for PR practitioners creating their own news works. Journalists need to look at your message and say, "Yes, this is newsworthy."

Basic elements of a news story: -Every news article must answer 7 ?s. (Traditionally called the 5 W's and 1 H. Added a new one, arguably the most important one.) Can't answer these unless. -What is a lead ("LEDE" -> not a real word, differentiate from lead)? -"Hard news stories" and "soft news stories" also have... -Hard news leads also called (2 other names) -Impact lead -What is an angle? -Answer all 7? in lead? -What is a graf? EX: UA students might find their social lives curtailed (so what) after the Tuscaloosa City Council (who) on Tuesday approved an 11 p.m. weeknight curfew (what) for the downtown area (where). Council believes the curfew, which will take effect in 4 months (when), will reduce complaints from nearby residents (why). TPD will hire new curfew officers (how). Addresses all 7?s in first TWO PARAGRAPHS. -Evaluating the most important angle is a matter of .... (like judging whether a story is newsworthy or not) -Ask yourself some questions (for determining the lead) has the most impact on people's lives? gives an emotional reaction? most recent or unexpected or controversial? -If I had to write a summary headline, what would it say? -If I had to write a Tweet, what should it say?

-WHO: Who was involved? WHAT: What happened? WHEN: When did it occur? WHERE: Where did it occur? WHY: Why did it occur? HOW: How did it occur? SO WHAT: Why should readers care? <- Impact and relevance on readers. -Remember you can't answer these ?s unless you do a good job of reporting! -How you start your story. Better be good too. -Readers are busy and impatient. Lead determines in a few seconds or less whether they will read your story or not. -Hard leads: Straight-forward, factual, straight to the point -Soft leads: Longer and more creative Hard leads AKA Summary leads AKA Straight leads: -Focus lead on most important or interesting aspect of your story. -Think about 7?s. Which one is most important? That should be the angle (a particular aspect to a story) of your lead. -Generally, not always, "What", "So What", and "Why" make for the best lead angle (So What lead has its own name -> Impact lead) -Even while focusing on 1?, can mention several of 7?s in lead, as long as they do not clutter it with too much info. -Do not answer all 7? in lead: Save some (less important or interesting) ? for next few paragraphs (AKA grafs) -> still not a real word, distinguish from graph or paragraph is too long -News judgement -Which angle has the most impact on people's lives? -Which angle gives an emotional reaction? -Which angle is the most recent or unexpected or controversial? -If I had to write a summary headline, what would it say? -If I had to write a Tweet, what should it say?

-Interviewing Techniques (Ch. 5) -Barbara Walsh: "Save your tough questions for last." "If you are sincere and your sources know you have compassion, they will talk. A lot of the skill is just being open to what they have to say." -Observation -Observation for breaking news (though descriptive detail is more common in feature stories...) -If reporting for broadcast, don't rely on... -Gathering details -Sensitivity (The way you deal with sources depends on? All sources want? Ask probing questions that go beyond what sources want to reveal.) (Also crucial to check and seek...)

-When interviewing Horton Jr., convicted murderer, Walsh started by asking 'How the heck did you get out on furlough?'. Walsh salvaged the interview with Horton by switching to something he wanted to discuss. Eventually Walsh was able to return to the tough questions she wanted to ask him. "Save your tough questions for last." She still asks tough questions, but at the end of the interview. "Be real slow and patient. More inclined to let people talk longer. You may not use all of their information, but you can offend them if you rush. If you are sincere and sources know you have compassion, they are going to talk. A lot of the skill is just being open to what they have to say." -When reluctant to answer her questions, she rephrased questions and asked them again, sometimes three or four times. If you ask, not in a cold way, but sincerely ask what was it like for you - they will answer. -A crucial reporting skill. Walsh videotapes some of her interviews and reviews them before she starts to write so she can include details from her observations. These days even more essential to videotape interviews so you can produce audio and video that will enhance your stories for Web and mobile media. -Although descriptive detail is more common in feature stories, you need the same observation technique to gather info for hard-news stories. At a protest, observe what signs the protestors carried and what they chanted. How a defendant and other people reacted in a courtroom to a sentencing. If you are reporting for a news event for TV, don't depend on video to record the observation. Reporter needs to describe the scene and answer ?s anchor might ask. In addition reporters may be expected to post blogs to describe breaking news events. -Edna Buchanan: Recounts mistake when not asking the right ?. A reporter needs detail, detail, detail. Questions unimportant to police add to color and detail that makes a story human. Answers might not be relevant to an investigation, but still important for story. "What was everybody wearing?" Has everything to do with the time Buchanan failed to ask. Learned the victim in a homicide was wearing a black cocktail dress and red high heels. When asked the detectives said they did not tell Buchanan because she did not ask. -The way you deal with your sources can differ, depending on whether they are public or private individuals. Public officials are accustomed to dealing with media, you have a right to expect them to talk to you. Private individuals do not have to deal with media, and you need to use more sensitivity when interviewing them. All sources want to be portrayed will in media. Many sources, especially public officials, will manipulate reporters by revealing only info that furthers their cause. Reporters need to be aware of source's bias and ask probing ?s that go beyond what the source wants to reveal. Also crucial to check info and seek alt. POVs.

