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MODULE 1 ( ELE 140)

Lesson 1 : LINKING JOUNALISM AND THE CAMPUS PAPER

Specific Objectives:

 Identify the tenets of journalism;

 Name the functions and duties of tne press;

 Compare and contrast journalism and literature;

 Explain freedom of the press; and

 Critic the strengths and weaknesses of select articles.

1.1 Scope and Nature of Journalism

Before getting into the skills of writing journalistic articles, anyone must
have a fixed understanding of the scope of modern day journalism. Huge as it is,
journalism is everywhere, just as media takes an integral part in all of our lives.
Where there is media, journalism exists.

As a field, that is worth working, journalism is one of the most prestigious

careers one can get today. The tools of communication and technology are
television, the printed media, and radio. The internet is a more recent addition to
this list. Many students are getting attracted to this field nowadays because a
career in journalism can be challenging as well as highly rewarding.

Journalism is concerned, primarily, with the collection and dissemination

of news through the print media as well as the electronic media. This involves
various areas of work like reporting, writing, editing, photocopying, broadcasting
or cable casting news item. It covers the printed media that comes in the form of
broadsheets, tabloids, newsletters, and magazines.

As regards to its etymology, journalism comes from the Latin word diurnal.
Which means daily. That is why there is the word journal—a daily register of
one’s activities. Hence, Journalism is a communication of day-to-day information,
whether newspapers, magazines, televisions, radios, and internet.

Newspapers are the oldest and most traditional format for the inclusion
of journalism. They are regularly scheduled publications containing news of
current events, informative articles, diverse features, and advertising. Indeed,
newspapers originally started life as “journals”, from which the word “journalism is
derived. During the 19th century, American journalists relied on sensational
stories that were used to excite or anger the public, rather than to inform them.
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This form of journalism became known as “yellow” journalism. Accurate and fact-
based reporting became popular again around the time of World war II, when the
restrained style of writing gained resurgence.
Newspapers played a large role in the development of freedom of
expression. Inside sources with the ability to “leak” stories to the press often
choose newspapers first over any other medium due to the perceived willingness
of their editors to expose corruption and lies among otherwise respected
institutions.

Magazines, on the other hand, are publications containing a variety of

articles that are generally published on a regular schedule, whether it be weekly,
monthly or quarterly. The usually take a much more relaxed format than
newspapers, with a more informal style to their writing. They are also usually
focused on a particular subject or area of interest, whereas as newspaper articles
can cover almost any topic. First published magazine in 1731 in London, The
Gentleman’s Magazine is considered the first general-interest magazine. Its
editor. Edward Cave (who wrote under the pseudonym “Sylvanus Urban), as one
of the very firsts to use the term “magazine”.

Television news journalism, including radio, is known as news

broadcasting and is produced locally in a newsroom or by a broadcast network. It
sometimes also includes such additional material as sports coverage, weather
forecasts, traffic reports, commentary, and other material that the broadcaster
considers relevant to the intended audience. Most major television channels offer
regular news broadcasts throughout the day.

Internet communication have excelled in the last decade or so, of

course, taking the way news is published with it. There are now an
unaccountable digitized number of reputable and not-so-reputable sources of
information on the internet. Everything from the digitized versions of the very
newspapers that headed up the first print media movements hundreds of years
ago, to independent bloggers reporting their own stories from the comfort of their
own laptops. Because of this, opinions are much easier to come by, and users
can seek out the same story from multiple sources to get more of a balanced view
more than they ever could in the past.

1.2 Journalism versus Literature

All journalistic ventures are grounded on facts, on truth, and on actuality.
Redundant as it may, facts are the foundation od all the ambits of journalism.
Journalism and literature are both forms of writing, consumed by the
public and relative style. They may be guided by the st rues. Literature is based
on the wandering imagination of a writer. It is categorized into rose and poetry.
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Journalism, on the other hand, has main genres that include news, editorial , and
features. Journalistic genres follow the strict method of dividing ideas through
paragraphs while literature has a variety of forms and styles.
For instance, Jonas, a writer, wishes to come up with a story about
ghosts. He now starts imagining the appearance of the ghosts and creates a plot
which includes the conflict, the climax, and the resolution of the conflict. Jonas is
writing a literary piece.
Marla, on the other hand, also write about ghosts. However, before she
strts writing about them, she interviews persons who have allegedly seen them.
The appearance of ghosts, including the persons’ beliefs about them, is written
into an entertaining way, Hence, the output is packed with facts.
In this case, Jonas writes a literature, a short story in particular while
Marla does a feature story, a journalistic article. Jonas writes based on his
imagination while Marla writes based on facts.

1.3 Tenets of Journalism

Going into the road of journalism, it entails not only knowledge but also
responsibilities. Hence, their journalists are bound by strict guidelines.
Journalists have rights, but they must bear on shoulders the duties to serve the
interest of the public.
1. Responsibility. Journalists should always be aware of their
obligations to their readers to write the truth whatever it costs. For this
reason journalists must be brave enough to defend facts and the truth
behind the news. In this sense, the journalists’ main responsibility is to
be the transmitter of veracity in any issue, and that they are liable not
to the company but to the public.
2. Freedom of the Press. As a basic right, freedom of the press should
be safeguarded by the people of media. In this case, any topic under
the sweltering heat of the sun may be written so long as there nis no
infraction to the existing laws of the land.
3. Independence. Putting forward the life of one or two persons by
slashing the welfare of the general public is a clear violation of the
tenet. It, therefore, means that the services of a journalist should be
committed to the interest of the general public and not driven by the
interest of money called “envelopmental journalism.”
4. Objectivity, Truthfulness, and Accuracy. Checking the veracity of
data and information before they are published is an example of being
accurate and truthful. Since facts are the solid foundation of
journalism, media men should not therefore conceal the truth by
fabricating facts and by publishing misquoted statements and
erroneous statistics.
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Objectivity on the other hand, is simply avoiding conflicts of interest on the

way arguments and news are written.
Partisan news and biased interviews violate the ideals of journalism; ergo,
a journalist should know the difference between news and opinion. Readers and
journalists alike, believe that newspapers should be objective. Thus reporters
receive training from those who know journalistic rules, and learn to resolve
whatever conflict thay may have.
Teel and Taylor (1983) cited Pangilinan (2012), suggested guidelines to
attain a balanced story whenever journalists face controversial issues.
a. Stick to the facts.
b. Never insert your personal opinion.
c. Be discreet in the use of adjectives.
d. Avoid cheap shots.
e. Somebody with something to say deserves a forum.
f. Assess your alliances. Remember that you are an observer, not a
participant.
g. Listen to your editor.
5. Fairness. The whole point in advocating objectivity is to be fair in
presenting information in any journalistic field. Remember, the public
will see the topic according to the way journalists present it; hence,
reporters should exercise teing the truth and putting the information in
the right perspective.
In this vein, journalists should always present both sides of the coin, both
sides of the argument, both sides of controversial issues. They should set
both avenues for the opposing parties to ventilate their arguments and
points of clarification. With this in mind, journalists, too must respect the
privacy of individuals, unless, there ia a warrant of a public right. In case
there is a mistake, true journalists should rectify the said error, thus, the
errata in newspapers.

