News Writing

INTRODUCTION

In this module, we will introduce the fundamentals of news writing, covering the essential skills and techniques needed to effectively communicate news stories. We will explore the role of journalism in society, the principles of ethical reporting, and the elements of a news story.

By the end of this course, participants will have a solid foundation in news writing, enabling them to craft clear, accurate, and engaging news stories. They will understand the ethical considerations in journalism and be equipped with the necessary skills to navigate the evolving landscape of news media.

Course Overview:

This course equips participants with the fundamental skills and techniques required for effective news writing. Participants will learn how to gather, synthesize, and present information in a clear, concise, and engaging manner for various media platforms. Through practical exercises, discussions, and real-world examples, participants will develop their news writing abilities and understand the ethical considerations associated with reporting news.

COURSE FORMAT:

Online & In Person

• Real-world examples and case studies.
• Practical assignments and exercises to apply learned techniques.
• Live Q & A sessions with experienced TV presenters/Writers
• Peer-to-peer collaboration through discussion forums.
• On-camera practice sessions for hands-on experience.

COURSE OUTLINE

Module 1: Introduction to News Writing

• Understanding the role of news in society
• Differentiating between news and other forms of writing
• Characteristics of well-written news articles

Module 2: The News Gathering Process

• Identifying credible sources of information
• Conducting effective interviews and research
• Ethics in news gathering and avoiding bias

Module 3: Elements of News Stories

• The inverted pyramid structure: Putting the most important information first
• Writing compelling headlines and subheadings
• Including the “Five W’s and One H” (Who, What, When, Where, Why, How)

Module 4: Writing Clear and Concise Leads

• Crafting attention-grabbing leads that hook readers
• Importance of the “nut graf” in providing context
• Avoiding vague and wordy language

Module 5: Structuring the Body of the Article

• Organizing information logically and sequentially
• Using quotes effectively to add depth and credibility
• Transition sentences and paragraphs for smooth flow

Module 6: Attribution and Citing Sources

• Properly attributing quotes and information to sources
• Distinguishing between direct quotes, paraphrasing, and summaries
• Avoiding plagiarism and copyright issues

Module 7: Writing for Different Media Platforms

• Adapting news writing for print, online, and broadcast
• Tailoring content for social media and mobile consumption
• Understanding the nuances of headline writing across platforms

Module 8: Feature Stories vs. Hard News

• Identifying the elements of feature stories
• Balancing human interest and news value
• Writing in-depth profiles and human-centered narratives

Module 9: News Ethics and Objectivity

• Adhering to ethical standards in news reporting
• Avoiding conflicts of interest and maintaining impartiality
• Handling sensitive subjects with sensitivity and accuracy

Module 10: Breaking News and Deadline Writing

Writing under tight deadlines without compromising accuracy

Strategies for staying composed and efficient during breaking news

Collaborating with editors and producers in fast-paced environments

Module 11: Editing and Proofreading News Articles

• The importance of thorough editing for clarity and correctness
• Proofreading techniques for spotting errors and inconsistencies
• Collaborating with editors and peers to improve writing

Module 12: Future Trends in News Writing

• Exploring the impact of digital media on news consumption
• Emerging storytelling formats and multimedia integration
• Adapting to evolving audience preferences and habits

Assessment:

Quizzes and assignments on each module

News writing exercises:

Crafting news articles on different topics

Final project:

Writing a comprehensive news story based on real-world events

Certification:

Upon successful completion of the course and assessments, participants will receive a certificate in “News Writing.”