-Journalism is a very dangerous place - danger in that you are only one wrong key stroke away from being totally humiliated in front of the entire nation -Could UAB's head coach Nick Saban be returning to NFL? -Auburn wins sex tournament (SEC) -Accuracy is way more than typing correctly -If you do not write accurate stories or have a reputation for accuracy then... -What is the guaranteed way to never make a mistake? How to be accurate: 1) Use ___ ____ ___ (some directly involved in the story, but recognize they may ___ ___ to ____ ____ ____) -Or use someone who is _____ _____ ____ ____ _____, but check their credentials (some '____' have a hidden bias) University Professors - does not mean they do not have a hidden bias Think Tanks (a body of experts providing advice and ideas on specific political or economic problems): seem detached but can also have hidden biases -Heritage Foundation: NOT neutral, outside experts promoting conservative policies -Center for American Progress: NOT neutral, outside experts promoting liberal policies -The question to ask every source... (To assess their level of credibility: first-hand knowledge = more credible than second or third-hand) 2) Use ____ ____ ____ (Especially if it has more than one side) 3) Use ____ (as a general rule, they are more accurate, reliable, and credible than any human source) 4) Remember the sources who ___ ___ ____ (or ____) - Track record of credibility: sources dealt with multiple times, learn who you can or cannot trust - steer to those you've found credible over time) WHOSE FAULT IS IT YOU PUBLISH A SOURCE'S WRONG INFO... 5) Don't be afraid to ask anything ___ ___ ___ (Better to look ___ today than ___ tomorrow). 6) Ask sources to ___ __ ___ - then ___ it back to them. (and make sure your notes and story matches) 7) Test all ___ ___ and ____ you publish (Is who answers supposed to answer?) 8) Do not make ____ (ever!) 9) Record interviews (with permission) 10) ___ precisely, then ___ precisely. (Word choice is so important) 11) Do one ___ SPECIFICALLY DEVOTED to ____ ____ (1 for spelling, 1 for grammar, 1 for clarity, and 1 FOR _____ -> separate for all of these) EX: Buzzfeed reported Trump had directed district attorney Cohen to lie to Congress : credibility hung on the definition for the word direct 12) When in doubt, leave it out. And go do more reporting!

-You might as well quit because readers will not trust you and when they do not trust you they do not read you -There is not a way, but you can do some things to reduce the risk. At some point every journalist will make a mistake. -Credible (believable) human sources - slant information to suit their view: viewpoint may be on one side or the other -An outside expert on story topic (experts) -How do you know this? -Multiple human sources -Documents -Steer you right (or wrong) -Your's! You might have needed 1 more document or source, still your fault (bad or good judgement) YOU trusted and relied on these sources, despite best efforts, it is not your source's fault. -You don't know. Dumb, wrong. -Spell their names. Spell. -Phone numbers, websites. Correctly typed phone number in news release, it was wrong even with it typed right (was wrong in the release) -> published phone number for hotline for phone sex -Assumptions -Transcribe, write -Proofread, confirming accuracy

Speeches, News Conferences and Meetings: -A town hall meeting about new health care law drew hundreds of people sporting signs of protesting or supporting the law, the quiet town of West Hartford, CT, reverberated with impassioned voices. The demonstrations before and after the meeting were more newsworthy - and more interesting - than the speeches inside the town hall. -When you cover speeches, meetings, and NCs, your ___ are as much a part of the story as the ____ ____ from ____. "The comments officials make during a meeting are for public posturing. Some of the best quotes you get are ___ the meeting when you ask them to explain ___ ___ ___ or ___ ___." This advice also applies to? Don't just sit in the meeting if the person leaves, follow him or her out and get those additional comments. -What you write ___ ___ ____ is even more important. -Even if people do not read the stories or attend the meetings, it is important for reporters to be there as? -Whenever you are covering a meeting, it is important to look beyond? (Highway improvement example) Reporters should also ask questions regarding how the story affects readers. -Stories about meetings: The decisions that affect readers' daily lives are made by government officials at meetings. Local news is near or at the top of the list of kinds of stories readers and viewers want, but meeting stories are often written without? -All states have ___-___ ___ requiring officials who have the authority to spend public funds to conduct their business in public. Although they vary from state to state, most of them require? -When a board makes a decision at a meeting, you need to understand? (Zoning board meeting) (Essential info to include in your story) -You need to explain the system as well as the next step in an action.

-observations, scripted comments from speakers -after, why they did or said something -Someone from the public who speaks at a meeting. Don't just sit in the meeting if the person leaves, follow him or her out and get those additional comments. -Before the meeting, if people don't know what officials plan to do, they won't get a chance to participate in government. Although many newspapers and TV news programs are curtailing local government meeting coverage because the news is sometimes dull, but meetings are where officials make decisions that affect the public. -Watchdogs for the public. -Beyond what officials say publicly. Reporters should ask questions before and after the public event to find out how the story affects the readers and viewers. An item on a meeting agenda may say they are going to award bids for highway improvements on a street, but what does that mean? Are they going to widen the street? Are they going to close the road for 8 months to traffic? This is how officials plan to spend taxpayers' money. You need to find out how it affects readers. -Explaining their real impact on the reader. -Open-meeting laws, require public agencies to give advance notice (usually 48 hours) of their meetings and to conduct public hearings -What kind of authority that board has. If the board approves a zoning change, is that a final decision? Probably not. Most zoning boards are advisory and must submit their recommendations to a city or county board of officials for final approval. That is essential info to include in your story. For university, find out who can make the decisions and which board are advisory. Who can raise tuition - school officials or board of regents? Is the action taken at a meeting a recommendation or a ruling? You need to explain...

Newsworthiness: -Arrest of Justin Bieber for DUI and drag racing in January 2014. Other important issues were being broadcasted at the time such as the National Security Agency collecting meta-data without you knowing on your cellphone calls. -What are "news judgements"? 1) What makes a topic newsworthy... (2 Things) -Impact, victims -Emotional reaction 2) Questions you ask...

