Professional Documents
Culture Documents
Crash Course in Journalism
Crash Course in Journalism
WHAT’S INSIDE?
۞ NEWSWRITING ۞ FEATURE WRITING ۞EDITORIAL WRITING
۞ SPORTS WRITING ۞ COPYREADING AND HEADLINE WRITING
۞ EDITORIAL CARTOONING ۞
NEWSWRITING
“…Any event, idea, or opinion that is timely, that interests and affects a large number of persons in
the community, and that is capable of being understood by them.”
“News is an oral or written report of an event that happened, is happening, will happen in the North,
East, West, or South that is of interest to the reader and which should be reported.”
But what is interesting to one is not always interesting to another.
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Structure of news:
Inverted Pyramid (from climax to less important)
Sample News
Bridge—Elaboration of lead
In serious condition today in Doctor’s Hospital is Erland Escobanez, 71, a street sweeper.
Escobanez of SSS Building, Rizal St., Iloilo City was found early this morning unconscious on a
sidewalk near the Aglipayan Church in the Iloilo Terminal Market.
Minor facts
According to doctors, only the warmth from the dog’s body saved Escobanez from certain death.
Escobanez told police that he remembers nothing of the incident. A wallet containing PhP 500.00
was still in his pocket leading the authorities to rule out robbery.
Lead
It is a single word, a phrase, a clause, a brief sentence, an entire paragraph or a series of
paragraphs. The main function of the lead, aside from introducing the news story, are to tell the story
in capsule form and to answer right away the questions the reader would naturally ask.
A good lead answers all the important questions of the reader, indicates thefacts if they are all
important, and arouses the readers’ interest to continue reading the story. In Filipino news, a good
lead starts with a verb like “Nilamon ng…”
This kind of lead used in straight news, answers right away all or any of the 5 W’s (Who, What,
When, Where, Why) and/or the H (How). It may be one of the following:
1. WHO lead
PRESIDENT Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo addressed, April 20, the PMA graduates in Baguio
City.
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2. WHAT lead
AN ENTRANCE examination will be given Nov. 24 to all graduating high school students
desiring to enroll in the four-year college course.
3. WHERE lead
TRAPICHE, Oton, Iloilo will be the site of the next International Film Festival.
4. WHEN lead
TODAY, almost to the hour, the Revolutionary Government was proclaimed by former
President Corazon Aquino.
5. WHY lead
BECAUSE of poverty, around a hundred students dropped from school last year. This was
learned from Ateneo de Iloilo principal Aurora dela Cruz.
6. HOW lead
BY APPEALING to the school board, the University of Iloilo was able to construct a 30-
storey, concrete building.
1. Give your lead sentence a “punch” to catch the interest of the readers.
2. Starts with the most important event or idea.
3. Use the rule or proximity and explain how the news affects the people in the locality
or the students in school.
4. If your story has something unusual or novel to tell, bank on that for the lead. It’s hot
copy.
5. Make your sentences concise and clear so that they could be easily understood.
6. Long tedious sentences will likely “kill” the readers’ interest. Besides, they usually
“lose” the readers along the way.News stories are not “luxury” or ”pleasure” reading.
They have the basic function to inform. Use simple words. Using highfalutin words
does not prove anything but pedantry and literary pretentions. Even literary writers try
as much as possible to use simple words.
