CHAPTER 1

Scope and Nature of Journalism

Before getting into the skills of writing journalistic articles, anyone must fixed
understanding of the scope of modern day journalism. Huge as it is, journalism is
everywhere, just as media takes an integral part in all of our lives. Where to media,
journalism exists.

As a field that is worth working, journalism is one of the most prestigious careers
one can get today. The tools of communication and technology are television, the
printed media and radio. The internet is a more recent addition to this list. Many
students are getting attracted to this field nowadays because a career in journalism can
be challenging as well as highly rewarding.

Journalism is concerned, primarily, with the collection and dissemination of news

through the print media as well as the electronic media (http://entrance-exam.net/scope-
of-journalism/). This involves various areas of work like reporting, writing, editing,
photographing, broadcasting or cable casting news items. It covers the printed media
that comes in the form of broadsheets, tabloids, newsletters and magazines.

As regards its etymology, journalism comes from the Latin word, Journal, which
means daily. That is why there is the word journal - a daily register of one's activities.
Hence, journalism is a communication of day-to-day information, whether through
sounds, pictures and words. Few places where journalism may appear include
newspapers, magazines, televisions, radios and the internet.

Newspapers are the oldest and most traditional format for the inclusion of
journalism. They are regularly scheduled publications containing news of current
events, informative articles, diverse features and advertising. Indeed, newspapers
originally started life as 'journals', from which the word "journalism' is derived. During the
19th century, American journalists relied on sensational stories that were used to excite
or anger the public, rather than to inform them. This form of journalism became known
as "yellow' journalism. Accurate and fact-based reporting became popular again around
the time of World War II, when the restrained style of writing gained resurgence.

Newspapers played a large role in the development of freedom of expression.

Inside sources with the ability to 'leak' stories to the press often choose newspapers first
over any other medium due to the perceived willingness of their editors to expose
corruption and lies among otherwise respected institutions.

Magazines, on the other hand, are publications containing a variety of articles

that are generally published on a regular schedule, whether it be weekly, monthly or
quarterly. They usually take a much more relaxed format than newspapers, with a more
informal style to their writing. They are also usually focused on a particular subject or

area of interest, whereas newspaper articles can cover almost any topic. First published
in 1731 in London, The Gentleman's Magazine is considered the first general-interest
magazine. Its editor, Edward Cave (who wrote under the pseudonym 'Sylvanus Urhan')
was one of the very firsts to use the term 'magazine

Television news journalism, including radio, is known as news broadcasting

and is produced locally in a newsroom or by a broadcast network. It sometimes also
includes such additional material as sports coverage, weather forecasts, trattic reports
commentary, and other material that the broadcaster considers relevant to the intended
audience Most major television channels offer regular news broadcasts throughout the
day.

Internet communications have excelled in the last decade or so of course,

taking the way news is published with it. There are now an uncountable digitized
number of reputable and not-so-reputable sources of information on the internet
Everything from digitized versions of the very newspapers that headed up the first print
media.

Journalism versus Literature All journalistic ventures are grounded on facts, on

truth and on actuality. Redundant as it may, facts are the foundation of all the ambits of
journalism. Journalism and literature are both forms of writing, consumed by the public
and have relative style. They may be guided by set rules. Literature is based on the
wandering imagination of a writer. It is categorized into prose and poetry. Journalism, on
the other hand, has main genres that include news, editorial and features. Journalistic
genres follow the strict method of dividing ideas through paragraphs while literature has
a variety of forms and styles.

For instance, Jonas, a writer, wishes to come up with a story about ghosts. He
now starts imagining the appearance of the ghosts and creates a plot which includes
the conflict, the climax and the resolution of the conflict. Jonas is writing a literary piece.

Marla, on the other hand, also writes about ghosts. However, before she starts
writing about them, she interviews persons who have allegedly seen them. The
appearance of ghosts, including the persons' beliefs about them, is written into an
entertaining way. Hence, the output is packed with facts.

In this case, Jonas writes a literature, a short story in particular while Marla does
a feature story, a journalistic article. Jonas writes based on his imagination while Marla
writes based on facts.
Tenets of Journalism

Going into the road of journalism entails not only knowledge but also responsibilities.
Hence, their journalists are bound by strict guidelines. Journalists have rights, but they
must bear on shoulders the duties to serve the interest of the public

1. Responsibility. Journalists should always be aware of their obligations to their

readers to write the truth whatever it costs. For this reason, journalists must be brave
enough to defend facts and the truth behind the news in this sense, the journalists' main
responsibility is to be the transmitter of veracity in any issue, and that they are liable not
to the company but to the public

2. Freedom of the Press. As a basic right. freedom of the press should be safeguarded
by the people of media. In this case, any topic under the sweltering.

3. Independence. Putting forward the life of one or two persons by slashing the welfare
of the general public is a clear violation of this tenet. It, therefore, means that the
services of a journalist should be committed to the interest of the general public and not
driven by the interest of money called "envelopmental journalism."

4. Objectivity, Truthfulness and Accuracy. Checking the veracity of data and

information before they are published is an example of being accurate and truthful.
Since facts are the solid foundation of journalism, media men should not therefore
conceal the truth by fabricating facts and by publishing misquoted statements and
erroneous statistics.

Objectivity, on the other hand, simply avoiding conflicts of interest on the

treatment of the articles and on the way arguments and news are written.

Partisan news and biased interviews violate the ideals of journalism; ergo, a
journalist should know the difference between news and opinion. Readers and
journalists alike, believe that newspapers should be objective. Thus, reporters receive
training from those who know journalistic rules, and learn to resolve whatever conflict
they may have,

Teel and Taylor (1983), as cited by Pangilinan (2012), suggested guidelines to

attain a balanced story whenever journalists face controversial issues.

a. Stick to the facts.

b. Never insert your personal opinion.

c. Be discreet in the use of adjectives.

d. Avoid cheap shots.

e. Somebody with something to say deserves a forum.

f. Assess your alliances. Remember that you are an observer, not aa

participant.

g. Listen to your editor

5. Fairness, the whole point in advocating objectivity is to be fair in presenting

information in any journalistic field. Remember, the public will see the topic according to
the way journalists present it, hence, reporters should exercise telling the truth and
putting the information in the right perspective.

In this vein, journalists should always present both sides of the coin, both sides of
the argument, both sides of controversial issues. They should set both avenues for the
opposing parties to ventilate their arguments and points of clarification. With this in
mind, journalists, too, must respect the privacy of individuals, unless, there 15 a warrant
of a public right. In case there is a mistake, true journalists should rectify the said error,
thus the errata in newspapers.

Killers of Balanced Reporting

There are worthy concepts that novice journalists must be wary about. Concepts
that kill balanced reporting must be avoided.

1. Yellow Journalism. This is simply sensationalizing a story or an issue. It is a type of

journalism that presents little or no legitimate well-researched news and instead uses
eye-catching headlines to sell more newspapers, Techniques may include
exaggerations of news events, scandal-mongering or sensationalism. Most showbiz
stories are grounded on this type of journalism which appeals to the curiosity of the
readers and viewers.

2. New Journalism. The new journalists expanded the definition of journalism and of
legitimate journalistic reporting and writing techniques. They also associated journalism
with fiction when they described their work with phrases such as "nonfiction novel" and
"narrative techniques of fiction." In so doing, they ignited a debate over how much like a
novel or short story a journalistic piece could be before it began violating journalism's
commitment to truth and facts.

This approach represents a return to the roots of social reporting which was used
in Charles Dickens' fiction.

3. Advocacy Journalism. This is a genre of journalism that, unlike propaganda, is fact-

based but supports a specific point of view on an issue. Advocacy journalists are
expected to focus on stories dealing with corporate business practices, government
policies, political corruption and social issues. Arguably, advocacy journalists serve the
public interest in a way similar to muckrakers or whistle blowers. Most advocacy
journalists reject the supposed objectivity of the mainstream press as a practical
impossibility, and some others take the position that the economic censorship exerted
by corporate sponsors is no different from political censorship.

4. Stylistic Journalism. It emphasizes imaginative stylized writing of stories and

considers newspapers as the literature of immediate fact."

5. Editorializing. This is giving the reporter's opinion rather than the fact It may also
mean the expanding of news about an insignificant happening to give .

Functions and Duties of the Press

If you have fully made up your mind to go into the path of journalism and the
media, you have to be acquainted with your vast roles and primordial functions.

1. The quality of the newspaper must be reflected in the editorial policy. It is more than
just a business because it also reflects and influences the life of the whole academic
community.

2. Newspapers must have integrity and readers' confidence.

3. Newspapers may educate, stimulate, assist or entertain. It is therefore a moral

responsibility to balance public interest and the gains.

4. The fundamental quality of the newspaper rests on the quality of the content and the
kind of editorial product. It is responsible for the rise of the readers educational level and
resurgence of an articulate, active young generation.

