CHAPTER 4: Stairway to News: be activities that are not visible to the eyes

Techniques and Principles of the many.

a. Sources of News 4. Tips from Co-writers, Teachers and
Students
One should bear in mind foundations of
news articles. Hence, a writer or a 5. Gantt Chart of Schedule or Calendar
journalist must have a high sense of of Activities
smelling ability to newsworthy issues.
6. Interviewing Key Informs. This is the
This special ability is dubbed as “nose for
gathering of information on ai person-to-
news” in journalism parlance. To be able
person basis, straight from the experts or
to do so, a journalist must know the
any resource person as a credible source.
avenues where he can gather data for his
news articles. b. More Sources of News
1. Beat- the stable assignment of the The internet has increased the available
reporter. For instance, in a school setting, number of news sources. audiences can go
the chief editor or the adviser is identifying to general news sites covering broad topic
assignments for the writers. Jane, a news areas.
writer is assigned to gather news from the
student body. Jane’s beat is the student 1. Blogs. They represent another source of
council only; what she concentrates on is news, free from traditional economic, i-
only issues about the student body. corporate, political, or advertising
considerations. There are blogs devoted to
Being confined to only assignment, the all sorts of topics. Blogs offer alternative
reporter achieves a sense of time points of view to traditional media. i Blogs
management and a chance to get through provide an additional outlet for reporters to
all the perspectives of the news. This will explain why they reported ai story in the
also diminish hodgepodge ideas of the way they did.
writer, especially a student journalist.
2. Citizen Journalism. In citizen
2. Written and Printed Document. A journalism, ordinary citizen become
good journalist is resourceful in looking amateur reporters. This trend is facilitated
for newsworthy issues. One of his/her sets by digital and cell phone video cameras
of sources includes public documents- and high-speed internet access. Traditional
either electronically or physically posted. news media encourage citizen journalism,
For example, if he/she is gathering data for and many media outlets ask audience
the newly imposed rules on wearing the members to submit photos and video clips.
prescribed uniform, he/she may look into Citizen journalism is popular with the
the minutes of the meeting or the mainstream news media in part because it
resolution where such rules are inscribed. is free content, but it also empowers the
audience.
3. Observation. This may be done through
a keen empirical observation. It exists as a 3. Hyperlocal News. This is a news
writer bears witness using the physical referring to news coverage for a very small
senses to what is happening in the local community. It can be a single Zip Code or
communities. In the context of school interest group in a defined geographic
paper, a writer must be wary of the places area. Most hyperlocal news appears on
and goings-on in the campus. These may web sites. Publishers of hyperlocal news
hope that the extremely local focus and the you gesture to pay the interviewee the
coverage of topics ignored by the bother fee incurred.
traditional media will draw in people who
5. Make and keep friends. Dependable
generally do not consume news. Twitter
informants are most valued assets,
and Facebook have examples of hyperlocal
especially when a writer is assigned in a
news, i and visitors can find news of
single beat throughout the academic year.
interest to them and their close of friends.
When needed, give them favorable
c. Rules of Thumb in News Gathering mention in your stories. Never break their
trust in the name of having a good scoop
A writer must not only have the nose for
of the news.
news, but also considers the guidelines in
gathering data. Ramirez (2009) has 6. Print it. This rule of thumb reminds a
published some of these rules of thumb in writer or a journalism that unpublished
data gathering for news writing. news is wasted. The fact that one has
gathered data, the news is now considered
1. See for yourself. Nothing is more vivid
a newsworthy item.
when one sees the event right before his
own eyes. Becoming the firs-hand witness, Handling Interview in News Gathering
other than gathering through hearsay,
The interview is the bedrock of
keeps the spontaneity of ideas of the
information gathering in news writing. It is
writer.
defined as the process of “dyadic,
2. Find the person who knows. The relational communication, with a
writer should go directly to the person who predetermined and serious purpose
is considered as the key participant of the designed to interchange behavior involving
issue. Such a person may give the writer a the asking and answering of questions
sense of confidence that what he/she will (Soriano and Henson, 1995). Sounds
write is taken from the statement and ideas brain-cracking? Simply put, the interview
of the persons, rather than surmising the is purpose-driven. Its main aim is to
ideas, effects and impacts of an issue. exchange ideas through question-and-
Further, this act champions objectivity, answer style. Hence, the interviewer is the
thus diminishing bias. person who asks questions, while the
interviewee is the person who gives the
3. Compare all versions. A writer must
answers.
not rely on one version. One should set
myriads of perspectives, so as to limit the a. Dyadic- denotes that the interview is a
holes of biases. Moreover, feel free to person-to-person interaction between two
question inconsistencies and ensure the parties.
veracity of each statement or information.
b. Relational- strongly suggests an
4. Be tactful and courteous. A writer is interpersonal connection between the
respectful of time. Hence, he should focus interview parties.
only on the data needed. He should avoid
c. Predetermined and serious purpose-
spending the time of the interviewee on
means that at least one of the two parties
futile topics. Courtesy is likewise seen in
comes to the interview with a goal and has
acts and words of the writer who gathers
planned the interview to focus on specific
data. More often than not, saying thank
subject matter.
d. Interchanging behavior- connotes that he/she may accumulate basketfuls of
