Chapter 10 Newswriting for Broadcast
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In developing a human interest story, for example, consider that nearly
everyone has something that is particularly interesting to them. This inter-
est may be a hobby, craft, leisure activity, relative, living environment,
physical location, memory, or an object (such as a special antique, heir-
loom, car, recording, or collection.). The reporter ’s job is to fi nd the “thing”
about a person, ask questions to get the most interesting information, and
turn it into a story.
Assistant Activity
Begin a conversation with a classmate and do not end
the conversation until you have discovered fi ve new and
interesting things about that person. The longer you talk,
trying to fi nd something to say, the more both of you will
open up and share interesting information.
Finding Stories in an Educational Environment
Reporters watch what is happening around them—in school, in the car,
on the bus, in the cafeteria, at the mall, on television, and on the Internet. Any
event, visitor, poster, bulletin board, or classroom assignment is a potential
story. Student reporters should tour the school and try to view it as some-
one who has never been there before, Figure 10-2. Story ideas may come
simply from the surroundings. For example, passing the classroom where
the yearbook is produced might spark a story about the new yearbook staff
and this year’s yearbook theme. Walking past a student wearing a trendy,
branded t-shirt may inspire a story about brand status or the shopping hab-
its of students. The activities director or master calendar in the school is a
great source of information on upcoming events. Knowing about events that
are scheduled provides a direction or source to gather more information,
such as the organizations sponsoring an event, and write a story.
Figure 10-2. Pay attention
to activity in the school
hallways. From activity
banners to the students
themselves, potential
stories may be right in
front of you!