5. Freedom of the press encompasses responsibility of the newspapers. Freedom of the

press and responsibility are inseparable. Responsibility of the press means truth in the
news - truth tempered with mercy, decency and humility.

6. The press must practice the principles of journalism without bias and self- interest

Limitations of the Press

Pulitzer prize-winning author David Broeder (USA Today, Aug. 12, 1987) as cited
by Pangilinan (2012), averred that reports are flawed. Hence, reports are not that
complete and may bear mistakes. The limitations of the press may be traced upon the
timeframe within which an article should be submitted for publication. Remember that
journalism secures the freshness of the information Therefore, when a journalist is in a
hurry to beat the deadline, he may not have enough time to reach all the sources of
information. Subsequently, reporters will be unable to present the story in as many
perspectives as a journalist should showcase.

This implies that readers or the information-consuming public should judge very
critically the articles, the reports, including the photos. Readers should know how to ask
questions that are left unanswered, in the same manner when journalists dig for facts
and additional information.

Another limitation of the press is its proneness to be manipulated by the

powerful, the elite and the politicians. Broeder (1987) as cited by Pangilinan (2012)
pointed "...every good politician will attempt to work well with the press. If you live in a
country where public opinion ultimately decides public policy, any politician who is at all
serious is going to try to manage public opinion, and that means working with the press.
So they all do it."

CHAPTER 2

The National Newspaper

Before delving on campus paper, it is wise to start the discussion on a supra

level. This is for you to understand primarily the concept of the system that campus
paper has. Thus, a newspaper is a publication sold and distributed regularly in a fixed
interval. It may be monthly, bi-monthly, weekly, daily, etc, and this is because
newspapers fall under the category "periodicals." Usually, news in newspapers is meant
to be persuasive, and this is why some news includes opinions and comments that
stimulate reactions from the readers. Another latent function of newspapers is to
entertain by the use of photos, cartoons, quizzes and other interesting features

While papers published every day are called dailies, we call those which are
published weekly weeklies. National papers are widely available and easily bought.
National papers fall under two categories: the popular paper and the heavy or quality
papers. Popular papers present their news in a lively fashion with easy-to-read articles
and many photographs. Heavy or quality papers are printed with longer articles
stressing on important and serious events in the country.

Some newspaper publishers produce Sunday papers sometimes, with the same
nameplate as the daily papers. These are not Sunday editions of the dailies but instead,
they are of different editors and editorial staff. The reason behind this is the availability
of more people to read during Sundays. The price of the Sunday paper tends to be
higher than the regular paper, but it contains more news.
The Campus Paper

The Campus Paper is the version of the national newspaper within an academic
institution. In other words, it is a pioneer in the publishing industry as a free newspaper
of the students by the students and for the students to circulate within the academic
community. The Campus Paper may broaden its reach like the community and other
agencies in the society.

With the advent of the Campus Journalism Act of 1991, otherwise known as
Republic Act Numbered 7079, the establishment of campus publication in basic
education and in higher learning institutions has been legalized. Since the campus
paper is run by the students, they have the chance to simulate the daily newspaper's
characteristics at the same time act as journalists in their own fields. It should be noted
that the campus paper is contextualized within the institution; hence, priority issues
should emanate from the institution before touching local, national and international
concerns.

It is observed that the size and frequency of the paper vary, depending on the
policies of the editorial board, the fund or publication budget and the population of the
learning institution. There are higher learning institutions which collect a campus paper
fee that can finance a semestral release of a newsletter, a tabloid, a magazine, a
broadsheet and sometimes a literary folio. The school, too, may decide to release a
special edition of its publication or organ during intramurals and foundation days or on
any special occasions

In many instances, though, school papers under the Department of Education opt
to release newsletters due to the consideration of the fund, the population and the
scope,

What should Go into the Campus Paper?

Campus journalism serves as a means to strengthen the ethical values and to

encourage the creative and critical thinking of the Filipino youth. It also helps in
developing the personal discipline and moral character of the young.

Campus Journalism is one of the most effective means of teaching students the
basic and advanced writing techniques and inculcating in them the values of work and
fair judgment. It is a good training ground for future journalists or for writers. Through
the school paper, student writers are able to develop their skills and enhance their craft.

Moreover, with campus paper, both the campus journalists and the target
audience are helped appreciate the role of the press in shaping public opinion.
Primarily, the campus paper promotes the best interest not only of the students but also
of the faculty and the administration. The paper is a conduit for the pleasant and
wholesome relationship between the teachers and their students. It is an avenue where
students ventilate their opinions, including their grievances. In fact, many school papers
in higher learning institutions maximize these functions.

Today, the campus paper has become an avenue to expose anything against
anyone. This brings problems with the editorial board's security of responsibility,
objectivity and fairness. Student writer may write about as is anything; they observe
responsibility, objectivity and fairness, thus hearing both sides of the issue. For
instance, student writers must not only publish an article about teachers who are
enraged with students, but must also look into the reasons why teachers are engaged,
through interview with the teachers. Remember, the prime cause of a campus paper is
to create a campus conducive for learning and to advance the quality of education.

A Brief History of Campus Journalism

This history of campus journalism is penned by Alixander Haban Escote (August

28, 2008) and is retrieved from http://socyberty.com/history/a-brief-history-of-campus-
journalism-in-the-philippines/

According to Jesus Valenzuela in the History of Journalism in the Philippine

Islands (1933) and John Lent in the Philippine Mass Communication (1964), the history
of campus journalism in the Philippines started when the University of Santo Tomas
published El Liliputiense in 1890.

However, Oscar Manalo, Narciso Matienzo, and Virgilio Monteloyola in Ang

Pamahayagan (1985) argued that the history of campus joumalism in the country
started when the University of the Philippines published The College Folio, now The
Philippine Collegian, in 1910. They also added that 7he Torch of the Philippine Normal
University, The Guidon of the Ateneo de Manila University, and The Varsitarian of the
University of Santo Tomas were also published two years later.

Whatever came first, Carlos Romulo y Pefñia edited The Coconut, the official

student publication of Manila High School, now the Araullo High School. It was
published in 1912 and it is now considered the first and oldest high school newspaper in

the country. In 1923, La Union High School in the Ilocos Region published The La Union
Tab the first printed and regularly issued high school newspaper in the country. Since
then, high school newspapers came out one after the other
 Among these high school newspapers were The Pampangan. Pampanga High
School, 1925, The Leytean, Leyte High School, 1925: The Rizalian, Rizal High School,
1926, The Coconut, Tayabas High School, 1927; The Volcano. Batangas High School,
1927; The Toil, La Union Trade School, 1928. The Samarinian, Samar High School,
1928, The Melting Pot, Tarlac High School, 1929, The Granar Nueva Ecija High School,
1929, The Torres Torch, Torres High School, 1930; and The Cagayan Student
Chronicle, Cagayan High School, 1931.

Functions of Campus Papers

A Campus paper may be mimeographed or printed, published or released by an

organization or school whose name or logo appears in the masthead or in the editorial
box. The campus paper like any other media has functions. Harold Spears and C.H
Lawshe Jr. (from http://www.studymode.com/essays/Functions-Of-a-Campus- Paper-
1317897.html), as cited also by Sison et al. (2012), provide the following campus
paper's main functions.

Aid to Students

a. Provides opportunity for interesting writing

b. Gives students the opportunity to learn how to read the newspapers

c. Acts as stimulus to better work

d. Develops students power of observation and discrimination concerning relative merits

of news articles

e. Serves as outlet and motivation for journalistic writing

f. Offers training in organizations, salesmanship, bookkeeping and business

management

g. Develops qualities of cooperation, tact, accuracy, tolerance, responsibility, and

leadership business methods, commercial arts,
Aid to School and Community

a. Informs the community of the work of the school

b. Publishes school news

C Creates and expresses school opinions

d. Makes known the achievements of the school

e. Helps unify the school

f. Encourages and stimulates worthwhile activities

g. Develops right standard of conduct

h. Provides an outlet for students' suggestions for the betterment of the sch0ol

i. Develops better interschool relationship

j. Develops school spirit

k. Develops cooperation between the parents and the school

Other Functions of Campus Paper

Still cited by Simon et al. (2012), here are other functions of the campus paper

Information Function. This is the function of the news in the campus paper to inform.
Since information dissemination is the main purpose of the campus paper, this is the
function most likely performed by any campus paper. It gives the readers information
concerning the things around the community and within the school.

Examples of the activities include the graduation schedule, the enrolment procedures,
number of enrollees for the semester and other routine and non-routine news in an
academic year.

Opinion Function. Through the editorials and editorial columns, editors have the
chance to post their opinion regarding current events inside the school and the
community. The main purpose for this is to persuade the reader toward a certain point
of view. The campus paper, therefore, can stir the emotions and convictions of the
reading public the members of the academic community.

