Sunday, August 19, 2007

Chapter 5 - The lead: will the reader follow and Kell's say

1. When I read a paper, I initially read the headlines but not the main story. I flip over and immediately read the sports section. After sport, I read the health section or marriages and births pages (just to see if I know anyone who recently married or gave birth!), then I flip back to the front for the main stories.

The reason I read sport first is because I understand it. I have a genuine interest in nearly every sport, except golf, so I understand what is written. Also, I like reading the journalist's spin on how they viewed the game, and the fact quotes from coaches are included - especially the quotes about unfair refereeing decisions!

Stemming from my interest in sport, I enjoy reading health related articles or lift outs. It's just something I understand and enjoy. I find many of the front page stories are political or sensationalised and that doesn't interest me.

Ignorantly so, before i started this journalism course, I didn't realise the extent of politics involved in journalism. Why can't journalists just report the truth? Why are stories edited or angled favourably towards a person/organisation? Perhaps an independent newspaper should circulate, with honest, unbiased articles.

2. I watch one to two hours of television a day and probably half an hour reading the paper.

Personally, and slightly embarrassingly so, I find it easier to watch someone speak than read the paper. My comprehension levels have always been poor, so I find I understand things better when they are explained or spoken about.

Additionally, by watching the television, you can visualise situations and watch body language. With regards to news programs, for example the sports report, if a player has been injured, the viewer has the chance to see the situation and injury happen. This may be completely different to the visual image created by simply reading about the injury.

But there is nothing better than a relaxing Sunday morning reading the papers!

Maybe local papers could have more colour, or even competitions/giveaways. That would encourage people to buy the paper, which might in turn interest them enough to read a few articles.

3. I think, hesitantly, I would run with the story. Only on the condition the whole story is honest and unbiased.

If writing a 'trick intro' was purposeful to gain reader attention, then I do not see a problem with writing it. As long as the story does not become misleading, or dishonest, then I think it would be reasonable to write and publish the whole story.

Iwould have a problem writing a 'trick intro' to have readers read my article, only to realise the article is incorrect or biased. I think the issue of credibility needs to be thought of prior to writing/publishing the story.

4. I would focus on writing the main story and the concluding paragraphs.

Often it is easier to write the body of the story first, then the conclusion, then go back and write the intro.

If you have done all your research and have all the relevant information, the words will come. It might just mean doing something different or concentrating on something else first.

5. I would immediately notify my sources.

I would explain the situation to them, then definitely pursue the matter. Not only has your hard work been ruined, so has your credibility. The article could be read by thousands of people and your name is attached to it.

You are the person audiences will complain about and who knows what effect that could have on you, both personally and professionally.

KELL'S SAY
My say this week is made up mostly in my answer in question 1.

While the chapter explains the use of introductions, question 1 asked which sections of the newspaper do I read and why.

I have always loved sport and watched it since I was young. I understand the rules of most sports and recognise players, teams, and which country players come from.

Sport is of interest to me because more often than not, watching sport means a few beers with a bunch of mates! What can be better than that?!

I don't have an extensive knowledge of politics or business, so it's always the sport section I read first.

Sport=competition too. Often there are bets placed or footy tipping competitions (which I won this year!). So not only is the game of sport I enjoy watching but it's also the competitive nature of sport.

To me, sport=fun=laughs and I guess that's why I enjoy reading the sport section/watching the sport segment so much.

(I couldn't resist...here is the logo of the best sporting team in the world!)



Other great sporting pics:

Cathy Freeman:



Don Bradman:


Mohammed Ali:

1 comment:

Paul said...

The best sporting team in the world?