AP STYLE
True or false: The use of Oxford commas are permitted in AP style writing
False; oxford commas are not used in AP style
True or false: Artificial intelligence can be used to write articles.
False; artificial intelligence should never be used to write an article unless it's making a point about artificial intelligence
True or false: When interviewing a subject a reporter must state that they are a journalist
True; this provides transparency between the journalist and the person they are interviewing
Name one thing that is essential to a journalist that is on everyone's phones.
Camera, Google Docs, note app, audio recording app, etc...
Why can't a minor's name be released in an article?
Due to California law, law enforcement cannot reveal the name of any suspects or victims that are minors.
What numbers should always be spelled out, according to AP style?
One through nine
True or false: It's OK to take photos and videos while on private property.
FALSE; unless given permission, assume you cannot take photos or videos while on private property
True or false: A reporter should always get an audio or video recording of a subject giving specific, verbal consent that they can be recorded.
True; this ensures that the subject is fully aware that they are being recorded and a recording always helps a journalist when writing an article
When a DSLR is not available, what is the next best device to use when trying to capture video?
YOUR PHONE
What is the number one priority when at a breaking news scene?
YOUR SAFETY
What should the lede of a standard news article always include?
The essential who, what, where, why and when of the story; in certain features, opinion pieces and so on, this rule can be forgone
True or false: If a person explicitly states they want something off the record or on background, you should oblige their request.
True; there are times that this rule can be bent, but only in extreme cases
What are the three questions a reporter should always ask/state before starting an interview?
1. May I ask you a few questions?
2. May I record the interview (audio and/or video0?
3. Are you aware that anything stated while on the record can be used in an article? If so, do you consent to this?
In photography and videography, what is the rule of thirds?
Splitting up the camera view into three equal parts; this helps with placing the subject of a photo or video on the left, middle or right third
True or false: Information gathered from a citizen journalism page or a scanner can be used in an article.
FALSE; Only information from a credited source, such as law enforcement can be used.
True or false: The longer a headline the better
FALSE: the shorter and more succinct the better.
How often should you attribute information from a source?
As often as possible; it's better to over attribute than under attribute.
When getting reaction videos on a topic, what is the number one guideline when trying to remain unbiased?
Try to find perspectives from both sides.
What are the three primary components of a news video?
B-roll, voiceover and soundbites
If you see a large crowd or police presence while walking somewhere, what should you do?
Investigate; if you have questions about what's going on, that means readers will too
After first reference, a person should be referred to by their first or last name in an article?
By their last
Name one thing you should ask event organizers before you report on it.
1. Notify them that you will be attending
2. Ask if you can take photos.
3. Ask if you can take videos.
True or false: Asking leading questions is OK.
NO; it's better to craft questions that are open ended.
What should a cutline always include?
The who, what, where, why and when of what's happening in the photo
When looking for media for a music, TV show or film-related article, who should you contact?
Related marketing companies, production companies, or ask your editor-in-chief.