7. Never be afraid of breaking the rules if it will prove helpful in making a good copy.
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FEATURE WRITING
COMPARISON
NEWS
EDITORIAL
FEATURE
1. Definition
Report an event
Interpretation of an event/issue
An essay based on facts
2. Main Purpose
To inform
To interpret
To entertain using present human interest stories
3. Timeliness
Timely
Timely
Timely
4. Length
Short
Around 300 words (2000 computer characters)
Depends upon the needs
5. Use of words
Simple precise, concrete
Simple, forceful, direct
May be descriptive, flowery, colorful
6. Use of sentences
Short, simple, 15-25 words average
May be longer
May be longer
7. Paragraph
No topic sentence, one idea, one paragraph
With topic sentence, longer
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With topic sentence, longer
8. Use of literary devices
Journalistic, direct to the point, no idioms, figures of speech
Journalistic, direct to the point, may use idioms, figures of speech if properly handled
Literary, can be journalistic; idioms, figures of speech used freely
9. Use of adjectives/opinion
Uses adjectives sparingly; opinion, never
Adjectives used freely; primarily opinion
As much as desired
10. Parts
Lead, (Bridge), Body
Introduction (newspeg, reaction), body, conclusion (clincher)
Introduction, body, ending
11. Style
Follows style-sheet newspaper style
Follows style-sheet, newspaper style
Composition style or newspaper style
12. Structure
Inverted pyramid
Hypothesis, arguments/stand on issue, conclusion
Suspended interest or pyramid structure
13. Title/Headline
Short (subject-verb; telegraphic sentence form)
Shorter (at most three words)
Any length as long as it is appealing to the reader/topic
14. Kinds
(Refer to the syllabus)
Note: Sports News is not included since this special news article combines News, Feature and
Editorial precepts.
Imagine this …
You are a reporter of a newspaper covering a beat in the Iloilo Port Terminal. While going home for
work, you notice an old man ferrying people across a narrow waterway that divides the passenger
bancas from the wharf.
You have passed by him hundreds of times before without a second thought, but suddenly you get
off your motorcycle press and grab your notepad. You have just spotted a feature story.
You take a candid shot of the old man and start asking him questions about himself, his family, his
job, his odd experience with the endless stream of humanity that he ferries daily across the small
brook.
At home, you sit down and focus your thoughts on the old gnarled ferryman and study the odds and
ends about him on your notepad. You organize your material and determine your focus of interest.
Then, you begin to write your story:
REGIE Zabalacheng has the loneliest job in town. Each day, he ferries hundreds of people across
the Iloilo stream, but no one bothers to say “hello,” or even give a friendly wave. Sabalacheng, 68, of
70 Lopez Jaena Street, Iloilo City, has been at his job for 40 solitary years. “Nobody ever pays
attention to me except to give me the two peso-fare after I get them safely across the river. I know
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them all by face because I see them every day but I don’t know their names,” Zabalacheng said with
a cynical grin, “I guess they don’t know mine either.” “It’s not a bad job, but it sure gets lonely.”
The story continues with more quotes from Zabalacheng, a description of his appearance and
mannerisms, anecdotes from his 40-year career, and his family.
Here is a structure for features that the Wall Street Journal has used successfully for many years.
Theme—Shortly after the beginning, state the point of the piece (3rd to 6thparagraphs).
Body—Provide details that elaborate on that theme. Tell the reader what is happening and why and
what’s being done about the situation. This serves rather than conclude on a secondary piece of
information as to most news stories, a feature may have what is called a kicker, a punch at the end
that drives home the theme and that the reader must always remember. (5th to 7th paragraphs)
1. Personalities
2. Experience and adventure
3. Description
4. Narratives
5. Backgrounders
6. Developmental feature articles
7. “What to do” and “How to” articles
Unlike straight news, a feature article may begin in any form and in any style. It depends on the topic
or purpose of the writer. Most features, however, may be introduced by any of the following:
1. Rhetorical question
WHO says that age is an obstacle to education?
Take it from Procopio Dimakulangan of San Miguel, Iloilo who stopped going to school 50 years ago
after finishing the elementary grades. This year, he enrolled as a first year evening student at Andres
Bonifacio High, Ateneo de Iloilo’s adopted school.
2. Startling statement
“HINDI pa kami laos!”
Ito ang pahayag ng mga “young once”—mga guro, pinuno ng paaralan at mga magulang—nang
kanilang ipinagdiwang ang Araw ng Ateneo, Agosto 17, at lumahok sila sa iba’t ibang palatuntunan
at paligsahan upang bigyang-buhay at kasanayan ang pagdiriwang.
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3. Narrative statement
MRS. NELIA Marie Pradas, a fourth year evening student sends herself and her six children to
school, acting as mother and father at the same time.
Every day, Mrs. Pradas takes her tentative place between the half-time tinderatending her sarisari
store during the day and the half-time student studying at night.
