Tuesday, March 9, 2010
news story
The topic of my feature story will be the importance of the new award winning movie "The Hurt Locker" that beat out Avatar for best picture and best director. I'll be interviewing people who have seen the movie and getting their view point and their feelings on how it brings the real dangers of war to life.
Monday, March 8, 2010
Final news story
Hockey fans around the world watched as two of the greatest hockey nations battled into sudden death overtime during the final event of the 2010 winter Olympics. The weight of the world was on the shoulders of each athlete as they proved they were ready to battle to the final seconds of the game for their country, pride, bragging rights, and the gold medal. The heated rivalry between the two neighboring hockey nations has never been more glorified then this final game allowing it to come down to one final goal shot off the stick of Sidney Crosby in sudden death overtime making the final score 4-3. He clinched the gold medal for his home country of Canada. Almost 80% of Canada tuned in to watch the game from their homes. At that same moment countless Americans also watched as their dreams of gold were crushed. Crosby is used to being in the spotlight but now more than ever will he be remembered as a hockey hero, at least in the eyes of his fellow Canadian citizens. However, many Americans feel differently about “Sid the Kid”, as I discovered after interviewing some of my peers. When I asked Tony Companion how he felt about Crosby he said, “I think he is a solid player, but I hate that he plays for Canada.” I also asked Nick Taschner if he loved, hated, or respected Crosby’s overtime goal he said, “I hate it because I’m American, but I respect it because I love hockey.” I have not yet had a chance to speak with anyone from Canada, but I’m sure they would have only great things to say about their new hero. There will always be mixed feelings about an athlete who is so influential in the game, but it seems everyone can at least agree he’s a top player on a world wide scale now.
Amongst all the excitement and drama over the hockey game and the Olympics, there are concerns about the next upcoming winter Olympics. There is debate on whether or not the NHL will allow its players to compete overseas at a chance to live in immortal glory. This debate brings up many mixed issues. Some believe that the best players should compete whether or not they are professional, while others believe the Olympics and NHL hockey should remain two different things. I asked a few of my friends what they thought about the issue, they both basically agreed on the same thing. When I asked Nick Taschner how he felt about NHL players competing in the Olympics he said “I like it because it makes it more competitive, and makes it a better hockey game.” Tony Companion says, “Yes because they are the best players we have to offer.” Most people enjoy watching their favorite hockey all-stars play in the Olympics, unless they are representing a different country that beats them of course. It also gives the players a chance away from the NHL to showcase their talent in front of millions of fans who may not watch them because of the location of their NHL team. Others believe if a player wanted to pursue a professional hockey career they shouldn’t be side tracked away from the NHL to the Olympics because they should continue practicing with their team. Another thing some people do not like is that the hockey league has to take a break in order for the few selected players to be able to compete in the Olympics. The games receive much more attention by fans when they see players who they know on the ice. Either way when it comes down to it the final outcome of the pro player’s Olympic future is in the hands of the people who will decide on the new rule for the next winter Olympics.
Amongst all the excitement and drama over the hockey game and the Olympics, there are concerns about the next upcoming winter Olympics. There is debate on whether or not the NHL will allow its players to compete overseas at a chance to live in immortal glory. This debate brings up many mixed issues. Some believe that the best players should compete whether or not they are professional, while others believe the Olympics and NHL hockey should remain two different things. I asked a few of my friends what they thought about the issue, they both basically agreed on the same thing. When I asked Nick Taschner how he felt about NHL players competing in the Olympics he said “I like it because it makes it more competitive, and makes it a better hockey game.” Tony Companion says, “Yes because they are the best players we have to offer.” Most people enjoy watching their favorite hockey all-stars play in the Olympics, unless they are representing a different country that beats them of course. It also gives the players a chance away from the NHL to showcase their talent in front of millions of fans who may not watch them because of the location of their NHL team. Others believe if a player wanted to pursue a professional hockey career they shouldn’t be side tracked away from the NHL to the Olympics because they should continue practicing with their team. Another thing some people do not like is that the hockey league has to take a break in order for the few selected players to be able to compete in the Olympics. The games receive much more attention by fans when they see players who they know on the ice. Either way when it comes down to it the final outcome of the pro player’s Olympic future is in the hands of the people who will decide on the new rule for the next winter Olympics.
