The 5 W's and H of Journalism

In all kinds of writing and research in journalism, people are always looking for the most effective strategies for increasing visibility and driving the point home to their readers and listeners. Smart journalists know that there are several approaches they can utilize in order to make your content top tier and more impactful to your audience.

One of the most notable tactics is “The 5 W’s and the H.” This approach refers to the six questions that a reporter should answer in the story’s first section. The five Ws and H in journalism are: “who,” “what,” “when,” “where,” “why,” and “how.” Stories with this structure have an apparent flow that makes them easier for readers to follow. Some professionals argue that if any of the 5Ws and H is missing, it’s an incomplete story that’s missing substance.

Here are the 5 W’s and H and how they can significantly influence your story or content:

Who:

The “who” question aims to determine the participants of the story. This usually points out the main characters as well as witnesses.

What:

The “what” question points out the subject and audience. This prompt targets the audience to perform a specific function.

When:

The “when” question relates to time. The time of the event or situation. It’s best that these questions are answered as precisely and clearly as possible.

Where:

The “where” answers the location aspect of the article. The location where the story took place or the place where something is happening.

Why:

The “why” answers the reasoning behind an action or event. The audience learns the reason and motives behind an occurrence.

How:

The “how” explains the reasons why something happened. It also tries to reason to particular unclear situations.

It’s essential to remember how these questions can help give you a clearer picture of the content you are putting out. Depending on the situation, you can get a more detailed story analysis and help readers get the whole story. As a journalist, the five Ws and H are exactly what you need to gain visibility and grab people’s attention.

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.

Network attention followed. Blake McCoy became a National Correspondent at NBC News reporting for TODAY, Nightly News, and MSNBC. Minnesota became his second-home as he would return often covering major stories including investigations and trials of multiple high-profile police shootings, racial injustice and the death of music icon Prince.