NEWSWRITING

A timely report of events, ideas or situations interesting or significant to the public.

Building the story: 5 Ws + 1H:
Structure- Lead, body ending using inverted pyramid
LEADS
Summary, quotation, question, exclamation, description, striking event, contrast
Elements of a news story
Objective, hard, limited verbs/adjectives, time-bound, short sentences, unbiased, brief, concise,
odd or unusual, human interest.
Steps in writing the story
1. List all your facts
2. Arrange your facts in a descending order, from the most important to the least
important.
3. Write the lead by playing up with the most interesting or important points.
4. Write the next paragraph/s presenting other highlights or answering other questions not
yet answered
5. Add more facts, keeping in mind their descending order of importance.
Tips for writing your article
1. Focus on your readers
a) What do they know/ What dont they know yet?
2. Tell them a story (packaging)
3. Dont preach: Make your point by showing how peoples lives are affected.
4. Remember, they do not have to read your article.
5. They are not necessarily interested in what you have to say. E.g. stolen childhood,
damaged adulthood
Structure of the story:
I. Lead- soft or hard
II. Transition to the main point, linking a particular story to a broader framework.
III. The main point-What the writer wants to inform the reader about. The subject is mentioned
from time to time to sustain reader interest.
IV. Ending: Back to main subject then give a short statement of conclusion.
Researching a story
First lead- Radio appeal by Catholic Bishop
Methodology- Inquire from the bishop, human rights workers.
Hypothesis-The military made children of NPA to force their children to surrender
Literature search: news clipping, HR newsletters
Documents: HR reports; news reports
Tips for writing the news story
1. Emphasize the feature or the lead
2. Proceed from the most interesting to the least interesting.
3. Dont cover all components in the lead.
4. Avoid beginning with There is.., According to A, The
5. Give your source of authority when necessary.
6. Identify all persons; write their full names the first time they are mentioned.
7. Avoid editorializing.
8. Be clear, graphic, simple and natural.
9. Choose words with care.
10. Avoid wordiness
11. Shorten sentences/paragraphs.

Basic rules in news writing

1. Write to express, not to impress
2. Think first then write
3. Use familiar words
4. Omit verbal deadwood
5. Keep sentences short.
6. Shorten paragraphs
7. Use specific and concrete language
8. Use adjectives sparingly
9. Write as you talk
10. Revise and sharpen
Style pointers
1. Abbreviate street, avenue and boulevard in numbered address. Do not abbreviate
drive
and road.
He lives at 13 Malambing St., UP Village, Quezon City.
But not: He lives on Malambing Street, UP Village, Quezon City.
2. Use BC, AD, a.m.,p.m. and No. with specific dates, hours and numbers
In 490 BC at 11 p.m. in room No. 13
But not: Late last p.m. the police asked for the no. of the suspects room.
3. Use of Mr., Mrs, Dr., Sen., Rep., Gov., MP and Prof.
Spell out all except Mr., Ms and Dr. before a surname only: Ms has no period.
Dr. Raul Fores
Doctor Fores
Gov. Bren z. Guiao
Governor Guiao
Ms Margaret Thatcher
Ms Thatcher
4. Do not abbreviate the following titles:
President, vice president, secretary, treasurer, assistant secretary, assistant treasurer,
auditor, director, solicitor general, ambassador, consul general, minister, mayor, vice mayor,
councilor.
5. Do not use the abbreviatons Atty. Engr. And Arch. Before a persons name:
If it is necessary to mention a persons profession in a story, say: Lawyer Antonio
Coronel, a lawyer, architect Leandro Locsin, an architect.
Abbreviate certain months of the year wi9th a specific date.
Jan. 1, Feb 14, Aug 8, Sept. 14, Oct. 10, Nov. 16, Dec. 25
But : March 15, April 2, May 1, June 12, July 4
6. Do not abbreviate any month standing alone or with year alone.
December is a month of many holidays.
The December 1989 coup attempt (not the Dec. 1989 coup attempt)
In tabular material, use three letters of each month without a period: Jan, Feb, Mar, Apr,
May, Jun, Aug, Sept, Oct, Nov, Dec
7. The name of the provinces are not abbreviated, except those ending in Occidental or Oriental,
such as Negros Occ. And Misamis Occ.
8. Some organizations are widely recognized by their initials acronyms. You may not use the full
name of such organization, but it is advisable to use it on first mention to make sure that all
readers know what organization you are talking about.
UN (United Nations)
ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations)
9. Do not use an abbreviation or acronym in parenthesis after the full name of an organization.
(Optional)
10. Use standard abbreviations after a number denoting a definite quantity.
The Typhoon is moving northwest at 29 kph.
11. Do not add an s to form the plural of an abbreviation.
10 ml. not 10 mls; 5km, not 5 kms; 1,000 sq.m., not 1000 sq.ms.
12. Abbreviate a long word or phrase that is frequently used in a report of the full term or phrase
is explained when it first occurs.
13. Avoid creating a typographical mess with the excessive use of abbreviations.