Education Function. This is one of the primordial functions of a campus paper Since
students and teachers alike are expected to read the school paper, which showcases
topics that may be intensively and extensively discussed, the reading public may
somehow be educated Tabooed topics such as sex education, family planning and the
like are sample issues in which a campus paper can be so effective,

Watchdog Function. The school paper serves as the harbinger of truth in the Campus.
In other words, the writers are the eyes of the readers to see what is happening in the
school and to guard the right of the young ones.

Laboratory Function. The school paper, as discussed previously, is a miniature

version of the daily newspaper where all rights and privileges, including concepts and
skills in journalism are practiced. With this, the school paper becomes an avenue of
teaching budding journalists. It becomes a training ground for full-fledged journos
someday. In fact, the many campus papers in Manila have become the stepping stones
of the prominent Filipino journalists today. These papers include The Philippine
Collegian of the University of the Philippines, The PNU Torch of the Philippine Normal
University, The Varsitarian of the University of Santo Tomas and others. Neophyte
writers pattern their new experience from the existing and past paper.

Documentation Function. The paper also serves as a posterity tool of worthy and
must-be-remembered occasions in the campus. This is why, many school publications
Practice submitting more than one copy to the campus library and to the archive section
so that the paper becomes an evidence of what transpired in such a semester, a school
year or a grading period.

Entertainment Function. As a mini version of the national newspapers, where

entertainment section exists, the school paper likewise showcases feature stories Main
Purpose of which is to stimulate the soul and to feed the brain at the same time. Sample
stories in the campus that entertain the readers include the experiences of a freshman,
the most embarrassing moment of a senior, the ghost in Room Sampaguita, the shoe
master along the corridor and others.

Developmental Function. In a developing country like the Philippines, scholastic and

commercial journalism has been given greater and nobler significance. The sources of
new journalists are also the school Journalists in campus publications are most likely to
be the journalists of the future The young journalist whose news deals with club
activities, school elections and campus activities will eventually become a better one
whose news deal with activities of the nation, national elections and national concerns.
The developmental function of the campus paper does not only have implications on the
young ones themselves but also on the school as a whole. School administrators and
staff may reflect their performance on the school paper and see what improvements
must be done.
Parts of the Campus Paper

Whatever the type of paper it is, the parts and sections are similar to one another. Here
are the major sections of a campus paper:

1. front page

2. news page

3. editorial page

4. features page

5. community development page

6. science and technology page

7. sports page

Parts of the Front Page

a. Nameplate. The nameplate is the engraved or printed name, logo or symbol of the
newspaper. More often than not, the nameplate also bears the scope of the publication,
that is, the date when the articles were taken. It also includes the volume and number of
the particular release.

b. Ears. Ears are little boxes in either or both sides of the nameplate. Ears usually
contain advertisements or announcements.

c. Banner (Head). The banner is the principal headline which is usually written in the
boldest and biggest font. It is the title of the most important news of the day. This most
important news is called banner news. The banner runs across the front page.

d. Running Head. The running head is a type of head having two or more lines.

e. Headline. Headline refers to any title of any news.

f. Deck. A deck is a subordinate headline or head which is immediately placed below its
mother head to give more information about it

g. Lead. Lead refers to the beginning of a news story. This means that a lead could be
a word, a phrase, a sentence or even a paragraph.

h. News Story. The news story is the whole story or a part of the whole story about the
news which is composed of the lead and the text supporting and elaborating the lead.
i. Columns. They are horizontal divisions of the parts or texts of a newspaper The
number of columns varies from one kind of a paper to another, that is, a newsletter has
smaller number of columns as compared to a broadsheet

j. Column Rules. Column rules are vertical lines that indicate the divisions of the
columns. In modern journalism, these lines are substituted with a space (a blank column
rule). Space column rules or more formally known as sunken rules and are usuálly one
em Wide. With the advent of digital lay-outing, the printer may adjust the column rule
easily and quickly.

k. Fold. It is the imaginary horizontal line that divides the paper into two. The purpose of
the fold is primarily rooted from the lay-outing rule that the fold should not overlay or run
against the banner head. Should the fold run over the banner head, the layout is
considered faulty

l. Byline. A byline is the signature, name or pseudonym of the reporter who prepared
the news. It can be seen in various forms: by Ruben Balacbac, (Ruben Balacbac), R.
Balacbac, or RB. One common error in campus paper insofar as writing the byline is
concerned is the inclusion of the colon between the preposition "by" and the name of
the writer. This style is now obsolete. Usually, the colon is deleted, thus, by Ruben
Balacbac, not by: Ruben Balacbac.

m. Box. Any news material enclosed by line rules is a boxed story. In this case ears are
special types of boxes because they are specially named because of their position.

n. Cut. The cut is a metal plate bearing the newspaper's illustration

o. Cutline. A cutine is the text accompanying photos or other art works. It is commonly
known as caption. If the text shows above the photo, it is called over line.

p. Over line. It is a type of cutline written or shown above the photo.

q. Kicker. A kicker is a tagline above but smaller than the beadline. It gives stimulating
but small details about the headline, and this is why it is also called teaser

r. Hammer. A hammer is a type of kicker but the difference is that a hammer is bigger
than the headline.

s. Credit Line. A credit line is a line given to pay respect to the source of the story or
illustration printed. This is done usually for stories or illustrations imported or borrowed
from other printed materials or people. The difference of a byline from a credit line is
that a byline is usually a name, signature or pseudonym of the reporter within the
newspaper staff, but a credit line is used for those which are borrowed or imported.
Thus, foreign news and dateline news often have credit lines.
Parts of the Editorial Page

a. Editorial Proper: The article that is considered to be soul of a newspaper or

magazine. It is an article that gives the conglomeration of opinions of the members of
the editorial board on the hottest issue of the day

b. Column: A column is a recurring piece or article in the paper. It is primarily written by

a columnist who is well acquainted with the subject. What differentiates a column from
other forms of journalism is that a column meets each of the following criteria:

a) It is a regular feature in a publication.

b) It is personality-driven.

c) It explicitly contains an opinion or point of view.

c. Op-ed: An op-ed, abbreviation of opposite the editorial page (though often believed
to be abbreviated from opinion-editorial), is a newspaper article that expresses the
opinions of a named writer who is usually unaffiliated with the newspaper s editorial
board These are different from editorials, which Usually unsigned and written by
editorial board members. Op-eds are so named because they are generally printed on
the page opposite the editorial.

d. Letter to Editor: Letter to the editor sometimes abbreviated LTTE or LTE is a letter
sent to a publication about issues of concern to its readers. Usually, the letter or the
letters are intended for publication. In many publications, letters to the editor may be
sent through either conventional mail or electronic mail.

The subject matter of letters to the editor varies widely. However, the most common
topics include:

i. Supporting or opposing an editorial stance, or responding to another writer's letter to

the editor

ii. Commenting on a current issue being debated by a governing body local, regional or
national depending on the publication's circulation. Often, the writer will urge elected
officials to make their decision based on his or her viewpoint

iii. Remarking on materials (such as a news story) that have appeared in a previous
edition or release. Such letters may be cither critical or praising

iv. Correcting a perceived error or misrepresentation

e. Editorial Cartoon. An editorial cartoon, also known as a political cartoon, 1s
caricature containing a political or social messenger that usually relates to current
events or personalities.

f. Folio. Usually written on top of the page, this is composed of the page number, date
of publication and name of the newspaper. Notably, this part runs through all the
sections in the campus paper

g. Masthead. This is also called flag. It shows the publication's name. the volume

and number of release, the names of the staffs and their respective positions.

The Sports Page

The sports section of a newspaper features information on local sports events,

like high school sports teams College level sports are also covered in this section, both
on a regional and national level. Often, sports page in Philippine campus papers
accommodate stories about intramurals and relevant national sports issues. Student
writers may consider writing sports analysis, sports editorials, backgrounder, prophetic
sports news and the like.

As regards reporters on other news beats, sports journalism involves

investigating the story, rather than simply relying on press releases and prepared
statements from the sports team, coaching staff, or players. Sports journalists verify
facts given to them by the athletes, teams, leagues or organizations they are covering.

Selection of the Publication Staff

Notably, there are no hard and fast rules on how to organize the staff and to pick
he editors. Each school should therefore work out a system best suited to its particular
set-up. There are common mind-boggling questions for the publication head or the
moderator of the campus paper like: How are the editors and the staff members
chosen? How long should they serve? How big should the staff be? Should they be
paid? To whom are they responsible?

First, there should be a moderator or an adviser who must possess the following
qualifications in the order of their importance, 1) with a degree in journalism- bachelor,
master or specialization, or one with a degree in English - bachelor, master or
specialization. 2) with experience in newspaper work or one with more than ordinary
experience in journalism or school paper work. Other schools consider one who teaches
social studies. This set-up is the traditional set-up of picking the adviser or the
moderator. The Campus Journalism Act, has a different basis for choosing the adviser
Selecting an adviser is also optional for the tertiary level.