Thursday, March 4, 2010
News Article
Hockey fans around the world watched as two of the greatest hockey nations battled into sudden death overtime during the final event of the 2010 winter Olympics. The weight of the world was on the shoulders of each athlete as they proved they were ready to battle to the final seconds of the game for their country, pride, bragging rights, and the gold medal. The heated rivalry between the two neighboring hockey nations has never been more glorified then this final game allowing it to come down to one final goal shot off the stick of Sidney Crosby in sudden death overtime. He clinched the gold medal for his home country of Canada as a reported 80% of all Canadian’s tuned in to watch the game from their homes. At that same moment countless Americans also watched as their dreams of gold were crushed. Crosby is used to being in the spotlight but now more than ever will he be remembered as a hockey hero, at least in the eyes of his fellow Canadian citizens. However, many Americans feel differently about “Sid the Kid”, as I discovered after interviewing some of my peers. When I asked Tony Companion how he felt about Crosby he said “I think he is a solid player, but I hate that he plays for Canada.” I also asked Nick Taschner if he loved, hated, or respected Crosby’s overtime goal he said “I hate it because I’m American, but I respect it because I love hockey.” I have not yet had a chance to speak with anyone from Canada, but I’m sure they would have only great things to say about their new hero. There will always be mixed feelings about an athlete who is so influential in the game, but it seems everyone can at least agree he’s a top player on a world wide scale now.
Amongst all the excitement and drama over the hockey game and the Olympics, there are concerns about the next upcoming winter Olympics not allowing professional NHL players to compete for their country. This also brings up many mixed issues, some believe that the best players should compete whether or not they are professional, and some believe the Olympics and NHL hockey should remain two different things. I asked a few of my friends what they thought about the issue, they both basically agreed on the same thing. When I asked Nick Taschner how he felt about NHL players competing in the Olympics he said “I like it because it makes it more competitive, and makes it a better hockey game.” Tony Companion says “Yes because they are the best players we have to offer.” Most people enjoy watching their favorite hockey all-stars play in the Olympics, unless they are representing a different country that beats them of course. It also gives the players a chance away from the NHL to showcase their talent in front of millions of fans who may not watch them because of the location of their NHL team. Others believe if a player wanted to pursue a professional hockey career they shouldn’t be side tracked away from the NHL to the Olympics because they should continue practicing with their team. Another thing some people do not like is that the hockey league has to take a break in order for the few selected players to be able to compete in the Olympics. The games receive much more attention by fans when they see players who they know on the ice. Either way when it comes down to it the final outcome of the pro player’s Olympic future is in the hands of the people who will decide on the new rule for the next winter Olympics.
Amongst all the excitement and drama over the hockey game and the Olympics, there are concerns about the next upcoming winter Olympics not allowing professional NHL players to compete for their country. This also brings up many mixed issues, some believe that the best players should compete whether or not they are professional, and some believe the Olympics and NHL hockey should remain two different things. I asked a few of my friends what they thought about the issue, they both basically agreed on the same thing. When I asked Nick Taschner how he felt about NHL players competing in the Olympics he said “I like it because it makes it more competitive, and makes it a better hockey game.” Tony Companion says “Yes because they are the best players we have to offer.” Most people enjoy watching their favorite hockey all-stars play in the Olympics, unless they are representing a different country that beats them of course. It also gives the players a chance away from the NHL to showcase their talent in front of millions of fans who may not watch them because of the location of their NHL team. Others believe if a player wanted to pursue a professional hockey career they shouldn’t be side tracked away from the NHL to the Olympics because they should continue practicing with their team. Another thing some people do not like is that the hockey league has to take a break in order for the few selected players to be able to compete in the Olympics. The games receive much more attention by fans when they see players who they know on the ice. Either way when it comes down to it the final outcome of the pro player’s Olympic future is in the hands of the people who will decide on the new rule for the next winter Olympics.
Wednesday, March 3, 2010
Interview questions
(Nick Taschner):
1. How do you feel about NHL players competing in the olympics?
"I like it because it makes it more competitive, and makes it a better hockey game."
2. Do you hate, love, or respect Sydney Crosby’s sudden death goal?
"I hate it because i'm American, but respect it because I love hockey."
3. What were you feeling as team USA tied the game at the end of the 3rd period?
"I felt a bit of excitment, and extremely pumped."
4. Who was your favorite player to watch, why?
"I liked watching Patrick Cane because he moves the puck well, and is a solid playmaker."
5. Who were you with while watching the game?
"My family in my living room"
(Tony Companion):
1. What team did you want to bring home the gold and why?
"USA because it's my home country"
2. Was there any player you enjoyed watching the most?
"Brian Rafalski because he is a defensmen and he lead USA in goals."
