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March 17, 2005
Drawing in the reader
From Editor & Publisher (via Romenesko):
In a break with tradition at the 156-year-old news cooperative, the AP will now offer two different leads for many of its news stories, the organization confirmed Wednesday."The concept is simple: On major spot stories -- especially when events happen early in the day -- we will provide you with two versions to choose between," the AP said in an advisory to members. "One will be the traditional 'straight lead' that leads with the main facts of what took place. The other will be the 'optional,' an alternative approach that attempts to draw in the reader through imagery, narrative devices, perspective or other creative means."
Traditional: "U.S. stocks were little changed on Thursday, as jobless claims figures came in line with expectations and strong earnings from two major investment banks were offset by oil prices, which stayed firmly above $57 a barrel."
Optional: Oil. Black Gold. Texas T. It is the life blood of our country. It does more than power our cars; it fuels our dreams. The news – i.e., that oil prices remained above $57 a barrel – may not be terribly important, but it reminds us of a precious substance vital to our way of life, a bubbling crude without which we would have to walk everywhere.
Traditional: "NEW YORK -- Mark McGwire plans to comply with a subpoena and attend Thursday's congressional hearing into steroid use in baseball, the Associated Press has learned."
Optional: NEW YORK -- The sun beat down on the slugger's hard, curiously muscular arms. "I think I'll comply with this subponea," McGwire said as his shirt split in two, leaving him bare-chested.
Traditional: "President Bush chose congressman Rob Portman to be U.S. trade representative on Thursday, saying the Ohio Republican has shown a deep dedication to free and fair trade."
Optional: I was at my desk when the call came: “We need something on the selection of a new trade representative,” my editor said. Would I write the article? Of course I would, I told him. I'm a reporter. It's my job.
Traditional: "For the second time in just under a year, a circuit breaker failed on the international space station Wednesday, shutting down one of the gyroscopes needed to keep the orbiting outpost steady and pointed in the right position."
Optional: Kirk: "Progress report, Mr. Scott ..."
Scotty: "I'm doing the best I can, Captain!"
Kirk: "We need that gyroscope now!"
Scotty: "Okay. Seriously. What did I just tell you?"
Posted by teb at March 17, 2005 12:47 PM