1) -Journalists must constantly evaluate if subject or happenings are worth reporting. -And if so, is the story big or small? -These decisions are called "news judgements". -No obvious right or wrong, reasonable people can disagree. -Over time by practice, you develop your own news judgement. An important skill to have. By asking certain questions can lead to justifiable decisions. 2) -Topics are newsworthy if they are IMPORTANT: Ask yourself these questions: What impact does it make on readers' lives? Are there victims? (Not necessarily dead people, but victims of suffering or discrimination or unfairness or lost money, etc.) -Or if they are INTERESTING: Ask yourself these questions: Will it produce some kind of emotional reaction among readers? (Outrage, laugh, sad, etc.) (Important news stories do this too.) -Some stories can be important, interesting, or both. Further questions you might ask by looking for certain elements, which help answer these and other questions: -Timeliness -Proximity -Conflict -Prominence -Impact -Human Interest -These factors are not mutually exclusive, 1 news story can contain more than 1 element of newsworthiness

Basic writing reminders: 1) Use active voice (subject of the sentence does the action), not passive voice (action is performed upon the subject) "is coached by" 2) Use active verbs, not passive verbs (No using the "to be" family of verbs (is, are, will be, was as verbs) Pick verbs that express action "will be performing" "will perform" 3) Use only third-person voice, not 1st person voice (no personal pronouns: I, me, my, we, us, our, unless opinions piece or commentary)

1) ACTIVE: Nick Saban coaches the Alabama football team. PASSIVE: The Alabama football team is coached by Nick Saban. 2) NO: Jason Isbell will be at the amphitheater. YES: Jason Isbell will perform at the amphitheater. NO: The president will be speaking today. YES: The president will speak today. More examples: Northport will be holding -> Northport will hold August 23 -> Aug. 23 Forty-five percent, 28 percent, 10 percent, 1 percent -> 45%, 28%, 10%, 1% Other 2 candidates received -> Other two candidates received

-Interviews are the primary way journalists get their information. -Two types of interviews and setting up for them both (#1: Identify? Give? Do not give? Generally do not?) "Do not ask about certain subject" "Let me see my quotes" "Do not use my name" (#2 GOES BY TWO NAMES: Identify? For unfamiliar interviewees (ethically obliged to)? For traumatic and sensitive situations: what should you not start with? For public officials or public figures?) -Best (what does it allow), second-best, possible but lousy interview methods (what does it lack)

1) Scheduled interviews: -Identify yourself and your organization -Give general topic of planned stories, but do not share your questions. -Generally, do not agree to requests for restrictions (arrange method of maximum time possible) => "Don't ask about certain subjects." - No I should be free to ask anything I wish. "Don't use my name" - confidential sources are tricky. Sometimes you will want to agree with that if important subject matter and cannot get story any other way, but be hesitant before you agree. "Let me see the quotes from me before you publish your story." No 2) On-the-fly interviews (breaking news interviews) -Identify self and organization -For interviewees unfamiliar with media, such as natural disaster or crime victim, get them to understand it is for publication and with their name (ethically obligated to explain that information) -In traumatic or sensitive situations, start not with an interview question but by asking if they're willing to talk. Sympathy or compassion are appropriate here, pushiness generally is not. Though a good journalist is persistent and aggressive, they are not in this situation, but dealing with a public figure or public official you should, this difference does not apply. 1st: in-person (allows for spontaneity and eye-contact) 2nd: phone (especially on deadline) and video conferencing PBL: Email or text and social media (not spontaneous, not a real conversation, visual cues are missing) PR: You may want to do email, control your responses but journalists must be in person or on phone/video conference.

How to write a news event: -It is possible to write a news event story in a featured or soft manner. EX: Selma (Montgomery Advertiser) state trooper salute (John Lewis) -BUT your next 3 story assignments require a hard news style (summary or impact lead: a summary lead that simply focuses on the 'So What' question ; inverted pyramid) Lede: 1) Best news (most interesting/important) goes? 2) In the lead, start immediately with (Not e.s., g.t., a., or t.e.) Background might be _, but not _ After the lede: 3) Don't include everything, just -No one cares about _ or _. -Some statements, speakers, actions not worth including. 4) Organize by, not by. 5) Mark your notes (help with 3 and 4). 6) It's better to organize by 7) Introduce speakers _ if and when they say something newsworthy. not as a single-graf cluster.

1) Best news (most important or interesting) goes in the lead. 2) In the lead, start immediately with the news. -Not event setup, general topic, attribution, or time element. -Background might be in second or third graf, but not the lead. "There was a meeting, this is the general topic." After the lede: 3) Don't include everything that happens, only what is newsworthy. (A matter of applying your news judgement.) -No one cares what time it started or if refreshments were served. -Some statements, speakers, and actions aren't worth including. 4) Organize by inverted pyramid, not by event chronology. (If your most important thing happened at the end of the meeting, do not put it at the end. Put it in the lead and in your story as a whole as the most interesting angle.) 5) Mark your notes to help with both of the above. (3 and 4). 6) It's better to organize by sub-topic than by speaker. EX: -Speaker A -Speaker A views on Topic A -Speaker A views on Topic B -Speaker B -Speaker B views on Topic A -Speaker B views on Topic B. Not reader-friendly. -Topic A -Speaker A's thoughts on Topic A -Speaker B's thoughts on Topic A -Topic B -Speaker A's thoughts on Topic B -Speaker B's thoughts on Topic B. Reader-friendly. 7) Introduce speakers individually, if and when they say something newsworthy in your story, not as a single-graf cluster. Not reader-friendly. You can come back to Speaker A if he was already introduced much earlier in the story, it does not matter.