sharing of expectations, roles, feelings and data. In such a way, he/she may diminish
information. subjectively; subsequently, he/she presents
many perspectives as he/she can.
e. Asking and answering questions
(taken as a single process)- is crucial to 5. Meet the interviewee.
the interviewing process, questions serve
6. Get down to business. Ask the first
as tools to obtain information.
question.
d. Stages in Interview
7. Establish early rapport, that is, from
Here are some steps in conducting an formal to less formal.
interview using the formula known as the
8. Tackle the more sensitive topic with
GOSS, developed by Rue de Guilleland.
respect and tactfulness.
1. Know your Goal or purpose.
9. Express some recovery statements.
2. Present Obstacle encountered.
10. Leave a thank you note.
3. Offer Solutions to these obstacles.
Structure of News
4. Start writing the interview story.
Since this book is intended for novice
e. Steps in Conducting the Interview writers and those who are skeptical yet
whether or not to join the publication, the
1. Define the purpose
structure of news discussed below is the
2. Conduct a background research of the basic news structure. For advanced
topic you are assigned to. reporting, there are more types of news
structure.
3. Set an interview appointment.
Newspaper articles are written using the
4. Make preliminary planning by listing inverted triangle format. Most journalism
down possible questions. There are six experts agree to use triangle not pyramid.
questions beginning with five W’s and one The inverted pyramid format is three-
H. However, be sure to ask specific who, dimensional that is referring to special
another who, one more who and final who. cases of developmental communication
For instance, you are interviewing the and interpretive journalism or investigative
principal of you schools regarding the reportage.
Brigada Eskwela conducted last May. You
may ask as many “WHO” questions as you Using the inverted triangle structure, a
wish like: writer bears in mind that the most
important information is at the top
i. Who was the proponent of the program? (beginning of article) and the least
ii. Who were the benefactors? important information is at the bottom
(end of article). With this format, the story
iii. Who were the participants? of the news article will have the ability to
iv. Who else attended the activity? undergo cutoff test (removing last
section(s) od story to quickly shorten
v. Who may be benefitted by the program? story), without distorting its gist.
This technique should be practiced by a INVERTED TRIANGLE FORMAT IN
good data gatherer for a news article so NEWS WRITING
Reasons for the Inverted Triangle
Structure
The inverted triangle is used in news
writing because it makes reading easier
and faster. It also enables the hurries
reader to get all the important facts in a
very short period of time. Say, as he reads
the first paragraphs, he knows already the
gist of the news. It likewise satisfies
curiosity in a logical way, as it makes page
makeup easier. finally, it makes the work
of the editor easier.
 discussed that straight news, tells the most
important facts of the story. In a feature
CHAPTER 5: Getting Started: Crafting
article or news feature, the lead could be a
the Good Lead
word, a phrase, a sentence or a paragraph
a. Parts of the Newspaper that attracts and sustain the readers’
interest.
Newspaper articles require a style of
writing different from what is used when It is a rule of thumb that the lead of a news
writing a story. Also, never delete in your story, particularly straight news, need to be
mind the image of an inverted triangle long. As the popular adage says, “A lead
when writing a news article. For purposes should be like a miniskirt, short enough to
of iteration, the opening statement or be attractive, but long enough to cover the
paragraph bears the most important essentials.” However, how long is long?
information. This one-sentence-one- How short is short? American researches
paragraph is called the lead. suggest that for an average reader, one
sentence or paragraph should contain 17 to
1. Headline- this is a short, attention- 35 words for him/her to comprehend at
getting statement about the event. It once, the message of the sentence.
capsulizes the first paragraph.
The lesser words in a sentence, the higher
2. Byline- this indicates the name of the its comprehensibility.
writer or writers of the news article.
c. Major Classification of Lead
3. Lead Paragraph- this contains the
major who, what, when, where, why and 1. Summary Lead- it answers the five
how in it. A writer must find answers to W’s and one H (What, Who, Where,
the major five W’s and one H. However, When, Why, and How). As iterated, the
he should choose the answers that bear the story is presented using the inverted
most significant elements to avoid triangle from where the most important
overcrowding the paragraph. data are in the first and second paragraphs.
This is used in straight news. As the
4. Major details- after the lead paragraph nomenclature suggests, it summarizes only
is written, the writer will now decide to the most important five W’s and one H.
weave the major details into paragraphs.
Take not, that for beginners, the use of one Kinds of Summary Lead
sentence-equivalent to one paragraph rule
The position of the W’s and H is
should be strictly followed. The writer
determined by their degree of importance.
should still observe coherence of ideas.
a. What Lead- this is applied if the most
5. Minor details- should there be more
important angle of the news is the event
space in the paper, the least important
per se.
details may be written. This will give the
editor a wider perspective of the new, that Examples: The new grading system in
he/she may paraphrase or inject some of Batangas State College will be imposed
them in the major details. next semester after the Board of Trustees
approved the resolution at the Commission
b. The Lead
on Higher Education Central Office
As iterated, the lead in the story’s opening yesterday.
sentence or two. Previously, it was
b. Who Lead- used if the most important Higher Education Central Office
angle of the news is the person involved, yesterday.
thus, more significant than the event.
2. The Grammatical-Beginning Lead-
Example: The members of the Board of this classification of lead paragraphs still
Trustees of the Batangas State College give emphasis on the logical importance of
