FROM CAMPUS JOURNALISM BOOK NEWS The Lead The lead is the storys opening sentence or two.

In straight news, it tells the most important facts of the story. In feature article or news feature, it coud be a word, a phrase, a sentence or a paragraph that attracts and sustain the readers interest. Lead in a news story, particularly in straight news, needs not be too long. As a popular adage about it says, A lead should be like a miniskirt, short enough to be attractive, but long enough to cover the essentials. Classification of Lead 1. Summary lead. It answers the five Ws and one H (What, Who, Where, When, Why and How). The story is presented using the inverted pyramid form where the most important data are in the first and second paragraph. This is used in the straight news. 2. Novelty lead. It attracts the readers attention, arouse his curiousity and sustain his interest. It is used in writing a news feature or a feature article (see page 75-77 for more examples) Kinds of Summary Lead 1. What lead used if the most important angle of the news is the event Example: Landslides and floods brought by heavy monsoon rains in Southern Luzon have killed at least five people, as soldiers on rubber boats rushed food and relief supplies to nearly 200,000 affected residents, officials said yesterday. 2. Who lead used if the most important angle of the news is the person involved is more significant than the event Example: Mayor Lito Atienza yesterday has urged Manilenos to put up colorful Christmas decors to promote Manila as destination for best shopping bargains. 3. Where lead used if the location where the event take place is more significant than the other aspects of the news Example: General Santos City, the Tuna Capital of the Philippines will host this years 4th Mindanao Information Communication Technology Congress on October 22-29, 2005. 4. When lead seldom used lead because this is only used if the time element is more important than the other angles of the story Example: February 14, 2006 is the deadline for the submission of the nomination forms of the Metrobank Foundation Search for Outstanding Teachers. 5. Why lead used if the cause of the event is the most effective angle of the story Example: To bring the services of the government at the doorstep of its constituents, the Sangguniang Panlungsod of General Santos City yesterday launched the City Hall sa Barangay. 6. How lead used if the process or the manner of how the event happen is more important than the other angles of the news Example: By installing more closed circuit cameras in Manila malls, sending out guards with dogs and setting up checkpoints police acted on the warning of the senior officials of a possible

terrorists major attack in the capital following a ferry bombing in Zamboanga City that killed 30 people on Monday. Kinds of Novelty Lead 1. Narrative lead. It draws the reader into the story by allowing him to relate himself with the character of the story. Example: December 1999. With the Y2K scare and end-of-the-millenium jitters hovering in the air, I found myself in a bookstore for some last minute shopping. I was looking for the abridged versions of the classics Heidi and the Secret Garden to give to my nieces when I saw a vaguely familiar title on the shelves: The Lady or The Tiger and Other Stories. As I traced the embossed title with my right index finger, a particular memory flooded my consciousness. 2. Descriptive lead. It illustrates a mental picture of the subject to the reader. This is effective in writing a personality sketch. Example: The night fell as we descended from the summit of Mount Makiling. Darkness covered the mountain. The cicadas were sending us off with their choir. While walking, we couldnt stop imagining the possible appearance of Maria Makiling who, according to legend, is the goddess of this mountain. We were expecting her along the trail or under the trees in her white dress, as we remembered Rizal describing her fabled beauty in one of his books. The goddess disappointed us, however. 3. Quotation lead. This statement uttered by well-known person or celebrity. Example: You stole the presidency, not only once but twice. Shouted Susan Roces, widow of Fernando Poe, Jr., during a gathering of the opposition, denouncing President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyos alleged vote rigging during the 2004 election. 4. Question lead. A thought-provoking question to capture the interest of the reader and lead them to find the answer provided by the succeeding details of the article. Example: When was the last time I told my father I loved him? I wish I could tell him a thousand times how much I love him now but he is already heedless inside his coffin. 5. Teaser. A device to deceive the reader in a jesting manner to arouse his curiosity and gently lead him into the story. It is generally short, crisp and witty. Riddles are often used and they do not give the readers any clue on the nature of the story. They are mostly suggestive and humorous. Example: Which comes first, the hen or the egg? Well, egg could not be made possible without the hen. But where does the hen come from? 6. Punch lead. It is short, striking one-sentence lead Example: Hungry farmers are selling not only their carabaos, but also their children. 7. Astonisher lead. It uses an exclamatory sentence. Example: NSPC 2005 Champion! Bold red letters printed on a three-meter long streamer was hung over the gate of Irineo L. Santiago National High School of Metro Dadiangas when the 2003 issue of their school paper, Ang Metrian, won as overall Best School Paper (Bracket AFilipino/Secondary) during the National Schools Press Conference (NSPC) held at Cebu City on February 24-27, 2003 8. One word lead. It uses a very significant word to capture or arouse the interest of the reader.