-Stages of the writing process 1) Conceive the idea: Questions to help you form an idea (3) 2) Collect the information: Consider your ... -Get the ... 3) Construct the story: Write a ... ... as tool to help you select pertinent info -How to determine your focus: -Write a ... -Determine most ... -Deice what main point would ... -Planning an order (organizing a story) -Topics -Highlights -Time sequence -Block sources -Q&A -Images -Free-writing -Ending 4) Correct the story: Revising. -Read out loud -Basics (__ and __) -Context -Check accuracy -Avoid ___ -Use ___ ___ -Purge any parroting -Cut excess -Edit pace -Check grammar

1) Conceive the idea: The idea for a story may start with info from blogs, na assignment from an editor, a breaking news vent or a topic you proposed. These questions will help you determine a focus before, during and after reporting and writing process -What struck you as most interesting or important? -What is most newsworthy? -What is the main point of the story that readers or viewers need to know or would want to know? 2) Collect the information: Consider the focus as you do reporting. -Get the basics (W, W, W, W, W, H) -Take notes on your observations as well as quotes, facts , and comments from your sources. -Tape interviews for audio and video to include on the Web, but do not rely on tech to substitute for note taking. -Note information and background you will need to get after your interviews. -Highlight or underline your notes for important points and good quotes to include in your story. -Gather anecdotes - brief stories from sources about their experiences -Think ahead. Gather info for the next step in the action or an updated version for the next broadcast, online or print publication -Collect documents or complete information for the web -Verify names and spelling 3) Construct the story: Write a focus sentence on top of your story as a tool to help you select pertinent info. Here are some other ways to determine your focus: -Write a headline for your story in fewer than 10 words -Express your focus as a tweet -Determine most newsworthy, important or current info -Decide what main point would elicit responses if you were asking readers or viewers to comment on aa blog, Twitter or other interactive site Plan an order: Here are some ways to organize your story Topics: List all main points you want to cover. Arraange info from most to least important points Highlights: Highlights box (checking off main points) Time sequence: Does story have distinct time elements? Can it be arranged in a chronology? For example start with present, go to past, return to present, and end with future. Block sources: If you have several sources, might organize story with a blocking technique. Question and answer: What question does one topic or paragraph raise that needs to be answered In the next paragraph? Images and sound bites Free-writing: just write what you remember, then review draft and arrange it in logical order and plug in quotes and facts later Ending: Decide how you want to end the story. What lasting impression do you want to leave? 4) Correct the story: REVISION. Read story out loud Basics (WWWWWH, so what (impact)) Context have you included info b/g or context to help the readers and viewers understand the significance of the story? Check accuracy double-check spelling and titles and accuracy of facts Avoid adjectives use observation and details to describe actions and feelings Use vigorous verbs strong active verbs. "There is" "There are" Purge any parroting if your transitions repeat a quote or sound bite, rewrite or cut them Cut useless or excess words Edit pace do you have good mix of short and long sentences? Check grammar Cut jargon eliminate bureaucratic language and jargon (such as "hot topic") or other cliches

Basic grammar reminders: 1) Match subjects and verbs (singular with singular, plural with plural) 2) Match nouns and pronouns (singular with singular, plural with plural) 3) Collective nouns use singular verbs and pronouns (class, team, committee, crowd, family) 4) Be careful with contractions - its does not equal it's (it's is the contraction for it is, its is the singular pronoun) -there or their does not equal they're (they're is a contraction for they are, there is location, their is a plural pronoun) -your does not equal you're -whose does not equal who's

1) Due to a game, members of the team were absent on Thursday. (Plural subject with members, plural verb with were) 3) Due to a game, the team was absent on Thursday. (Collective nouns are singular and must have a singular verb) 2) The shoes I wore on Monday are in their usual location in the closet. (NOT its -> plural noun matches with plural pronoun)

-Writing a hard lead: (4) -Get straight to the... -Which comes first: news or attribution? -Writing style is SERIOUS -Pack it with ... but -Leads that usually do not work

1) Get straight to the heart of the news. Start immediately with the lead angle, not background or setup. EX: The Tuscaloosa City Council met in special session on Tuesday. - Not straight to the heart of the news. What was decided? The TCC met in special session on Tuesday to discuss the ned for a new city curfew. - Kinda, sorta. Fixed, but it is not enough. What was the actual problem? REFERENCE TO THE CITY COUNCIL AT END, NEWS COMES FIRST, ATTRIBUTION LAST. The city of Tuscaloosa will have a new, 11 p.m. curfew that TCC decided on Tuesday. - YES. GOT TO THE ACTION. 2) News comes first, attribution comes last. (Source of your information (person, document, etc.) must tell readers where you got your information) EX: The new city curfew will be 11 p.m., Mayor Bob Smith said. - RIGHT. Mayor Bob Smith said the new city curfew will be at 11 p.m. (WRONG - THIS IS THE LEAD). 3) Writing style is serious, just-the-facts approach. 4) Pack it with info but keep it readable (1 easy-to-read sentence). . -1) Direct quotes -> quoting someone verbatim 2) Question leads -> give people information, don't ask questions. 3) Good news / bad news and other cliches (tired, worn-out expressions)

Additional qualities of news stories 1. Helpfulness 2. Celebs 3. Entertainment 4. Trends