approved yesterday the new grading the major details; however, it is also
system at the Commission on Higher equally concerned with its grammatical
Education Central Office. structure. There is an avenue to break the
monotony of summary or conventional
c. Where Lead- if the locations where the
lead paragraphs.
event takes place is more significant than
the other aspects of the news, then this Kinds of Grammatical-Beginning Lead
kind of lead is best applied.
There are times when the lead is
Examples: At the Commission on Higher introduced by a kind of grammatical form
Education Central Office yesterday, the which is usually a phrase or a clause used
Board of Trustees of the Batangas State to emphasize a feature. Here, the important
College approved the new grading system W’s are found in the main clause, not in
which will take effect next semester. the introductory or subordinate clause
which is just a modifying feature. Again, it
d. When Lead- seldom used since this is
breaks the monotony of summary lead in a
only applicable when time element is more
newspaper. It may also denote that the
important than other angles of the story.
story belongs to soft news.
Nonetheless, it suggests urgency and
immediacy. a. Prepositional Phrase Lead- a phrase
introduced by a preposition.
Examples: Yesterday at the Commission
on Higher Education Central Office, the Examples: With the power of resolution
Board of Trustees of Batangas State numbered 37 approved by the members of
College Approved the new grading system the Board of Trustees of the Batangas
which will take effect next semester. State College yesterday, the new grading
system of the College will take effect next
e. Why Lead- if the cause of the event is
semester.
the most effective angle of the story.
b. Infinitive Phrase Lead- it starts with
Example: To coper with the standards of
the preposition “to” plus the main verb.
ASEAN integration, the Board of Trustees
of the Batangas State College approved Examples: To meet the demands of the
yesterday the new grading system which ASEAN integration, the members of the
will take effect next semester. Board of Trustees of the Batangas State
College approved the new grading system
f. How Lead- if the process or the manner
at the Commission on Higher Education
of how the event happened is most
Central Office yesterday.
important among the other angles of the
news. c. Principal Phrase Lead- signaled by the
presence of the present or past participle of
Example: Through a 7-5 vote, the
the verb, acting as a modifier.
members of the Board of Trustees of the
Batangas State College approved the new Example:
grading system at the Commission on
 Recording a 7-5 margin vote, the Kinds of Novelty Lead
members of the Board of Trustees of the
When writing news features, a writer
Batangas State College approved the new
should remember that the article should
grading system at the Commission on
still have a soft touch of feature writing.
Higher Education Central Office
Thus, his/her article should be written in
yesterday. (Present Participle)
such a way that it arrests the readers’
Armed with the desire to synchronize the attention. These leads may also carry out a
standards of the ASEAN integration, the definite purpose.
members of the Board of Trustees of the
a. Narrative Lead- it draws the reader
Batangas State College approved the new
into the story by allowing him/her to
grading system at the Commission on
relater himself/herself with the character of
Higher Education Central Office
the story.
yesterday. (Past Participle)
Example:
d. Gerundial Phrase Lead- introduced by
a gerund. It is a verbal ending in -ing, The fifth of June 2015, Herodes Barabas,
which acts as a noun. Many beginning 34, experienced the longest one hour in his
writers interchanges the present participial life as he sat on a swivel chair in front of
lead to gerundial lead. Remember, the hid eight interviewers at Aklan State
former acts as a modifier, while the latter University. It was an entrance interview of
acts as a noun. the long queue of applicants mustering
their patience in waiting for instructor I
Example: Synchronizing with the
position.
standards of ASEAN integration was the
primordial aim of the members of the b. Descriptive Lead- effective in writing
Board of Trustees in approving yesterday personality sketches, travelogues and the
the new grading system of Batangas State like, this lead illustrates a mental picture of
College. the subject to the reader. A writer must be
adept in creating mental images through
e. Clause Lead- commences with a clause,
the play of the language to satisfy the
which may become either an independent
readers in using this technique.
subordinate, or may transform as either a
noun or an adjectival or adverbial clause.
Example: Because there is a need to
synchronize with the standards of ASEAN
integration, the members of the Board of
Trustees of the Batangas State College
approved the new grading system at the
Commission on Higher Education Central
Office yesterday.(Subordinate,
adverbial)
3. Unorthodox Lead or Novelty Lead- it
is best used to attract the readers’ attention,
to arouse his/her curiosity and to sustain
his/her interest. It is used in writing a news
feature or feature article.
Example: If Palawan were a class record, it jesting manner as it arouses his curiosity
must have received a nearly perfect grade and gently leads him unto the story. Often,
weighted average for the unending praises riddles are used, and they do not give the
of tourists coming in to experience its readers any clue on the nature of the story.
breathtaking grandeur. Who would not They are mostly suggestive and humorous.
drop his jaw when he sees the evidence of
Example: Which comes first, the hen or
God’s dexterous hand that crafted the
egg? Well, egg could not be made possible
seascapes and landscapes of Palawan? Add
without the hen. But where does the hen
on the list the cerulean waves that
come from?
unendingly race towards the stony foot of
the island. And if hoarding is legal, one f. Punch Lead- it is short, striking one-
must have put in a tank the cool and sentence lead.
pristine breeze. Indeed, when God said in
Genesis “it is good,” He must be looking Example: Hungry farmers in Kidapawan
at the northernmost island in the were asking for food, but the enforcers of
Philippines-Palawan. the law fed them with bullets.