For the traditional and beginning campus paper system in the DepEd, the
principal or the head of the school, with the recommendation of the adviser may
designate the members of the staff or may pick them through a competitive
examination. The candidates should possess writing ability, leadership and previous
experiences in school publication in such order. Whatever the criteria are in choosing
the staff, the method should be systematic, objective and fair.

Whether the editors and staff members are chosen through recommendation or
competitive examination, the following pointers are recommended:

1. The candidate should have at least one-year residence.

2 The candidate should not be in the probation list.

3. He/she must not have any disciplinary case against him/her, because there is a likely
chance for him to drop or to be suspended.

4. The chief, associate, and managing editors should not hold other major positions in
school organizations, especially in the student council or student government. The
press is supposed to be objective and non- partisan.

The most democratic way to select the staff is through a competitive examination
followed by an interview. However, there are certain drawbacks. If there are no qualified
teachers who will evaluate the entries in the competitive examination, the test will not be
worthwhile. If a big number of students join the competition, the evaluation will take a
long time. Another question is: In what phases of journalism would the test be?
Newswriting, editorial writing, lay outing, or actual press work? lf the test is in editorial
writing only, is not that just one phase of the work? Because of the drawbacks, the
adviser resorts to designation. The drawback here is favoritism.

The advisers should not rely only on result of the examination. They should look
for people who did not take the examinations but have writing skills. They should ask
them to join the board, but they should refrain from taking students into the star who
have more activities in their hands than they can handle. They should be aware or
students who only love to see their names in the masthead or editorial box.

The choice of editors should be based on who obtains the highest average in the
examinations and who possesses the most in personal qualities or traits like leadership,
managerial skills, sound judgment and flexibility. Consequently, advisers should file and
publish in the bulletin board the results of the examinations and the comments or ne
judges.
How large should the staff be? A manageable staff should not be more than ten, as
follows: (1) chief editor, (2) associate editor; (3) managing editor, (4) feature editor; (6)
literary editor, (6) sports editor, and (7) reporters (one for each class-senior, sophomore,
freshman).

There are other members of the staff who may simply be appointed: the typists,
the layout artist, the staff artist, the photojournalist and the circulation manager.

Duties and Responsibilities of the Publication Staff

1. Chief Editor

The chief editor supervises the editorial staff of the paper. Usually he/she writes the
editorials of the organ after consultation with the members of the editorial staff.
However, any member may write the editorial so long as he/she follows the guidelines
in writing Further, he/she edits all articles preparatory to submission of the same to the
adviser for final editing and approval for publication. He/She likewise supervises the
preparation of the layout, dummy of the paper and its pagination in cooperation with the
managing editor and layout artist. He/She also causes the accomplishment of al
assignments properly and on time. At times, he/she acts as the liaison officer between
the editorial staff and the adviser, as he she also calls meetings of the staff.

2. Associate Editor

The associate editor edits the articles in cooperation with the chief editor. Also, he/she
may be delegated to write editorials of the organ. He prepares assignments of section
editors in consultation with the chief editor. Further, he/she cooperates in the
preparation of the layout of the paper and paging of the same with the chief editor and
the managing editor.

3. Managing Editor

Acting as the hand of the board, the managing editor brings articles to the press for
typesetting. As such, he/she also checks articles for typographical errors. He/she
prepares the layout of the paper and paging of the same in consultation with the chief
editor. Finally, he/she proofreads galley proofs before these are finally approved by the
chief editor, then by the adviser for printing.

4 Circulation Manager

As the nomenclature suggests, he/she is assigned n ensuring the release and

distribution of the paper. He/She also guarantees the smooth flow of the passing of
articles from reporters to section editors. He/She is assigned to oversee the flow of
processes in crafting the paper.

5. Section Editors

a. News Editor Assigned as the reporter to cover events relevant to the school
activities., he/she writes news articles on assignment from the chief editor or through
his/her own initiative in consultation with the latter However, his/her primordial job is to
edit all news articles submitted by the writers preparatory to submission of the same to
the chief editor then to the adviser.

b. Filipino Editor. This is an optional staff function or position; nonetheless, his/her prime
job is to write the editorial of the Filipino section. He/She also edits all articles
preparatory to submission of the same to the Filipino adviser, for final editing and for
publication. Sometimes, he/she causes the submission of all Filipino articles properly
and timely. He/She may likewise act as a liaison officer between the Filipino staff and
the chief editor.

c. Feature Editor. The feature editor gives out assignments to feature writers. He/She
then receives and edits feature articles preparatory to the submission of the same to the
chief editor. Sometimes, he/she writes regular articles or column.

d. Exchange Editor. For beginning school paper system, this is an optional function.
Sometimes, the functions of the exchange editor are accomplished by the circulation
manager. Nevertheless, the exchange editor makes up a list of school papers sent by
other schools. He/She is designated to mail copies of own paper to these schools as
he/she also files their papers on a bulletin board or display them on a newspaper rack.
He/She, too, keeps files of school information, such as class lists and lists of homeroom
advisers, faculty and staff members.

e. Layout Section Editors. They are assigned to cause the assignment of the school's
official photographer to take pictures on school's activities for the month of for a
specified time. They prepare pictorial articles of the organ in consultation with the
managing editor and chief editor. Sometimes, their job is to write the captions of
pictures utilized by the paper in cooperation with the chief editor.

f. Layout Artists. They take charge of designing and formatting of all pages in the paper.
As such, they label or properly identify all pictures made available for publication. It is
suggested that they write using pencil at the back of every picture of the event to which
a particular picture refers. They likewise help in the preparation of the layout of pictorial
stories and make illustrations for feature articles.
6. The Reporters. The life of the contents depends on the skills of the reporters. They
secure the cold and raw facts of an assigned event and write articles out of the same.
Moreover, they receive assignments from the section editors or board of editors and
then accomplish the same properly and timely.

The Publication's Policies

A well-edited paper needs definite policies which may pertain to what it may print or to
what the staff may conduct. Such policies may be posted on the conspicuous places
like the bulletin boards in the staff room or they may be printed and distributed to the
staff.

Policies are brief statements of the paper's platform or are sometimes printed under the
masthead, as in the following examples:

To support all school projects and to give only constructive criticism of some projects

To maintain a high standard of sportsmanship by avoiding personal enmity and jealousy

both within and outside the school

To refrain from publishing articles which convey wrong impressions against the school,
and

To avoid unkind personal jokes, criticisms and caricatures

Understanding News

News is difficult to define because it has many variables, but one needs to
determine what is newsworthy when deciding what to write about for his or her story
assignments.

Try to process this. News must be factual, yet not all facts are news. A news item is
based on actual occurrences, situations, thoughts and ideas, yet not all facts arc news

For instance, a dog bites a typical man. This is not a news for many, but when a typical
man bites a dog, this may be newsworthy to some. Here, the logical nature of news may
be drawn, such that, the taste of news depends on the interest of and impact to the
reader.

To attain a wide array of perspectives and meanings about news, the definitions of
news according to Philippine journalism authors are surveyed and are listed below.
 According to Soriano et al. (2012), a news is any oral or written report of an event
that happened, is happening, will happen in the North, East, West and South (NEWS)
that is of interest to the reader and which should be reported. From Soriano's definition,
three primary considerations in defining news drawn. First, news reported through
airwaves and in written form Second, ny can become news, whether the event is
already done, is being done, or shall still be conducted. Third, the news considers the
interest of the reader in accepting the impact of the neWS, that is, a news for somebody
may not be a news to another person.

Malinao (2008) also attempted to define news by pointing out that news is
basically about an event, deal or a reaction that is presented factually and simply in
written form to give the reader an idea of what is silently happening around him or her,
particularly on matters of interest to the community.

This lengthy definition by Malinao (2008) gives the notion that news may include
or encompass any topic including a speech or a simple feedback. Moreover, it stresses
that news is generally written and is based on facts.

Another perspective about news is given by Estrada and Singh (1987). Though
the date of publication may seem to be antiquated for some, for the purpose of racing
the perspective, the definition is included. Estrada and Singh opined, News is a timely
factual report of events, ideas or situations interesting or significant to people. Others
define it as literature in a hurry"

Estrada and Singh's definition gives an added perspective on time elements

Literature in a hurry therefore means that news should be publicized at its freshness. It
means that the life span of a news may be so short that it expires right away and that it
can be buried when new angles of the news or topic are broadcast.

Additional viewpoint is also written by Puig and Flores (2005). They posited that
news is any information that is significant to a particular set of readers. Simply put, they
qualified news according to its relevance and interest of the readers.

