Writing News

Writing News

"Have something to say, and say it as clearly as you can. That is the only secret of Style." Matthew Arnold

The basics of ANN style are:

Accuracy, Objectivity, The "inverted pyramid" structure which tell What, Why, When, How, Where, and Who. and Avoid Adventist jargon.

1. Accuracy

Time pressures, deadlines, staffing shortages, or difficulty in contacting primary sources of information, all contribute to inaccurate reporting. But accuracy remains the single most important aspect of news writing. Verifying information and double-checking quotes is fundamental.

2. Objectivity

For news to have value, it must be perceived as objective. A reporter cannot make subjective or promotional statements without doing irretrievable damage to the credibility of his or her news report.

But with the correct use of quotes, subjective ideas can be included in an article without compromising objectivity. While a reporter cannot say, "We praise God for His leading in this moment of crisis," a reporter can quote a leader or participant making such a statement.

3. The "inverted pyramid" structure

"A good lead sentence is like ice--so slick that, before they realize it, readers have slid into the middle of your story." Professor Carl Sessions Stepp, University of Maryland

The basis of the so-called "inverted pyramid" style of news writing is arranging information and facts in descending order of importance within the article.

Therefore, the lead, or introductory sentence, should draw out the most significance aspect or facts. The lead sentence must tell readers why this story is important and why they should keep reading.

Lead sentence/first paragraph:

Most significant aspect of the story and essential information. What, when, who.

Middle:

Develop story with more information. Use quotes. Explain why, how.

Tagline:

Least essential information. Often provides background information on the people or institutions involved.

4. Tell What, Why, When, How, Where and Who.

As a general rule, every news story must answer the questions, "What, Why, When, How, Where, and Who." Don't assume that your audience is already familiar with the context of the story or basic background information. Be concise, but be sure to include all essential information.

5. Avoiding Adventist Jargon

Using Adventist jargon is one of the quickest ways to alienate an audience unfamiliar with religious terms or the administrative jargon of the church.

In the unofficial dialect of "Adventist-speak," a new Church member is a "precious soul won for Christ." At evangelistic meetings, the speaker "preached the Word," "hearts were touched" and "the Lord blessed."

These phrases can invade the work of any Adventist writer, raising communication barriers that obscure the main message. Effective communicators make the effort to recognize and translate "Adventist-speak" in their writing.

Go to the Adventist News Network Glossary

Other Style Points

1.   Avoid sexist language, such as using "he" or "his" as generic for both men and women.

2.   Acronyms should be spelled out in full when first used in an article. The acronym alone is sufficient for all subsequent usages, e.g. the Adventist Development and Relief Agency (ADRA).