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Example: BANG! Sprinters from the different divisions of Region XII zoomed like bullets to the finishing line in a 100-meter dash during the Cotabato Regional Athletic Association (CRAA) Meet, held at Antonio C. Acharon Sports and Development Center, Calumpang, General Santos City on April 1-5, 2005 Parody lead. It consists of a parody of a well-known quotation, song, poem, book or movie film title. Example You only live once, but if you live it right, once is enough. This familiar adage proved true to Charlito Colendrez, a priest who died while rescuing his parishioners at the height of flooding in Infanta town in Quezon last year for he was posthumously awarded for his godly bravery. Background lead. It describes an event in which the background overshadows the individuals who participate in it; often use of stories about carnivals, festivals, dances and others. Example: It was like the school was put in a time machine and was led back to the past, when teachers and students who participated in the culmination program of the Buwan ng Wika, gathered in front of the four-story building garbed in old Filipiniana costumes. Freak lead. This kind of unique lead uses typographical effects to enhance its appeal. Example: Wanted: Filipino doctors and nurses This is the appeal of several government-owned hospitals, which face closure due to the exodus of many Filipino doctors and nurses abroad. Contrast lead. It is used to point up opposites and extremes. Example: Four years ago, she fought for the installation of Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo as president of the Philippines throught EDSA II Revolution. Today, former President Corazon Cojuangco Aquino is calling for GMAs resignation. Staccato lead. This usually consists of a series of words and phrases, punctuated by periods, commas or dashes. Example: Neglected. Denuded. Abused. And abandoned. This is the real picture of our forest today.

Reasons for Using Novelty Lead 1. To enhance the readability of the newspaper. 2. To arouse the readers interest. 3. To add vigor and color to writing. 4. To challenge the ability of the writer.

Editorial Writing Alito L. Malinao in his book, Journalism for Filipinos, quoted M. Lyle Spencer as he defines editorial as an expression of fact and opinion in concise, logical, pleasing order for the sake of entertaining, or influencing opinion, or policies in such a way that its importance to the average reader will be clear.

Editorial articles appeal to the intellect. It helps the reader to sift, digest, interpret, evaluate event or issue and propels him to action. For emphasis, unusually important and sensational are removed from the editorial page and printed on front page, which customarily reserved for news. As newspapers opinion or stand on timely issues, it must be written objectively. Both sides of the issue should be deeply understood before deciding which side to take and fight for. It should not be written only to give opinion, but most of all, to look for evidence to bolster this opinion. Opinion laden with facts is aimed to effectively convince the readers to side with the newspapers principles and move to action. Like in writing new stories, a writer must seek the same level of accuracy of opinion pieces by doing a lot of interviews and research. Keith Woods, a Poynter ethics faculty member, said an informed responsible opinion pays attention to facts. The consequence of being wrong can be much more profound than a regular news story because youve judged a person or issue. Erin Kane, a student writer who won a Quill and Scroll International Writing Award for her editorial about apathy among younger voters for The Catalyst, the student newsmagazine of Wheeler High School, in Marietta, Ga., added that making judgments about a problematic issue does little if the author doesnt offer an alternative. Dont just complain because people get sick of that. Give a solution or something you would like to see happen. Editorial writer expresses group opinion rather than his own. The staff should decide its position on a particular issue. This is the reason why editorial has no byline, because it represents the opinion or stand of the staff and not the individual. Qualities of an Editorial 1. Interesting 2. Clear and effective reasoning and has the power to influence the readers opinion. 3. Factual and contains information to support the side it chooses to take. 4. Concise. Sources of Editorial Topics 1. News. An editorial that is pegged to current event will more likely be read and have an effect. 2. Research. Wide reading, gathering of factual data to back up opinion mulling over the material must precede the writing. 3. Special occasions. Kinds of Editorial 1. Editorial of information. It presents only the information about a particular issue. 2. Editorial of interpretation. Though it also gives information, its principal aim is to interpret or analyze the event, situation or issue to present the facts in a more meaningful and enlightening perspective to the reader. 3. Editorial argumentation. It also gives information and interprets action. Its difference, however, lies on the fact that it takes a stand on controversial issue and gives it reasons in a logical way to convince reader to side with the newspaper principles. 4. Editorial of criticism. It is similar to editorial of argumentation, but this editorial tries to present both sides of the issue or the pros and cons of the situation, though the newspaper has its own side of the issue. 5. Editorial of persuasion. It aims to persuade readers to support a program or plan of action by enumerating the advantages that could be gained. It also contains a plead for action.