3. Do you think NHL players should or shouldn’t be allowed to compete in the olympics, why?
"Yea because they are the best players we have to offer."
4. Did you lose faith in USA towards the end of the game?
"No, because I thought after the goal we were going to win.
5. What do you think about Sidney Crosby?
"I think he is a solid player, but i hate that he plays for Canada.
(Mike Chacich):
1. Where were you while watching the game?
"At my house"
2. Which team were you rooting for?
"Team USA because i'm a patriot."
3. Who were you with while watching the game?
"My girlfriend Jordan."
4. How much faith did you have in team USA?
"Honestly not that much because I knew how good Canada was."
5. Who was your favorite player from USA and Canada?
"Sydney Crosby from Canada and Zach parise from USA."
1. How do you feel about NHL players competing in the olympics?
"I like it because it makes it more competitive, and makes it a better hockey game."
2. Do you hate, love, or respect Sydney Crosby’s sudden death goal?
"I hate it because i'm American, but respect it because I love hockey."
3. What were you feeling as team USA tied the game at the end of the 3rd period?
"I felt a bit of excitment, and extremely pumped."
4. Who was your favorite player to watch, why?
"I liked watching Patrick Cane because he moves the puck well, and is a solid playmaker."
5. Who were you with while watching the game?
"My family in my living room"
(Tony Companion):
1. What team did you want to bring home the gold and why?
"USA because it's my home country"
2. Was there any player you enjoyed watching the most?
"Brian Rafalski because he is a defensmen and he lead USA in goals."
3. Do you think NHL players should or shouldn’t be allowed to compete in the olympics, why?
"Yea because they are the best players we have to offer."
4. Did you lose faith in USA towards the end of the game?
"No, because I thought after the goal we were going to win.
5. What do you think about Sidney Crosby?
"I think he is a solid player, but i hate that he plays for Canada.
(Mike Chacich):
1. Where were you while watching the game?
"At my house"
2. Which team were you rooting for?
"Team USA because i'm a patriot."
3. Who were you with while watching the game?
"My girlfriend Jordan."
4. How much faith did you have in team USA?
"Honestly not that much because I knew how good Canada was."
5. Who was your favorite player from USA and Canada?
"Sydney Crosby from Canada and Zach parise from USA."
Monday, March 1, 2010
Friday, February 26, 2010
pre-writing notes
Hard news (+/- 600 words): This is how journalists refer to news of the day. It is a chronicle of current events/incidents and is the most common news style on the front page of your typical newspaper.
It starts with a summary lead. What happened? Where? When? To/by whom? Why? (The journalist's 5 W's). It must be kept brief and simple, because the purpose of the rest of the story will be to elaborate on this lead.
Keep the writing clean and uncluttered. Most important, give the readers the information they need. If the federal government announced a new major youth initiative yesterday, that's today's hard news.
Soft news (+/-600 words): This is a term for all the news that isn't time-sensitive. Soft news includes profiles of people, programs or organizations. As we discussed earlier, the "lead" is more literary. Most of YPP's news content is soft news.
Feature (+/-1500 words): A news feature takes one step back from the headlines. It explores an issue. News features are less time-sensitive than hard news but no less newsworthy. They can be an effective way to write about complex issues too large for the terse style of a hard news item. Street kids are a perfect example. The stories of their individual lives are full of complexities which can be reflected in a longer piece.
Editorial: The editorial expresses an opinion. The editorial page of the newspaper lets the writer comment on issues in the news. All editorials are personal but the topics must still be relevant to the reader.
Structure for your article
The structure of a news story (hard & soft news & features) is simple: a lead and the body.
The lead
One of the most important elements of news writing is the opening paragraph or two of the story. Journalists refer to this as the "lead," and its function is to summarize the story and/or to draw the reader in (depending on whether it is a "hard" or "soft" news story - See below for the difference between these two genres of news stories).
In a hard news story, the lead should be a full summary of what is to follow. It should incorporate as many of the 5 "W's" of journalism (who, what, where, when and why) as possible. (e.g. "Homeless youth marched down Yonge St. in downtown Toronto Wednesday afternoon demanding the municipal government provide emergency shelter during the winter months." - Can you identify the 5 W's in this lead?)
