THE GOLDEN RULE GUILDING NEWS WRITING


As a journalist there are some rules you must always bear in mind when writing your report.  These rules area as follow
a. do not reduce the full name of an organization to unfamiliar abbreviation or acronyms. Spell out the name of the organization in the first instance. Acronyms can be used thereafter
b. spell out number one to nine, others with two digits and above can written in figure
c. try to avoid the use of “THE” at the beginning  of your lead
d. stories should be written in present tense, except when full name of a person at the first mention  in a a story and use only the surname in subsequent  references
e. use the active voice to give strength to your story.
f. link less prominent individuals in the news to prominent persons and where it is applicable to give your story appeal.
g. time in newspaper usage should be written as 8a.m or 11a.m not 8.00a.m or 11.00a.m while 12a.m or 12p.m should be written as midnight or noon
h. do not use long titles before a name instead use titles like “CHIEF, MAYOR AND Dr”
i. use specific words in a context rather than general words in other to convey the real meaning clearly.
j. use the appropriate format for writing your story especially when you are using the traditional process. However, this  sometimes depends in the house syle.