Avoid writing sentences like this:

The PMA and PMWA endorsed the stand taken by the WHO, UNICEF and UNESCO
but the PMHA did not.
14. An acronym is a word formed with the first letter of each series of words. Use only acronyms
which will be understood by the reader. Otherwise, explain the acronym on first mention.
Radar- radio detecting and ranging
Laser-light amplification stimulated emission of radiation
Snafu- army slang for situation normal, all fouled up
Napocor- National Power Corporation
15. Do not double the period when a sentence ends with an abbreviation using a period or
periods.
16. Abbreviate Company, Corporation, Incorporated, Limited, Brothers at the end of the name of
a business enterprise.
San Miguel Corp. La Tondena Inc.
17. Use an apostrophe to form the abbreviated for of a year.
The class of 43 celebrated its golden jubilee last April.
The historian wrote about the spirit of 76
18. When the expression forms a compound adjective before a noun, use hyphen to join the
terms in the adjective.
a 10-mg doe
a 10-km walk
19. Capitalize the entire acronym if it is made up of the first letter of the words constituting the
name of an organization, entity or corporation. Otherwise, capitalize only the first letter.
20. Use the following abbreviations of military titles before names.
General
Gen.
Lieutenant General
Lt. Gen.
Major General
Maj. Gen.
Brigadier General
Brig. Gen.
Colonel
Col.
Lieutenant
Lt. Col.
Major
Maj.
Captain
Capt.
First Lieutenant
1st Lt.
Second Lieutenant
2nd Lt.
Master Sergeant
M/ Sgt.
Technical Sergeant
T/ Sgt.
Staff Sergeant
S/ Sgt.
Sergeant
Sgt.
Corporal
Cpl.
Private First Class
Pfc.
Private
Pvt.
Airman First Class
A1C
Airman Second Class
A1C
Airman
No abbreviation
21. National Philippine Police titles and abbreviations:
Director General
No abbreviation
Deputy Director General
No abbreviation
Director
No abbreviation
Chief Superintendent
Chief Supt.
Senior Superintendent
Senior Supt.
Superintendent
Supt.
Chief Inspector
Chief Insp.
Senior Inspector
Senior Insp.
Senior Police Officer 4
Insp.
Senior Police Officer 3
SPO3
Senior Police Officer 2
SPO2
Senior Police Officer 1
SPO1
Police Officer 3
PO3

Police Officer 2
Police Officer 1

PO2
PO1

An example of a press release

PRESS RELEASE
POLICE REGIONAL OFFICE CORDILLERA
CAMP BADO DANGWA, LA TRINIDAD, BENGUET
TANOD NABBED FOR ILLEGAL DRUGS
In consonance with the Comprehensive Dangerous Drug Act of 2002 ( RA 9165) and the
LOI KONTRA DROGA Charlie of the PNP, a Barangay Tanod was nabbed in a buy-bust
operation at a parking lot in Barangay Governor Pack Road, Baguio City on Monday at about
2:00 PM. for Violation of Article II, Sec. 5 (Sale) of the Comprehensive Dangerous Drug Act of
2002 (RA 9165).
The operating troops of the Special Operations unit- Regional Anti-Illegal Drug Special
Operations Task Group (SOU-RAIDSOTG) in coordination with the PDEA-CAR arrested
JOSEPH ARELLANO PABLICO, 47 years old, married, a native of Magsingal, Ilocos Sur
and presently residing at the Barangay Hall of Gov. Pack Road, Baguio City.
Confiscated from his direct possession was (1) transparent heat sealed plastic sachet
containing white crystalline substance suspected to be methamphetamine hydrochloride or shabu
weighing approximately zero point five (0.5) grams with Dangerouse Drug Board value of three
thousand pesos (Php3,000.00) and One Thousand Peso bill (Php 1,000.00) which was used as
buy-bust money.
The contraband was brought to the PNP Crime Laboratory, Camp Bado, Dangwa for
laboratory examination while the suspect is still under the custody of the RAIDSOTG waiting for
inquest proceedings. ###

Copy edited version (tight)

Tanod nabbed
for illegal drugs
BAGUIO CITY A barangay tanod was nabbed in a buy-bust operation at a parking lot here
along Governor Pack Road around 2 p.m., Monday for selling shabu worth P3,000.
Tanod Joseph Arellano Pablico, 47, married, of Magsingal, Ilocos Sur and at present
residing in the Barangay Hall of Barangay Gov. Pack Road here was arrested bu cops and antinarcotics agents while selling methamphetamine hydrochloride to an undercover cop.
Confiscated from Pablico ertr 0.5 grams shabu and a P1,000 bill used as buy-bust
money.
The contraband was brought to the PNP Crime Laboratory in Camp Bado Dangwa, La
Trinidad, Benguet for laboratory examination while the suspect is still under police custody
awaiting inquest proceedings.
The operating troops of the Special Operations unit- Regional Anti-Illegal Drug Special
Operations Task Group (SOU-RAIDSOTG) in coordination with the PDEA-CAR councted the
operation.
The operation was in consonance with the Comprehensive Dangerous Drug Act of 2002
(Republic Act 9165) and Letter of Instruction KONTRA DROGA Charlie of the Philippine
National Police.

