Cyber Journalism Workshop Series
Journalists/Advisors: Pat Kelly Akil Roper Elaine Johnson
--Class Notes--
SESSION ONE:
Introduction &endash;
What makes a news story?
NEWS &endash; a), writing about something people do not already
know about or b), using an angle that hasn’t been previously
explored to examine something that may be known.
IF IT DOESN’T FIT THOSE REQUIREMENTS IT IS NOT NEWS!
STORY &endash; A story has a beginning a middle and an end. The
most basic and commonly used structure is called an inverted
pyramid.
Inverted Pyramid &endash; The most important information is at the
top or beginning of the story, your lead. Next comes quotes,
supporting facts, etc.
The most important of the 5w’s in your story are
contained in the lead. This shows emphasis and the facts that must
be clear to the reader.
Another reason we use inverted pyramid style is so that when there
is limited space, your editor may cut from the bottom of your
story without sacrificing the essential parts.
1) The Five W’s
WHO
WHAT
WHEN
WHERE
WHY/HOW
(This applies not only to the news story, but any story)
Each one of these is significant in any story, but some will
emerge as more important than others. It is your job to identify
them and use them strategically in your lead.
A few things to remember &endash;
"Everybody is a reporter": When you talk on the phone with your
friend and they tell you something, if they omit important facts,
you will automatically ask them questions to fill the blanks in
your head. If they can't fill in the blanks you will go other
sources.
The way to become a better writer is by reading. Your own material
as well as any other published work. Read for information and
entertainment. READ
HarlemLive
Cyber Journalism Workshop Series 1999
--Class Notes--
SESSION TWO
1) Interview Skills
Start with the easy questions first. Introduce yourself;
Build up a comfortable vibe with your source. Ask the tough
questions last. The source will be more at ease, and the risk them
walking out if a difficult question is asked will be decreased. If
they walk out at the end of your interview, you have done your
job. If they walk out at the beginning, you have nothing.
Be responsive. Let them know you are paying attention to
their words and care about what they have to say. Be sure to nod
your head when they make sense and "Mm Hmm..." to let them know
you are following what they are saying. Be attentive and alert.
Don’t sleep on your source.
Be aware. Some sources you can ask them one question and
let them talk, others you will have to keep on them, asking them
every question you can think of. Remember to ask follow up
questions. While they are talking, you are thinking, you never
know when another better story may emerge. Roll with it . . .
Take Good Notes. Use a tape recorder whenever possible to
capture accurate quotes, but always have pen and pad in hand. Get
the facts straight. Double check spelling of names, titles.
Understand the Roles. What do you want out of the
interview? What does the interviewee want out of the
interview?
HarlemLive
Cyber Journalism Workshop Series
1999
--Class Notes--
SESSION THREE
Topic: Preparing for a Story-
This week we are planning to take our first “field
trip”.
What’s happening in the news?
What interests can we focus on to investigate?
Whatever the decision is, ultimately we need to ask ourselves;
What is the main focus or feature of interest to readers?
I. Background Preparation
1.READ! READ! READ! Everything you can on the subject.
Keep handy a personal thesaurus/dictionary to increase your
own vocabulary. Use the library as a resource, as well as the
newspaper “graveyard.”
2. If your subject is Africa, or hip hop, read as much as you
can
before you go out on the story. The worst thing a writer can do
is
not have enough knowledge of the subject or facts from which to
write.
3. Take notes!! Notes should be based on the 5w’s and the
H.
Which one you emphasize depends on you--what is the most important
aspect of the story ? What will attract your readers?
Write down ideas to help you outline later. Get quotes from
your
subject; antecdotals, and be sure to ask if some information
is
“on or off the record.”
II. The Writing Process
1. The interview is over. You have taken notes. Now write the
notes as a
“first draft” to see if your story has the point of
view
you wanted. Check to see if you included the elements--who,
what
where, etc., and which one is the most significant. Consider
your
lead. Is it going to be simple or complex? All of these
questions
can be checked in your first draft.
2. Write and rewrite. You must be satisfied this is the best
your
talents, research, and energy could bring to the piece. There
is
nothing wrong with having ten or more re-writes!
3. Revise and rewrite. Once your ideas on the story has been
completed, the last thing
you must do
4. Good Luck!
HarlemLive
Cyber Journalism Workshop Series 1999
--Class Notes--
SESSION FOUR
Getting Published
1.Before Your First Sale
A.Target Your Ideas
B. Query & Cover letters
C. Book Proposals
D. Copyright Office
2. How to Prepare Your Query
A. Language Must Grab the Editor
B. Cover Letter
C. Research
D. Know Your Market
3. Putting Ideas Into Practice
A. Practice selecting a magazine to query
B. Who or what do you want to write about?
C. What is your target audience?
D. How do you plan to get paid?