Another pair of Filipino journalist writers, Soriano and Henson (1999), provides a
seemingly technical definition of news. They inscribed that news is a reportage of
accurate facts, events and ideas that interest a large number of readers Anything that is
refreshed or regenerated is also news Here, the definition looks into the newness of
idea that responds to the interest of the readers The definition marries the idea of
immediacy and interest, ergo, the newer the angle of the story, the more interesting it is
to the readers.
 Lastly Pangilinan (2012) provides another definition which goes, "news is
information that has a meaning for a set of readers ". Hence, the bases of all news are
facts, interest and renders.

From all the definitions above, news Can be coined by stating that it is a timely
reportage of events regardless of time and manner, which are grounded on facts. It
considers nearness, importance, impact and interest to the public.

News in School Papers

With the concept of news in mind, a student journalist should remember that
anything that concerns the school, its students, the teachers, including the parents is
newsworthy. News in school may include worthwhile or extraordinary acts of students
like:

opening of a new college, inauguration of the new building, stories of success convicts
or suspense, school convocations and other programs, interviews of visiting
personalities, merging of two colleges, increasing tuition and other fees, new grading
system and the like.

Characteristics of a Good News

One can gauge the worthiness of a news by some qualities that emanate from
the subject's nature and functions. The characteristics that are discussed below become
one's yardstick to determine whether an issue is worth publishing or broadcasting In
such sense, when a student writer has a limited space for a news, he/she tries to weigh
the importance of the news that will occupy a space in the paper by enumerating8 the
attributes of news that are present in both stories. Hence, the more attributes or
characteristics a story has, the more effective it is to become catchy, interesting and
worth reading...the more it becomes appealing to the readers.

1. Timeliness or Immediacy

This characteristic of a news item underscores the newest angle of the story. For
instance, the changing of the grading system which was announced yesterday is more
appealing to a student other than the Christmas party last December. I should be noted.
too. that the more recent the event, the more appealing it is to the reader.

2. Conflict

The physical and mental struggles of persons are also newsworthy. In campus context,
competitions like oratorical contests and quiz bees are newsworthy due to the mental
conflicts present Sports events during intramurals or foundation days are newsworthy,
too. as they have physical conflicts.
3. Proximity or Nearness

Although proximity primarily refers to geographical location, it likewise means the

nearness of interest and appeal. In the context of writing news in the campus or school
for student for students in Batanes what is happening to Batanes State Collage will be
of more interest to them than to what is happening to Western Mindanao State
University. The imposition of "no cellphone policy" in Batanes State College will interest
the Batanes' readers more than the zero tuition scheme of Aklan Dtate University, so to
speak.

4. Accuracy

Journalism is anchored on facts. News writing is a journalistic skill. Therefore, the

contents should be accurately reported. Accuracy primarily refers to the factualness of
news as purveyor of truth.

5. Significance

If something is important to the reader, surely he/she will read the news. Hence,
a writer should survey whatever is significant to the life of the target Leaders and write
about it. When news is important to him/her, the news bears a high degree of
significance, thus, newsworthy and worth reading. In the campus setting. topics that are
highly significant include new rules imposed by the administration or the student
government, amendments to policies, upcoming big events, results of scholarship
screening and the like.

6. Prominence and Names

The world is unfair," so the adage goes. In this light, there are persons more popular
than others. Popular names can effectuate situations and their acts may be more
interesting to others. Hence, news about these persons can yield a high degree of
newsworthiness, thus becoming more readable than other news. For campus papers,
prominent personalities include the president of the student body, the principal, the
student who won in a national competition and the like.

7. Drama

Since news is also anchored on public interest, writers should bank on any story
that can lead the writers to crying or to laughing Such story is packed with color, thus,
subjects are moving In this way, the news becomes appealing to the readers For
instance, you write a story of the student leader who manages to graduate as magna
cum laude despite his five-year term as the College Student Government President.
8. Oddity or Unusualness

Sociology can explain why oddity is a good element of news. A theory explains that
when persons are curious about a phenomenon deviating format natural course, they
will be interested in such a topic or issue, hence, that topic becomes newsworthy.
Looking into the campus situation, one may write about a forty-year-old student who has
just graduated; he has just finished his fifth bachelor's degree in your college. This
unusual situation may be so intriguing as regards the student's purpose, therefore,
becoming more newsworthy to the readers.

9. Romance and Adventure

Love makes the world go round," so a song says. Hence, stories about love Including
adventure, may ignite the taste of the reading public. 1This 1s also the reason why
showbiz news continuously boom

10. Progress

Attaining breakthroughs and achieving scientific discoveries are given much attention by
the readers. This attribute of the news gives a high degree of shock and a sense of
development in the society where the persons live. Looking into a school situation,
progress may be in the form a newly constructed building and newly donated Iaboratory
equipment from alumni abroad.

11. Numbers

For persuasion, statistics or figures have the power to shake the conviction of the
audience. This is why members yield a very strong impact on the readers. However, the
figures that one should write should be worth appreciating. For instance, the Alumni
Association donated one computer set last January, while the Parent Teachers
Association donated 57 computer sets to the school The latter yields a higher degree of
newsworthiness than the former. It is not safe to say, however, that the higher the
figure, the higher is its newsworthiness. Say, your school has performed in the National
Achievement Test 50% lower than last year's data. This is a figure lower than the usual
and yet bears a high degree of interest.

Types of News Stories

Here are the following types of news stories according to their classifications

1. According to Chronology or Sequence

a. Spot News. As the term suggests, this is a news story that gathers information as it is
broadcast at the same time. Hence, it is unscheduled and demands immediate
publication. In many instances, the reporter becomes the first hand witness to the
activity or subject taking place. For instance, a student journalist happens to be standing
at the gate when a jeepney bumps an education student. He writes the story and
publishes it in the weekly newsletter of the college.

b. Coverage News. Many interchange spot news and coverage news. Though both of
them are good avenues for firsthand information, the difference between the two is that
coverage news is written based on the given assignment to the reporter or news writer
The assignment is sometimes called beat It means that the writer knows what to wite
about. For example, the chief editor wants to publish what transpires in the academic
meeting, so he assigns, Jessica, a writer to cover the meeting. Jessica knows what she
shall write about and shall be concentrated only on the meeting, thus, her beat

C. Advance News. When a writer crafts news about an upcoming event, say meeting de
advance of running student leaders, change of opening of classes for the next academic
year and an announcement of new uniforms to take effect next semester, he/she
actually writes an advance news. In advance stories, writer’s skills in creating many new
perspectives on a subject are tested so as to create climax when the event happens.
Sometimes, sense stories are created with one or two reporters guarding the newest
angles of the event or situation.

d. Follow-up News. While advance news is predictive, follow-up news looks into the
upshot to an event or situation. For instance, a reporter wrote a news about the
imposition of the new uniform effective this semester, then in the next issue he shall
write on the ideas and comments of the students about the new uniform, or the
problems they now meet.

2. According to Range and Reach

a. Local News: This is a news item. The subject of which happens in one's Own
community where the paper originates. For instance, The Builders, the official student
organ of Batanes State College, covers the installation of the underground electrification
system in the province; the news is said to be a local news since it is about the province
itself.

b. National News: Countrywide news is called national news. It is determined when the
news impacts the people of a certain country. Most national news is published in the
dailies.

c. Foreign News: All news items which trace their origin from outside the boarders of the
country are called foreign news. Some foreign news articles also create impact to
typical locals due to their domino effect like the oil price hike in the world market.
d. Dateline News: An out-of-town news story. This news is introduced by a dateline
which states the place from which the story was reported, the date, and the source of
the material if not written by the local staff.

3. According to Construction

a. Straight News. The first paragraph answers the most important W (what, where,
when, why, who) depending on which of the W's is the most prominent among them. Its
body paragraphs consist of the elaboration on the W's and the H. It is written using the
inverted triangle structure.

Example:

Thirty-four barangay officials are now more familiar with the ins and outs of good
governance after undergoing various activities during the capability building seminar
and training at Communiy Outreach Center on February I8, 2014. (Presentation of Hho)
Magapit The participants coming from barangays Sta. Maria, and Paranum were
lectured on the rules of parliamentary procedure Dy Proj. Edmond A. Usal, CA dean;
Katarungang Pambarangay Law by Mr Sherwood Gayodan, CA faculty; Internet literacy
through Mrs. Mary Jane B. Habon; and preparation of Memorandum of Agreement and
minutes of meeting by Prof. Gemma R. Pascual, CTE faculty.

(Elaboration of Who)

After the discussion, the participants were given like demonstrating parliamentary
procedures and making an actual Memorandum of Agreement. (Additional information
about what the "who" did) workshops

Meanwhile, in her welcome remarks, Dr Leonita P Garcia, underscored the need for
cooperation among the barangay officials and the campus administration to materialize
the goals of the institution.