c. Quoted Statement Lead- it is a g. Astonisher Lead- aims to give the

statement uttered by well-known reader a strong sense if emotional value.
personality or celebrity. Usually, in school Thus, it primarily uses an exclamatory
setting, when student journalists want to sentence.
highlight the message of the guest Example:
speakers, they use this type of lead.
Unbeatable indeed!
Example:
After grabbing the Intramural crown
“You have to spread your wings and fly!” from the Green Aggies team three years
This was emphasized by Dr. Malou H. ago, the Blue Titans (team) has sustained
Wang, the guest of honor and its supremacy as it sent all its foes kneeling
commencement speaker of Mindanao State before its royalty throne.
College last April 5 at the auditorium. The awarding ceremonies happened at the
d. Question Lead- it is thought-provoking Cagayan State University Lal-lo
question to capture the interest of the Gymnasium on August 12, 2015, the last
reader and lead them to find the answer day of the three-day clash.
provided by the succeeding details of the h. One-word Lead- it uses a very
article. significant word to capture or arouse the
Example: interest of the reader.

When was the last time you told your Example:

mother you loved her? Boom!
Maria Mantis, 35, wishes she could tell her Residents in Basco, Batanes seemingly ran
a thousand times how much she loves her to nowhere when a restaurant situated in
now, but her mother is already heedless Kayhuvokan exploded on April 1, 2016
inside her coffin. around 9:15 in the morning.
e. Teaser- generally short, crisp and witty,
this is a device to deceive the reader in
i. Parody Lead- it consists of a parody of m. Staccato Lead- primarily rooted from
a well-known quotation, song, poem, musical parlance, this term suggests a lead
book, or movie film title. that consists of a series of words and
phrases, punctuated by periods, commas or
Example:
dashes.
“There was never an us!”
Example: Neglected. Demanded. Abused.
This familiar line from a movie of Sarah Abandoned. This is the real picture of our
Geronimo was the exact statement of Ms. forest today.
Sug Poe to Mr. Cheap Ezcuderow
Reasons for Using Novelty Lead
yesterday when asked if there was a time
when both agreed to share stocks in the top  To enhance the readability of the
performing Pacquino Airline Company. newspaper
 To arouse the reader’s interest
j. Background Lead- it describes an event
 To add vigor and color to writing
in which the background overshadows the
 To challenge the ability of the
individuals who participate in it; often, it
writer
uses stories about carnivals, festivals,
dances, and others. f. Rules of Thumb in Lead Writing
Example: With the glittering and 1. Make sure the lead includes the most
shimmering bantings along the skimpy important of the five W’s and H,
roads, as if throng of rainbows come to particularly the "who" (person or thing),
visit the town of Gattaran, Cagayan to (did) what and when. For a story about a
celebrate with its 30th Agsalukag Festival report, never begin with the statement “A
on April 13, 2016. report was issues by…”
k. Freak Lead- in order to enhance its 2. The lead should be simple, brief,
appeal and to easily catch the attention of compact, vigorous and attractive; it should
the reader, this kind of unique lead uses not inject too much information. In
typographical effects. general, keep the lead to 17-35 words. Try
letting others read your lead. When he
Example:
cannot grasp the meaning at once, consider
Wanted: Loyal Filipino Teachers revising it.

This is the appeal of the Commission on 3. Facts first: Do not start with WHEN or
Higher Education yesterday, amidst the WHERE, unless such information weighs
exodus of many Filipino teachers abroad. the heaviest importance.

l. Contrast Lead- it is used to point out 4. Consider your subject matter. Not all
opposites and extremes. news article is treated light as well as
serious. However, bear in mind that all
Example: Last year, she campaigned for news articles should be forceful. A writer
Maygun Yang as the president of the once opined that in making the lead
student body. Today, Maria Malou Wang, forceful, the main verb should be
the head of Students Performing Arts, embedded within the first six words. Try
takes the lead in calling for Yang’s doing it.
resignation.
5. Keep it up-to-date. Use the correct
tense. If in doubt, consult a grammar book
or bring with you a pocketbook of comprehensible
grammar rules. Remember, being accurate and logical
and being correct are foundations of way.
journalism.
As you go on
6. Your lead should not carry your to write the
gratuitous opinion. To avoid this, indicate body of the
the person or the source from whom such news item, you
opinionated statement came from. should not
delete the image of the inverted triangle,
7. Practice avoiding to begin the lead with
which tells that the most important facts
the time, day or date, or place. Better focus
should come first. However, this is mostly
on the action, the “who or what”.
true to a fact story on a straight news. For
8. Cut non-essential details. News writing an action story, the version is different.
or news reporting is straight to the i point. The action story follows a chronological
Hence, do not begin with an empty, say- arrangement of data other than according
nothing expression or a generality that fails to the importance of facts. Sample stories
to distinguish this news from other news: under action story include stories that lead
There were…In a report released today… to themselves such as accident, fire, some
According to… sports events and the like.

9. “Practice makes perfect,” so the saying a. Qualities of News

goes. Soon, you will enter the threshold of
The aim of a news writers is to provide
skilled writers; so, avoid using a form of
stories to startle and to engage the readers
the verb to be in the lead, if possible. Use
within the first few sentences and, in the
an action verb, instead. Action verbs are
middle, to widen, deepen or sharpen their
more forceful, more vigorous than verbs to
knowledge. As writer you should ensure
be.
that the news articles are of quality. When
can you say that your articles are of good
quality?

1. Fairness and balance

CHAPTER 6: In focus: Writing the
Whole Story As a reporter, you must learn to get
other’s point of view. This may mean
If the lead tells the story in capsule, the calling a person late at night to get his side
body of the news explains the facts in of the story or even holding back an
detail. Should one base the meaning of investigative story for a day. But you must
news writing on this argument, a writer do so. This is the best way to bring balance
may surmise two concepts. First, the body in the copy.
of the news retells the story found in the
lead. Second, the facts are to be arranged There may be times when an individual
logically in the body o the news. With may avoid making a statement. In such a
these conclusions, the writer should not case, state the point, indicating the efforts
only be good at sensing newsworthy items you made to get his point of view.
and gathering news but also be adept in
Fairness requires that you do not impute
weaving the facts into the most
motives. Remember that your news report
is going to be read by hundreds of people, e. scientific names it is it is a science story;
and you can influence their thinking by you must make sure that all scientific
using loaded words. It is always best to use names are correctly spelt and explained.
neutral words.
f. number of runs or goals if it is a sports
2. Accuracy story, then you must make sure that the
number of runs made or goals scored is
As a reporter, you have much power.
mentioned accurately.
What you write can influence decisions,
help form public opinions of people and 3. Attribution
contribute to the general attitude of your
All news reports, with a few exceptions,
readers.
must be sourced. This ensures that you are
With that opportunity in dipping your injecting both facts and opinions, but the
finger to public forum come the huge opinions, but the opinions are not yours.
responsibilities that cannot be taken so Always ask yourself, “Who said that?”
lightly. Say, you inadvertently committed The source can be identified as follows:
an error of detail like, misspelt the name of
a. Individual- who witnessed an accident
the guest speaker, misquoted the witness
or survived an earthquake, can be quoted
of the school crime or omitted an essential
by name as an eyewitness.
piece of information. You not only distort
the truth, which is the foreground and b. Organization. Do not forget to attribute
anchor of the news. You not only the statement to a spokesperson authorized
misinform the public. You also damage the by an organization to brief the media on its
credibility of your campus paper. Hence, behalf. An organization in the school may
being accurate in your writing, whatever be the Parent Teachers Association, the
article that may be, is your primordial Faculty Club, Performing Arts Society,
yardstick in telling if your article is of Supreme Student Government and others.
good quality. The spokesman can be referred to by:
A writer once opined, “I pardon the 1. name and designation
slight error on comma and period, but
Labhor the error on detail and fact.” Sample: Mr. Pedro Agdeppa, president
Further, by being accurate means editing of the Parent Teachers Association, said
the article before you send it. that the auditorium is…

