Lecture on Campus Journalism

Presented by Mr. Noel M. Bacani

Natividad High School
Among the different sections of a
newspaper, the sports page perhaps has
the widest range of readership. Survey
shows that 95% of male readers read the
sports page. This is because sports stories
are more interesting to read due to the
action and rivalries of opposing teams
which are vividly and colorfully written.

The rivalry between schools and

intramurals teams brings thrill and
excitement to the student readers.

Sports writing is livelier because the

writer deals with physical motion and
action. The use of strong words/ action
words and the vivid description of the
skirmishes between opponents that
carries the readers to the exact place and
Know the rules of the game
Develop the ability to detect the strength
and weaknesses of the team
Know coaches and players
Be an accurate observer
Take notes quickly without losing the
sequence of the play
Be fair and unbiased
Use the specialized language of the game
(sports lingo)
Be original as possible
1. Coverage Story – this is a report on
the outcome of the game, how it was
played including the highlight/s.

2. Advance Story

Straight News – presents the facts of the

coming event, the line-ups and list of
competing teams.
 
 Background Story – a sports feature informing the readers
what lies behind the coming event, its significance, teams
previous records, strategies and personalities.
 
Titleholder La Salle (4-1) collides today with title-hungry
Ateneo (3-2) in a game predicted to be a cliffhanger and
bursting with emotions.
 
Prediction Story – makes a fearless forecast based on
logical analysis of information. The story is based on
research, observation of practices and interviews with
players and coachers.

If last year’s performance and this year’s workouts

translate into action, MHS Dribblers are on their way to
their fourth consecutive congressional championship title,
according to Mr. Ponce Y. Martin, coach.
Sports stories follow the structure of
straight news, that is, the inverted
pyramid structure – this means that the
facts are presented from the most
important to the least important.
However, sports news is different in the
sense that if uses a special vocabulary
which throbs with action. Creating and
imagination are employed in describing
action.

At present, featurized treatment of

sports news is becoming (increasingly)
popular. Unconventional or novelty leads
such as staccato, quotation, question,
The traditional sports lead consists
of the 5Ws and 1H. it may play up
any of the following:

1. Significance of the game

2. Spectacular play
3. Hero of the game
4. Unusual circumstances
5. Human interest