(Least information about another "who)

b. News Feature. This special type of news should not be confused with the feature
articles (features). News feature is sometimes called special features and printed in the
features sections of the newspapers or in the magazines. Human interest and news-
feature stories are classified as news since both are gathered and written daily by
reporters as their regular assignments. Furthermore, both emphasize the elements of
timeliness or immediacy which distinguish news from other types of reading, although
they differ in important respects from the straight news story.
Example:

Love is in the air, indeed, in the Batanes State College as cut outs of hearts are in a riot
of multicolored lights and decors hung upon everywhere and every way. However, the
"Feb-ibig" celebration reached its climax when the traditional promenade participated in
by students, teachers, parents, community and even barangay members was
conducted at the Aquino Grandstand, February 14. To make the occasion more
symbolic and relevant, students also had a "hearts ' lantern parade" capped with
ballroom dances. (1) Single-Feature or One-Incident Story. It may be an account of a
speech, an interview, an election, that deals with an isolated event. In writing a news-
feature story with this kind of structure, include the one-feature in the lead. Add in the
body details which clarify and explain the lead. See that the story breaks logically at
every paragraph and that the story may be cut if lengthened as space dictates (2) The
Several-Feature, Multiple-Angle or Composite Story. In a composite story, two or more
divergent aspects of a news topic are drawn together for the sake of space and
coherence. In structure, the composite story may resemble that of a follow-up story in
that both of them aim to consolidate component thevdifier in the sense that...

c. Fact Story

this is plain exposition of a simple situation of a series of closely related events which
conform to the inverted triangle design more closely than any other and of news. The
component parts are the series of facts that may be likened to rectangles of diminishing
length arranged one after the other in order of their importance.

The key to proper arrangement consists solely in judging the relative value of the data
at hand and in grouping them in their respective order.

Example:

The campus student population this semester totals to 1,814. That marks 11.63%
increase as compared to 1603 total head count during the semester last year:

This was the statement of Mr Leslie A. Panaligan, campus registrar when the Innovator
staff inquired about the student headcount of the campus. The registrar said that
campus population has been dramatically increasing for the past years based on the
data recorded in his office.....

d. Action Story

This is a narrative involving not merely simple facts but dramatic actions- incidents,
description of persons, perhaps testimonies of witness, as well as explanatory data.
In reading this kind of story, first write a summarizing lead in any appropriate form.
Relate the most important details in narrative or chronological form. Tell the story again
by giving more details. But be careful not to begin the chronological order just after
beginning. Give sufficient attention to the elaboration of important information,
background and interpretation. Each unit must be closely interlocked.

Example:

Mobilizing its destructive forces built into an empire fortifying its impenetrable
stronghold, the AB Political Science-Agriculture Team, known as Mighty As, wreaked
havoc frightening and sending its foes to their knees to capture the trophy for the over-
all champion in sports for this year intramurals.

After the three grueling days that started September 21, mighty As rallied its way to
victory with a comfortable lead after amassing a total of 66 gold. Trailing far behind was
Fearless Technocrats with 54 gold. Followed by the once-formidable Titans of the
College of Education as third placer having hauled only 51 gold; landing on the fourth
are the Memory Makers of HIM. The winning team dominated other competing teams in
softball, baseball, athletics, badminton, and sepak takraw and was adjudged Most
Disciplined Team and Best in Booth.

e. Speech, Report, Quote, and Interview Stories

The arrangements of a speech report, a quote story and of an interview are to great
extent similar. The quote story may be charted as alternating large and small rectangles
of diminishing size: summary, quote, summary, quote, summary arrangement. The
quotations may be direct, indirect, or a combination of both.

In writing this kind of story, the following suggestions may be helpful:

1. Write a summarizing lead in any appropriate form.

2.Write the body of the story in a summary-quote-summary arrangement.

3. The lead may be a summarizing statement - the gist of the speech statement, letter,
or interview, or it may be the most important quotation in the story written as direct
quote.

Example: Quote Story

"A little pain, a life to gain.

This was the statement of Mr Joeffrey Usabal, one of those who attended the
Bloodletting activity held at Aladino M. Dupaya Sr Gymnasium, Centro, Lal-lo, Cagayan,
August 4. "It was a very noble undertaking and I am very happy to be a part of it. That
single pain I Jelt is truly nothing when I compare the effect...

Example: Speech Report Story

am deeply honored to receive,this resolution of commendation.. but I know, Ijust did this
for the betterment of the campus." This is the statement of Dr. Perfecto V Vivit, campus
executive officer of CSU Lal-lo, after receiving a resolution of commendation from the
municipality of Calayan for his full commitment and immediate approval in the cacao
partnership project of the Cacao Growers Cooperative and the campus According to Mr
Tito Maquiraya, one of the councilors of the municipality of Calayan, their town is very
grateful for the approval if the project since most of the members of the cooperative
come from

Calayan. Moreover, a large number of cacao seedlings will come from their municipaliy
which contributes in the promotion of the town s production

"Hindi lang yan, isang malaking garantiya kasi ang binigay ng campus ninyo, of course,
sa pangunguna ni Dr Vivit, kaya talagang sukdulan ang pasasalamat ng aming bayan."
Mr Maquiraya added Asked about his main objective of approving the project, Dr ivi said
that it was just practical Jor the campus to make good production rate and the project
was a large key "In fact, this is a win-win project, we help then, they help us. The
production that we will get from the project will surely be very useful to elevate quality
education and to improve learning facilities", Vivit disclosed.

Source Ferdinand Bulusan November 2013

Minor News Forms

a News Brief. This is a short item of news interest, written like a brief, telegraphic
message. It gives mainly the result with few details.

D. News Bulletin. It is similar to the lead of a straight news story. Its aim is just to give
the gist of the news.

C. News Featurette. This is a short news feature usually used a filler, say, quirks in the
news.

d. Sidebar. It is a news item or a feature placed side by side its mother story to which it
is related but under a headline of its own.
e. Flash. This is a message giving first brief news of an event. It is usually boxed.

Sources of News

One should bear in mind that facts are the main foundations of news articles.

Hence, a writer or a journalist must have a high sense of smelling ability to newsworthy
issues. This special ability is dubbed as "nose for news" in journalism parlance. To be
able to do so, a journalist must know the avenues where he can gather data for his
news articles.

1. Beat. The beat is the stable assignment of the reporter. For instance, in a school
setting, the chief editor or the adviser is 1ientitying assignments for the writers. Jane, a
news writer is assigned to gather news from the student body. Jane's beat is the student
council only; thus, what she concentrates on is only issues about the student body.
Being confined to only one assignment, the reporter achieves a sense of time
management and a chance to get through all the perspectives of the news. This will
also diminish hodgepodge ideas of the writer, especially. a student journalist.

2. Written and Printed Documents. A good journalist is resourceful in looking for

newsworthy 1ssues. One of his/her sets of sources includes public documents either
electronically or physically posted. For example, if he/she is gathering data for the newly
imposed rules on wearing the prescribed Uniform, he/she may look into the minutes of
the meeting or the resolution where such rules are inscribed.

3. Observation. This may be done through a keen empirical observation. It exists as a

writer bears witness using the physical senses to what is happening in the local
communities. In the context of school paper, a writer must be wary of the places and
goings-on in the campus. These may be activities that are not visible to the eyes of the
many.

4.Tips from Co-writers, Teachers and Students

5. Gantt Chart of Schedule or Calendar of Activities

6. Interviewing Key Informants. This is the gathering of information on a person-to-

person basis, straight from the experts or any resource person as a Credible source.

More Sources of News

The internet has increased the available number of news sources. Audiences can go to
general news sites covering broad topic areas.

1. Blogs. They represent another source of news, free from traditional economic,
corporate, political, or advertising considerations. There are blogs devoted to all sorts of
topics. Blogs offer alternative points of view to traditional media. Blogs provide an
additional outlet for reporters to explain why they reported a story in the way they did.

2. Citizen Journalism. In citizen journalism, ordinary citizens become amateur reporters.

This trend is facilitated by digital and cell phone video cameras and high speed Internet
access. Traditional news media encourage citizen journalism, and many media outlets
ask audience members to submit photos and video clips. Citizen journalism is popular
with the mainstream news media in part because it is free content, but it also empowers
the audience.

3. Hyperlocal News. This is a news referring to news coverage for a very small
community. It can be a single Zip Code or interest group in a defined geographic area.
Most hyperlocal news appears on web sites. Publishers of hyperlocal news hope that
the extremely local focus and the coverage of topics ignored by the traditional media will
draw in people who generally do not consume news. Twitter and Facebook have
examples of hyperlocal news, and visitors can find news of interest to them and their
close circle of friends.

Rules of Thumb in News Gathering

A Writer must not only have the nose for news, but also considers the guidelines in
gathering data. Ramirez (2009) has published some of these rules of thumb in data
gathering for news writing.