The facts tat you need to check are: 2. designation alone

a. names of their spellings Sample: The president od the Parent

Teachers Association said that the
b. their school designations auditorium…
c. incident details. In case it is an accident, 3. anonymous sources. There are occasions
you must know the exact number of people when a news source, who happens to be a
who were injured or killed. senior government official or an important
leader, does not want his/her name to be
d. statements: The quote reported in the
used. In such case, the reporter can
news report must be accurate and in
attribute the story to informed sources,
context. it should not be misinterpreted to
well-connected sources, official sources or
imply another meaning.
sources who do not wish to be named.
However, the reporter must know the second one, then the reader must be lying
source well and should trust that the on a bed of thorns to grasp the details of
information provided is correct. your news story. The culprit must be your
lengthy sentences and paragraphs. In short,
Sample: According to a trusted source
write short. Write short sentences, short
coming form the school, the auditorium…
paragraphs and short articles. Use simple
4. exceptions: The reporter need not to words. One tip to ensure clarity is to read
worry about attribution in those cases that your story aloud. Doing this technique
he/she has witnessed. For instance, the may be awkward, but it will help you find
reporter can report a volleyball match or a sentences difficult to understand.
rally stating what happened. This is
The importance of this characteristic
because these are statements of fact that
cannot be over stressed. You must learn to
have occurred in public domain and have
write short stories without missing
been witnessed by scores of people. The
important facts. Please remember that
same applies to the swearing in of a new
today’s reader is in a hurry. He does not
principal or president of the college or
have lengthy patience to go through long
historical facts.
news reports. Brevity does not only mean
4. Brevity and Clarity writing a short story. It also means using
short words, short sentences and short
Newspaper writing is not just academic paragraphs.
writing. Hence, as a journalist, do not use
big words and long sentences to show the 5. Style
readers how smart you are or how
Good writers are artists, so are news
extensive your vocabulary is. Your
writers. As a promising news writer, you
Communication Arts teacher must have
can entertain, inspire, educate and
shouted this. “Write to express not to
sometimes earn the ire of your readers. A
impress.” Also, remember that, as a writer,
song goes, “Never to walk in anyone’s
your target readers or audience are pressed
shadow.” So, act according your own
of time. You have to give the news very
style. Do not copy others’ style but always
quickly, concisely and briefly. Think of
remember to follow the guidelines in
this: if all your news stories are
writing news articles. Look for some
newsworthy and with high degree of
opportunities like the construction of your
interest, then every story in the campus
paragraphs and phrases, to veer from the
paper competes for the reader’s attention.
old and traditional scenes in the
With every story your write, ask yourself.
newspaper. Never forget, though, that your
“What is the news here?” Then, ask
primordial objective is to tell people what
yourself, including the persons around
they need to know, not to show them how
you- say, your co-writers-what questions
much of a literary artist you are.
will the reader have that I need to answer?
Jot them down and be sure none is left First Five Formula for an Inverted
unanswered. Triangle News Story
When the reader starts to scratch his 1. Effective lead, focused, short,
scalp, there are only two reasons why the memorable
reader does so. First, his scalp is truly
2. A second paragraph that amplifies the
itchy. Second, you, as the writer, have
lead
failed to attain clarity. If his reason is the
3. A third paragraph that continues to build the meaning of a words or a phrase is
detail indirectly expressed through several or
many words. It is in contrast to brevity and
4. Additional details in decreasing
conciseness.
importance
3. Ambiguity. This case may be
5. Power quote: an interesting quote that
syntactical or semantical. It can be either
propels meaning, not just a fluffy quote
intentional or unintentional. Intentional
that gets in the way
ambiguity may be used to mislead a reader
The Do’s of News Writing Style or might be necessary due to the context or
subject matter. Unintentional ambiguity,
1. Omit needless words. on the other hand, should always be
2. Be sparing with adjectives but lavish avoided and can be with care and practice.
with verbs. Here are samples of ambiguous sentences
3. Beware of your special words. form a news report.

