Newspaper Article Format and Structure

NEWSPAPER ARTICLES – THE BASICS

Purpose - The Aim of a Newspaper Article

Newspaper articles provide information on newsworthy topics; this is any event or issue of importance to the majority of readers. News articles provide the reader with all the facts about this issue or event including who, what, where, when, why and how. Statements, comments and opinions from experts or people involved are also included.

Types of Newspaper Articles

Newsworthy topics will vary according to the newspaper's audience. A national newspaper will report on national issues like finance, war and politics. On the other hand a local community newspaper would report on actions and events in the area. Local newspapers tend to lean towards emotional stories; people are more interested in a local minor event then a distant disaster.

A major news report is put on the front page with a big headline and a large picture. These major stories will often have smaller related background stories which will sometimes run for several pages. Lesser stories are placed in the newspaper based on their importance (more important news at the front) or placed based on category (world news, sports, finance).

Newspaper Article Format and Structure

The structure of a newspaper article is often compared to an inverted triangle with the most important details at the top of the article, with the least important information placed at the end of the article. The pyramid format serves to present the reader the most important facts first, drawing him in to read the remainder of the story. Facts should be mentioned in order of descending importance. It is important to keep each paragraph as independent as possible as paragraphs are usually cut to fit in pictures and advertisements.

There’s a specific formula that newspaper journalists should follow when authoring a news story, and when done correctly, the writer can effectively educate and entertain readers from all walks of life.

A newspaper article includes the following (in order):

· Headline and by-line (reporter's name & picture).

· The “lead” of a news story, typically the first paragraph, should provide a clear and concise overview of the main point(s) (who, what, when, where, how and why), thereby conveying to the reader what he or she will be learning about in the piece.

· The story. Further short paragraphs of about 30-40 words, each one has a main idea and different fact. They may also include quotes from people involved or experts. The content of a news story should be unbiased, and completely fact-based. Sources of the information should be clearly cited and integrated into the piece. “Quotes can be a wonderful tool for a news writer, when used appropriately,” explained longtime journalist Doug Wood-Boyle, who has worked in the field for over a quarter century. “Quotations can clearly illustrate opposing opinions. They can also add a human feel to a story, while also providing the writer with an outlet to clearly illustrate a person’s thoughts or opinion on an issue. They’re also perfect when someone says something or illustrates a point more effectively than you, the reporter, can accomplish.”

· Sentences should be clear, concise and worded in a manner that is appropriate for the audience.

· Details are given in order of importance, with the least important details at the end of the article; this allows reader's to skim over the start of the article to gain the essential facts before deciding to read on.

· At the end of a newspaper article the facts and opinions are summarised, detailing the issue or event.

Newspaper Articles Should Be Objective, Factual, Accurate & Balanced.

Date: 2015-01-11; view: 2577