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Discussion QuestionsExercises and AssignmentsOnline Media Writing ExamplesInstructor ResourcesWriting And Gathering Information
 Writing Across the MediaCh1. Writing with Clarity and CoherenceCh2. Writing with ResponsibilityCh3. Writing for AudiencesCh4. Writing and Gathering InformationCh5. Writing the OpeningCh6. Writing Basic StoriesCh7. Writing with Visual and Audio ImagesCh8. Writing Complex Stories

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Discussion Questions

1. The chapter's "Tailoring the Information Search" section (see pages 78-79) offers four questions by Shirley Biagi designed to focus a reporter's search for information. Imagine you're a public relations writer in the state governor's office. You've just been asked to draft a news release, to be issued in 48 hours, announcing the governor's decision to ask the legislature to fund a new system of state hiking trails. Ask yourself Biagi's four questions. Make sure you consider the requirements of writing a news release. How will the answers to these questions help you in gathering information for the story?

2. Pages 80-83 discuss information sources such as commercial databases, Internet sources and government documents. Which of these sources do you think are most reliable? Why? How might media writers verify the accuracy of any questionable information they uncover using any of these sources? Which particular information sources are most useful in particular situations?

3. The chapter covers five types of interviews media writers conduct (see pages 85-91). Record one or two current episodes of a network television newsmagazine show, such as "Dateline NBC," "20/20" or "60 Minutes." Identify which of these five kinds of interviews appear in the shows' segments. How do the topics and sources of the shows' segments influence the interview types?

4. The "Writing Tips" box on p. 93 covers three types of interview subjects. Use the newsmagazine videotape mentioned in the question above and tally how many of each of the three types of subjects are included in the shows' segments. Do any of the types of interviews appear more often than the others? Why? How do the segments' topics influence the types of interview subjects used? Do the segments strike an appropriate balance between experts and "just plain people?"

5. Record a live public affairs interview show hosted by a veteran interviewer, such as television's "Charlie Rose" or National Public Radio's "Fresh Air with Terry Gross." Consider how well the interviewer employs each of the 10 guidelines for interviewing presented on pages 91-92. What can you learn from the work of your chosen program? Make suggestions to improve the interviews based on the guidelines.

 
Sample SyllabiMedia Writing Links