1.4 Killers of Balance Reporting

There are worthy concepts that novice journalists must be wary about.
Concepts that kill balanced reporting must be avoided.
1. Yellow Journalism. This is simply sensationalizing a story or an issue.
It is a type of journalism that presents little or no legitimate well-
researched news and instead uses eye-catching headlines to sell more
newspapers. Techniques may include exaggerations of news events,
scandal-mongering or sensationalism. Most showbiz stories are grounded
on this type of journalism which appeals to the curiosity of the readers and
viewers.
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2. New Journalism. The new journalists expanded the definitions of

journalism and of legitimate journalistic reporting and writing techniques.
They also associated journalism with fiction when they described their
work with phrases such as “non-fiction novel” and “narrative techniques of
fiction.” In so doing, they ignited an debate over how much like a novel or
short story a journalistic piece could be before it began violating
journalism’s commitment to truth and facts. This approach represents a
return to the roots of social reporting which was in Charles Dickens’
fiction.
3. Advocacy Journalism. This is a genre of journalism that, unlike
propaganda, is fact-based but supports a specific point of view on an
issue. Advocacy journalists are expected to focus on stories dealing with
corporate business practices, government policies, political corruption,
and social issues. Arguably, advocacy journalists serve the public interest
in a way similar to muckrakers or whistle blowers. Most advocacy
journalists reject the supposed objectivity of the mainstream press as a
practical impossibility, and some others take the position that the
economic censorship exerted by corporate sponsors is no different from
political censorship.
4. Stylistic Journalism. It emphasizes imaginative, stylized writing of
stories and considers newspapers as “the literature of immediate fact.”
5. Editorializing. This is giving the reporter’s opinion rather than the fact. It
may also mean the expanding of news about an insignificant happening to
give publicity to a subject.

1.5 Functions and Duties of the Press

If you have fully made up your mind to go into the path of journalism and
the media, you have to be acquainted with your vast roles and primordial
functions.
1. The quality of the newspaper must be reflected in the editorial policy. It is
more than just a business because it also reflects and influences the life of
the whole academic community.
2. Newspapers must have integrity and readers’ confidence.
3. Newspapers may educate, stimulate, assist, and entertain. It is therefore
a moral responsibility to balance public interest and the gains.
4. The fundamental quality of the newspaper rests on the quality of the
content and the kind of editorial product. It is responsible for the rise of
the readers’ educational level and resurgence of an articulate, active
young generation.
5. Freedom of the press encompasses responsibility of the newspapers.
Freedom of the press and responsibility are inseparable. Responsibility of
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the press means truth inj the news—truth tempered with mercy, decency,
and humility.
6. The press must practice the principles of journalism without bias and self-
interest.

1.6 Limitations of the Press

Pulitzer prize-winning author David Broeder (USA Today, Aug. 12, 1987)
cited Pangilinan (2012), averred that reports are flawed. Hence, reports are not
that complete and may bear mistakes. The limitations of the press may be traced
upon the timeframe within which an article should be submitted for publication.
Remember that journalism secures the freshness of the information. Therefore,
when a journalist is in a hurry to beat the deadline, he may not have enough time
to reach all the sources of information. Subsequently, reporters will be unable to
present the story in as many perspectives as a journalist should showcase.
This implies that readers or the information-consuming public should
judge very critically the articles, the reports, including the photos. Readers should
know how to ask questions that are left unanswered, in the same manner when
the journalists dig for facts and additional information.
Another limitation of the press is its proneness to be manipulated by the
powerful, the elite, and the politicians. Broeder (1987) cited Pangilinan
(2012)pointed “…every good politician will attempt to work well with the press. If
you live in a country where public opinion ultimately decides public policy, any
politician who is at all serious is going to try to manage public opinions, and that
means working with the press. So they all do it.”
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(Detach this page and attach to the your answer sheets)

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1.7 MENTAL GYMNASTICS 1
Name: ________________________________________ Score: _________
Course and Year: ___________ Date: ___________

A. Using a Venn diagram, compare and contrast the nature of Journalism

from the scope of literature. Illustrate the similarities and differences.
B. Write literature and journalistic article.

1.8 SYNAPSE STRENGTHENERS 1

1. Using the following guide questions, analyse a daily newspaper.
a. What is the main point of the editorial.
b. Is it radical, liberal, conservative, reactionary? Cite your reasons.
2. Get an article from a daily newspaper. Using the T-Chart, assess the
article according to the tenets of journalism.

STRENGTHS WEAKNESSES

Note: Add the columns if you wish to provide many answers.

3. Compose a reflection paper on the importance of journalism in your life

as a person in society.

LESSON 2 : THE CAMPUS PAPER AND PUBLICATION STAFF

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Specific Objectives:
 Trace the historical background of campus journalism;
 Identify the duties of members of the editorial board;
 Distinguish the functions of campus paper; and
 Critic the characteristics of magazines and newspapers.

2.1 The National Newspaper

Before delving on campus paper, it is wise to start the discussion on a
supra level. This is for you to understand primarily the concept of the system that
campus paper has.
Thus, a newspaper is a publication sold and distributed regularly in a fixed
interval. It may be monthly, bi-monthly, weekly, daily, etc. and this is because
newspapers fall under the category “periodicals.” Usually, news in newspapers is
meant to be persuasive, this is why some news includes opinions and comments
that stimulate reactions from the readers. Another latent function of newspapers
is to entertain by the use of photos, cartoons, quizzes, and other interesting
features.
While papers published every day are called dailies, we call those which
are published weekly weeklies. National papers are widely available and easily
bought. National papers fall under two categories: the popular paper and the
heavy or quality papers. Popular papers present their news in a lively fashion
with easy-to-read articles and many photographs. Heavy or quality papers are
printed with longer articles stressing on important and serious events in the
country.
Some newspaper publishers produce Sunday papers sometimes, with the
same nameplate as the daily papers. These are not Sunday editions of the
dailies but instead, they are of different editors and editorial staff. The reason
behind this is the availability of more people to read during Sundays. The price of
the Sunday paper tends to be higher that the regular paper, but it contains more
news.

2.2 The Campus Paper

The Campus Paper is the version of the national newspaper within an
academic institution. In other words, it is a pioneer in the publishing industry as a
free newspaper of the students by the students and for the students to circulate
within the academic community. The Campus Paper may broaden its reach like
the community and other agencies in the society.
With the advent of the Campus Journalism Act of 1991, otherwise known
as Republic Act Numbered 7079, the establishment of campus publication in
basic education and in higher learning institutions has been legalized.
Since the campus paper is run by the students, they have the chance to
stimulate the daily newspaper’s characteristics at the same time act as journalists
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in their own fields. It should be noted that the campus paper is contextualized
within the institution before touching local, national, and international concerns.
It is observed that the size and frequency of the paper vary, depending on
the policies of the editorial board, the fund or publication budget, and the
population of the learning institution. There are higher learning institutions which
collect a campus paper fee that can finance a semestral release of a newspaper,
a tabloid, a magazine, a broadsheet and sometimes a literary folio. The school.
Too, may decide to release a special edition of its publication or organ during
intramurals and foundation days or on any special occasions.
In many instances, though, school papers under the Department of
Education opt to release newsletters due to the consideration of the fund, the
population and the scope.