1) Helpfulness: Consumer, health, how-to stories help readers cope with their lives (online) 2) Celebrities: people well-known for their accomplishments or people who have gained fame for achievement (good or bad) -Some concerned that it displaces important news and panders to public's desire for entertainment 3) Entertainment: stories that amuse readers, make them feel good or help them enjoy their leisure time -Many features in sports or lifestyle sections -Often involve celebrities or have human-interest qualities EX: Qualities of HI and unusual nature to entertainment-based news stories -"Dead" legislature according to IRS state forms -Homeless Bill of Rights, legally protect homeless people to sleep in legally parked cars or other activities on public property 4) Trends: Patterns and shifts in issues that influence readers' lives (increase in crime, social issues and other forms in society) EX: Change in SH library policies to appeal to more people

-Every news story is based on one main idea: the focus. The basic news story structure includes a headline and three general parts: a beginning ("lead"), a middle ("body"), and an ending. -Headline, What are many online news sites and newspapers starting to use? Secondary headlines, deck heads, summary lines, summary blurbs. -Lead: What does a good lead do? How is it written in a hard-news story? -Types of leads (Summary Leads: What must the writer decide to do?, Feature Leads, also known as?) -Nut graph, Stories must have ___ that must ___? Do you need in a hard-news story? -Quotes or sound bites: What is a lead quote and is it required in all stories? -Impact: Do all stories have a direct impact on readers? What should all stories have? -Attribution If the information is common knowledge or indisputable... Statements that express opinion... Should be in ____ for controversial or accusatory info, but in many other cases it can be delayed. Police stories often attribute in the ___. -Context/background -Elaboration -Ending: The most common type of ending includes one of these 3 things. -Fairness and Accuracy -Visuals

1) Line at the top of the story that identifies the main idea of a story so the reader can decide whether to access the full story. Many online news sites and newspapers are using secondary headlines or "deck heads" "summary lines" "summary blurbs" both headlines give the reader a quick over-view of the story's content 2) The hook that tells the reader what the story is about. A good lead entices the reader to continue reading. In a hard-news story, the lead is usually written in one sentence. Gives the most important information about the event. Summary leads are the most common type of lead on a hard-news story. Summarizes the main points about what happened (also known as a summary lead) Hard-news leads do not have to answer all those questions in the first sentence, as doing so would make the lead too long and hard to read. Limit leads to 35 words or less. Writer has to decide which elements are the most important to stress in the first sentence. Feature leads start with a story or description about a person, place, or incident (also known as anecdotal lead), focus of the story explained in another paragraph 3) A sentence or paragraph that states the focus - the main point - of the story. Should tell in a nutshell what the story is about and why it is newsworthy. Story must have one central theme that must be expressed in a "nutshell summary" high in the story. In a hard-news story with a direct summary lead, the lead contains the focus, so you don't need a separate nut graph. Generally third-fifth paragraph. 4) After the lead, the body should support the focus with information from sources, quotes, or facts that explain the main idea. "Lead quote" is the first quote to back up the lead (also known as "augmenting quote", the strongest quote you have). Not required in all stories. The lead quote supports the concept in the lead without repeating the same information or wording. 5) How the news affects readers. The "impact" sentence or paragraph should answer: What is the significance of this story? What in the story makes the reader care? Sometimes impact is explained in the lead or nut graphs. Not all stories show a direct impact on readers, but should all have a clear paragraph explaining the reason for the story. Outline news stories provide impact in several interactive ways (databases, interactive calculators, feedback questions and polls). 6) Where did you get your information? Who told you these facts? How can the reader be sure whaat you say is true? Identifies the source of the information, can provide those answers. Adds credibility to the story. You NEED to attribute all quotes. If the information is common knowledge or indisputable, you do not have to attribute, however you need to attribute any statements that express opinion. Attribution should be in lead for controversial or accusatory info, but in many other cases it can be delayed so it does not clutter the lead. Police stories often attribute in the lead. 7) Is there any history of background the reader needs in order to understand how a problem or action occurred? Most stories need some background to explain the action. 8) Supporting points related to the main issue constitute elaboration. Can be statements, quotes, or more detail to explain what happened, how, and why the problem or action occurred, and reactions to the event. Seek other points of view to make sure you have balance and fairness. 9) The most common type of ending includes one of these elements: future action, a statement or quote that summarizes but does not repeat the previous information, or more elaboration. If the future action is a key factor in the issue, it should be placed higher in the story. Avoid summary endings that repeat what you have already said. In a basic news story, end when you have no more new info to reveal. 10) If the story involves conflict, you should always get comments from both or all sides of an Issue. Avoid one-source stories. Make sure you attribute your sources.

How to cover a news story: Meetings, speeches, panels. But many other kinds (such as rallies and protests) DURING: 1) Take detailed -Do you have a right to record in government open meetings? 2) Pay attention not only to actions and statements by key people, but also 3) Always be thinking: What's the best _ _ emerging? -Focus your -Think about who to talk to _ _ _ -The best _ is the most _ _. Don't worry if most of time we spent on some other _. 4) Decide if -Rally/protest? Y/N. -If controversial subject is presented and city council floor is packed? Y/N. AFTER: 1) Seek out the _ you need to develop your _ _. -Include _ _ involved and _ -Sometimes you'll seek _, other _ 2) Don't limit your reporting to An action deserves a _ from a _ Make phone calls especially if: -Controversial remark or _ _ needs a _ or _ _. (Fairness and balance!) -Need to check a statement's _.

