Terminology
The heavy, bold text at the top of an article that tells the reader what the story is about.
Headline
Information given to a reporter that can be used for background knowledge but cannot be directly quoted or attributed to the source.
Off The Record
The "W" question that identifies the people, groups, or organizations involved in a story.
Who?
This Daily Planet photojournalist uses his day job to stay close to breaking news—and secretly moonlights as Superman.
Clark Kent
This type of in-depth, long-term reporting aims to uncover hidden truths, corruption, or corporate wrongdoing.
Investigative journalism
A short line of text under a photograph that describes the image and names the photographer.
Caption
Legal protections, often established by state "shield laws," that allow journalists to protect the identities of these individuals.
Anonymous (Confidential)
The "W" question that establishes the location or setting of an event.
Where
In the animated series SpongeBob SquarePants, Johnny Elaine holds this job for Bikini Bottom News.
News Anchor
An unsigned article that reflects the official, collective opinion of the newspaper’s editorial board.
Editorial
The line at the beginning of an article that names the writer of the story
Byline (Signature, Author)
The term for publishing a false statement that damages a person's reputation.
Libel (Defamation, slander)
The "W" question that provides the timeline, date, or specific moment an event occurred.
When?
This sharp-witted Daily Planet investigative reporter is Superman's primary romantic interest and colleague.
Lois Lane
A brief news story that provides a quick overview of an event immediately after it happens.
Breaking News
A short, one-sentence summary or teaser placed between the headline and the article text.
The traditional shape used to structure a news story, placing the most important facts at the top and the least important at the bottom.
Inverted pyramid
The "W" question that explains the core action, conflict, or topic of the article.
What
The reason Peter Parker is able to get perfect, action-packed action shots of Spider-Man for the newspaper.
Takes Them Himself
Sensationalized or intentionally misleading digital headlines designed purely to get users to open an article
Clickbait
The very first paragraph of a news story, designed to hook the reader and deliver the most essential details.
Lead (introduction)
The practice of using someone else's written words, ideas, or reporting without giving them proper credit or attribution.
Plagiarism
The "H" question that explains the process, mechanisms, or steps of how an event unfolded.
How?
This sharp-witted television reporter for Channel 6 News is the human best friend and ally of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles.
April O'Neil
The practice of telling a news story using an audio-focused, episodic format distributed over the internet.
Podcast