2.3 What should Go into the Campus Paper?

Campus journalism serves as a means to strengthen the ethical values

and to encourage the creative and critical thinking of the Filipino youths. It also
helps in developing the personal discipline and moral character of the young.

Campus Journalism is one of the most effective means of teaching

students the basic and advanced writing techniques and inculcating in them the
values of work and fair judgment. It is a good training ground for future journalists
or for writers. Though the school paper, student writers are able to develop their
skills and enhance their craft.

Moreover, with campus paper, both the campus journalists and the target
audience are helped appreciate the role of the press in shaping public opinion.
Primarily, the camper promotes the best interest not only for the students but also
of the faculty and the administration. The paper is a conduit for the pleasant and
wholesome relationship between the teachers and their students. It is an avenue
where students ventilate their opinions, including their grievances, In fact, may
school papers in higher learning institutions maximize these functions.

Today, the campus paper has become an avenue to expose anything

against anyone. This brings problems with the editorial board’s security of
responsibility, objectivity, and fairness, thus hearing both sides of the issue. For
instance, student writers must not only publish an article about teachers who are
enraged with students, but must also look into the reasons why teachers are
enraged, though interview with the teachers. Remember, the prime cause of a
campus paper is to create a campus conducive for learning and to advance the
quality of education.
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2.4 A Brief History of Campus Journalism

This history of campus journalism is penned by Alexander Haban Escote

(August 28, 2008) and is retrieved from http://socyberty.com/history-of-campus-
journalism-in-the-philippines/.

According to Jesus Valenzuela in the History of Journalism in the

Philippine Islands (1933/ and John Lent in the Philippine Mass Communication
(1964), the history of campus journalism in the Philippines started when the un
iversity of Sto. Tomas published El Liliputiencse in 1890.

However, Oscar Manalo, Narciso Matienzo, and Virgilio Monteloyola in

Ang Pamahayagan (1985) argued that the history of campus journalism in the
country started when the University of the Philippines published The College
Folio, now The Philippine Collegian, in 1910. They also added that The Torch of
the Philippine Normal University, The Guidon of the Ateneo de Manila University,
and The Varsitarian of the University of Sto. Tomas were also published two
years later.

Whatever came first, Carlos Romulo y Pena edited The Coconut, the
official student publication of Manila High School, now the Araullo High School.
It was published in 1912 and it is now considered the first and oldest high school
newspaper in the country.
In 1923, La Union High School in the Ilocos Region published The La
Union Tab, the first printed and regularly issued high school newspaper in the
country. Since then, high school newspapers came out one after the other.

Among these high school newspapers were The Pampangan, Pampanga

High School, 1925; The Leytean, Leyte High School, 1925; The Rizalian, Rizal
High School, 1926; The Coconut, Tayabas High School, 1927; The Vocano,
Batangas High School, 1927; The Toil, La Union Trade School, 1928; The
Samarinian, Samar High School, 1928; The Melting Pot, Tarlac High School,
1929; The Granary, Nueva Ecija High School, 1929; The Torres Torch, Torres
High School, 1930; and The Cagayan Student Chronicle, Cagayan High School,
1931.

2.5 Functions of Campus Papers

A campus paper may be mimeographed or printed, published or released

by an organization or school whose name or logo appears in the masthead or in
the editorial box. The campus paper like any other media has functions. Harold
Spears and C.H. Lawshe, Jr. (from http://www.studymode.com/essays/Functions-
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Of-a-Campus-Paper-1317897.html), cited Sison et al. (2012), provide the

following campus paper’s main function.

2.6 Aid to Students

a. Provides opportunity for interesting writing

b. Gives students the opportunity to learn how to read the newspapers
c. Acts as stimulus to better work
d. Develops students’ power of observation and discrimination
concerning relative merits of news articles
e. Serves as outlet and motivation for journalistic writing
f. Offers training in organizations, business methods, commercial arts,
salesmanship, bookkeeping and business management
g. Develops qualities cooperation, tact, accuracy, tolerance,
responsibility, and leadership

2.7 Aid to School and Community

a. Informs the community of the work of the school

b. Publishes school news
c. Creates and expresses school opinions
d. Makes known the achievements of the school
e. Helps unify the school
f. Encourages and stimulates worthwhile activities
g. Develops right standard of conduct
h. Provides an outlet for students’ suggestions for the betterment of the
school
i. Develops better interschool relationship
j. Develops school spirit
k. Develops cooperation between the parents and the school

2.8 Other Functions of Campus Paper

Still by Simon et al. (2012), here are other functions of the campus paper.

Information Function. This is the function of the news in the campus

paper—to inform. Since information dissemination is the main purpose of the
campus paper, this is the function most likely performed by any campus paper. It
gives the readers information concerning the things around the community and
within the school. Examples of the activities include the graduation schedule, the
enrolment procedures, number of enrolees for the semester and other routine and
non-routine news in the academic year.
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Opinion Function. Though the editorials and editorial columns, editors

have the chance to post their opinion regarding current events inside the school
and the community. The main purpose for this is to persuade the reader toward a
certain point of view. The campus paper, therefore, can stir the emotions and
convictions of the reading public—the members of the academic community.

Education Function. This is of the primordial functions of a campus

paper. Since students and teachers alike are expected to read the school paper,
which showcases topics that may be intensively and extensively discussed, the
reading public may somehow be educated. Tabooed topics such as sex
education, family planning, and the like are sample issues in which a campus
paper can be so effective.

Watchdog Function. The school paper serves as the harbinger of truth

in the campus. In other words, the writers are the eyes of the readers to see what
is happening in the school and to guard the right of the young ones.

Laboratory Function. The school paper, as discussed previously, is a

miniature version of the daily newspaper where all rights and privileges, including
concepts and skills in journalism are practiced. With this, the school paper
becomes an avenue of teaching budding journalists. It becomes a training
ground for full-fledged journos someday. In fact, the many campus papers in
Manila have become the stepping stones of the prominent Filipino journalists
today. These papers include The Philippine Collegian of the University of the
Philippines, The PNU Torch of the Philippine Normal University, The Varsitarian
of the University of Sto. Tomas, and others. Neophyte writers pattern their new
experience from the existing and past papers.

Documentation Function. The paper also serves as a prosperity tool of

worthy and must-be-remembered occasions in the campus. This is why, many
school publications practice submitting more than one copy to the campus library
and to the archive section so that the paper becomes an evidence of what
transpired in such a semester, a school year or a grading period.