1) Take detailed notes and if you wish to record the event do so. (You have the right to in government open meetings.) 2) Pay attention not only to actions and statements made by key people involved, but also reactions made by audience. 3) Always be thinking "What's the best lead angle emerging?" -Focus your note-taking on this angle. -Think about who to talk to afterward to develop this angle. -The best angle is the most newsworthy angle as you see it: don't worry if most of time was spent on some other angle. 4) Decide if crowd count (estimated or official) is a newsworthy angle. -Rally or protest - of course it will be. -If a controversial subject is presented and the city council floor is packed - then that would be too. 1) Seek out the interviews you need to develop your lead angle. -These include key people involved and members -Sometimes you'll seek elaboration, sometimes just clarification. 2) Don't limit your reporting to sources at the event. Make phone class if necessary, especially if: -An action deserves a reaction from a person or group. EX: Student curfew is presented, students not present, there needs to be contact to students to have their opinions displayed after. -A controversial remark or critical comment at the event needs a response or balancing viewpoint. (Fairness and balance.) -You need to check a statement's truthfulness.

Qualities of news: -Apply to print, broadcast, and online media 1. Timeliness - can be considered... (Anniversary, Why are you telling me this now?) 2. Proximity (Locality) 3. Unusual nature (Bizarreness) 4. Human or animal interest (People who have overcome difficulties, had/have serious problems, or made serious achievements.) 5. Conflict 6. Impact (Reaction stories or news events that affect readers. Newspapers often seek local angles by writing how people in their areas are affected by the news.) Society of Professional Journalists: Seek truth and report it. Test the accuracy of information from all sources and exercise car to avoid inadvertent error. Deliberate distortion is never permissible.

1) Timeliness: event that happened the day of publication, day before, or an event due to happen in immediate future -Timeless can be considered Immediacy: broadcast, online: and considered even more crucial. -Anniversary of or after an event -Answers why are you telling me this now? -In broadcast or online, the angle would have to be updated to report a current condition (EX: accident: current conditions of drivers and riders) 2) Proximity: an event interesting to local viewers or readers because the event happened in or close to the community -If college students or locals of a DIFF area experience something in another area, then the area where they are from and the area what it occurred would be both in proximity 3) Unusual Nature: out-of-the-ordinary or bizarre events/rare occurrences 4) Human Interest (Or Animal Interest: pets or missing pets) - people who have serious problems or achievements or who have overcome difficulties -Apps for Apes 5) Conflict: conflicts people have with government are newsworthy especially when conflict reflects social problems or is a national issue -Boy Scouts of America banning gay kids 6) Impact: reaction stories to news events or news angles that affect readers, newsworthy especially when major national stories or tragedies occur in any community -Newspapers often seek local angles by writing how people in their areas are affected by the news -Sale of semiautomatic weapons banned at upcoming local gun show (local city officials said to cancel, organizers of gun show said to go as planned)

-After interview tips -.... hastily written or shorthand notes -Mark? - part of process of identifying lead and creating your story organization - inverted pyramid -Transcribe? (So quotes are 100% accurate) -Ask yourself: Did this interview reveal...? Or new...? -Quotes: 3 Types -Interview information is often presented in news (and feature stories) in form of quotations

1) While fresh in your mind, if recorded, 'clean up' hastily written or shorthand notes so they are readable and accurate. 2) Mark notes to identify best stuff (remember that part of process of identifying lead and creating your story organization - inverted pyramid) 3) Transcribe your recording (or at least parts you want) so that quotes and paraphrases are 100% accurate (might listen to write down the entire interview word-for-word or look at hand notes and find parts I want to include and transcribe just those) Ask yourself: Did this interview reveal any angles or new interviews I need to pursue? 1) Full direct quotes 2) Partial direct quotes 3) Indirect quotes or paraphrase

Prominence -Public officials -Other public figures -Corporations -Universities

Involves well-known or noteworthy individuals and entities -Public officials -Other public figures (e.g. celebrities) -Large corporations -Major universities (University of Alabama) EX: Kate's morning sickness cure? Prince William gifted with an avocado for pregnant duchess VS. Meghan Markle beloved avocado linked to human rights abuse and drought, millennial shame. (Villainized Markle: British tabloids are racist ! ! !)

Conflict -Violence -Power struggles -Different viewpoints on certain issues -Court cases -Personal animosities

Disagreements or contention between people, groups, and in situations -Stories with conflict might include -Violence -Power Struggles -Different viewpoints on certain issues -Court cases -Personal animosities -Many others EX: Judge calls bluff as indicated AL Sheriff seeks trial delay with COVID-19 claim (Potentially corrupt sheriff to be prosecuted. Defense lied for COVID-19 testing).

Impact -Effect on peoples lives and if there are victims... -Number and extent of being harmed -Health, safety, money, life routines, government actions, social problems

Effect on people's lives (and crucial relationship to the question of "Is anyone being victimized?"), the broader category of important And: If there are victims, the number and extent of being harmed (major or minor harm) do matter. -Stories with potential impact: -Health -Safety -Money (tax rates, utility rates) -Life routines or options (disruptions in normal lives of people -> closing of bars in Tuscaloosa) -Social problems (poor environment, poor education, discrimination) -Government actions (Are elected officials living up to their responsibility?) EX: Longtime fans priced out by Bryant-Denny upgrades in push for new revenue (fans that can no longer afford to go to games) -Many others

