Here's where you learn to write news stories using the inverted pyramid, the five Ws and the H and Associated Press style. You'll learn to construct a good lede and to write quickly on tight deadlines. You'll also learn about the differences between writing for newspapers, TV, radio and the web.
Looking for a way to hone your newswriting skills anytme, anywhere? Try these newswriting exercises. Each exercise provides a scenario with a set of facts, and it's up to you to produce a story. To get the maximum benefit, force yourself to do these on a tight deadline (each exercise has a suggested time limit.)
So you've done a ton of reporting and dug up a great story. But all your work will be wasted if you write a boring lede that won't grab your readers' attention. Follow these tips and you'll be writing knock-their-socks-off ledes that will leave your readers wanting more.
So you've done a ton of reporting and dug up a great story. But all your work will be wasted if you write a boring article that no one will read. Follow these tips and you'll be writing news stories that will get your readers' attention and never let go!
When writing a news story, always remember who your readers are. And if your readers are the general public - which includes everyone from the fifth-grader to the rocket scientist - then your writing should strive for simplicity, clarity and brevity. Say what you have to say in simple, clear terms, with as few words as possible.
Keep 'em Short, Accurate and Avoid Bad Breaks
One of the first things a student in a beginning journalism course learns about is Associated Press style, or AP style for short. AP style is simply a standardized way of writing everything from dates to street addresses to job titles. AP style was developed and is maintained by The Associated Press, the world’s oldest news service. Here you can brush up on your knowledge of AP style, then put …
It's Not Exciting to Learn, But It's Necessary to Know
Test Your Knowledge of AP Style
Test Your Knowledge of AP Style
Test Your Knowledge of AP Style
Test Your Knowledge of AP Style
The Stuff That Just Won't Work When Writing the News
Write a lede that will grab your readers' attention
Don't Clutter It Up With Too Many Details
Give The Lede Some Perspective
Emphasize What Makes the Story Unique
Convey Lots of Information, Using As Few Words As Possible
Here's what you need to know to put together a basic news story.
How To Attribute The Information In In News Stories
Strong Verbs Are Great - But Easy on the Adjectives
Writing a Fresh Lede Is Key
Keep it Short and Don't Forget to Highlight
Cut Out the Jargon, and Lead With the Drama
Keep It Simple and Let The Story Tell Itself
Conveying The Drama of Human Competition in 500 Words Or Less
If They Make You Want to Upchuck, Don't Use Them In Your Story
A Celebration of a Person's Life
Writing Feature Ledes, How to Write a Feature Lede
How to Write Great Movie, Book or Restaurant Reviews for a Newspaper or Website
