What is journalism? Story structure

1. What is Journalism?
For once I’ll promise not to write long. That's because I am not the story.
The story is out there - spoken out loud in a Parramore church, hidden in a file at the
Courthouse or City Hall, documented in a land deal somewhere between Apopka and
Sanford.
Go find that story. Report it. Shoot it. Tweet it. Post it. Present it. Tell it in ways we never
have before. For me, in this place, nothing else mattered, except the story.
And when the next big one comes -- it will again, for sure -- look back at how many still
with this team handled the presidential election of 2000, the Columbia disaster, that long
summer of hurricanes and the summer of Casey.
Look at what we did right, what we did wrong, and then go do it better. Savor every
second you have shedding light on something concealed, informing our public and
compelling people to think and act. Recognize the rewards of seeing things few get to see
and prompting positive change.
This work has never been more difficult than it is now, and never more vital. After 20
years spent doing it, though, I can tell you it was never easy. That fatigue, that drain, that
exhilaration – that’s how you know you're doing it right. Working alongside every one of
you these 12 years, it was a privilege to see it done right.
So keep on telling those stories. Tell them well, always. And never let me lose the sense
of pride I have today, saying I worked with that dogged team at the Sentinel.
Downsized? Yep. Talent deprived? No freaking way.
Take a look at what you create every day. I know I will no matter where I go.
Peace out,
(Name removed)

2. http://thelastword.msnbc.com/_news/2012/03/30/10944845-the-orlando-sentinel-rewrites-itself
Journalism is not creative writing
• The literacy license to invent scenarios that is permitted, or
event encouraged, in fiction writing is taboo in journalism.
• The purpose of journalism is to convey information clearly,
correctly and concisely and credible – the four C’s
• Clear, simple writing – rather than an expression of your
imagination or vision
• Quick, efficient writing – more formulaic than creative writing
• Emphasis on mechanics – grammar, usage, spelling, style and
tight writing

3. The Basics: 1st Amendment
The First Amendment awards 5 freedoms, which
you must know.
Amendment I
“Congress shall make no law respecting an
establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free
exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of
speech, or of the press; or the right of the people
peaceably to assemble, and to petition the
government for a redress of grievances.”
.

4. The Basics: 5W 1H
• WHAT
• What, specifically,...? What next? What else?
• WHERE
• Where else? Where are you? Where, exactly...?
• WHEN
• When, exactly, will you...? When will it start/end? When will I know?
• WHY
• Why does that happen? Why not? (just keep asking 'why?' to find root
cause - often around 5 times)
• HOW
• How many? How much? How does it work?
• WHO
• Who will do this? Who else will do this? Who pays? Who benefits?
http://johanssonsjournalism.blogspot.com/p/5w1h.html

5. Keys to good writing
• Keep paragraphs short
• Keep sentences short
• Use short, common words
• Be objective
• Follow style rules
• Know the journalism story formulas, how to
use them and when to break them

6. News values| WTFC
• Audience – Human interest
• Impact – It’s going to piss people off
• Timeliness – It’s happening now
• Proximity – It’s happening here
• Prominence – Local celebrities, athletes
• Novelty or oddity – It’s weird or unusual
• Conflict or drama – Mystery, suspense or drama.
Readers love a good conflict
• Usefulness – How-to articles, where to buy, etc.

7. How to succeed…
• http://collegemediamatters.com/2012/03/27/tips-for-journalism-students-how-
to-land-a-job-and-impress-people-journamaven/
• Homework: Read Chapter 5. Post to the class blog, letting the community know
the site is live again.
• Extra credit: Join the #journchat Twitter chat and participate