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Blake McCoy Shares Steps to Writing Like a Journalist

Blake McCoy of Chicago shares tips and steps to writing like a journalist.

By Blake McCoyPublished 12 months ago 3 min read
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https://blakemccoy.co/steps-to-writing-like-a-journalist/

News organizations use a journalistic style of writing to structure a story. It typically starts with a hierarchy of information and follows a set of principles commonly used in news articles.

Journalists follow a formula when creating a story, which can be applied to different writing styles, such as novels and school assignments. It helps readers make sense of the information they’re receiving. In this article are steps to write like a journalist.

Step One: Research and Information

Before you start working on a story, you must gather the necessary information. This can be done by going to the location where the incident occurred, interviewing the people involved, and using online research tools.

Step Two: Find Your Focus

A news story has a variety of angles, which are the main elements that make it newsworthy. A story about human interest can have a different focus than a political one. Usually, the first paragraph of a news story reveals the story’s angle.

Step Three: Strong Opening

A good opening is the building block of any good story and should be strong enough to catch the reader’s attention. It should provide the reader with the necessary information to make sense of the story. The five W’s of a good opening are: who, what, when, why, and where. This is the building block of any technical writing, fiction, or content marketing article.

Step Four: Structure

The structure of a good news story is an inverted pyramid composed of the primary information in the top portion of the story, followed by the next section containing supporting details. The story’s bottom section lets the reader find additional exciting facts. This is the main reason why creative writing requires writers to start with the Who, What, When, Where, and Why of their stories.

Step Five: Write Concisely

Journalists commonly use short sentences to deliver a story. Compared to the passive voice, the type of sentence used in headlines, the active agent is more direct and has a quicker tempo. This skill can be improved by working with a copywriting coach. The main objective of this discipline is to create a clear and concise message.

Step Six: Edit Before Publishing

The fast pace of a new office is very demanding on writers, and they should regularly check their work for clarity. A professional editor can help them improve their writing and ensure everything looks good before sending it out.

About Blake McCoy

Blake McCoy is a dynamic, engaging broadcast journalist with a depth of experience. As a network news correspondent, Blake has traveled the country sharing stories of human triumph and tragedy, struggle and perseverance. As a local anchor, Blake has connected with audiences by leading top-rated newscasts with authenticity, accuracy and care.

Blake McCoy’s news journey began in Boise, Idaho where he spent nearly two years establishing the foundation for his career as a reporter and morning anchor at KBOI-TV.

Next stop was Las Vegas, NV where Blake McCoy worked as reporter and weekend anchor at KTNV, ABC Action News. Vegas had gone from boom to bust overnight, rattled by the 2008 financial crisis. Reporting on tourism from the fast-paced Las Vegas Strip, Blake found new urgency in the constant push for reinvention. Just beyond the neon, reporting juxtaposed with deeply personal stories of job loss, home foreclosure and desperation.

After three years in Las Vegas, Blake McCoy’s next career opportunity came from the highly respected, award-winning team at KARE 11, NBC in Minneapolis, MN. Blake would keep is schedule anchoring weekend evenings and reporting on important issues in the community. At KARE 11, Blake’s authenticity and smart reporting was quickly embraced by viewers of their #1 rated newscasts.

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About the Creator

Blake McCoy

Blake McCoy is a dynamic, engaging broadcast journalist with a depth of experience. As a network news correspondent, Blake has traveled the country sharing stories of human triumph and tragedy, struggle and perseverance.

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