Entertainment Function. As a mini version of the national newspapers,

where entertainment section exists, the school paper likewise showcases feature
stories. Main purpose of which is to stimulate the soul and to feed the brain at the
same time. Sample stories in the campus that entertain the readers include the
experiences of a freshman, the most embarrassing moment of a senior, the ghost
in Room Sampaguita, the shoe master along the corridor and others.
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Developmental Function. In a developing country like the Philippines,

scholastic and commercial journalism has been given greater and nobler
significance. The sources of the new journalists are also the school. Journalists
in campus publications are most likely to be the journalists of the future. The
young journalist whose news deals with club activities, school elections and
campus activities will eventually become a better one whose news deal with
activities of the nation, national elections and national concerns. The
developmental function of the campus paper does not only have implications on
the young ones themselves but also on the school as a whole. School
administrators and staff may reflect their performance on the school paper and
see what improvements must be done.

2.9 Parts of the Campus Paper

Whatever the types of paper it is, the parts and sections are similar to one
another. Here are the sections of a campus paper:
1. Front page
2. News page
3. Editorial page
4. Features page
5. Community development page
6. Science and Technology page
7. Sorts page

2.10 Parts of the Front Page

a. Nameplate. The nameplate is the engraved or printed name, logo or
symbol of the newspaper. More often than not, the nameplate also bears the
scope of the publication, that is, the date when the articles were taken. It also
includes the volume and number of the particular release.
b. Ears. Ears are little boxes in either or both sides of the nameplate.
Eras usually contain advertisements or announcements.
c. Banner (Head). The banner is the principal headline which is usually
written in the boldest font. It is the title of the most important news of the day.
This is most important news is called banner news. The banner runs across the
from page.
d. Running Head. The running head is a type of head having two or
more lines.
e. Headline. Headline refers to any title of any news.
f. Deck. A deck is a subordinate headline or head which is immediately
placed below its mother head to give more information about it.
g. Lead. Lead refers to the beginning of a news story. This means that a
ead coud be a word, a phrase, a sentence or even a paragraph.
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h. News Story. The news story is the whole story or a part of the whole
story about the news which is composed of the lead and the text supporting and
elaborating the lead.
i. Columns. They are horizontal divisions of the parts or texts of a
newspaper. The number of columns varies from one kind of a paper to another,
that is, a newsletter has smaller number of columns as compared to a
broadsheet.
j. Column Rules. Column rues are vertical lines that indicate the
divisions of the columns. In modern journalism, these lines are substituted with a
space (a blank column rule). Space column rues or more formally known as
sunken rues and are usually one em wide. With the advent of gigital lay-outing,
the printer may adjust the column rule easily and quickly.
k. Fold. It is the imaginary horizontal line that divides the paper into two.
The purpose of the fold is primarily rooted from the lay-outing rule that the fold
should not overlay or run against the banner head. Should be fold run over the
banner head, the layout is considered faulty.
l. Byline. A byline is the signature, name or pseudonym of the reporter
who prepared the news It can be seen in various forms: by Ruben Balacbac,
(Ruben Balacbac), R. Balacbac, or R.B. One common error in campus paper
insofar as writing the byline is concerned in the inclusion of the colon between the
preposition “by” and the name of the writer. This style is now obsolete. Usually
the colon is deleted, thus, by Ruben Balacbac, not by: Ruben Balacbac.
m. Box. Any news material enclosed by line rules is a boxed story. In
this case, ears are special types of boxes because they are specially named
because of their position.
n. Cut. The cut is a metal plate bearing the newspapers’ illustration.
o. Cutline. A cutline is the text accompanying photos or ether art works.
It is commonly known as caption. If the text shows above the photo, it is called
over line.
p. Overline. It is a type of cutline written or shown above a photo.
q. Kicker. A kicker is a tagline above but smaller than the headline. It
gives stimulating but small details about the headline, and this is why it is also
called teaser.
r. Hammer. A hammer is a type of kicker but the difference is that a
hammer is bigger that the headline.
s. Credit line. A credit line is a line given to pay respect to the source of
the story or illustration printed. This is done usually for stories or illustrations
imported or borrowed from other printed materials or people. The difference of a
byline from a credit line is that a byline is usually a name, signature or
pseudonym of the reporter within the newspaper staff, but a credit line is used for
those which are borrowed or imported. Thus, foreign news and dateline news
often have lines.
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2.11 Parts of the Editorial Page

a. Editorial Proper: The article that is considered to be soul of a newspaper

or magazine. It is an article that gives the conglomeration of opinions of
the members of the editorial board on the hottest issue of the day.
b. Column: A column is a recurring piece or article in the paper. It is
primarily written by a columnist who is well acquainted with the subject.
What differentiates a column from other forms of journalism is that a
column meets each of the following criteria:
1. It is a regular feature in a publication.
2. It is personality-driven.
3. It explicity contains an opinion or point of view.
c. Op-ed: An op-ed, abbreviation of opposite the editorial page (often
believed to be abbreviated from opinion-editorial), is a newspaper article
that expresses the opinions of a named write who is usually unaffiliated
with the newspaper’s editorial board. These are different from editorials,
which are usually unsigned and written by editorial board members. Op-
eds are so named because they are generally printed on the page
opposite the editorial.
d. Letter to Editor: Letter to the editor sometimes abbreviated LTTE or
LTE is a letter sent to a publication about issues of concern to its readers.
Usually, the letter of the letters are intended for publication. In many
publications, letters to the editor may be sent through either conventional
mail or electronic mail.
The subject matter of letters to the editor varies widely. However,
the most common topics include:
i. Supporting or opposing an editorial stance, or responding to another
writer’s letter to the editor
ii. Commenting on a current issue being debated by a governing body
—local, regional, national depending on the publication’s circulation.
Often, the writer will urge elected officials to make their decision based
on his or her viewpoint
iii. Remarking on materials (such as a news story) that have appeared
in the previous edition or release. Such letters may be either critical or
praising
iv. Correcting a perceived error or misrepresentation
e. Editorial Cartoon. An editorial cartoon, also known as a political
cartoon, is caricature containing a political or social message that usually
relates to current events or personalities.
 16

f. Folio. Usually written on top of the page, this is composed of the page
number, date of publication and name of the newspaper. Notably, this
part runs through all the sections in the campus paper.
g. Masthead. This is also called flag. It shows the publication’s name, the
volume and number of release, the names of the staff and their respective
positions.

2.12 The Sports Page

The sports section of a newspaper features information on local sports

events, like high school sports teams. College level sports are also covered in
this section, both on a regional and national level. Often, sports page in
Philippine campus papers accommodate stories about intramurals and relevant
national sports issues. Student writers may consider writing sports analysis,
sports editorials, backgrounder, prophetic sports news and the like.
As regards reporters on other news beats, sports journalism involves
investigating the study, rather than simply relying on press releases and prepared
statements from the sports team, coaching staff, or players. Sports journalists
verify facts given to them by the athletes, teams, leagues or organizations they
are covering.