4. Simplify words. 1. Dr. Malou Ho, the school principal, tells

her secretary, Mrs. Ana B. Yan, that the
5. Remember your signposts. fault was hers. (Whose fault?)
The Dont’s of News Writing Style Improved: Talking to her secretary, Dr.
1. Colloquialism. This can be described as Malou Ho admitted her fault.
writing in the way that one would speak. 2. According to some sources, when Mr.
In doing so, you should avoid using Carreon put the jar atop the glass table, it
“filler” words like beginning the sentence was broken. (What was broken?)
with “basically,” “often,” “well,” and “so.”
Improved: According to some sources, the
Avoiding contractions is also included in glass table had broken when Mr. Carreon
the ambit of colloquialism. As a journalist, placed the jar on it.
you replace “can’t ”with cannot [take note:
cannot is one word], “doesn’t” with does 3. Ambiguous: The Dean of the
not, “aren’t” with are not, “could’ve” with Agriculture Department required eggs to
could have, and so on. be stamped with the date when they are
laid by the animal science majors. (Who
In news writing, too, you should limit laid eggs?)
your use of subjective pronouns. That is,
use third person perspective. Do not use Improved: The Dean of the Agriculture
first or second person pronouns like “I,” Department required the animal science
“me,” “you” and “we”. majors to stamp the eggs with the date
when they are laid.
Included in the list of rules in writing is
to avoid vague words. They are described 4. Clichés. These are phrases that have
as expressions or words that are open to been exhausted to the point where they
interpretation or that do not express precise have completely lost originality.
ideas. Avoid these clichés:
2. Circumlocution. This means that the No shadow of doubt
writer uses many words where few would
do. It is basically a figure of speech where Needless to say
Strange as it may seem presenting his ideas. Again, redundant as it
may, feature writing breaks the box of
Stands to reason
rules where news writing is incarcerated.
Last but not least
With such a concept in mind, you may
In any shape or form think that feature articles are longer, more
in-depth and more elaborate than hard
Leave no stone unturned news stories. They make use of the upright
5. Grandiloquence. These are expressions triangle style rather than the inverted
that are too pompous and use too colorful triangle approach most of the time.
language. However, as a writer, you must still keep
in mind that feature stories are lodged
Grandiloquent paragraph: under the umbrella od journalism, whose
A conflagration which spurred before the foundations are facts, facts and facts.
sun stroke its rays heightened the Hence, feature stories are not opinion
anxiousness of the neighboring families of essays or editorials and should not be
Massim Elementary School on the 25th day confused with creative writing or works of
of our Lord last year. fiction.

