JN 311 Lecture Notes - Lecture 1: Soft Media
29 Aug 2016
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Document Summary
Sometimes reporters select angle of coverage, but sometimes the editor selects that, too. Typically, reporters will cover issues that are part of their beat, or specialized area of reporting. However, with shrinking newsrooms, reporters are now expected to cover a multitude of issues. The space allotted for the story is often restricted. Editors used to make this assignment based on inches. Now, editors assign stories based on word count. Depending on the news outlet"s online capabilities, the word count may be unlimited. However, reporters and editors must keep in mind the attention span of their readers. Depending on the publication, reporters have a varied degree of freedom in selecting their stories and the content of those stories. It"s relatively common for reporters to pitch stories to their editors. Reporters typically explain what the story will be about and what the angle would be. The editor will always ask, why should people care? .
