Chapter 6 - Upside-down pyramid and Kell's say

1. If I knew a comment/statement was untrue, but couldn't prove it and it was insisted the comment be included, I would publish it.

However, I would definitely include balancing comment in the story. This would give the reader both sides of a story, which adds fairness and a 'two-sides to every story' approach.If balancing comment wasn't added in this story, I think the journalist's credibility could be jeopardised. It is no use the journalist later claiming they knew the comment to be untrue but they were forced into publishing it anyway.

In my opinion, the best articles are the unbiased ones where both sides of a story are included and the reader can make an informed judgement and opinion.

2. It would depend on the story I was writing. If by not including balancing comment another person's reputation is at stake, I wouldn't write the story.

If the story dealt with two companies in argument over a particular matter, I would publish it but make a note one of the companies was unavailable for comment.To me, it still comes down to credibility and honesty.

If another paper wanted to write the story without balancing comment which would in effect reduce the value of my effort, I think I would be disappointed. However I would also be proud of the fact I hadn't written an untrue, biased story.

For example, if a journalist was writing something about me in a paper - something untrue or dishonest - and I didn't have a chance to defend myself, not only is the journalist's credibility in question but so is my reputation.

And that, to me, isn't fair.

3. Firstly, you would make sure you were in no immediate danger from a falling building! You would also ensure you were not in the way of fire-fighters trying to extinguish the fire. Ensuring you are not in direct danger of suffering smoke inhalation would probably be helpful too.

If it's possible, I would first interview a fire-fighter. They would be the best source of accurate information in this instance, especially relating to the number of people trapped in the fire and an account of what lead to/caused the fire. Paramedics, if required/called to the scene, would be another interview source. By reporting of casualties or serious injury, it adds to the drama of the story. Especially if the fire was deliberately lit....

After establishing background information, I would look to interview any witnesses/bystanders. If the fire broke out within an apartment complex, I would definitely attempt to interview other residents who were not directly affected by the fire.

I would start writing my story straight away. 'Breaking news' causes a sense of excitement and drama, so I think it would be vital to write and release the story as soon as possible.

4. Yes, I think the inverted pyramid is the most effective method of news story structuring.As a newspaper reader, putting the most important information in the first paragraph is essential if I am going to continue reading the story. What would be the point putting the most important part of a story in the concluding paragraphs? The aim is to make people read the story, not be bored by it.I also think the inverted pyramid is every journalists best friend. By having a 'template' to work from, you can ensure you are providing the information which audiences are interested in.

KELL'S SAY
I think the inverted pyramid is extremely useful for journalists.

Without using this formula, I don't think stories would have anywhere near the effect on readers as they currently do.

Placing the most important information at the start of a story provides the reader with the information most relevant to the story. In some cases this can save the reader from having to read the whole story.

But with this in mind, if information from the bottom of a story could potentially be edited out anyway, it could be asked why don't editors ask journalists for shorter stories?

Firstly, there may be an allocated amount of space for the story to fill. Therefore, if a journalist provides the editor with the 500 word story it can be placed straight into the allocated space.

Secondly, an editor cannot predict how relevant all the details of a journalist's story will be. Perhaps they really only want a 300 word story but by requesting a 500 word story they can potentially cut out irrelevant information.

Either way, I do believe the inverted pyramid is a fantastic guide for journalists to follow and a great way for students to learn how to write news stories.