6. Editorial of commendation. It usually commends, praises or pays tribute for the successes, achievements of public figures like heroes, leaders and other celebrities. 7. Editorial of celebrating special occasion. It highlights the significance of celebrating special occasions like Independence day, All Saints day, Christmas and New year. Tips on How to Write Editorial 1. Know the issue very well. 2. Make sure that it does not go against any fixed policy of the paper. 3. Be sure that the topic is of interest to the reader. Prefer current and controversial issue. 4. Limit your article to only one aspect of your chosen subject. 5. Have a purpose well in mind. 6. Gather sufficient data. 7. Take a stand on controversial issue. 8. Use sound and logical reasoning. 9. Be brief. 10. Write catchy and interesting introduction composes of the news peg and the reaction. 11. Give significant and factual details to bolter your opinion. 12. Use formal language in presenting opinion. 13. Give statistics, if possible. 14. When giving an argument, start from the most significant. 15. Be authoritative, but do not preach. 16. Be impersonal, Use the third person we instead of I except in direct quotation. 17. Use various devices to catch and keep the readers interest, such as: a. A striking title, which may arouse the readers curiosity or suggest the topic b. A good introduction composed of the news peg and the reaction c. Illustration in the form of brief narrative. d. Attribution of authority to support your facts and arguments e. Analogy f. Comparison and contrast 18. Tie up your ending with that of the beginning paragraph by suggesting solution, posing a challenging question, making forecast of outcomes or just a simple summary Parts of Editorial 1. Title Example: Erroneous textbooks: a bitter pill to our ailing education 2. Introduction. It contains the issue or new peg and the reaction. The newspaper stand should be established immediately in the beginning paragraph by giving its reaction to the issue or situation otherwise the article is not an editorial but an essay. An introduction comes in different forms like a thought provoking question, a quotation relevant to the subject, a striking statement or narration of the event. Example: The expose made by Dr. Antonio Calipjo-Go, an academic supervisor in a private Marian School in Quezon City, that some of the textbooks used by students are erroneous, create a gigantic tremor that rocks our academe. 3. Body. It presents the factual details to bolster the opinion or principle of the newspaper on the given issue. Arguments here are arranged from the most significant to the least significant ones. Example:

In Asya: Noon, Ngayon at sa Hinaharap, a 316-page textbook used by the seond year high school students in Araling Panlipunan, Dr. Calipjo-Go has discovered that it contains 431 errors. As expected, those in the godly seats of our educational system vehemently denied the findings of Dr. Calipjo-Go. Even the author of the said book threatened to file a case against the professor, whose only mistake is his undying concern of saving our educational system from dooming by bravely coming out and expose the tip of the iceberg of errors of these widely used textbooks. After thorough evaluation, however, the Department of Education has found that indeed, Dr. Calipjo-Go is right. Several textbooks used not only in the public schools, but also in the private schools are erroneous. Nobody can deny that textbooks are the holy bibles of the students. Majority of those in the public schools are so dependent on the facts and figures supplied by these books. If they are fed by erroneous information, these will be implanted into their mind forever. The same will be handed down to others unless by chance along the way toward higher educational pursuit , they will come across with the right information that will invalidate and correct whatever erroneous information that they have learned from the past. These textbooks stained with errors are but bitter pills that entangle our youth in the sty of ignorant. These negate the objective of the government of providing quality education to us, students. 4. Conclusion. It presents a solution, plea, advice, command, thought provoking question, forecast possible effects and quotation relevant to the subject or just a summary. Example: The authors, as well as the concerned authorities, who are tasked to evaluate these books are guilty of thwarting facts and injecting the wrong medication into the minds of the students. They should be given the dose of their own medicine.

SPORTS WRITING Sports page is one of the most read section of the newspaper because it is filled with action and emotion of players who are idolized by sports enthusiasts. Scope of Sports Articles Sports page is not only confined on sports news, it also contains other kinds of articles like features, editorial, editorial columns and editorial cartoon and others. Qualities of Sports News 1. Basically, it answers the five Ws and one H (What, Who, Where, When, Why and How). 2. It primarily describes the most thrilling and eventful part of the game. 3. It uses more colorful words, adjectives, figures of speech, local color and longer sentences, which are not commonly used in straight news. 4. It uses special vocabulary called sports lingo.