Clearer paragraph: A feature story primarily banks on

special human interest that may or may not
Started at drawn of April 25 last year, the be closely tied to a recent news event. It
fire in the Home Economics Building of goes into great detail regarding concepts
Maasim Elementary School created and ideas of specific market of interest.
commotion among the neighboring
families. Take this comparison. A feature story is
like a spotlight in a concert hall. Everyone
in the concert hall may become the subject.
Once the spotlight strikes a member of the
audience, he/she becomes distinct and
eventually grabs the attention of everyone.
CHAPTER 7: Creativity Matters: According to Okoye (2012), a feature
Writing Feature Articles story is an in-depth and factual write-up on
a. Feature Story: Its Concepts and Nature a topical issue which seeks to give
comprehensive information in a more
If defining news were a hard task for captivating and relaxed style than straight
many writers due to its many perspectives, news.
feature stories would be less difficult.
Many writers agree on the concepts and Meanwhile, Reuters Handbook of
nature of feature stories. Journalism says that a feature story is “…
an insight into a trend or an issue or
A feature story is an interesting article personality. It enlightens the reader about
that focuses on certain people, places, that trend, issue or personality in a broad
events or subject matters like career, context. It uses specific examples to
relationships, money, health, lifestyle, illustrate that trend or issue and puts them
among others. Because it is so elaborative, in a broad framework that allows the
a writer is “free as a bird” in crafting his social, economic, corporate and/or political
ideas, in weaving his ideas and in
implications to shine through, whether 4. Well-organized
sectoral, national or global.”
A feature story is actually an essay.
A feature article, therefore, relates to so Therefore, it follows a general format of
many forms and subjects. Its forms include having an introduction, body and ending.
narrative stories, poems, essays, tales, Its contents, like all other pieces of
anecdotes and others. Its subjects, on the writing, should be logically arranged such
other hand, may include love, hatred, that a smooth flow of ideas is attained.
jealousy, emotions, war, friendship, and Hence, it still follows the rules of thumb in
other human forms of experiences. With effective writing.
its diverse forms, many campus papers
5. Strikes keynotes in a first sentence
believe that feature page is the same with
literary page. That is why there are clear The secret of arousing reader’s attention
campus papers which have a section titled is to intrigue him at the beginning. That is
as “literary/feature” page. It must be clear why feature stories need to be very striking
to both beginning and developing campus at the first part. It does not necessarily
papers that literary and features are NOT mean, though, that the first sentence
similar. summarizes the important details in the
first sentence like in straight news. If one
Finally, writing a feature is a war of
does this, suspense is forfeited, excitement
creativity on the use of language. It is so
is lost.
stylistic that it entails a writer’s constant
reading and interminable practice. 6. May or may not be timely
b. Characteristics of Feature Stories Unlike news articles, feature stories may
skip immediacy because it is up for the
1. Variety of subject matter
writer’s dexterous use of the language to
As discussed previously, a feature story make the antiquated subject rise from the
can take any topic under the sun. The tomb and capture the attention of the
kindling of the reader’s interest on such a current readers.
topic primarily depends on the writer’s
Feature flourishes in:
creativity on using the language.
1. Color
2. Variety of tones
2. Fancy
Since feature stories are meant to
entertain other than to inform, the feature 3. Wit and humor
writer may use variety of dramatic tone,
say a creepy story, exciting narration, 4. Anecdotes
suspensive drama, angry letter, morbid 5. Quotations
experience and the like.
Qualities of a Well-Written Feature
3. Variety of form and styles Story
Feature stories may use any form and  Well-researched
any style depending on the writer’s  Catchy
judicious judgement to capture easily the  Descriptive
reader’s attention. One may use acrostic or  Exciting
literary techniques in crafting stories so  Reflective
long as the content is factual.
  Emotional 2. Human interest feature. Sometimes
 Engaging called “concerned story,” it deals with
 Neutral minor incidents that deserve attention
 Thorough because of dramatic, humorous, tragic,
sensational or unusual (odd) angle of the
Hard News and Feature Story Contrasted
story. This kind of feature story appeals to
A news story greatly differs from a the emotion; it may have a lesser news
feature story. However, both of them base value, but it enjoys wide readership
their contents on facts. A news story starts because of its human appeal. Primarily, it
with a lead composed of five W’s and H. It exposes burning issues which need urgent
should be timely and should follow solutions. It also shows the magnitude of
inverted triangle (most vital information to the problem through cases, anecdotes and
least important). quotable quotes. This feature highlights the
dramatic condition and experiences of
On the other hand, a feature story mainly certain groups of people. Further, it is
focuses on who, what and why. It does not written using heart-piercing presentations,
need to be current. Often, it is narrative which evoke emotional responses to the
(beginning, middle and end) in its readers.
approach and can be first- or second-
person point of view. 3. News feature. It gets its materials from
current events, covering details that were
A news story focuses on the theme of the omitted by the news.
story; it is written in third person. A news
is primarily meant to inform, as it presents 4. Personal experience. This tells of some
information in short paragraphs (one unusual true-to-life experiences written in
sentence-one paragraph). It is objective the first-person account.
and straight to the point.
5. Personality sketch. Some books differ
According to Dr. Don Ranly of Missouri in nomenclature; others regard this as
of Journalism in his discussion on profile feature. Silver screen celebrities,
“Helpful Hints for Journalistic Writing,” political figures, athletes, beauty titlist,
when writing a feature story, one should these are the popular choices for
distinguish its main aim: to entertain. The personality sketch. Notably, people are
writer may use two to three sentences or interested in people, so much so, articles
paragraphs (clear and concise sentences). written about them, especially about their
As iterated, it should be based on facts private lives, and secrets are much sought-
(descriptive and colorful writing; has after and read by their fans. However,
writer’s own individual style and tone). It simple persons may be highlighted through
is not necessarily objective, since it allows the use of this kind of feature story.
for viewpoint and voice. Finally, it is
6. Humorous feature. The primary
delayed in the sense that it keeps readers
objective of feature stories is to entertain.
curious.
So, what is more fitting than making
c. Types of Feature Stories people laugh and be relieved of the stress
of life while reading your article?
1. Informative feature. This gives
information on subject of current interest. 7. Interpretative feature. This feature
This feature is usually based on interview helps the reader understand the
and research. background and significance of social,
economic, political and other problems of 15. Entertainment feature. Movie stars,
everyday life. pop singers and show business events are
common subjects. The goal is to entertain
8. Seasonal or holiday feature. This
and give relief to people.
feature story includes subjects like events
celebrated once a year. It primarily 16. Hobby feature. This type of feature
magnifies the significance and relevance primarily interests the readers who are into
od holidays, anniversaries and special exceptional hobbies.
events.
17. Career feature. It is a type of feature
9. Travelogue. It is an account of one’s that focuses on career guidance, tips or
travel experience and a vivid description of issues.
places visited. Also, it highlights the
18. Insider feature. Insiders look at
beauty of interacting with people and
unusual occupations, issues, or events
places. It offers endorsements and
which are hidden from the public. Readers
guidelines on places where money would
are attracted to unusual details or “well-
be worth spending. Travel feature writers
kept secrets” about procedures or activities
demand exceptional descriptive and
they might not ordinarily be exposed to or
narrative skills.
allowed to participate in.
10. Science and Technology feature. It is
The Effective Feature Writer
concentrated on the latest advancement in
science and technology with the aim of 1. is a keen observer
informing the readers and arousing their
interests. A feature writer should be very wary on
processes, on figures, on shapes, on taste,
11. Historical and cultural feature. on temperature, on attitude and many
Historical events and sites can provide more. He should see not only the forest but
readers a sense od identity. By comparing also the small and large trees, the wild
the present to the past, they can see how animals and the insects in it. Thus, a
time has changed their environment, feature writer should unleash his/her skills
culture, values and perspectives. in observing.
12. How-to and what-to-do features. 2. has an analytical mind
They are educational in essence. They
provide knowledge about process or According to psychologists, analysis is
activity. Most often, they showcase step- the process of breaking down an idea. A
by-step procedure in doing something. good feature writer, therefore, should be
adept at explaining in details. For instance,
13. Business and development feature. It when he/she wants to say Juan is thin, the
provides a glimpse and insight on the writer should know how to describe Juan
business world and the development of to show that he/she is indeed thin.
certain sector or area. This writing requires
a working knowledge and special interest 3. is a wide reader and a good listener
on the workings and operations of the Facts are the foundations of journalism.
business community. Feature articles are journalistic in nature.
14. Lifestyle feature. The quick change of Hence, feature stories are factual. Like
fashion trends and lifestyles makes an news, feature stories should be packed
interesting reading. with facts. A writer, therefore, should be a
wide reader and a good listener to capture your purpose. It should be clear to you
facts. As Francis Bacon once said, whether you will write a funny or a creepy
“Reading maketh a full man.” story. in this stage, too, limit your topic.
Choose the theme and narrow down the
4. is a frequent writer
subject.
“Practice makes perfect,” so a saying
2. Writing
goes. A feature writer hones his ability,
style and creativity through constant Know the level of consciousness and
practice. knowledge of your audience. Find out if
they read for entertainment, information,
5. is a master of language
analysis or commentaries. This will make
A good feature banks on the your article more responsive and sensitive
craftsmanship of the writer in playing with to the issues and concerns of the reader.
the words, sprinkled with color, suspense Observe the normal triangle structure.
and drama. As he/she uses the language,
3. Post-Writing
he/she also must consider the rules of
grammar, thus his/her mastery of its rules. Edit your article for clarity and
grammatical correctness. Refine your
d. Sources of Features
sentences and find better choices for
a. News words. Cut out unnecessary phrases and
ensure your story flows coherently.
b. Magazine articles Polishing your paper or your article gives a
c. Books surety that the story is of good quality,
thus complete, accurate and correct.
d. Scrapbooks
e. Experience
f. Casual conversation
g. Travel
h. Familiar places
i. Interview
j. Observation
k. Speeches
l. Files of old materials like bulletins