Edited (tighter)
Tanod nabbed
for illegal drugs

BAGUIO CITY Lawmen nabbed a barangay tanod (village watchman) in a buy-bust operation
here at a parking lot along Governor Pack Road around 2 p.m., Monday for selling shabu valued
at P3,000.
Tanod Joseph Arellano Pablico, 47, married, of Magsingal, Ilocos Sur and at present
residing in the Barangay Hall of Barangay Gov. Pack Road was arrested by cops and antinarcotics agents while selling methamphetamine hydrochloride to an undercover cop.
Confiscated from Pablico were 0.5 grams shabu and a P1,000 bill used as buy-bust
money.
The contraband was brought to the Philippine National Police Crime Laboratory in
Camp Bado Dangwa, La Trinidad, Benguet for examination while the suspect was still under
police custody awaiting inquest proceedings.
Elements of Special Operations unit- Regional Anti-Illegal Drug Special Operations Task
Group (SOU-RAIDSOTG) in coordination with the Philippine Drug Enforcement AgencyCordillera regional office conducted the operation.
The operation was in consonance with the Comprehensive Dangerous Drug Act of 2002
(Republic Act 9165) and Letter of Instruction Kontra Droga Charlie of the Philippine National
Police.

Edited (very tight)

Tanod nabbed
for illegal drugs
BAGUIO CITY Lawmen nabbed a barangay tanod (village watchman) in a buy-bust operation
here at a parking lot along Gov. Pack Road around 2 p.m., Monday for selling shabu worth
P3,000.
Tanod Joseph Arellano Pablico, 47, of Magsingal, Ilocos Sur, now residing in Barangay
Hall of Barangay Gov. Pack Road was arrested selling methamphetamine hydrochloride to an
undercover cop.
Confiscated from Pablico were 0.5 grams shabu and P1,000 bill buy-bust money.
The contraband was brought to Camp Dangwa, La Trinidad, Benguet for examination.
The suspect is now under police custody awaiting inquest proceedings for illegal drugs.
Elements of Special Operations unit- Regional Anti-Illegal Drug Special Operations Task
Group and Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency- Cordillera regional office conducted the
operation.
The operation was in consonance with Comprehensive Dangerous Drug Act of 2002
(Republic Act 9165) and Letter of Instruction Kontra Droga Charlie of the Philippine National
Police.
Another example of a press release
PRESS RELEASE
IFUGAO POLICE PROVINCIAL OFFICE
CAMP JOAQUIN DUNUAN, LAGAWE, IFUGAO
IFUGAO PPO CORNERED NUMBER 7 TOP MOST WANTED PERSON
Camp Joaquin P Dulnuan, Lagawe, Ifugao- The Ifugao PNP scores anew in the
campaign against Top Most Wanted Person in the province. The intensified intelligence built-up
of operating personnel in the implementation of LOI Manhunt Charlie in relation to IMPLAN
TUGIS resulted in the arrest of a Top Most Wanted Person, Municipal Level. This
accomplishment is clear manifestation of the Ifugao PPO under the leadership of PSSUPT
ANGELITO A CASIMIRO, OIC of their firm commitment to the victim in their quest for
justice.
At 7:00 in the evening of October 10, 2012, Trackers team of Hingyon MPS led by PI
JEFFREY F VICENTE, COP arrested a certain Joseph Donald Gano, 38 years old, single, farmer
and a resident of Ammuguong, Namulditan, Hingyon, Ifugao by the virtue of warrant of arrest
issued by Judge Maria Clarita Casuga-Tabin,presiding judge of MTCC 1st Judicial Region
Branch 4, Baguio City for violation of article 157 of the Revised Penal Code ( Evasion of

Sentence) docketed under Criminal Case number 128412 with recommended bail bond of PHP
24,000.00. The accused was rank as number 7 TMWP Municipal wide for the 4th Quarter
Calendar Year 2012. He was brought to Hingyon MPS for documentation prior presentation to
the issuing court.
The successful operation was made possible through intensive intelligence collection
efforts of HingyonMPS and Local Officials with the active support of the community. Such
significant accomplishment is commendable to motivate them to be more active in the
enforcement of laws. Further, the efforts send a strong signal to lawless elements that they
cannot escape the extensive hands of the law. The Ifugao PNP is firm in its campaign against
lawless elements in the province aligned with the Chief PNPs ten point action plan.