Kinds of Sports News 1. Advance News. It gives advance information in the coming event. The following are the expected contents of the advance news: a. Significance of the game b. Historical background of the game or event c. Players and coaches d. Physical and mental qualities of the athletes e. Strengths and weaknesses of each player and team based on their previous competitions. f. Venue of the event. g. Noteworthy event that could be included in the news h. Weather that could affect the game i. Expected viewers j. Statement of the coaches and athletes 2. Coverage Story. An on the spot news of an actual game or event. It contains important reports like the following: a. Outcome the winner, score of both teams or opponents, draw suspension of the game due to chaos and others. b. Significance of the outcome the prize or the chance to move to the higher level of competition like the championship game c. Spectacular parts of the game how the winner outsmarted the loser, see-sawing scores and last minute play d. Comparison of the strength and weakness of the athletes of both teams e. Star player f. Weather g. Audience/viewers 3. Follow-up sports story. It summarizes the activities of the team. It also analyzes the recently concluded game like a player, who was injured and the psychological aspects of the players, chaos on the technicality, statistics and its significance. 4. News based on the records. It is based on the data gathered from authorities or officials of the game. It could also be a summary of different events almost simultaneously played in an athletic meet. Three Ways of Writing the Sports News Lead Like in the ordinary news, writing the lead in the sports news should be based on angling. Meaning, the writer should look for the best angle of the game to play up in the lead so the readers will be drawn to read the sports article. Below are the three ways of writing the lead in sports news: 1. Key play. This is usually used when the best angle of the sports event through the collective effort of all the members of the winning team. Example: Metrian Spikers blasted the defenseless Bula Netters in the volleyball championship game. 2-0 (25-13 and 25-17), during the Zone III Athletic Association Meet at Mindanao State University, General Santos City on October 28, 2005. 2. Key player. When one or two of the members of the team seem to standout of the rest of the players that caused the team to win the game, their heroic deed is the best angle to start a sports news. Example: Mark Cornet Terrante grabbed the limelight when his do-or-die three-pointer shot dove ringless with less than five seconds remaining to lead Lagao National High School to its thrilling

victory, 60-59, against Buayan National High School in a basketball exhibition game yesterday at Oval Plaza, General Santos City. 3. Analytical way. This is used when the team employs a very spectacular strategy or action that brings them to victory. Example: Banking on nerve-breaking wallops, deadly spikes and tricky placing, Irineo L. Santiago National High School Spikers dethroned Lagao National High School Netters in the crucial third set of their volleyball championship game, 3.0 (25-18, 25-22 and 25-19), in the Division Athletic Association Meet at Antonio Acharon Sports Complex, Calumpang, General Santos City on December 25, 2005. Suggested Ways to Gather Data on Sports News A. Before the Game 1. Know the rules of the game. 2. Know key people coaches, trainers, players and their weight, height, and position in the team, experience and others 3. List down their names in full and check the spelling. 4. If possible, attend practice session. 5. Jot down quotes, anecdotes and other events, which can be included in the sports news. 6. Interview key persons who are involved in the game. B. During the Actual Game 1. Be at the venue ahead of time. 2. Look for a good working place where you can closely witness the game. 3. Note interesting events before the game. 4. Observe closely and list down the following: a. the most thrilling part of the game b. unexpected event like a neophyte who perform excellently c. humorous event d. audiences reactions e. celebrities or prominent people who witness the game f. statement of the players, coaches and the audience C. After the Game a. Check the accuracy of the score from the officials b. Interview star player or coach of the winning team. Coach and athlete of the losing team can also be interviewed. c. Note audience or viewers reactions Qualities of a Good Sports Writer 1. Must be a sports enthusiast 2. Must know the basic rules, strategies, team and players or team records 3. Ability to take note quickly without missing the important sequence of the play 4. Must be fair in reporting even if he has a favorite team or player. 5. Must observe accuracy in presenting facts. 6. Has wide knowledge on sports lingo. Tips on Writing the Sports News 1. Write the story immediately after the event. 2. Be accurate not only with score but also in all other highlights of the game. 3. Include human interest like the personal background of the player. 4. Inject humorous event when needed.

5. 6. 7. 8. 9.

Follow the inverted pyramid structure in presenting the data. Support data with opinion. Be original. Use sports lingo but do not overdo it. Be selective and pick out only from the multitude of details, the ones that count and can tickle the interest of the readers.