2.13 Selection of the Publication Staff

Notably, there are no hard and fast rules on how to organize the staff and
to pick the editors. Each school should therefore work out a system best suited to
its particular set-up.
There are common mind-blogging questions for the publication head or
the moderator of the campus paper like: How are the editors and the staff
members chosen? How long should they serve? How big should the staff be?
Should they be paid? To whom are they responsible?
First, there should be a moderator or an adviser who must process the
following qualifications in the order of their importance, 1) with a degree in
journalism – bachelor, master or specialization, or one with a degree in English—
bachelor, master or specialization. 2) with experience in newspaper work or one
with more than ordinary experience in journalism or school paper work. Other
schools consider one who teaches social studies. This set-up is the traditional st-
up of picking the adviser or the moderator. The Campus Journalism Act, has a
different basis for choosing the advise. Selecting an adviser is also optional for
the tertiary level.
For the traditional and beginning campus paper system in the DepEd, the
principal or the head of the school, with the recommendation of the adviser may
designate the members of the staff or may pick them through a competitive
 17

examination. The candidates should possess writing ability, leadership, and

previous experiences in school publication in such order. Whatever the criteria in
choosing the staff, the method should be systematic, objective, and fair.
Whether the editors and staff members are chosen through
recommendation or competitive examination, the following pointers are
recommended:
1. The candidate should have at least one year residence.
2. The candidate should not be in the probation list.
3. He/she must have any disciplinary case against him/her, because the
is a likely chance for him/her to drop or to be suspended.
4. The chief, associate, and managing editors should not hold other
major positions in school organizations, especially in the student
council or student government. The press is supposed to be objective
and non-partisan.

The most democratic way to select the staff is through a competitive

examination followed by an interview, However, there are certain drawbacks. If
there are no qualified teachers who will evaluate the entries in the competitive
examination, the test will be worthwhile. If a big member of students join the
competition, the evaluation will take a long time. Another question is: In what
phases of journalism would the test be? Newswriting, editorial writing, lay outing,
or actual press work? If the test is in editorial writing only, is not that just one
phase of the work? Because of these drawbacks, the adviser resorts to
designation. The drawback here is favouritism.

The advisers should not rely only on result of the examination. They
should also look for people who did not take the examinations but have writing
skills. They should ask them to join the board, but they should refrain fromtaking
students into the staff who have more activities in their hands than they can
handle. They should be aware of students who only love to see their names in
the masthead or editorial box.
The choice of editors should be based on who obtains the highest
average in the examinations and who possesses the most in personal qualities or
traits like leadership, managerial skills, sound judgment, and flexibility.
Consequently, advisers should file and publish in the bulletin board the results of
the examinations and the comments of the judges.
How large should be the staff be? A manageable staff should not be more
than ten, as follows: 1) chief editor; 2) associate editor; 3) managing editor; 4)
feature editor; 5) literary editor; 6) sports editor; and 7) reports (one for each
class-senior, sophomore, freshman).
 18

There are other members of the staff who nn=may simply be appointed:
the typists, the layout artist, the staff artist, the photo journalist, and the circulation
manager.

2.14 Duties and Responsibilities of the Publication Staff

1. Chief Editor
The chief editor supervises the editorial staff of the paper. Usually, he/she
write the editorials of the organ after consultation with the members of the
editorial staff. However, any member of the organ may write the editorial
so long as he/she follows the guidelines in writing. Further, he/she edits
all articles preparatory to submission of the same to the adviser for final
editing and approval for publication. He/She likewise supervises the
preparation of the lay-out artist. He/She also causes the accomplishment
of the assignments properly and on time. At times, he/she acts as the
liaison officer between the editorial staff and the adviser, as he/she also
calls meetings of the staff.

2. Associate Editor

The associate editor edits the articles in cooperation with the chief editor.
Also, he/she may be delegated to write editorials of the organ. He/she
prepares assignments of section editors in consultation with the chief
editor. Further, he/she cooperates in the preparation of the layout of the
paper and paging of the same with the chief editor.

3. Managing Editor
Acting as the hand of the board, the managing editor brings to the press
for typesetting. As such he/she also checks for typographical errors.
He/She prepares the layout of the paper and paging of the same in
consultation with the chief editor. Finally, he/she proofreads galley proofs
before these are finally approved by the chief editor, then by the adviser
for printing.

4. Circulation Manager

As the nomenclature suggests, he/she assigned in ensuring the release

and distribution of the paper. He/She also guarantees the smooth flow of
the passing of articles from reporters to section editors. He/She is
assigned to oversee the flow of processes in crafting the paper.
 19

5. Section Editors

a. News Editor: Assigned as the reporter to cover events relevant to the

school activities, he/she writes news articles on assignment from the
chief editor or through his/her own initiative in consultation with the
latter. However, his/her primordial job is to edit all news articles
submitted by the writers preparatory to submission of the same to the
chief editor then to the adviser.

b. Filipino Editor: This is an optional staff function or position;

nonetheless, his/her prime job is to write the editorial of the Fiipino
section. He/She also edits all articles preparatory to submission of the
same to the Filipino adviser, for final editing and for publication.
Sometimes, he/she causes the submission of all Filipino articles
properly and timely. He/She may likewise act as a liaison officer
between the Filipino staff and the chief editor.

c. Feature Editor. The feature editor gives out assignments to feature

writers. He/She then receives and edits feature articles preparatory to
submission of the same to the chief editor. Sometimes, he/she writes
regular articles or column.

d. Exchange Editor. For beginning school paper system, this is an

optional function. Sometimes, the functions of the exchange editor are
accomplished by the circulation manager. Nevertheless, the
exchange editor makes up a list of school papers sent by other
schools. He/She is designated to mail copies of own paper to these
schools as as he/she also files their papers on a bulletin board or
display them on a newspaper rack. He/She, too, keeps files of school
information, such as class lists and lists of homeroom advisers,
faculty, and staff members.

e. Layout Section Editors. They are assigned to cause the assignment

of the school’s official photographer to take pictures on school’s
activities for the moth or for a specified time. They prepare pictorial
articles of the organ in consultation with the managing editor and chief
editor. Sometimes,, their job is to write the captions of pictures utilized
by the paper in cooperation with the chief editor.

f. Layout Artists. They take charge of designing and formatting of all

pages in the paper. As such, they label or properly identify all pictures
made available for publication. It is suggested that that they write
 20

using pencil at the back of every picture of the event to which a

particular picture refers. They likewise help in the preparation of the
layout of pictorial stories and make illustrations for feature articles.

g. The Reporters. The life of the contents depends on the skills of the
reporters. They secure the cold and raw facts of an assigned every
and write articles out of the same. Moreover, they receive
assignments from the section editors or board of editors and then
accomplish the same properly and timely.

