Types of News and Writing
Soft news
News stories that are entertaining or human-interest based, like celebrity updates or lifestyle pieces.
Copyright
Legal protection of creative works, preventing others from using them without permission.
Lede
The opening sentence or paragraph of a news story, summarizing its most important points.
Magazine
A publication, typically issued weekly or monthly, containing articles, photos, and advertisements.
Extra points!
Hard news
Serious, fact-based news about events like politics, crime, or disasters.
Libel
A written false statement that damages someone's reputation.
Inverted pyramid
A writing style that puts the most critical information at the beginning of the story.
Podcast
An audio program, often episodic, that covers various topics and is available for download or streaming.
Investigative reporting
In-depth journalism that uncovers hidden facts, often about corruption or wrongdoing.
Feature writing
In-depth storytelling focused on people, events, or trends, often with a narrative style
Invasion of privacy
Intruding into someone's personal life without permission.
Placeline
The location mentioned at the start of a news story to indicate where it was reported.
B-roll
Supplemental video footage used in news or documentaries to support the main story.
On-the-record
Information a source provides that can be quoted and attributed to them.
Editorial
An article expressing the opinions of the publication or its editors.
Biased
Showing unfair favoritism toward one side of an issue.
Byline
The name of the author of the article, typically found under the headline.
Copy editor
A person who reviews and edits written material for grammar, style, and accuracy.
Off-the-record
Information a source shares but doesn’t allow to be published or attributed.
Op-ed
An opinion piece written by someone not affiliated with the publication’s editorial staff.
Unbiased
Remaining fair and neutral without favoring any side.
Headline
The title of a news article, designed to grab attention.
Prior review and restraint
When authorities review material before publication to censor or approve it.
Journalism
The profession of gathering, assessing, and presenting news and information to the public.