Anatomy of a News story

The News
Story

Journalism 1 Lancaster High School

​Let's start with the anatomy of a news story!

We will examine the news story step by step!

​I must give credit to:
A Newshound's Guide to Student Journalism Edition 1.1 by Katina Paron and Javier Geulfi for much of the information in this lesson.

​Headline

​The title of a news story

​Byline

​Tells readers who wrote the story..... who it is "by."

​Lead

​The first paragraph or two in the story. The job of the lead is to grab the reader's attention with the truth.

So... it's like the hook!

​Nut graf

​A paragraph that tells the reader the story in a nutshell. It informs the reader of the basics: the who, what, when and where. The rest of the story goes into the why and the how. It gives the readers a sense of What Was, What's New, What's Now... in other words... context.

​The nut graf tells audiences why the story is important and timely. It helps explain where the story is coming from, where it is going, and what is at stake.

​Lead quote

​The first quote in a story. Often the most powerful quote. Why do we use quotes?

​Other types of quotations

​Journalists may use direct, paraphrased or interrupted quotations.

​"When it comes to cake," Jessica said, "chocolate cake takes the cake". 

This is an interrupted quotation.... Just thought I'd clarify.

​Attribution

​Tells the reader where information comes from and provides transparency. In most cases, use "says" or "said" to avoid distraction.

​Context/Background

​Gives a wider frame through which to understand the story.

​Voice of Authority

​An outside, expert voice that can provide context and address the broader implications of the issue.

Think ETHOS

​Transitions

​Carry the reader from one thought to the next. Pronouns and transitional words do a good job of this. Using transitions to set up the upcoming quote helps keep the reader on track.

​However, but, after, before, etc etc etc

​But graf

​A paragraph that shows the other side or another point of view..... Think COUNTERCLAIM

​Kicker

​End of the story, very often a quote. Goal is to kick the reader out of the story, versus a conclusion that keeps the reader wrapped up in the piece. If not a quote, try using something that looks forward to a next step or a next meeting.

​The Inverted Pyramid