In a soft news story, the lead should present the subject of the story by allusion. This type of opening is somewhat literary. Like a novelist, the role of the writer is to grab the attention of the reader. (e.g. "Until four years ago, Jason W. slept in alleyways...") Once the reader is drawn in, the 5 "W's" should be incorporated into the body of the story, but not necessarily at the very top.
The body
The body of the story involves combining the opinions of the people you interview, some factual data, and a narrative which helps the story flow. A word of caution, however. In this style of writing, you are not allowed to "editorialize" (state your own opinion) in any way.
Remember:
The role of a reporter is to find out what people are thinking of an issue and to report the opinions of different stakeholders of an issue. These comments make up the bulk of the story. The narrative helps to weave the comments into a coherent whole. Hint: Stick to one particular theme throughout the story. You can put in different details but they all have to relate to the original idea of the piece. (e.g. If your story is about black youth and their relationship with the police you DO NOT want to go into details about the life of any one particular youth).
As a reporter, you are the eyes and ears for the readers. You should try to provide some visual details to bring the story to life (this is difficult if you have conducted only phone interviews, which is why face-to-face is best). You should also try to get a feel for the story. Having a feel means getting some understanding of the emotional background of the piece and the people involved in it. Try to get a sense of the characters involved and why they feel the way they do.
Okay, got it? Let's look at two examples as a way of summarizing the essentials:
Youth are banding together to start an organization. You want to show why are they doing that and the changes are they trying to make in the world. You want to say who they are and the strategies they are using.
An artist is having her first show. Why? What is it that she believes about her art? Is her artistic process rational or from the soul? What does the work look like?
4. Further tips for news writing
Finding story ideas
Keep your eyes and ears open; listen to what your friends are talking about.
Read everything you can get your hands on; get story ideas from other newspapers and magazines.
Think of a youth angle to a current news story.
Research a subject that interests you ask yourself what you would like to know more about.
Talk to people in a specific field to find out what is important to them.
Newsgathering
Begin collecting articles on your subject.
Talk to friends and associates about the subject.
Contact any agencies or associations with interest or professional knowledge in the area.
Create a list of people you want to interview; cover both sides of the story by interviewing people on both sides of the issue.
Collect government statistics and reports on the subject get old press releases or reports to use as background.
Interviewing do's and don'ts
Be polite.
Explain the ground rules of the interview to people unfamiliar with how the media works - this means that you tell them the information they give you can and will be published. If they do not want any part of what they say published, they need to tell you it is "off the record."
Tape the interview (so if anyone comes back at you, you have the proof of what was said).
Build a relationship with the person being interviewed.
Start with easy questions; end with difficult questions.
Read the body language of the person you're interviewing and if they get defensive, back away from the question you are asking and return later.
Don't attack the source.
Keep control of the interview; don't let the subject ramble or stray from the subject.
On the other hand, don't let your "opinion" of what the story should be colour the interview. Always remember that the person you are talking with knows more about the subject than you do.
Organizing the information
Gather your notes, interviews and research into a file.
Review your notes.
Look for a common theme.
Search your notes for good quotes or interesting facts.
Develop a focus.
Write the focus of the article down in two or three sentences.
Writing and editing
Remember you are the narrator, the story teller.
Don't be afraid to rewrite.
Be as clear and concise in the writing as possible.
Avoid run-on sentences.
Be direct.
Tell a good story.
Tell the reader what you think they want to know.
Always ask yourself what the story is about.
Read the story out loud; listen carefully.
1. Find a topic.
2. Find an angle on the subject.
3. Collect information.
4. Conduct interviews.
5. Organize information and write.
6. Revise and edit.
It starts with a summary lead. What happened? Where? When? To/by whom? Why? (The journalist's 5 W's). It must be kept brief and simple, because the purpose of the rest of the story will be to elaborate on this lead.
Keep the writing clean and uncluttered. Most important, give the readers the information they need. If the federal government announced a new major youth initiative yesterday, that's today's hard news.
Soft news (+/-600 words): This is a term for all the news that isn't time-sensitive. Soft news includes profiles of people, programs or organizations. As we discussed earlier, the "lead" is more literary. Most of YPP's news content is soft news.
Feature (+/-1500 words): A news feature takes one step back from the headlines. It explores an issue. News features are less time-sensitive than hard news but no less newsworthy. They can be an effective way to write about complex issues too large for the terse style of a hard news item. Street kids are a perfect example. The stories of their individual lives are full of complexities which can be reflected in a longer piece.
