How to write a news story
Essentials
 Who?
 What?
 Why?
 Where?
 When?
 How
Inverted Pyramid
Lede
Most important information
Important information
Less important
information
Cutoff
News Elements
 Proximity
 Prominence
 Consequence
 Impact
 Human Interest
Attribution
Attribution means you identify the source of
important information in your story.
E.g., According to the National Football League,
the Oakland Raiders average more penalties a
game than any other team.
Style
 At first reference, Identify a person by their complete
name and title, age (optional)
– Example: Mr. John W. Smith, Assistant Principal
 At second reference, identify a person by last name or
pronoun
– Smith said, . . . He said
 Never begin with time
– Example, Today … or On Wednesday
 Write numbers one to nine out, use numerals for 9 and
above