2.15 The Publication’s Policies

A well-edited paper needs definite policies which may entertain to what if

may print or to what the staff may conduct. Such policies may be posted on the
the conspicuous places like the bulleting boars in the staff room or they may be
printed and distributed to the staff.
Policies are brief statements of the paper’s platform or are sometimes
printed under the masthead, as in the following examples:

 To support all school projects and to give only constructive

criticism of some projects;
 To Maintain a high standard of sportsmanship by avoiding
personal enmity and jealousy both within and outside the school;
 To refrain from publishing articles which convey wrong impressions
against the school; and
 To avoid unkind personal jokes, criticisms, and caricatures.

(Detach this page and attach to the your answer sheets)

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 21

2.16 MENTAL GYMNASTICS 2

Name: ________________________________________ Score: _________
Course and Year: ___________ Date: ___________

a. Present a summary of the Republic Act 7079. Include the important

details.
b. Why there is a selection of the members of the staff?
c. Give the importance of the duties and responsibilities of the staff.

2.17 SYNAPSE STRENGTHENERS 2

1. Research on the history of your campus paper.

2. Interview a member of the school paper or editorial board. Identify the
problems they encountered in operating a campus paper.

MODULE 3 : JOURNALISTIC WRITING SKILLS

(The News: A Backgrounder)

 22

Specific Objectives:

 Enumerate the characteristics of news;

 Decipher the elements of news; and
 Apply elements of news in specific situations.

3.1 Understanding News

News is difficult to determine because it has many variables, but one

needs to determine what is newsworthy when deciding what to write about for his
or her story assignments.
Try to process this. News must be factual, yet not all facts are news. A
news item is based on actual occurrences, situations, thoughts, and ideas, yet,
not all facts are news. For instance, a dog bites a typical man. This is not a news
for many, but when a typical mas bites a dog, this may be newsworthy to some.
Here, the logical nature of news may be drawn, such that the taste of news
depends on the interest of an impact to the reader.
To attain a wide array of perspectives and meanings about news, the
definitions of news according to Philippine journalism authors are surveyed and
are listed below.
According to Soriano et al. (2012), a news is any oral or written report of
an event that happened, is happening, will happen in the North, East, West, and
South (NEWS) that is of interest to the reader and which should be reported.
From Soriano’s definition, three primary considerations in defining news
are drawn. First, news is reported through airwaves and in written form. Second,
anything can become news, whether the event is already done, is being done, or
shall still be conducted. Third, the news considers the interest of the reader in
accepting the impact of the news, that is, a news for somebody may not be a
news to another person.
Malinao (2008) also attempted to define news by pointing out that news is
basically about an event, idea or a reaction that is represented factually and
simply in written form to give the reader an idea of what is currently happening
around him or her, particularly on matters of interest to the community.
This lengthy definition of Malinao (2008) gives the notion that news may
include or encompass any topic including a speech or a simple feedback.
Moreover, it stresses that news is generally written and is based on facts.

3.2 News in School Papers

With the concept of news in mind, a student journalist should remember
that anything that concerns the school, its students, the teachers, including the
parents is newsworthy.
News in school may include worthwhile or extraordinary acts of students
like; opening of a new college, inauguration of the new building, stories of
 23

success, conflicts or suspense, school convocations, and other programs.

Interviews of visiting personalities, merging of two colleges, increasing tuition and
other fees, new grading system, and the like.

3.3 Characteristics of a Good News

One can gauge the worthiness of a news by some qualities that emanate from
the subject’s nature and functions. The characteristics that are discussed below
become one’s yardstick to determine whether an issue is worth publishing or
broadcasting. In such sense, when a student write has a limited space for a
news, he/she tries to weigh the importance of the news that are present in both
stories. Hence, the more attributes or characteristics a story has, the more
effective it is to become catchy, interesting, and worth reading… the more ir
becomes appealing to the readers.

1. Timeliness of Immediacy
This characteristic of a news item underscores the newest angle of the story, For
instance, the changing of the grading system which was anonounced yesterday is
more appealing to a student other the Christmas party last December. It should
be noted, too, that the more recent the event, the more appealing it is to the
reader.

2. Conflict
The physical and mental struggles of persons are also newsworthy. In campus
context, competitions like oratorical contests and quiz bees are newsworthy due
to the mental conflicts present. Sprt events during intramurals or foundation days
are newsworthy, too, as they have physical conflicts.

3. Proximity or Nearness
Although proximity primarily refers to geographical location, it likewise means the
nearness of interest and appeal. In the context of writing news in the campus or
school for students in Batanes what is happening to Western Mindanao State
University. The imposition of “no cellphone policy” in Batanes State College will
interest the Batanes’ readers more than the zero tuition scheme of Aklan State
University, so to speak.

4. Accuracy
Journalism is anchored on facts. News writing is a journalistic skill. Therefore,
the contents should be accurately reported. Accuracy primarily refers to the
factualness of news as purveyor of truth.

5. Significance
 24

If something is important to the reader, surely he/she will read the news. Hence,
a writer should survey whatever is significant to the life of the target readers and
write about it. Ehen news is important to him/her, the news bears a high degree
of significance, thus, newsworthy and worth reading. In the campus setting,
topics that are highly significant include new rules imposed by the administration
or the student government, amendments to policies, upcoming big events, results
of scholarship screening, and the like.

6. Prominence and Names

The word unfair,” so the adage goes. In this light, there are persons more
popular than others. Popular names can effectuate situations and the acts may
be more interesting to others Hence, news about these persons can yield a high
degree of newsworthiness, thus becoming more readable than other news. For
campus papers, prominent personalities include the president of the student
body, the principal, the student who won in a national competition, and the like.

7. Drama
Since news is also anchored on public interest, writers should bank on any story
that can lead the writers to crying or to laughing. Such story is pached with color;
thus, subjects are moving. In this way, the news becomes appealing to the
readers. For instance, you write a story of the student leader who manages to
graduate as magna cum laude despite his five-year term as a college student
government president.

8. Oddity or Unusualness
Sociology can explain why oddity is a good element of news. A theory explains
that when persons are curious about a phenomenon deviating from a natural
course, they will be interested in such topic or issue; hence, that topic becomes
newsworthy. Looking into the campus situation, one may write about a forty-year-
old student who has just graduated, he/she has just finished his fifth bachelor’s
degree in your college. This unusual situation may be so intriguing as regards
the student’s purpose, therefore, becoming more newsworthy to the readers.

9. Romance and Adventure

“Love makes the world go round,” so a song says. Hence stories about love,
including adventure, may ignite the taste of the reading public. This is also the
reason why showbiz news continuously booms.

10. Progress
 25

Attaining breakthroughs and achieving scientific discoveries are given much

attention by the readers. This attribute of the news gives a high degree of shock
and a sense of development in the society where the persons live. Looking into a
school situation, progress may be in the form a newly constructed building and
newly donated laboratory equipment from alumni abroad.