-Interviewing Tips: -Planning the interview -Identify your focus -Research the b/g -Identify your goals -Plan your ?s -Request the interview (Sponsorship technique) -Dress Appropriately -Arrive on time -Conducting the Interview (Interview questions can be classified under 2 types) -Close-ended questions: Good for... .... .... "How many people were at the rally?" "When did the accident occur?" "How long have you worked there?" -Open-ended questions: DESIGNED TO ELICIT ... .... .... 'What' 'Why' 'How' -What happened? What was your reaction? What do you mean by that? -Why did you do that? Why do you believe x? -How did something happen? How did you accomplish that? -Give me an example

First, consider your mission. A reporter evaluates info for its accuracy, fairness, newsworthiness, and potential to make a readable story. During reporting, look for facts, good quotes, substantiation, and answers to 5 Ws - and how and so what. One question should lead to another until you have all the info you need. An interview with 1 source is just the beginning of reporting for most stories. For credibility and fairness, you need other sources - human and written - for differing POVs and accuracy checks. Apply to interviews you need to plan in advance. Most of the other techniques apply to both kinds of stories. -What is the purpose of the interview? Focus may change after you do interview but need to start with a specific reason for your story so you know what kind of info you need to get and what sources you need. -Check news clippings, TV footage, social media sites, written, online sources. Check with secondary sources (friends and opponents) before and after interivew of subject of story. -What kind of info are you hoping to get from this source? Is the source going to be the central focus of the story, as in a profile, or just one of several people cited in the story? Get general idea of why you need this source so you can explain briefly when you call for interview. -Prepare list of ?s in 2 ways: 1) Write all ?s you want to ask in an abbreviated form. Then 2) Mark ?s you must ask to get most crucial info for your story. If your source refuses to grant you time you need, switch to crucial list during interview -Most important point is to plan ahead. Officials and many other source smay not be aable to see you on brief notice. When you make call, state name and purpose. Or try sponsorship technique: I'm working on a story about date r*pe on campus, and Officer John Brown suggested I call you. You can also try contacting a source by email to set up an appointment. State your name, affiliation, and purpose. Save ?s until you find out whether you can get a telephone or face-to-face interview. -Would not wear suit on farm, but might if interviewing corporate officials or people in more formal business settings (dress as though you work there). -Arrive 10-15 minutes early, not too early (inconvenience people who are busy). Never come late. Interview questions can be classified under 2 types: 1) Designed to elicit brief, specific answers that are factual. They are good for getting basic info, such as name and title, yes or no answers, and answers to basic question about who, where, and when. How long have you worked here? How many people were at the rally? When did the accident occur? 2) Designed to elicit quotes, elaboration, or longer responses. Avoid being judgmental in way you frame your initial questions and follow-up questions. The more neutral you are, more responsive your source is likely to be. The questions that will elicit the most quotes and anecdotes start with what, why, and how: What happened? What was your reaction? What do you mean by that? Why did you that? Why do you believe...? How did something happen>? How did you accomplish that? Give me an example (follow-up to explain how source felt, thought, acted in specific situation) -Keep questions brief. Ask questions in simple sentences. One question at a time, do not combine two questions into one sentence.

Basic Style Reminders: -Numerals (Spell out... Numerals for...) -Dates (Use... Abbreviate...) -Times (Use... PM, p.m., P.M., pm? ... Do you use midnight? Do you use noon? 12 p.m.?) -Second references (Every name referenced after first one should be... Courtesy titles?) Exceptions for the numeral rule -Percents -Dollar amounts (Use .... and ....) -Ages Newest AP style rule

Numerals: Spell out 1-9, numerals for 10 or more Dates: Use numerals (May 2) - abbreviate months above 5 letters Times: Use numerals (7 p.m., 7:15 p.m.) But use "noon" not 12 p.m. NO USE OF MIDNIGHT OR 12 p.m. TO REFER TO MIDNIGHT: must use 11:59 p.m. or 12:01 a.m. Second references: Every name referenced after the first one: Last name only, no courtesy titles such as "Mr." or "Dr." (coach, president, Ms., Mrs.) Exceptions to numeral rule: Percents: 4% Dollar amounts: $6 Use numerals and units ($302 billion) Ages: 5-year-old boy, the boy is 5 years old Times and dates as mentioned When writing about race, capitalize "Black" Do not capitalize "White" black -> color not a person white -> in all cases

Proximity -Geographic relevance -Issue relevance -Psychological relevance

Relevance to the audience. -Geographic relevance (happening NEAR your audience) -Issue relevance EX: UNC decided to abandon in-person classes to remote learning because of COVID-19. No geographic relevance, but has issue relevance as UA is facing same potential dilemmaa. -Psychological relevance EX: Is it worth publishing a story for an AL audience about tornado destruction in KS? Psychologically relevant because of what happened in Tuscaloosa in April 2011, tornado destruction anywhere is psychological relevance for the AL audience. EX: Tuscaloosa streets to be swept this week (geographic relevance as you LIVE in Tuscaloosa)

-Wording of Attributions (Attributions in Quotes continued) For most hard-news stories, the word __ is preferable. Do not worry about overusing this word. -Strictly speaking, ___, the past tense, should be used if someone said something once. If someone always ___ the same thing, use ____, present tense. You could also just use ___ for more hard-news stories and ___ for feature stories (if ___ seems appropriate to the context). In broadcast writing ____ gives more immediacy. -Avoid substitutions for ____ like giggled, laughed, or choked. You do not laugh at the same time you are speaking. Say instead she said, laughing. -Use ____ ___ when you are referring to inanimate objects, like a study, acceptable to say "___ ___ police" but it is not preferable. ___ ___ is vague. People talk. -Normal speaking order is preferable. You should place ___ after the name or pronoun. But if the person has a long title, ___ can be placed before the name and title. Overview attribution: A technique that allows you to attribute info to one speaker for several grafs without attributing each statement or each graf. Useful when giving a chronology of events, as in police story. But if you change speakers, must use attribution for new speaker. Overview attribution is a brief statement followed by a colon. Second references: USE LAST NAME ONLY. If you have several sources - or two sources with the same last name, such as husband or wife, use full name again or identifying phrase. If you have mentioned several other people and want to get back to Jones later in the story, remind the reader who Jones is by using his title. Titles: When a person's title is used before the name, capitalize it, when after, do not. Courtesy Titles: Most newspapers and TV scripts no longer use courtesy titles (Mr. Miss, Mrs. Ms.) before people's names but there are exceptions (New York Times and Wall Street Journal) Other newspapers use them in obituaries.

