ASSIGNMENT ONE
Prepare: As you have learned, having a great idea for a news story is just the beginning of the process of delivering news to your audience. You must seek information that is accurate, timely, and that adequately supports your story. Journalists often face situations where information is not readily available because some entity may be trying to keep it private. However, the Freedom of Information Act provides journalists and others with the necessary tools to gain access to information the public has a right to know. Watch this informational series about FOIA (Links to an external site.)Links to an external site..
Reflect: Now that you have learned more about FOIA, consider the special report that you are gathering information for:
- What type of documents will you need to support your story?
- Is it necessary to file a FOIA request to access the information?
- What are the requirements for a FOIA request in your state?
Write: Now that you have investigated FOIA in your state and whether you must file a request for information for your story, write a 250- to 300-word blog that shares with your peers what you discovered. Also, include a link or upload an attachment about the details of filing a FOIA request in your state. Please note that if you decided to file a FOIA request for information for your story, that request may not be fulfilled by the time our story is due in Week 5. However, going through the process is good practice and you can note that a request for more information was filed in your story. View the Formatting Stories and Blogs document for assistance with formatting your blog.
Respond to Peers: After you have written your blog, read the blogs of your peers and post a comment to at least three other bloggers about their story ideas. Your comments should address them by name, be between 50 and 75 words in length, and must include your name at the end of each response.
ASSIGNMENT TWO
Special Report Query Letter (Print Publication)
From: Your Full Name (with e-mail address) Subject: To [Editor’s Full Name], [Job title]: Re: Submission Query To: Editor’s e-mail address
Hello Editor,
The first paragraph is the strong lead-in paragraph. This is where you will capture the attention of the editor by providing an overview of your story. Just as with any other lead you have learned to write, you should be sure it is relevant and that important information is highlighted here so that it will peak the interest of the editor and prompt him or her to continue reading. Here is where you will try to connect with the editor on an emotional or inspirational level.
The second paragraph is the supporting paragraph or the place where you will discuss the unique selling points of the story. Types of unique selling points may include factual highlights or how this story will be different from all others that have been written on the subject. Including information such as this will demonstrate to the editor that you have researched the topic.
In the third paragraph, you will explain why your story fits into the editor’s publication. Editors want to know that you understand the type of publication they run and that you are able to gauge the interests of their readers.
The fourth paragraph is where you will explain why you are interested in this topic and highlight any experience that you have in the area. This is where you establish your credibility with the editor. This is the place where you can highlight published articles. If you do not have work that has been published by others, simply highlight your interest in the topic. You may present self-published work if it is part of a blog or website that you have created.
The fifth and final portion of the email is where you conclude by thanking the editor for his or her time and noting that you look forward to hearing from him or her.
Sincerely,
Your Full Name
Special Report Query Letter (Digital Publication)
From: Your Full Name (with e-mail address) Subject: To [Editor’s Full Name], [Job title]: Re: Submission Query To: Editor’s e-mail address
Hello Editor,
The first paragraph is the strong lead-in paragraph. This is where you will capture the attention of the editor by providing an overview of your story. Just as with any other lead you have learned to write, you should be sure it is relevant and that important information is highlighted here so that it will peak the interest of the editor and prompt him or her to continue reading. Here is where you will try to connect with the editor on an emotional or inspirational level.
The second paragraph is the supporting paragraph or the place where you will discuss the unique selling points of the story. Types of unique selling points may include factual highlights or how this story will be different from all others that have been written on the subject. Including information such as this will demonstrate to the editor that you have researched the topic.
In the third paragraph, you will explain why your story fits into the editor’s publication. Editors want to know that you understand the type of publication they run and that you are able to gauge the interests of their readers.
The fourth paragraph is where you will explain why you are interested in this topic and highlight any experience you have in the area. This is where you establish your credibility with the editor. This is the place where you can highlight published articles. If you do not have work that has been published by others, simply highlight your interest in the topic. You may present self-published work if it is part of a blog or website that you have created.
The fifth and final portion of the email is where you conclude by thanking the editor for his or her time and noting that you look forward to hearing from him or her.
Sincerely,
Your Full Name
List of Potential Sources
Create a list of potential sources of information for each category noted below. This list may change as you continue to develop your story throughout the course. List multiple possibilities for each category to ensure that you have adequate sources of information for the Final Enterprise News Story.
Possible interview sources with views on the topic or issue
Possible interview sources with an opposing point of view from the first list of sources on the topic or issue
Possible statistical or factual piece of information derived from public records, meetings, news conferences, etc.
Other sources of information
