Journalism

Exercise in News Lead Writing

Identify the 5 Ws in each of the following sets of reporter’s notes for story leads and then write a lead for each one. Use your news judgment to determine what does or does not belong in the lead and prioritize the news.

1. Angel Valencia, 28, 105 East 139th Street

Driving on Saw Mill Parkway

Car went off an embankment

Flipped over, landed on street below at

Intersection of Concord and Commerce streets

Highway Patrolman Gus Blockman said

He is in critical condition at Muir Medical Center

His Rottweiler was riding in the car with him

It was injured and is being treated at an emergency

Veterinary Clinic in Yonkers

(sources: Blockman, hospital spokeperson)

2. Fire chief Leonard Basler said five-story commercial building

At Duboce Avenue and Wallace Street, Syosset

Extensively damaged by fire that started around 8:50 this morning

Roofers putting a new roof on the building apparently started the blaze

With a propane torch , Basler said ”The torch got out of control and ignited things.”

No one was injured in the two alarm-fire but there was extensive

smoke and water damage

Tenants will have to move until the building is repaired

(source: Chief Basler)

3. Samantha Whithers, 2, 1821 Whitewater Lane, Bronx

In critical condition at Metro Medical Center

Bitten dozens of times by father’s pet ferret

John B. Whithers, father, 25 Olga Torres, mother, 24 held in city jail

Charged with child endangerment

Child bitten 50 times over chest and face required 100 stitches

Parents were asleep during the attack social workers said

Police Sgt. Mark Hastings said parents had been drinking beer and fell asleep

Four other children, under 7, placed with relatives

(source: Sgt. Hastings)