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Developing a News Story JOURN 305
19
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Page 1: Developing A News Story3440

Developing a News Story

JOURN 305

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What gets coverage?

There are several variables determining news coverage

The largest variable is the impact that the story has on the readership/public

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Other Factors

“Real world” factors– Reporter

interest/prejudice– “Exclusive” access– Competition– Size of the market– Other breaking news

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Covering Developing Stories

Each story has its own life cycle There may be several “phases” to the

reporting of the story

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Phase 1

Breaking news Front-page placement Reporting may be limited to initial info Time is critical Details updated when available

– For Web and broadcast

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Mainbars vs. Sidebars

Mainbar = primary story Sidebar = related story

– Usually human interest angle

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Example

Mainbar– The New York Times runs a front-page story on

memorial events marking the 5-year anniversary of the 9/11 attacks

Sidebar– The New York Times revisits the families for a

human-interest profile (“Portraits of Grief”)

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Example

Billboard, May 29, 1999

– Anti-Copy Plan Would "Filter' Downloads

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Phase 2

Follow-up story with more details Focuses more on the why and how May or may not be front-page news

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Example

Billboard, June 5, 1999

– SDMI's "Trigger' Framework Nears Fruition - Some In Online Biz Decry Plan As Attack On Freedom

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Second-day Stories

After the initial “breaking news” is reported, a follow-up story that runs a day later will need a new angle

“Second-day lead”– Puts the initial event into perspective– Offers more information and analysis

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Example

The space shuttle Columbia explodes on Feb. 1, 2003 – All seven astronauts die

On Feb. 2, the initial event is still important, but it is no longer “breaking news”– Second-day lead focuses on:

Reactions from public Safety of the NASA program Investigation of the cause of the mishap

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Example

Breaking news:– Man charged with murder hours after girlfriend taken off life support

Follow-up:– Autopsy puts end to murder charges

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Phase 3

New angles on old stories Human-interest angle In-depth analysis Follow-up on events

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Phase 4

Most reporters have moved on Findings of long-term investigations New developments from the original event

are uncovered

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Internet Reporting

On the Web, your first version of a news story will likely be updated as new info comes in

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Developing Story Checklist

Latest news gets highest placement Include original breaking news high in follow-

up stories If possible, go on location Humanize the story Find a new or unique angle Add to your sources Coordinate multimedia and graphics

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In-Class Writing Assignment

Go to the class blog for information on writing a “second-day lead” story

The original story is provided Facts and a quote are provided for the

“second-day” lead story