11. Numbers

For persuasion, statistics or figures have the power to shake the conviction of the
audience. This is why numbers yield a very strong impact on the readers.
However, the figures that one should write should be worth appreciating. For
instance, the Alumni Association donate 57 computer set last January, while the
Parent Teachers Association donated 57 computer sets to the school. The latter
yields a higher degree of newsworthiness than the former. It is not safe to say,
however, that the higher the figure, the higher is its newsworthiness. Say, your
school has performed in the National Achievement Test 50% lower than the last
year’s data. This a figure lower than the usual and yet bears a high degree of
interest.

3.4 Types of News Stories

Here are the following types of news stories according to their
classifications.
1. According to Chronology or Sequence
a. Spot News. As the term suggests, this is a news story that gathers
information as it is broadcast at the same time. Hence, it is
unscheduled and demands immediate publication. In many instances,
the reporter becomes the first hand witness to the activity of subject
taking place. For instance, a student journalist happens to be standing
at the gate when a jeepny bumps an education student. He writes the
story and publishes it in the weekly newsletter of the college.
b. Coverage News. Many interchange spot news and coverage news.
Though both of them are good avenues for first hand information, the
difference between the two is that coverage news is written based on
the given assignment to the reporter or news writer. The assignment
is sometimes called beat. It means that the writer knows what to write
about For example, the chief editor wants to publish what transpires in
the academic meeting, so he/she assigns, Jessica, a writer to cover
the meeting. Jessica knows what she shall write about and shall be
concentrated only on the meeting, thus, her beat.
c. Advance News. When a writer crafts news about an upcoming event,
say, meeting de avance of running student leaders, change of opening
of classes for the next academic year and an announcement of new
 26

uniforms to take effect next semester, he/she actually writes as an

advance news. In advance stories, writer’s skills in creating many new
perspectives on a subject are tested so as to create climax when the
event happens. Sometimes, series stories are created with one or two
reporters guarding the newest angles of the event or situation.
d. Follow-up News. While advance news is predictive, follow-up news
looks into the upshot to an event or situation. For instance, a reporter
wrote a news about the imposition of the new uniform effective this
semester, then in the next issue, he/she shall write on the ideas and
comments of the students about the new uniform, or the problems they
meet.
2. According to Range and Reach
a. Local News: This is a news item. The subject of which happens in
one’s own community where the paper originates. For instance, The
Builders, the official student organ of Batanes State College, covers
the installation of the underground electrification system in the
province; the news is said to be a local news since it is about the
province itself.
b. National News: Countrywide news is called national news. It is
determined when the new when the news impacts the people of a
certain country. Most national news is published in the dailies.
c. Foreign News: All news items which trace their origin from outside
the boarders of the country are called foreign news. Some foreign
news articles also create impact to typical locals due to their domino
effect like the oil price hike in the world market.
d. Dateline News: An out-of-town news story. This news is introduced
by a dateline which states the place the story was reported, the date,
and the source of the material if not written by her local staff.
3. According to Construction
a. Straight News. The first paragraph answers the most important W
(what, where, when, why, who) depending on which of the W’s is the
most prominent among them. Its body paragraphs consist of the
elaboration on the W’s and the H. It is written using the inverted
triangle structure.
b. News Feature. This special type of news should not be confused with
the feature articles (features). News feature is sometimes called
special features and printed in the features sections of the newspapers
or in the magazines. Human interest and news feature stories are
classified as news since both are gathered and written daily by
reporters as their regular assignments. Furthermore, both emphasize
the elements of timeliness or immediacy which distinguish news from
 27

other types of reading, although they differ in important respects from

the straight news story.
1) Single-Feature or One-Incident Story. It may be an account
of a speech, an interview, an election, that deals with a isolated
event. In writing news feature story with this kind of structure,
include the one-feature in the lead. Add in the body details
which clarify and explain the lead. See that the story breaks
logically at every paragraph and that the story may be cut if
lengthened as space dictates.
2) The Several-Feature, Multiple-Angle or Composite Story.
In a composite story, two or more divergent aspects of a news
topic are drawn together for the sake of space and coherence.
In structure, the composite story may resemble that of a follow-
up story in that both of them aim to consolidate component
parts. However, they differ in the sense that the follow-up story
ends in a tie-in with a past story, whereas, the composite story
is composed of units, each one made of fresh spot news
frequently with reference to the future. In writing the several
feature or composite story, include all the features in a
comprehensive lead in order which they are in the lead. In
doing this, relegate less important details of each feature to
less important positions. But remember that each chain of
facts although covered separately should be handles as a
single, unified story.
Here is the flow:
Lead angle, Summary of Other Angle, Detail of Lead
Angles, More Details, More details (present in an inverted
triangle)
c. Fact Story
This is plain exposition of a simple situation of a series of closely
related events which conform to the inverted triangle design more
closely than any other kinds of news. The component parts are
the series facts that may be likened to rectangles of diminishing
length arranged one after the other in order of their importance.
d. Action Story
This is narrative involving not merely simple facts but dramatic
actions incidents, description of persons, perhaps testimonies of
witness, as well as explanatory data.
In reading this kind of story, first write a summarizing lead in any
appropriate form. Relate the most important details in narrative or
chronological form. Tell the story again by giving more details.
But be careful not to begin the chronological order just after
 28

beginning. Give sufficient attention to the elaboration of important

in formation, background, and interpretation. Each must be closely
interlocked.
e. Speech, Report, Quote, and Interview Stories
The arrangements of speech report, a quote story and of an interview
are to great extent similar. The quote story may be charted as
alternating large and small rectangles of diminishing size: summary,
quote, summary, quote, summary arrangement. The quotations may
be direct, indirect, or a combination of both.

In writing this kind of story, the following suggestions may be helpful:

1. Write a summarizing lead in any appropriate form.

2. Write the body of the story in a summary-quote-summary
arrangement.
3. The lead may be a summarizing statement—the gist of the speech,
statement, letter, or interview; or it may be the most important
quotation in the story written as direct quote.

4. Minor News Forms

a. News Brief. This is a short item of news interest, written like a brief,
telegraphic message. It gives mainly the result with few details.
b. News Bulletin. It is similar to the lead of a straight news story. Its
aim is just to give the gist of the news.
c. News Featurette. This is s short news This a short news feature
usually used a filter, say, quirks in the news.
d. Sidebar. It is a news item or a feature placed side by side its mother
story to which it is related but under a headline of its own.
e. Flash. This is a message giving first brief news of an event. It is
usually boxed.

(Detach this page and attach to the your answer sheets)

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
3.5 MENTAL GYMNASTICS 3
Name: ________________________________________ Score: _________
Course and Year: ___________ Date: ___________
 29

1. Write the characteristics of good news or the elements of news and give
one sentence definition for each element.
2. Explain. “Trying to determine what is going on in the world by reading
newspapers is like trying to tell the time by watching the second hand of
a clock.”

3.6 SYNAPSE STRENGTHENERS 3

1. From the internet, present a sample news story that contains human
interest.
2. Interview three college students as regards to a topic they love to read
and topic/s they hate to see in the news.