e. The Stages in Writing a Feature Story

1. Pre-writing
Before setting the first draft, you need to
plan, research, gather data and organize
information. Planning involves finding out
what you should write about and defining
 siding ABS CBN while 15 were on GMA
7’s side.
Then group one started to provide pieces
of evidence why ABS CBN was better.
One member of the group talked about the
latest Neilson survey that the network’s
audience share was then higher than the
other. Another member talked about
lengthier time for commercials due to
numerous sponsors of ABS CBN. A
member from GMA’s side stood and
pointed out that GMA had been producing
more blockbuster films than the other
network. Before the bell rang, each group
had commented a punchy tirade to defend
their respective positions.
From the situation above, let us elicit the
concepts and the elements that are
embedded in an editorial.
First, an editorial should be based on an
issue. Such issue should be timely and
should have a high degree of sensibility
and relevance to the reading public. In the
given situation, the practical issue was all
about which network was better.
Second, there should be a group or a
cluster of minds analyzing a given issue. In
the case of the example above, there was a
GMA 7’s group and an ABS CBN’ group.
Third, there should be a stand. The
identified group should have a position on
the issue. The story above gives a clear
understanding that group one defended
CHAPTER 8: Scuffle of Opinions: ABS CBN, while the other group sturdily
Writing Editorials stood on GMA 7.
a. Editorial: Its Definitions and Fourth, there should be pieces of evidence.
Concepts If you reread the story, it would give you a
As Filipino students, you might have situation when the members were giving
experienced getting into a class divided specific pieces of evidence to support their
into opposite positions on an issue. For claims.
instance, you were 40 in a class and you From among the elements, it can be hard
were debating on which is more popular: that an editorial is an article that states the
GMA 7 or ABS CBN 2. Say, 25 were
concerted opinions or single stand of the 3. It provides opinions from the
publication’s staff on a particular issue. opposing viewpoints. Although an
editorial showcases a stand of the paper, it
Further, an editorial reflects the majority
attempts to be objectives by presenting
vote of the editorial board, the governing
views that refute directly the same issues
body of the newspaper. It is usually
the group addresses.
unsigned or without a byline. Like a
lawyer, editorial writers build on an 4. It shows evidence delivered in a
argument and try to persuade readers to professional and formal manner.
think the same way they do. Editorials are Formality encompasses the use of the
meant to influence public opinion, promote language and the style of argumentation.
critical thinking and sometimes cause Good editorials engage issues, not
people to take action on an issue. In personalities. It refrains form name-calling
essence, an editorial is an opinionated or other petty tactics of persuasion like
news story. stereotyping, ad hominem, as baculum and
others. Feature writing bears a set of
A more comprehensive definition of an
loosely rules in the use of the language,
editorial is, “It is a concise expression of
that is, the writer may expound the idea by
facts and opinions or an analytical
using creative language. In contrast,
interpretation of significant and timely
editorial writing is direct to the point and
topics or issues. It is logical and pleasing
yields a serious tone.
to influence opinion or to interpret
significant news such that its importance to 5. It offers alternative solutions. One
the reader will be clear. It is treated with prime function of editorials is to effectuate
formality. Through an editorial, the paper change in others’ beliefs and stands. The
has the opportunity to write what it thinks editorial does this by offering a suggestion
about issues affecting the readers. If the to remedy the problem or issue being
editorial is well-written, it can be a vital criticized. Anyone can gripe about a
force to make changes and reforms” problem, but a good editorial should take a
proactive approach to making the situation
Other Characteristics of an Editorial
better by using constructive criticism and
1. It follows a pattern. An editorial is an giving solutions.
essay like a feature story. This means that
b. Functions of Editorial
the editorial article should bear an
introduction, body and conclusion. 1. Explain or interpret. Editors often use
editorials to explain the way the newspaper
2. It simplifies an issue. An editorial is an
covered a sensitive or controversial
objective explanation of the hottest issue,
subject. In a school setting, the publication
within the coverage of the paper’s release.
may explain new school rules or a
Hence, it usually simplifies the complex
particular student body effort like a fund-
issues by eliminating extraneous parts of
drive.
the news. In other words, it puts the news
in its proper perspective. Say, the hottest 2. Criticize. As discussed, editorials
news is about the imposing of higher constructively criticize actions, decisions
grading system in the school or in the or situations while providing solutions to
university. An editorial may talk about its the problem identified. The purpose of
causes and effects to the students, teachers doing do is to get readers to see the
and stakeholders. problem, not the solution.
3. Persuade. An editorial primarily aims
at driving the reads to crusade with the
paper’s stand. Take note that in the first
chapters of this book, journalism is views
to effectuate change. Hence, the paper’s
task being in the realm of journalism, is to
encourage other to take a specific positive
action.
4. Praise. Editorials are also used to
commend people and organizations for
having contributed something to champion
progress, development and peace. In the
context od a campus paper, editorials may
praise the initiative of the student body to
raise funds for the erection of a new
dormitory.
c. Types of Editorials
1. Editorial of Interpretation. The main
aim of this editorial is to put the news in
its proper perspective. The paper may take
a neutral stand on the specified issue and
may give the responsibility.
2. Editorial of Criticism. By criticism, it
means that the editorial points out the
faults in a situation or in an issue
mentioned in a news. It uses a scientific
method by defining the problem,
examining the evidence available and then,
perhaps suggesting a solution.
3. Editorial of Argumentation or
Persuasion. This type of editorial is the
most common type being used in the
dailies. Following the principles of
argumentation and debate, this type of
editorial takes a stand in a controversial
issue and tried to convince the reader to
adopt this stand.
4. Editorial of Commendation or Tribute.
Editorials may be used to praise a worthy
deed done by a person or by an institution,
thus this type of editorial.