6. What is NEWS?
News is the communication of selected information on current
events or may be a story linked with past events. It is shared in
various ways such as discussion among individuals,
newsletters, publishing, broadcasting on television, radio or
social media etc. Any article which communicates news may be
through Print media (Ex. News paper, Newsletter, farm
magazines etc.) or via online media (Ex. e-news paper, e-news
letter, blogs, websites etc.) is called news article. News articles
are mainly of informative nature written for larger audiences.
7.
8. Structure of News Article:
Inverted pyramid style of writing the news articles is strongly
recommended Journalism specialists.
HEAD
LEAD
BODY
TAIL
Covers What, Who, Where, Why, When and How of news.
MOST IMPORTANT information written in 30 (approx) words.
Provides additional information through relevant details, quotes, evidence, logic, photos,
controversy, argument, experiences etc.
offers information of less importance, mostly for readers interested in
extra details
an abstract sentence generally consists of five to ten words. It is an imitation
of compete thought of reporter which mainly includes subject and verb.
9.
10. WRITING LEAD
• It should be straight, simple and attention-grabbing.
• Lead must answer 5 Ws and 1 H of news story.
• Use active sentences and strong verbs for lively and interesting
lead.
• It should establish the voice and direction of an article.
• Lead must focus the all vital elements in the story.
• Lead must catch the mind of the reader by arousing an interest.
• The lead should cover the newsworthy facet of story.
• The lead sentences should be short i.e. not more than 12-15
words.
• Sentence arrangement must be orderly and relevant to theme.
• Use simple and lucid grammar in lead paragraphs.
• Lead should compel the reader to read the remaining article.
11. Hard Lead: It is direct and suited for an
urgent, breaking event.
Three NPA rebels killed in Canlaon clash
Three alleged members of the New People’s Army (NPA) were
killed in a clash with the Army’s 62nd Infantry Battalion (IB) at Sitio
Natuling, Barangay Budlasan, Canlaon City, Negros Oriental
yesterday.
12. Soft Led: It is more indirect and suited to
feature writing.
‘Old railway revival will displace
informal settlers’
Informal settlers at Barangay Railway in Lapaz, Iloilo City fear
losing their homes the moment the revival of Integrated Panay
Railway System kicks off, and the Railway village is just one of
hundreds of barangays located on or along the old railroad that
stretches more than 100 kilometers and passes through two
provinces, three cities, and 11 municipalities in Panay Island.
13. Summary Lead: Just states the facts
which include who, where, what, when, why and
how about event or happening.
Question Lead: Opens lead by asking
question.
Contrast Lead: Makes a point by
opening with differences or opposites
14. The Body: Body supports the lead and gives all
important information in inverted pyramid style. Facts and
quotes are arranged form most important to least important
sequence.
• Prepare an outline for the body
• Proceed in a natural way of logical writing and
chronological order
• Keep paragraphs short and simple one idea at a time
• Use simple language, small sentences.
• Connect all paragraphs with logical and relevant
transitions
15. The Tail: Inverted pyramids stories don't need a
strong ending since those hard news stories simply end
when there is nothing more to say. In case of
scientifically oriented news articles writer can end with
catchy quote which recapitulates the entire story. Some
time story could be end by writing future implication
which relates the story back to the main theme and
leaves the reader thinking about the essence of the
story. At the end of the story, writers must avoid
preaching or lecturing.
16. Precautions: .Check the accuracy of
information from all sources to avoid error.
• Identify sources whenever possible so that the public
has as much information possible to determine the
sources‟ reliability.
• Rely on the most up-to-date and accurate research
when gathering facts for a story.
• When mistakes are made, they must be corrected -
fully and quickly.
• Never plagiarize.
17. Some Tips: .Headline and lead should be catchy.
• Always site the best angle for your lead.
• Cut unnecessary words.
• Avoid using of too many adjectives.
• Never inject your opinions.
• When you first refer to someone or something, spell out their
names.
• Do not repeat information.
• If you published the news within seven days that the event
happened, use the day of the week, but if it happened outside
the seven-day window, use the month and date.
18. Some Tips: . Never abbreviate the days of the
week.
• Abbreviate months longer than five letters.
• Spell out numbers one through nine, and use figures for
10 and above.
• For money, keep it easy to understand.
• Be particular with grammar and punctuation marks it can
kill people.
• Keep the news simple, original, fresh, and concrete.
• Think and write the best angle for all news stories.
19.
20. Your Turn.Antique recorded over 2,000 dengue cases.
• Death toll because of dengue in the province is at eight.
• Four from Hamtic, one from Bugasong, Patnongon, San Jose, and Sibalom, respectively.
• There’s a total of 2,011 dengue cases in Antique from January to July, 2022, while in
2021, the province only logged 263 cases on the same period.
• Top three towns with highest number of cases: San Jose (410); Sibalom (329), and
Hamtic (215)
• Sangguniang Panlalawigan approved the resolution filed by Board Member Pio Jesselito
Sumande Jr. to place the entire province under state of calamity due to high dengue
cases reported in all its 18 municipalities.
• The declaration authorized Governor Rhodora J. Cadiao to determine an appropriate
budget from the remaining Quick Response Fund (QFR) for dengue prevention and
response.
• Just in a span of one week, the province also recorded 112 dengue cases as reported by
Antique Provincial Health Office Irene Duldoco in a radio interview.
• There are 23 dengue patients who remain admitted to hospitals in Antique as of August
3.
• The province is implementing all the programs like spraying activities, 4 o’clock habit, and
buying of dengue duo kits to lessen the cases.
