1. Making Important News Interesting:Going back to the basics Andrew Chavez, Texas Center for Community Journalism

2. Two types of stories

3. Two types of storytelling

4. Back to the basics

5. Improving the pyramid starts at the top

6. How? Find the news What would you tell your friends? Think about the headline

7. Focus on the news – an example The City Council met Friday and unanimously approved six new ordinances.…One of the ordinances bans smoking within 15 feet of public buildings. The City Council voted unanimously Friday to ban smoking near public buildings.…The smoking ordinance was one of six approved during the meeting. Others included: Boring Interesting

8. A method Outline your 5Ws Rank them Fit what you can in the lede Finish in the nut graf

9. Some questions for you

10. No. 1 Could you have written this story last week? Or before the event? If so, rethink.

11. No. 2 Is this a story or information? If it is, then make it a story. Find the narrative. Is this one story or two?

12. No. 2 The Baytown Dogs defeated the Bayside Cats 35-5 on Saturday night. Scruff McGruff put up 30 points Saturday night leading the Baytown Dogs to a 35-5 win over the Bayside Cats. Information Story

13. No. 3 Where is the conflict? Who are the winners and losers? Your story should include both

14. No. 4 Who stands to gain from this? Follow the money. Do the math.

15. No. 5 What’s going on in the background? Don’t forget the affected

16. Being your own editor

17. Do the finger test Analyzing your story … does my lede reflect it, etc.? Finger test?

18. Do the finger test Does your nut graf tell people why they should care? Is it a fair summary of the story? Does it introduce the main ideas early?

19. Count ‘em up What’s the story really about? Look at your finished copy Should this be two stories?

20. Write your headline & Check your lede Make sure it matches what your story is about.

21. Q&A Time