News writing is neither simple nor easy – it requires proper attention and investments of hours and hours of thorough research. The most crucial part however, is choosing the topic. The journalist must have a definite answer to the questions “is this newsworthy?”, “is this new?” and “is this informative?” This does not necessarily indicate that the value of other informational agendas or issues are overlooked as news and information are divided into sections, parts and articles and all topics undergo the same procedure and process.
Nevertheless, choosing a topic that has a potential for newsworthiness is a skill and an ability that should be mastered when entering the field of journalism. The delivery of news and the success of both the article and the newspaper rely on the quality of the journalists’ ability and competence in writing. In the information that will be covered or chosen, the journalist must first gather all relevant and connected details.
News can only be complete when there is a chronological order of evidence and reliability of sources. Journalists collect pieces of information using various ways such as research, conducting background checks and interviews, and gathering sources in order to gain credibility and accuracy in writing articles – after all, this is the first step in news writing.
Journalists cannot write an article without having concrete and credible pieces of information. Sources are anything or anyone that provides or supplies data – it may be technology, files or a person. There are numerous and distinct ways in acquiring data and it all comes down to which source it belongs to – primary or secondary.
Primary sources are original materials, documents or objects present during the time and place of the incident. For documents, it can be written or printed papers that serves as evidence, leads and sources such as authentic or legitimate files specifically diaries, autobiographies, official records, certificates, articles, notes, and speeches. Creative works such as works of art, video tapes, documentaries, music, and photographs are also primary sources and lastly, relics or artifacts such as jewelry, clothing and tools. Journalists use these sources as basis in obtaining raw and original information to connect pieces of information together and in order to complete the news coverage with validity and without lapses.
Secondary sources are the analysis, interpretations, and comments about primary resources such as books, reviews, dissertations, political commentaries, literary criticism, scientific studies and biographies. Journalists use these sources as references that support the purpose and content of the article or news.
Other types are known sources which refer to the authentic and credible individuals such as survivals and witnesses (eye witnesses) present during the time and place of the incident. It may also refer to the police officers, fire fighters or medical personnel tending care during the course of the accident or situation. Schools, hospitals and workplaces and their records are also considered sources. In attribution, the names of the sources or the individuals responsible for giving information are mentioned – they are identified and given credit. They can be organizations or spokespersons, who are authorized to speak or give comments on behalf whom or what they are representing for.
Anonymous sources are individuals that give information but choose to remain unknown in the article or news report. They remain hidden, unnamed and no image of them is provided in order to protect their privacy, safety and reputation. These sources may or may not use their real names to the journalists but a background check is ensured for their credibility and identity. Tip-offs are a type of anonymous sources which are individuals who give details and leads about important information or the people involved in the news coverage. Both the tip-offs and the journalists have promises or terms and conditions in order to protect and ensure the safety and reliability of one another.
Other reporters can also be used as sources. The reliability of a journalist relies on the reputation of their credibility according to their intention of continuing to provide factual information – one that is honest, fair and accurate which gains the trust of the people and even fellow journalists.
Technologies such as radio, television and even the use of social media are sources used in today’s time. Newspapers and magazines can also be used as sources or instruments of producing news, similarly to technology.
Thanks alot on this tips and stages of writing news.