Better Journalism for All

Okay, enough with the evolution and zoology Idyes. I want to devote this blog to better journalism — both yours and mine.

After nearly six years, I feel I can begin to share some pointers with you that will make reading the newspapers more interesting (even outside the bathroom).

So I’ll begin with headlines, which are what you usually see first, unless you’re farsighted.

The headline is supposed to capture your attention, raise your curiosity and entice you to read the whole story, unless you speed read and omit modifiers).

Let me give you and example from last week. This is an actual headline that appeared in one of our local periodicals (actually a daily).

“1 dead after car hits fence, tree, pole “.

It captures your attention because you wonder how hard the car hit these objects, why did it hit them and what caused the altercation. More importantly in this example, you become curious about whether the tree, pole or fence succumbed to the impact of the vehicle.

This choice and the unknown are what really tempt you to become involved with the story premise. It’s a guessing game and you want to be right. A challenge, such as throwing down the gauntlet, is a literary device more than 100 years old.

But you are familiar with it since elementary school. You may not remember it (unless you watch “The Price is Right”). So you accept the challenge. Rather than an writing essay, the multiple choice test offered in this headline evokes your memories of eighth grade (which is our target reading level). Those old wooden desk were much safer and more comfortable than today’s stainless steel or composite wood.

During those years, you read about the “The Lady, or the Tiger”, written in 1882. What’s behind door number 2? A successful headline evokes these feelings of youthful competition.

Hidden within this story, you discover another common journalistic trick — irony. None of the objects mentioned in the headline — the tree, the fence or the pole — died. Ironically, it was the driver. Congratulations for those who thought outside the box.

Good reporting surprises you with additional information and keeps you keenly attentive to the next paragraph.

Later this week, I’ll explain the difference between your local scribe and the New York Times, Washington Post and the PeE. (besides the number of Pulitzer Prizes and other awards). You’ll learn about a cherished and established journalistic tradition — anonymous sources.

Remember all this who, where, when, why and how are “off the record”.