Where do Stories Come From? Show movie clip Answers from journal responses.

Sources of News Beats – reporter assigned a location/subject Scheduled Events – check the calendar Other news outlets – TV, papers, magazines Exchange papers Press Generated News – surveys, investigative reporting Public Relations Releases – new stores, product, movies Observation – keep your eyes & ears open

Story Ideas/Budget Lines A story idea/budget line is NOT: The lunchroom This is a topic. Budget Line has to have an angle

A GOOD STORY IDEA… Is relevant to your target audience. Fits with news organization’s mission. Follows past success (not always). Has news value. Seems obvious, but be methodical. Is focused. ‘Mitt Romney’ isn’t a focused idea. Focused Idea: ‘Has Mitt Romney’s campaign energized LDS students in the school? If so, how? Is feasible.

Do I Belong in a School Paper? Timeliness Proximity Tension Prominence Impact Classic News Value Relevant Focused Feasible Reality Check

HOW DOES THIS AFFECT ME AND MY WORLD? Reader Focus: Story Mapping Amanda Bynes Social media use Troubled star Substance abuse Emotional problems Self image School response Does obsession with weight carry risks? Identifying problems Teen use How common is this among teens? What is and isn’t appropriate use of Twitter? Can tweets you may regret later cost jobs, relationships? “Show biz” families When do problems start? What do members of drama, chorus, band, etc. think? Lessons for them? Do drama, chorus, band, advisers look out for this? If so, what do they do? What resources are available? How does one identify, help a friend in trouble? How to identify, help a friend in trouble. Addressing problems

The Angle One topic can have a ton of angles/slants. That special twist you give the topic. Remember your audience. Story Map some ideas for the Lunchroom topic.

Lunch Room What’s up with the pizza line? The music playing in the lunchroom Survey of favorite foods How many people bring lunch, leave for lunch, different lunches How to get to lunch What happens before lunch is over and you are finished FDA regulations – Quality of food Where seniors go for open lunch – hot spots Cleaning up after lunch

Alternative Story Format Practically every story should also have a sidebar/AFS or some type attached These add entry points for readers Quick, interesting information

Alternative Story Format

Let’s Make It Official Do example for the Lunch Room News stories? Feature stories?

Budget Line Sample BUDGET LINE: The Pitch 4-5 sentences summarizing key facts and asking any necessary questions. This is where you provide an “angle” or “focus” for the story BUDGET LINE: Preliminary headline A short imagined headline for the finished piece BUDGET Line: ASF List a sidebar idea. Be specific.

Story Ideas/Budget Lines The Places You’ll Go… Exchange Papers Professional Magazines/Newspapers (online or print) The Halls School Website (not including the calendar) Calendars/Announcements/Bulletin Boards The Patriot Morgue Find one great idea from each of the above sources for the Oct. 18 The Patriot issue. That makes six stories. Two more for extra credit. You will present your three best to the class.