Newswriting Style

What is AP style?
Writing guidelines based on the Associated Press Stylebook - the
ultimate desktop reference for print reporters. It's often called a
reporter's bible. Reporters, editors and others use the AP
Stylebook as a guide for grammar, punctuation and principles and
practices of reporting.

AP style highlights


Exercises
Numbers
Titles
Caps
Abbreviations
 Reporting Basics
Where do stories come from?
 Stuff happens all the time. So how does it become a story?
 Breaking news – events are that are sudden and unpredictable
Example: Sept. 11, storms
 Scheduled events
Example: Elections, city council meetings
 News releases
Example: New birth at zoo, Bears coach retires
 Your own story ideas – or suggestions from editors, readers
Tips pop up everywhere
 Reporting Basics


When a Chicago
Tribune editor spotted
this photo a
Northwestern
University Lacrosse
team visiting Pres.
Bush at the White
House, she noticed
that some of the girls
were wearing flip-flops.
 It led to this story.
 Reporting Basics
 Finding and using sources
To write a story, you must gather information. All stories require
sources.
 So what are sources?

Official records Spokespeople Social media

Reference material Experts Internet

 Reporting Basics
Attribution - what does it mean to attribute something?
Attributing facts and opinions to their sources shows readers that
you're reporting what's been said, not saying it yourself. When
you write stories you must clearly indicate where those facts,
opinions and quotes came from.
Example:
 Home Prices Climb

Attribution exercise - handout
 Reporting Basics
On the record – Off the record
What does it mean when?
On the record
Your source agrees that anythings said during the interview can be
printed, and the source's name cannot be used.
Example: “Obama plans to veto the tax bill,” Roy Reed, secretary
of commerce.
Off the record
The information cannot be published in any form. That means you
have to confirm it from a separate source before printing it.
 Reporting Basics

On Background
The information can be used in a story – and it can even run as a
quote – but the sources cannot be identified by name.
Example: “Obama plans to veto the tax bill,” a high-ranking
commerce department official said.
On Deep Background
The information can be used, but the source cannot be revealed.
Example: President Obama is expected to veto the tax bill.
(Keep in mind that publishing unattributed speculations may be
risky.)
 Newswriting Basics
Importance of an interview

Talk to the right person

Avoid yes or no questions

Keep the questions brief

Ask one question at a time

Try not to interrupt

Listen carefully

Repeat the question

Ask why, how, what

Make it clear that the interview is over
 Newswriting basics

Organizing your facts exercise

 Deadly Fire Kills Man