Aims

You will concentrate on developing news writing reporting skills for use in periodicals, in-house publications and other written material. Through a combination of workshops, discussions and practical exercises, you will gain an appreciation of the value of news, and then develop the skills required for professional news reporting. You will learn how to handle quotes and the ethical constraints on press freedom, in addition to other legal issues, such as libel, contempt, privacy and protecting sources. This week long course will provide you with the opportunity for practice and feedback.

Suitability

If you have little or no formal journalistic training and need to develop a news sense, then this course will help you appreciate newspaper practice and reporting skills. You may be a researcher or an editorial assistant and need to concentrate on enhancing your skills and exploring new practices. No prior experience is necessary, however a good level of written and spoken English and awareness of current affairs is advisable.

Content

newspaper practice and reporting skills

newsroom terminology and working from written sources

planning and researching stories

story structure: the 5W’s

writing an introduction and making copy effective

grammar, syntax and vocabulary

use and misuse of language; style and house style

planning interviews, sources and writing

handling press conferences

newspaper analysis

Duration: 5 Days

Dates: 8-12 Jul 02

Location: Elephant & Castle