1. See for yourself. Nothing is more vivid when one sees the event right before Own
eyes. Becoming the first-hand witness, other than gathering through hearsay, keeps the
spontaneity of ideas of the writer.

2. Find the person who knows. The writer should go directly to the person who is
considered as the key participant of the issue. Such a person may give the writer a
sense of confidence that what he/she will write is taken from the statements and ideas
of the persons, rather than surmising the ideas, effects and impacts of an issue. Further,
this act champions objectivity, thus diminishing bias.

3. Compare all versions. A writer must not rely solely on one version. As discussed in
the previous chapter, one should set myriads of perspectives, so as to limit the holes of
biases. Moreover, feel free to question inconsistencies and ensure the veracity of each
statement or information.

4. Be tactful and courteous. A writer is respectful of time. Hence, he should focus only
on the data needed. He should avoid spending the time of the interviewee on futile
topics. Courtesy is likewise seen in acts and words of the writer who gathers data. More
often than not, saying thank you is a good gesture to pay the interviewee the bother fee
incurred.

5. Make and keep friends. Dependable informants are most valued assets, especially
when a writer is assigned in a single beat throughout the academic year. When needed,
give them favorable mention in your stories. Never break their trust in the name of
having a good scoop of the news.

6.Print it. This rule of thumb reminds a writer or a journalist that unpublished news is
wasted. The fact that one has gathered data, the news is now considered a newsworthy
item.

Handling Interview in News Gathering

The interview is the bedrock of information gathering in news writing. It is defined as the
process of "dyadic, relational communication, with a predetermined and Serious
purpose designed to interchange behavior involving the asking and answering of
questions (Soriano and Henson, 1995). Sounds brain-cracking? Simply put, the
Interview is purpose-driven. Its main aim is to exchange ideas through question and
answer style. Hence, the interviewer is the person who asks questions, while the
interviewee is the person who gives the answers. Let us study the key points in such
definition to bull's eye the meaning.

1. Dyadic denotes that the interview is a person-to-person interaction between two

parties.

2. Relational strongly suggests an interpersonal connection between the interview

parties

3. Predetermined and serious purpose means that at least one of the two parties comes
to the interview with a goal and has planned the interview to focus on specific subject
matter

4. Interchanging behavior connotes sharing of expectations, roles, feelings and

information.

5. Asking and answering questions (taken as a single process) is crucial to the

interviewing process; questions serve as tools to obtain information. Stages in Interview

Here are some steps in conducting an interview using the formula known as the GOSS,
developed by Rue de Guilleland.
1. Know your Goal or purpose.

2. Present Obstacle encountered.

3. Offer Solutions to these obstacles.

4. Start writing the interview story.

Steps in Conducting the Interview

1. Define the purpose

2. Conduct a background research of the topic you are assigned to.

3. Set an interview appointment.

4. Make preliminary planning by listing down possible questions. there are six questions
beginning with five Ws and one H. However, be sure to ask specific who, another who,
one more who and final who. For instance, you are interviewing the principal of your
school regarding the Brigada Eskwela conducted last May. You may ask as many WHO
questions as you wish like:

i. Who was the proponent of the program?

ii. Who were the benefactors?

iii. Who were the participants

iv. Who else attended the activity?

v. Who may be benefitted by the program?

This technique should be practiced by a good data gathered for a news article so that
he/she may accumulate basketfuls of data. In such a way, he/she may dominant
subjectivity; subsequently, he/she presents many perspectives as he/she can.

5. Meet the interviewee.

6. Get down to business. Ask the first question.

7. Establish early rapport, that is, from formal to less formal.

8. Tackle the nmore sensitive topic with respect and tactfulness.

9. Express some recovery statements.

10. Leave a thank you note.

Structure of News

Since this book is intended for novice writers and those who are skeptical yet
whether or not to join the publication, the structure of news discussed below is the basic
news structure. For advanced reporting, there are more types of news structure
Newspaper articles are written using the inverted triangle format. Most journalism
experts agree to use triangle not pyramid. The inverted pyramid format is three-
dimensional that is referring to special cases of developmental communication and....

Using the inverted triangle structure, a writer bears in mind that the most
important information is at the top (beginning of article) and the least important
information 1s at the bottom (end of article). With this format, the story or the news
article will have tie ability to undergo cutoff test (removing last section(s) without
distorting its gist. of story to quickly shorten story),

Reasons for the Inverted Triangle Structure

The inverted triangle is used in news Writing because it makes reading easier
and faster. It also enables the hurried reader to get all the important facts in a very short
period of time. Say, as he reads the first three paragraphs, he knows already the gist of
the news.

Parts of the News

Newspaper articles require a style of writing different from what is used when
writing a story. This was discussed in the previous chapter of this book. Also, never
delete in your mind the image of an inverted triangle when writing a news article. For
purposes of iteration, the opening statement or paragraph bears the most important
information. This one-sentence-one-paragraph is called the lead. For you to understand
better, here is a typical skeleton of a newspaper article containing the five basic parts.

1. Headline. This is a short, attention-getting statement about the event. It capsulizes

the first paragraph

2. Byline. This indicates the name of the writer or writers of the news article.

3. Lead Paragraph. This contains the major who, what, when, where, why and how in it.
A writer must find answers to the major five W's and one H. However, he should choose
the answers that bear the most significant elements to avoid overcrowding the
paragraph.
4. Major details. After the lead paragraph is written, the writer will now decide to weave
the major details into paragraphs. Take note, still, that for beginners, the use of one-
sentence-equivalent-to-one-paragraph rule should be suricty followed. The writer should
still observe coherence of ideas.

5. Minor Details. Should there be more space in the paper, the least important details
may he written. This will give the editor a wider perspective of the news, that he/she
may paraphrase or inject some of them in the major details

The Lead

As iterated, the lead is the story's opening sentence or two. Previously, it was In
a feature discussed that straight news, tells the most important facts of the story. article
or news feature, the lead could be a word, a phrase, a sentence or a paragraph that
attracts and sustains the reader's interest. It is a rule of thumb that the lead in a news
story, particularly in straight news, need not be too long. As the popular adage says, "A
lead should be like a miniskirt, short enough to be attractive, but long enough to cover
the essentials." However, how long is long? How short is short? American researches
suggest that for an average reader, one sentence or paragraph should contain 17 to 35
words for him/her to comprehend at once the message of the sentence. The lesser
words in a sentence, the higher its comprehensibility.

Major Classifications of Lead

1. Summary lead. It answers the five W's and one H (What, Who, Where, When, Why
and How). As iterated, the story is presented using the inverted triangle form where the
most important data are in the first and the second paragraphs.

This is used in the straight news. As the nomenclature suggests, it summarizes only the
MOST important five W's and H.

2. The Grammatical-Beginning Lead. This classification of lead paragraphs still gives

emphasis on the logical importance of the major details; however, it is also equally
concerned with its grammatical structure. There is an avenue to break the monotony of
summary or conventional lead paragraphs.

3 Unorthodox lead or novelty lead.t is best used to attract the reader's attention, to
arouse his/her curiosity and t0 sustain his/her interest. It is used in writing news feature
or a feature article.

Kinds of Summary Lead

AS Stated earlier, the summary lead uses the 5 W's and one H as bases for starting
such a lead. The position of the W's and H is determined by their degree of importance
In discussing the kinds of summary lead, the details in the box are used. At the
Commission on Higher Education Central Office yesterday, the Board of Trustees of the
Batanes State College approved the new grading system which will take effect next
semester.

1. What lead. This is applied if the most important angle of the news is the event per se.

Example:

The new grading system in Batanes State College will be imposed next semester after
the Board of Trustees approved the resolution at the Commission on Higher Education
Central Office yesterday.

2. Who lead. This type of lead is used if the most important angle of the news is the
person involved, thus, more significant than the event.

Example:

The members of the Board of Trustees of the Batanes State College approved
yesterday the new grading system at the Commission on Higher Education Central
Office.

3. Where lead. If the location where the event takes place is more significant than the
other aspects of the news, then this kind of lead is best applied.

Example:

At the Commission on Higher Education Central Office yesterday, the Board of Trustees
of the Batanes State College approved the new grading system which will take effect
next semester.

4. When lead. This type of lead is seldom used since this is only applicable when the
time element is more important than the other angles of the story. Nonetheless, it
Suggests urgency and immediacy.

Example:

Yesterday at the Commission on Higher Education Central Office. the Board of Trustees
of the Batanes State College approved the new grading system which will take effect
next semester.

5. why lead. If the cause of the event is the most effective angle of the sloy, this type of
lead is best suited.

Example:
To Cope with the standards of ASEAN integration the Board of Trustees of the Bataned
State College approved yesterday the new grading system which will take effect next
semester.

6.How lead. If the process or the manner of how the event happened 15 most important
among the other angles of the news, the how lead is used.