Structure of Sports News Coverage 1. The Lead. It summarizes or analyzes the event by giving the significance, the winner, the hero, the score, the place and time and date when the event happens. It immediately answers the five Ws and one H. Example: Henry Balbon grabbed the limelight as he took his do-or-die three-pointer shot with five seconds left to carry the Labangal National High School thrilling victory against Irineo L. Santiago National High School in a basketball exhibition game, 65-64, during the Educators Week celebration at the Oval Plaza Gym, General Santos City on September 30, 2005. Novelty lead can also be used in writing sports news, but the seconda paragraph should answer the five Ws and one H. Example: Who says that height is might in basketball? Henry Balbon, 54 cager of Labangal National High School slammed them wrong when he grabbed the limelight with his do-or-die three-pointer shot with five seconds left to carry the Labagal National High School thrilling victory against Irineo L. Santiago National High School in a basketball exhibition game, 65-64, during the Educators Week Celebration at the Oval Plaza, General Santos City on September 30, 2005. 2. The Body. It contains the plya-by-play account of the game like the following: a. The most crucial part of the game b. Star player c. Writers record of the background of athletes and coaches d. Observation of the number and reactions of the audience or viewers and the weather condition e. Celebrities who witness the game Example: Watched by a throng of sports enthusiasts with no less than General Santos City Mayor Pedro B. Acharon, Jr., both teams started slowly as they both ran in the maze of turnovers in the opening salvo. Labangal Nationa High School blasted a 10-run with less than two minutes left to seal the lead, 28-27 as the buzzer sounded in their whirlwind game. In the second half, ISNHS heated the arena when they zoomed a dizzying 8-2 run choking and leaving LabNHS gasping for breathe, 59-51. GO! GO! METRIANS! shouted thousands of euphoric students of ISNHS. But their euphoria boiled down, when two-timer GenSan Mayor cup MVP Balbon got his momentum and fired three successive bulls eye three-pointer shots to turn the score upside down, 60-59. Pedro Mejia, switched on the adrelin of his camp by carrying ISNHS on that crucial moment and tying the game at 62-all with 10 seconds left. Noel Udalve fished out a foul from beleaguered Glenn Bisnar with seven seconds left and hardened ISNHS lead, 64-62. But LabNHS hero Balbon shook off the cobwebs and took his do-or-die three-pointer shot that shattered the rivals hope of bringing the crown, 65-64.

3. Conclusion. It usually contains quotes from players and coaches, statistics and team standing. Example: They are excellent players, too. Perhaps, we are just lucky to win this game, said Balbon, the star of the game. The scores: LabNHS (65) Balbon 25, Bisnar 16, Leysa 14, Foyunan 6, Martinex 4, Sarmiento 0, Mission 0, Barte 0, Agustin 0 INNHS (64) Mejia 22, Udalve 15, Rosios 13, Samilin 8, Espregante 6, Avila 0, Samplidan 0, Yumang 0, Vera 0, Sunggay 0 Assembling all the above given examples of the different parts of the sports news coverage, the article will run like this: Henry Balbon grabbed the limelight as he took his do-or-die three-pointer shot with five seconds left to carry the Labangal National High School thrilling victory against Irineo L. Santiago National High School in a basketball exhibition game, 65-64, during the Educators Week celebration at the Oval Plaza Gym, General Santos City on September 30, 2005. Watched by a throng of sports enthusiasts with no less than General Santos City Mayor Pedro B. Acharon, Jr., both teams started slowly as they both ran in the maze of turnovers in the opening salvo. Labangal Nationa High School blasted a 10-run with less than two minutes left to seal the lead, 28-27 as the buzzer sounded in their whirlwind game. In the second half, ISNHS heated the arena when they zoomed a dizzying 8-2 run choking and leaving LabNHS gasping for breathe, 59-51. GO! GO! METRIANS! shouted thousands of euphoric students of ISNHS. But their euphoria boiled down, when two-timer GenSan Mayor cup MVP Balbon got his momentum and fired three successive bulls eye three-pointer shots to turn the score upside down, 60-59. Pedro Mejia, switched on the adrelin of his camp by carrying ISNHS on that crucial moment and tying the game at 62-all with 10 seconds left. Noel Udalve fished out a foul from beleaguered Glenn Bisnar with seven seconds left and hardened ISNHS lead, 64-62. But LabNHS hero Balbon shook off the cobwebs and took his do-or-die three-pointer shot that shattered the rivals hope of bringing the crown, 65-64. They are excellent players, too. Perhaps, we are just lucky to win this game, said Balbon, the star of the game. The scores: LabNHS (65) Balbon 25, Bisnar 16, Leysa 14, Foyunan 6, Martinex 4, Sarmiento 0, Mission 0, Barte 0, Agustin 0 INNHS (64) Mejia 22, Udalve 15, Rosios 13, Samilin 8, Espregante 6, Avila 0, Samplidan 0, Yumang 0, Vera 0, Sunggay 0