MODULE 4 : STAIRWAY TO NEWS WRITING : TECHNIQUES AND

PRINCIPLES
Specific Objectives:

 Identify various sources of news;

 Determine potential sources of school news;
 30

 Record the ways in news gathering; and

 Apply the news elements in specific situations.

4.1 Sources of News

One should bear in mind that facts are the main foundations of news articles.
Hence, a writer or a journalist must have a high sense of smelling ability to
newsworthy issues. This special ability is dubbed as “nose for news” in
journalism parlance. To be able to do so, a journalist must know the avenues
where he can gather data for his news articles.
1. Beat. The beat is the stable assignment of the reporter. For instance, in
aa school setting, the chief editor or the adviser is identifying assignments
for the writers. Jane, a news writer is assigned to gather news from the
student body. Jean’s beat is the student council only; thus, what she
concentrates on is only issues about the study.

Being confined to only one assignment, the reporter achieves a sense of

time management and a chance to get through all the perspectives of the
news. This will also diminish hodgepodge ideas of the writer, specially a
student journalist.
2. Written and Printed Documents. A good journalist is resourceful in
looking for newsworthy issues. One of his/her sets of sources includes
public interviewee in the person who gives the answers.

Let us study the key points such as definition to bull’s eye the meaning:
1. Dyadic denotes that the interview is a person-tp-person connection
between two parties.
2. Relational strongly suggests an interpersonal connection between the
interview parties.
3. Predetermined and serious purpose means that at least one of the two
parties comes to the interview with a goal and has planned the
interview to focus on specific subject matter.
4. Interchanging behaviour connotes sharing of expectations, roles,
feelings, and information.
5. Asking and answering questions (taken as a simple process) is crucial
to the interviewing process; questions serve as tools to obtain
information.

4.2 Stages in Interview

Here are some steps in conducting an interview using the formula known
as the GOSS, developed by Rue de Guilleland.
1. Know your Goal or purpose.
 31

2. Present Obstacle encountered.

3. Offer Solutions to these obstacles.
4. Start writing the interview story.

4.3 Steps in Conducting the Interview

1. Define the purpose

2. Conduct a background research of the topic you are assigned to.
3. Set an interview appointment.
4. Made preliminary planning by listing down possible questions. There are
six questions beginning with five W’s and one H. However, be sure to ask
specific who, another who, one more who, and final who. For instance,
you are interviewing the principal of your school regarding the Brigada
Eskwela conducted last May. You may ask as may “WHO” questions as
you wish like:
a. Who was the proponent of the program?
b. Who were the benefactors?
c. Who were the participants?
d. Who else attended the activity?
e. Who may be benefitted by the program?
This technique should be practiced by a good data gatherer for a news article
so that he/she may accumulate basketfuls of data. In such a way, he/she may
diminish subjectivity; subsequently, he/she presents many perspectives as he/she
can.
5. Meet the interviewee.
6. Get down to business. Ask the first question.
7. Establish early rapport, that is, from formal to less formal.
8. Tackle the more sensitive topic with respect and tactfulness.
9. Express some recovery statements.
10. Leave a thank you note.

4,4 Structure of News

Since this module is intended for novice writers and those who are
skeptical yet whether or not to join the publication, the structure of news
discussed below in the basic news structure. For advanced reporting, there are
more types of news structure.
Newspaper articles are written using the inverted triangle format. Most
journalism experts agree to use triangle not pyramid. The inverted pyramid
format is three-dimensional that is referring to special cases of developmental
communication and interpretive journalism or investigative reportage.
 32

Using the inverted triangle structure, a writer bears in mind the most
important information is at the top (beginning of article) and the least important
information is at the bottom END OF ARTICLE). With this format, the story or the
news article will have the ability to undergo cut off test (removing last section (s)
of story to quickly shorten story), without distorting its gist.

4.5 Reasons for the Inverted Triangle Structure

The inverted triangle is used in news writing because it makes reading

easier and faster. It also enables the hurried reader to get all the important facts
in a very short period of time. Say, as he/she reads the first three paragraphs,
he/she knows already the gist of the news. It likewise satisfies curiosity in a
logical way, as it makes page makeup easier. Finally, it makes the work of the
editor easier.

Let us try to compare the two stories.

Jack and Jill went up the hill to fetch a pail of water.

Versus
Jack suffered a skull fracture and Jill is in serious condition after the pail
tumbled down a hill during their ritual water-carrying chores yesterday.

The second version tells a story packed with specific details. If you try to
investigate, the second version gives ideas of WHO are involved in WHAT event,
including the HOW and WHY it happened plus the WHERE such as incident
happened and not to forget the WHEN it occurred. If you could spot the details
here, then you are getting the gist of the structure of the news, which follows a
logical presentation of details. Remember, too, that the structure of the news is
based on logical importance.

(Detach this page and attach to the your answer sheets)

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
4.6 MENTAL GYMNASTICS 4
Name: ________________________________________ Score: _________
Course and Year: ___________ Date: ___________

1. “Nose for News.” Present your ideas.

2. What information can we get from blogs.
 33

4.7 SYNAPSE STRENGTHENER 4

1. Formulate W questions on the COVID-19 issue. Interview 3 parents
(fathers or mothers) on the matter. Record all their answers.

TIMEFRAME FOR DISCUSSIONS

Coverage Topic/s Page Allotted Dates Remarks
Number/s

Lesson 1 1. LINKING 1-6

JOURNALISM
AND THE
CAMPUS PAPER

Lesson 2 2.THE CAMPUS 8-20

 34

PAPER AND
PUBLICATION
STAFF
Lesson 3 3. 22-28
JOURNALISTIC
WRITING SKILLS
Lesson 4 4. STAIRWAY TO 30-32
NEWS
WRITING :
TECHNIQUES
AND
PRINCIPLES

SUMMARY OF QUESTIONS/TASKS/EXERCISES
Start of Classes: October 5, 2010
No. Details Topics Page Due Date Remarks
Number

1 Mental 1. LINKING 7
JOURNALISM
Gymnastics
AND THE
and CAMPUS PAPER
 35

Synapse
Strengtheners
2 Mental 2.THE CAMPUS 21
Gymnastics PAPER AND

and PUBLICATION
STAFF
Synapse
Strengtheners
3 Mental 3. 29
JOURNALISTIC
Gymnastics
WRITING SKILLS
and
Synapse
Strengtheners
4 Mental 4. STAIRWAY TO 33
Gymnastics NEWS WRITING :
and TECHNIQUES
Synapse AND
Strengtheners PRINCIPLES

NOTES:
a. All answers must be written on a clean sheet of paper (yellow paper or
long bond paper.
b. Provide a long-sized blue envelop with the following information in bold
letters:
b.1 Full name
b.2 Course and Year
b.3 Cellular Telephone Number
b.4 Address
b.5 Write the name of your instructor
GAUDENCIO M. ALAYA-AY, JR.
c. Place inside the envelop all your answers. (OPTIONAL)
d. Drop your envelop in the designated center of your place.
******GOOD LUCK*****