4. Quoted remarks
“I EARN while I learn.” He smiled at me as the interview reeled off. “How can you work, have a part-
time job as an exotic dancer, and at the same time go to school?” I asked.
“Well, it is easy, she explained. “I don’t do all of these at the same time.”
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7. A repetition of a sentence or slogan, or a reference to the title
AFTER four years of working as a houseboy, working during the day and going to school at
night, Jose Bonifacio will soon graduate as a first honor student.
Now, who says that poverty is a hindrance to education?
(The title of the feature article is “Poverty, not a hindrance.”)
8. An appropriate quotation
NESTOR claims that he is poor. But when asked why he gave his last centavo to the old
man, he answered:
“It is not what we give, but what we share
For the gift, without the giver is bare,
Who gives himself with his alms feeds three
Himself, his hungering neighbor and me.”
1. a keen observation
2. an intellectual curiosity
3. ability to find features in everyday happenings
4. cupboards of descriptive words (using all senses)and everyday idioms
5. the skill to weave words into interesting sentences and paragraphs
6. the ability to write effectively
7. the attitude to “think first before writing” and to “show (suggest), not tell, things”
Feature Example
Topic: Abortion
COME TO me, Mama. Come, touch me and feel my pain. Don’t be afraid now, Mama. You weren’t
when you killed me. Here, touch this… can you feel it now, Mama? The excruciating pain that
consumed my helpless body? You inflicted that, remember? Look at my body, now a mass of rotting
flesh and coagulated blood. The dregs of what was a tiny human body. A body that was soft with a
tiny head matted with a sheen of baby hair. A tiny body with a tiny heart that pulsated in time with
yours. These were my fingers and ohh!...Here’s my thumb which I sucked while snugly tucked inside
you. You see, I had long lashes just like Dad’s. My sensitive mouth was just like yours. And here are
my ears that heard your quickening heartbeat when you’re afraid. I could have been a wonderful
child if you’ve let me live. I could have been baby boy, just what Daddy wanted. A strong, healthy
and bubbly bundle in your arms. My hypersensitiveness would have exasperated you. Daddy?
Hmmm… He could have coached me in playing basketball. He’ll be the passer and I am the shooter.
I could have grown into a writer. You would be proud of me coz I’m gonna join contests. Mama, see I
was alive but not anymore. So, please let baby brother live. He could also be as wonderful as me.
His life wouldn’t be like mine. A life that never was.
EDITORIAL WRITING
What is an Editorial?
It is the official stand of the publication on a relevant development or issue. It is a concerted
commentary written by any member of the editorial staff who comments or gives the newspaper’s or
staff’s opinion on an issue which is of interest and importance to the public.
The editorial is considered the soul of the newspaper for it stirs the conscience of the readers to
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action; it influence and molds public opinion. It is usually written in formal language, expressing the
stand of the paper on controversial issues of the day. It has no byline.
It is the expression of the people’s conscience, cause, and convictions.—Joseph Pulitzer
Characteristics of a good editorial
Types of editorial
1. Editorial of information
2. Editorial of interpretation
3. Editorial of criticism
4. Editorial of commendation, appreciation, or tribute
5. Editorial of argumentation
6. Editorial of entertainment
7. Mood editorial
8. Pooled editorial
1. Introduction
Contains the newspeg with the reaction. It is usually one short paragraph.(A newspeg is a
brief statement about the news event upon which the editorial is based or an existing issue
that needs to be solved right away)
2. Body
It may take two to four short paragraphs that support or justify the reaction. Cite reasons,
statistics, interviews, or figures.
3. Ending
The ending, sometimes called the clincher, summarizes the editorial’s stand. It must be
crispy and difficult to forget.
Example of an introduction
(reaction is italicized; newspeg is in regular font)
The new office policy of requiring tardy students to study their lessons in the literary while they
wait for the next period is both timely and wise.
It is a source of great pride and inspiration for our school to come out second in the NSAT
regionwide.
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Our general PTA is really generous and concerned for the student’s welfare. They will donate
labor and materials to improve the school gym.
