I can understand and apply the inverted pyramid structure. I can incorporate the 5Ws and H into my own story. I can appropriately judge facts and news. I can craft a first draft of a “feature” story.

 Discuss

 Remember, you are to try to get ½ to ¾ page of writing.  Prompt: What would happen if you could fly whenever you wanted? When would you use this ability?

 We have talked about...  Your code of ethics  Credible, valuable, and newsworthy sources/information  Tips and tricks of a great interview

 Structure-inverted pyramid  Putting the most important facts at the beginning of a story.  What is the most important information?  5W and H  Who, what, when, where, why, and how

 Even when creating/writing a story we use the same tools to decide if the story should make the cut.  This is important because news is all about filling a limited amount of space with unlimited news.  Even after the story is written, often times it is trimmed due to spacing.

 Pretend you are all reporters working for different media within the same town (all of which will run the following scenario).  Your editor has just heard on the police scanner that there has been a serious automobile accident downtown. She sends you to the address.  You get to talk to the police at the scene….  Take the information you learned to write a lead ( your introduction).

The first draft could go something like this… An 84-year-old Polish man who lived in Rome died yesterday after a long decline and a brief illness. The revision would go more like… Pope John Paul II, the third longest serving pontiff in history, has died at the age of 84. The facts are the same; however, use the most important and specific information.

 You might have something like… A man died during the morning rush hour after he lost control of his car and plowed into a lamp pole at a busy downtown corner. Police at the scene of a major accident said they believe Stephen Koerner suffered a seizure causing him to press down on his car's accelerator pedal. He was alone in the car.

 You get back to the office and find out…  Stephen Koerner was a well-known businessman who once served a term as mayor.  How would your lead change?

Former mayor Stephen Koerner was killed during this morning’s rush hour in a single-vehicle accident downtown. Police said they believe Koerner, who was alone in the car, suffered a seizure before his car plowed into a lamp pole.

 What if you didn’t know he had been mayor, but had learned from police that this was the third consecutive day that someone had been killed at that intersection… How would your lead change?

A man died during the morning rush hour after he lost control of his car and plowed into a lamp pole at the corner of 100th Street and 100th Avenue downtown — the third fatality in as many days at the busy intersection.

 You now know all facts discussed are true. You have to use judgment to determine which one was the most important and how to place them appropriately in the story. Example: Former city mayor Stephen Koerner died this morning after his car plowed into a lamp standard at the corner of 100th Street and 100th Avenue downtown — the third fatality in as many days at the busy intersection.

Up so before you start (or finish) your story... Keep in mind these things:  What is it about these facts that makes them news?  What are the Five Ws and the H in this story?

 Going to the lab…  Finish up your interview and then write your story.  I will be looking for:  Interview questions/answers  How you incorporated the info into the story