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Sample SyllabiMedia Writing Links
Discussion QuestionsExercises and AssignmentsOnline Media Writing ExamplesInstructor ResourcesWriting With Visual and Audio Images
 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 focuses on the importance of visual images and sound in media writing; also discussed are the attributes of good storytelling, especially important in broadcast stories that are read aloud (see pages 157-161). In the escort policy story (Instructor's Video - No. 1), what are the beginning, middle and end of reporter Dennis Stauffer's video track? What is it that made this story so newsworthy across the country? What tidbit did the reporter save for the middle of his story to keep viewers interested?

2. This chapter urges television broadcast writers to use striking pictures when putting together their video stories (see pages 164 - 165). Take several stories from your local newspaper and imagine you're a television reporter doing a follow-up story. What pictures will you need to make your story compelling to viewers? How will you begin the video track (story)? What differences will there be between the television story and the newspaper version?

3. Chapter 7 discusses using natural sound — the rustle of leaves or the din of traffic — to bring both television and radio stories to life (see pages 167-169). Listen to the local public radio station and pick out several news stories that use natural sound. What are the sounds they use? How do the writers weave them into their stories? What images do they plant in your mind? Pick out other examples from television news stories that make good use of natural sound. What makes them particularly effective?

4. Chapter 7 discusses how people generate ideas for advertising concepts, copy and graphics (see pages 177-178). One way is to understand human nature as exemplified in arts, literature and history (see the discussion of the Nike ad on pages 176 -177 and the Cadence ad on pages 178 - 179). Another way to generate ideas is to become familiar with trends in society. Collect several full-page ads from different magazines. Try to identify ads that use ideas from the arts, literature, history or trends in society. Describe how the ad connects the idea to the product or service being advertised.

 
Sample SyllabiMedia Writing Links