Titles
Like in feature articles, the editorial has also a head or title which should be brief (preferably less
than four words), forceful and interesting. In writing editorials, there is no room for “balimbings.”
Though the writer must present both sides, he/she must, in the end, take a concrete stand on the
issue. To perfect this, one must keep on toes on the different issues swarming the society from
the most complicated to the most mundane topics.
Editorial beginnings
An editorial may start with:
1. A simple statement that gives enough of the situation, problem or news to be discussed.
2. A question that calls attention to, give an idea about the problem or point out the logical
development of the topic.
3. A striking statement that jolts the imagination and arouses the interest of the reader.
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4. A quotation relevant to the subject under discussion.
5. A narrative illustrating the problem or situation.
Example:
Vandals
ATENEO de Iloilo’s walls have a new coat of paint and are presently clean. Whether they retain their
present state of cleanliness depends almost entirely on the students.
The first spots appeared as a result of negligent student leaning against the walls and scraping the
soles of their shoes on them. Some students have also taken a peculiar delight in making long pencil
scrawls on the walls as they go to classes.
According to an observant parent, Ateneans, more than any other group of students, abuse their
buildings. This report, whether true or otherwise, should serve as a challenge.
Will the walls remain clean?
SPORTS WRITING
Example
ILAGAN, Isabela—Isabela National High School, behind the remarkable performances of Florante
Carreon and Paul Gonzales, took all the Roxas National High School could offer before hacking out
a close 60-59 win in an exhibition game held at St. Ferdinand College Court here, Tuesday.
Carreon scored 21 points to lead Isabela and Gonzales 13 points but delivered this on the crucial
part of the game including the winning free throw.
The game started in a roller-coaster encounter and the first half ended 28-27 with Isabela on the
lead.
The second half was still close and Roxas took the lead with two minutes to go, but Gonzales
displayed a big heart as he connected a three-pointer to give Isabela the lead, 54-53.
Rolly Menor carried Roxas on that decisive moment and tied the game at 59-all with 15 seconds to
go.
Gonzales fished a foul with 10 seconds left and split his charity for the lead, 60-59.
Herman Menor refused to give up but his last desperate jumpshot went in-and-out of the ring.
“Faith carried us through this game, it’s a good game,” said Gonzales after the game.
Box scores:
INHS (60)—Carreon 21, Gonzales, 13, Magusib, 12, Mercado 6, Aguinaldo 4, Martinez 2,
Cabanlong 2, Ong 0, Lim 0, Gumaru 0.
RNHS (59)—Menor 22, Balagan 18, Malaca 12, Soriano 7, Allavigan 0, gonzaga 0, Advincula 0,
Limbauan 0, Galapon 0.
Sports News Structure
Like any other news story, a sports story has a lead and a body. The sports lead is the attention-
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getter and the body is the news in a-nut-shell.
The classic 5 W’s and 1 H appear in the sports lead as:
1. Who won? 2. How did they win? 3. Against whom? 4. By what score? 5. Where? and 6. When?
The Torres High School Quintet (1) poured 10 baskets in the last three minutes (2) to edge out the
Osmenians (3) 65-63 (4) at the opponents homeground (5) yesterday afternoon (6).
This kind of summary lead may vary.
The body
After the lead, the other elements follow in descending order. These will include:
1. Personalities
2. Play-by-play description
3. Statistics and comparisons
4. Quotes by players
5. Quotes by trainers and coaches
6. Background stuff on players
7. The importance or significance of the event
8. Background of the game
9. Weather conditions
10. Crowd and celebration
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Lingos and Slanguages
Basketball (basketbol)
Quintet, goal (gol o buslo), dribble (dribol), pivot, rally, rebound (rebaun), technical foul, 15-foot line,
hook shot, zone defense, first half (unang kalahati), tip-in, full court, press, box out, slam dunk, man-
to-man, trey, full-court press, hook shot, goaltending, baseline, board, layup (leyap), out-of-bounds,
dominated the paint
Boxing (boksing)
Southpaw, slugger, rabbit punch, kidney punch, referee stopped contest (RSC), technical knockout,
featherweight,
Chess
Checkmate, rook, queenside, Sicilian opening, Ruy Lopez defense, Queen’s gambit, knight, white,
black, fast pawn, en passé, castle, pin, open check, blunder, Philidor’s defense
Volleyball
Spike (spaik), placing (pleysing), change court, kill (kil), Chinese kill, block, net ball, wallop (wallop),
jump serve, spiker (spay-ker), server (serber)
Soccer or Football
Soccerites, goalie, corner kick, penalty kick, full back, defenders, booters, kick off (v.), kickoff (adj)
Track
Pass on the baton, breasted the tape, clock a new record, photo finish, distance runner, century run
Tennis and Badminton
Best of three matches, love set, backhand, drive, doubles, racket, forehand, smash cut
Swimming
Tanker, aquabelle, breast stroke, plunge, springboard, tank, dive, summersault
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COPY READING AND HEADLINE WRITING
Copyreading is much like the work of a communication arts teacher correcting compositions, except
that he uses different symbols.