Example:

Througha 7-5 vote the members of the Board of Trustees of the Batanes State College
approved the new grading system at the Commission on Higher Education Central
Office yesterday.

Kinds of Grammatical-Beginning Lead

There are times when the lead is introduced by a kind of grammatical form which is
usually a phrase or a clause used to emphasize a feature. Here, the important W's are
found in the main clause, not in the introductory or subordinate clause which is just a
modifying feature. Again, it breaks the monotony of summary lead in a newspaper. It
may also denote that the story belongs to soft news.

1. Prepositional Phrase Lead. A phrase is introduced by a preposition.

Example:

With the power of resolution numbered 37 approved by the members of the Board of
Trustees of the Batangas State College yesterday, the new grading system of the
College will take effect next semester.

2. Infinitive Phrase Lead. As the name suggests, it starts with the preposition "to" plus
the main verb.

Example:

To meet the demands of the ASEAN integration, the members of the Board Trustees of
the Batangas State College approved the new grading system at theCommission on
Higher Education Central Office yesterday.

3. Participial Phrase Lead. This lead is signaled by the presence of the present or past
participle of the verb, acting as a modifier.

Example

Recording a 7-5 margin-vote, the members of the Board of Trustees of the Batangas
State College approved the new grading system at the Commission on Higer Education
Central Ofice yesterday. (Present Participle)
Armed with the desire to synchronize the standards of the ASEAN integration, the
members of the Board of Trustees of the Batangas State College approved the new
grading system at the Commission on Higher Education Central Office yesterday: (Past
Participle)

4. Gerundial Phrase Lead. This lead is introduced by a gerund. It is a verbal ending in -

ing, which acts as a noun. Many beginning writers interchange the present participial
lead to gerundial lead. Remember, the former acts as a modifier, while the latter acts as
a noun.

Example:

Synchronizing with the standards of ASEAN integration was the primordial aim of the
members of the Board of Trustees in approving yesterday the new grading system of
Batangas State College.

5. Clause Lead. This lead commences with a clause, which may become either an
independent or subordinate, or may transform as either a noun or an adjectival or
adverbial clause

Example:

Because there is a ranked so synchronize it the standards of ASEAN integration, the

members of the Board of Trustees of the Batangas State College approved the new
grading system at the Commission on Higher Education Central Office yesterday

(Subordinate, adverbial)

Kinds of Novelty Lead

When writing news features, a writer should remember that the article should still have a
soft touch of feature writing. Thus, his/her article should be written in such a way that it
arrests the reader’s attention. These leads may also carry out a definite purpose.

1. Narrative lead. It draws the reader into the story by allowing him/her to relate Himself/
herself with the character of the story.

Example:

The fifth of June 2015, Herodes Barabas, 34, experienced the longest one hour in his
life as he sat on a swivel chair in front gf his eight interviewers at Aklan State University.
It was an entrance interview of the long queue of applicants mustering their patience in
waiting for instructor I position.
2. Descriptive lead. Effective in writing personality sketches, travelogue and t like, this
lead illustrates a mental picture of the subject to the reader. A writer m be adept in
creating mental images through the play of the language to satisfy the readers in using
this technique.

Example:

If Palawan were a class record, it must have received a near) perfect grade
weighted average for the unending praises of tourists coming in to experience its
breathtaking grandeur. Who would not drop his jaw when he sees the evidence of God's
dexterous hand that crafted the seascapes and landscapes of Palawan? Add on the list
the cerulean waves that unendingly race towards the stony foot of the island. And if
hoarding is legal, one must have put in a tank the cool and pristine breeze. Indeed,
when God said in Genesis "it is good" He must be looking at the northernmost island in
the Philippines - Palawan.

3. Quoted Statement Lead. It is a statement uttered by well-known personality or

celebrity. Usually, in school setting, when student journalists want to highlight the
message of the guest speaker, they use this type of lead.

Example:

"You have to spread your wings and ly!"

This was emphasized by Dr. Malou H. Wang. the guest of honor and commencement
speaker of Mindanao State College last April 5 at the auditorium".

4. Question lead. It is a thought-provoking question to capture the interest of the reader

and lead them tó find the answer provided by the succeeding details of the article.

Example:

When was the last time you told your mother you loved her? Maria Mantis, 35, wishes
she could tell her a thousand times how much she loves her now, but her mother is
already heedless inside her coffin.

5. Teaser. Generally short, crisp and witty, this is a device to deceive the reader in a
jesting manner as it arouses his Curiosity and gently leads him into the story Often,
riddles are used, and they do not give the readers any clue on the nature of the story.
They are mostly suggestive and humorous.

Example:

Which comes first. the he or the egs? Well, egg could not be made possible without the
hen. But where does the hen come from?
6. Punch lead. It is short, striking one-sentence lea

Example:

Hungry farmers in Kidapawan were asking for food, but the enforcers of the law fed
them with bullets

7. Astonisher lead. This lead aims to give the reader a strong sense of emotional value.
Thus, it primarily uses an exclamatory sentence

Example:

Unbeatable, indeed!

After grabbing the Intramural crown from the Green Aggies team three years ago, the
Blue Titans (team) has sustained its supremacy as it sent all its foes kneeling before its
royalty throne. The awarding ceremonies happened at the Cagayan State University -
Lal-lo Gymnasium on August 12, 2015, the last day of the three-day clash.

8.One- word lead. It uses a very significant word to capture or arouse the interest of the
reader.

Example:

Boom!

Residents in Basco, Batanes seemingly ran to nowhere when a restaurant situated in

Kayhuvokan exploded on April 1, 2016 around 9:15 in the morning.

9. Parody lead. It consists of a parody of a well-known quotation, song, poem, book or

movie film title.

Example:

"There was never an us!"

This familiar line from a movie of Sarah Geronimo was the exact statement of Ms. Sug
Poe to Mr. Cheap Ezcuderow yesterday when asked if there was a time when both
agreed to share stocks in the top performing Paquino Airline Company.

10. Background lead. It describes an event in which the background overshadows the
individuals who participate in it; often, it uses stories about carnivals, festivals dances
and others.

Example:
With the glittering and shimmering bantings along the skimpy raads, as if throng of
rainbows came to visit the town of Gattaran, Cagayan to celebrate with its 30h
Agsalukag Festival on April 13, 2016.

11. Freak lead. In order to enhance its appeal and to easily catch the attention of the
reader, this kind of unique lead uses typographical effects.

Example:

Wanted: Loyal Filipino Teachers

This is the appeal of the Commission on Higher Education yesterday, amidst the
exodus of many Filipino teachers abroad.

12. Contrast lead. It is used to point out opposites and extremes.

Example:

Last year, she campaigned for Maygun Yang as the president of the student body.
Today, Maria Malou Wang, the head of Students Performing Arts, takes the lead in
calling for Yang's resignation.

13. Staccato lead. Primarily rooted from musical parlance, this term suggests a lead that
consists of a series of words and phrases, punctuated by periods, commas or dashes.

Example:

Neglected. Denuded. Abused. Abandoned. This is the real picture of our forest today.

Reasons for Using Novelty Lead

1. To enhance the readability of the newspaper

2. To arouse the reader's interest

3. To add vigor and color to writing

4. To challenge the ability of the writer

Rules of Thumb in Lead Writing

1. Make sure the lead includes the most important of the five W's and H, particularly the
"*who" (person or thing), (did) what and when. For a story about a report, never begin
with the statement "A report was issued by..."
2. The lead should be simple, brief, compact, vigorous and attractive; it should not inject
too much information. In general, keep the lead to 17-35 words. Try letting others read
your lead. When he cannot grasp the meaning at once, consider revising it.

3. Facts first: Do not start with WHEN or WHERE, unless such information weighs the
heaviest importance.

4. Consider your subject matter. Not all news articles are treated light as well as
serious. However, bear in mind that all news articles should be forceful. A writer once
opined that in making the lead forceful, the main verb should be embedded within the
first six words. Try doing it.

5. Keep it up-to-date. Use the correct tense. If in doubt, consult a grammar book or
bring with you a pocketbook of grammar rules. Remember, being accurate and being
correct are foundations of journalism.

6. Your lead should not carry your gratuitous opinion. To avoid this, indicate the person
or the source from whom such opinionated statement came from.

7. Practice avoiding to begin the lead with the time, day or date, or place. Better focus
on the action, the "who or what".

8. Cut off non-essential details. News writing or news reporting is straight to the point.
Hence, do not begin with an empty, say-nothing expression or a generality that fails to
distinguish this news from other news: There were. In a report released today...
According to.

9. Practice makes perfect," so the saying goes. Soon, you will enter the threshold of
skilled writers; so, avoid using a form of the verb to be in the lead, if possible. Use an
action verb, instead. Action verbs are more forceful, more vigorous than verbs to be.