Editorial: The editorial expresses an opinion. The editorial page of the newspaper lets the writer comment on issues in the news. All editorials are personal but the topics must still be relevant to the reader.
Structure for your article
The structure of a news story (hard & soft news & features) is simple: a lead and the body.
The lead
One of the most important elements of news writing is the opening paragraph or two of the story. Journalists refer to this as the "lead," and its function is to summarize the story and/or to draw the reader in (depending on whether it is a "hard" or "soft" news story - See below for the difference between these two genres of news stories).
In a hard news story, the lead should be a full summary of what is to follow. It should incorporate as many of the 5 "W's" of journalism (who, what, where, when and why) as possible. (e.g. "Homeless youth marched down Yonge St. in downtown Toronto Wednesday afternoon demanding the municipal government provide emergency shelter during the winter months." - Can you identify the 5 W's in this lead?)
In a soft news story, the lead should present the subject of the story by allusion. This type of opening is somewhat literary. Like a novelist, the role of the writer is to grab the attention of the reader. (e.g. "Until four years ago, Jason W. slept in alleyways...") Once the reader is drawn in, the 5 "W's" should be incorporated into the body of the story, but not necessarily at the very top.
The body
The body of the story involves combining the opinions of the people you interview, some factual data, and a narrative which helps the story flow. A word of caution, however. In this style of writing, you are not allowed to "editorialize" (state your own opinion) in any way.
Remember:
The role of a reporter is to find out what people are thinking of an issue and to report the opinions of different stakeholders of an issue. These comments make up the bulk of the story. The narrative helps to weave the comments into a coherent whole. Hint: Stick to one particular theme throughout the story. You can put in different details but they all have to relate to the original idea of the piece. (e.g. If your story is about black youth and their relationship with the police you DO NOT want to go into details about the life of any one particular youth).
As a reporter, you are the eyes and ears for the readers. You should try to provide some visual details to bring the story to life (this is difficult if you have conducted only phone interviews, which is why face-to-face is best). You should also try to get a feel for the story. Having a feel means getting some understanding of the emotional background of the piece and the people involved in it. Try to get a sense of the characters involved and why they feel the way they do.
Okay, got it? Let's look at two examples as a way of summarizing the essentials:
Youth are banding together to start an organization. You want to show why are they doing that and the changes are they trying to make in the world. You want to say who they are and the strategies they are using.
An artist is having her first show. Why? What is it that she believes about her art? Is her artistic process rational or from the soul? What does the work look like?
4. Further tips for news writing
Finding story ideas
Keep your eyes and ears open; listen to what your friends are talking about.
Read everything you can get your hands on; get story ideas from other newspapers and magazines.
Think of a youth angle to a current news story.
Research a subject that interests you ask yourself what you would like to know more about.
Talk to people in a specific field to find out what is important to them.
Newsgathering
Begin collecting articles on your subject.
Talk to friends and associates about the subject.
Contact any agencies or associations with interest or professional knowledge in the area.
Create a list of people you want to interview; cover both sides of the story by interviewing people on both sides of the issue.
Collect government statistics and reports on the subject get old press releases or reports to use as background.
Interviewing do's and don'ts
Be polite.
Explain the ground rules of the interview to people unfamiliar with how the media works - this means that you tell them the information they give you can and will be published. If they do not want any part of what they say published, they need to tell you it is "off the record."
Tape the interview (so if anyone comes back at you, you have the proof of what was said).
Build a relationship with the person being interviewed.
Start with easy questions; end with difficult questions.
Read the body language of the person you're interviewing and if they get defensive, back away from the question you are asking and return later.
Don't attack the source.
Keep control of the interview; don't let the subject ramble or stray from the subject.
On the other hand, don't let your "opinion" of what the story should be colour the interview. Always remember that the person you are talking with knows more about the subject than you do.
Organizing the information
Gather your notes, interviews and research into a file.
Review your notes.
Look for a common theme.
Search your notes for good quotes or interesting facts.
Develop a focus.
Write the focus of the article down in two or three sentences.
Writing and editing
Remember you are the narrator, the story teller.
Don't be afraid to rewrite.
Be as clear and concise in the writing as possible.
Avoid run-on sentences.
Be direct.
Tell a good story.
Tell the reader what you think they want to know.
Always ask yourself what the story is about.
Read the story out loud; listen carefully.
1. Find a topic.
2. Find an angle on the subject.
3. Collect information.
4. Conduct interviews.
5. Organize information and write.
6. Revise and edit.
Wednesday, February 24, 2010
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