Said Said, says, says, said, says, says, says Said According to Said -Awkward: "Normal speaking order is preferred," said the professor. -Preferable: "Normal speaking order is preferred," the professor said. Police described the incident this way: Witness said this is what happened: Police gave this account: James Jones, the director of public safety, was injured in a three-car crash yesterday. Jones was taken to Memorial Hospital, where has was treated for bruises and released. . . . (some time later) Public Safety Director Jones said he would return to work Monday. Police Chief Ron Olin said the crime rate has gone down. Olin, police chief of Lawrence, said the crime rate has gone down.

Human Interest -Broader category of interesting -Personal stories -Odd occurrences -Unusual actions or occupations -Strange places -Usually with people well or not well-known?

Something out of the ordinary, the broader category of interesting -Disctinctive personal stories -Odd occurrences -Unusual actions/occupations -Strange places -Many others Quite often, Human Interest stories involve people not well-known. EX: Popeye's gives Family Feud contestants $10,000 worth of chicken after hilarious wrong answer goes viral

-Reporting for visuals: Gathering info for graphic or map to pinpoint a location of crime or disaster -Locations: Names of streets, major intersections, specific measurements: do not describe the scene that viewers can see for themselves. But if you do not, gather details so you can (describe to anchor without video, print story) -Statistics -Highlights -Email interviews: Use as a last resort if you cannot perform an in-person or phone interview -Advs. -Disadvs. -Limit number of questions -Clarify purpose -Verify source's name and title -Limit follow-ups -Attribute to email (if applicable)

Whenever you go on assignment for breaking news story such as disaster or crime - gather info for a graphic or map to pinpoint the location of the crime or disaster scene. Take photos with cell phone or camera. If you have video, do not describe the scene that viewers can see for themselves. But if you do not, gather details so you can (describe to anchor without video, print story) -Get names of streets and major intersections nearest to site of incident. Specific measurements: yards, feet, number of city blocks, whatever else would help pinpoint locations: How many feet or yards away from the landfill is the nearest house? What buildings are in this area? When the gas pipe exploded, how many feet from the gas line was the nearest building? This info might be helpful for creating a graphic or describing the scene, especially if you are broadcasting on the scene. -If your city council has raised taxes, what have taxes been during the past five years? How much has tuition increased during the past several years? Stats like these can be boring to read, but are easy to understand in chart form that can be posted on print or web. -Gather info for a facts box, such as important dates or highlights of one's career. Suppose you are doing a profile, instead of listing key dates and incidents in your story, could you place them more effectively in a box? It is not best method for interviewing people. However, in some cases, email may be only way you can get comments from a source. Use it as last resort if you cannot interview a source in person or by telephone. -Gives source more time to think about responses to your questions. Saves you from taking notes, can get accurate quotes when the source responds in writing. -Email interviews prohibit spontaneity and good follow-up questions. Also cannot observe source's reactions and body language, also cannot gather descriptive detail. Several colleges are prohibiting email interviews because they give the source control over responses (USF, Princeton) -Limit the number of questions: Max of five questions -Clarify your purpose: Make it clear that you intend to use the email message in a news story -Verify the source's full name and title: Email addresses do not always include source's proper name -Limit your follow-up email messages. Do not badger the source with several email messages, may have to reply with another question or request for info, but limit it. -Attribute to email: It is preferable to explain in your news story that the source made the comments in an email interview (though not required)

4 misspellings of Mallary article: -Misspelled names are the sixth most common newspaper error, whereas misquotes are the most common. -One of the easiest things to verify, but it's one of those things journalists think about verifying the least. -Because journalists forget to ask for right spelling they might, do it from memory, assume name is spelled 'normal way', or misled by incorrect sources online -Relying on sources doesn't always work, New York Times is known for misspelling names at a ferocious rate. -The misspelled name champion is Theodore Sorensen, JFK adviser, 135 times misspelled in articles and headlines (NYT) -Sorensen predicted his name to be spelled wrong even in his obituary, not for Times, though for the Washington Post -If a simple name appears as names are especially difficult to spell, the writer is more apt to focus on the hard-to-spell names. -Inaccuracies in spelling cause the public to lose trust in the medial. If they got a name wrong, he or she may have gotten other more significant facts wrong too. -If you're the misspelled source, you can't help but wonder how much the journalist who interviewed you really cared, we feel disrespected when journalists do not take the time to spell them right (part of who we are) -Says you're sloppy, careless, perhaps the source didn't have a big impact on you, just so easy to get right, people don't understand how you got it wrong -Accuracy is a learned behavior. If you create habits that reinforce accuracy, then your chances of making that error are greatly reduced (Best way to eliminate the problem is to start every interview by asking for the correct spelling of the source's name, and his or her titles. Sends message to sources you are committed to accuracy.)

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