A copy may be a news item, an editorial, a feature story or any literary article.
Duties of a copyreader:
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5. Rewrite the lead or the first few paragraphs whenever necessary, but must never tamper
with the facts unless he is sure of his corrections.
6. Delete all opinion, speculations and statements on news which are without attribution or
sources.
7. Watch out for slanting or any attempt to present the story in a subtly biased way.
8. Watch for libelous statements.
9. Recheck figures and totals.
10. Cross-out adjectives in news which tend to make a story sound over-written.
11. Cut a story to size or to the required length if necessary.
12. Check attributions and see to it that they are properly identified.
13. Challenge facts, claims, or reports when they sound anomalous, illogical and incredible.
14. Check sluglines and paging sequences
15. Write headlines
What to copyread?
1. Errors in fact
2. Errors in grammar
3. Errors in structure
4. Errors in style
5. Libelous and derogatory statements
6. Seditious and rebellious matter
7. Expressions contrary to law and good taste
8. Opinion and editorializing statements
9. Verbal deadwood, redundancy
10. Technical terms, slang, jargons
Copy-reading symbols
Punctuation Marks
Symbols Meaning Outcome
The Bionic Woman Emphasize quotes “The Bionic Woman”
Dr Arthur Cruz Jr Emphasize periods Dr. Arthur Cruz Jr.
said “I must go.” Emphasize comma said, “I must go.”
Numbers and Abbreviations
in Nov. Spell out in November
Doctor Arthur Cruz Abbreviate Dr. Arthur Cruz
twenty boys Use numeral 20 boys
2 girls were… Spell out Two girls were…
Others
Paco, Manila… Indent for paragraph Paco, Manila…
Today he will… Today he will…
Welfrido Cruz Spell as written Welfrido Kruz
One boy came Restore text; disregard On boy came
correction
Elected prexy Center subhead Elected prexy
the un - Syllabicate the un-
finished task finished task
The gong Set in boldface the gong
She read Les Miserables Set in italics She read Les Miserables
30 or # Story is finished
more or ) Story is unfinished
Seminar Text continued on the
(…2) Next page
# - folio copy See copy as written
Note: To arrange paragraphs just place the number (e.g. #1, #3) of the corresponding paragraphs in
the left portion of the copy.
Headlining
It is easy to write the news headline. Just look at the first paragraph called the lead which contains
the gist, Just write the gist of that lead.
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Do’s and don’t’s in writing traditional headlines
Punctuating a headline
½ unit - jiltf and all punctuations except the em dash (--), and the question mark (?)
1 unit - the question mark, space, all figures, capital JILTF, all lower case letters except jiltf
1 ½ units - the em dash, lower case m and w, and all capital letters except capital M and W and
JILTF
2 units - capital M, W
Mga halimbawa
EDITORIAL CARTOONING
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1. Read/listen—research your facts well.
2. Decide on your point of view or angle of your chosen issue.
3. Make your comment on the issue.
4. Translate your comment into coordinating, representative graphic symbols (e.g. crocodile for
corrupt officials and typewriter for press)
5. Take into consideration the paper’s target readers.
6. Sketch/make doodles.
7. Draw your final cartoon.
Ways to present your view
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