Accuracy and ClarityReporting and Writing

Journalism and Media Studies CentreThe University of Hong Kong

AlexLo

Accuracy and Clarity• Every story you write must be accurate and clear.

• Let’s deal with accuracy first. On a fast-breaking story, it can be hard to be sure of our facts, but some conventions are available:

First, we double-check what facts we can collect – the who, what,

when, where and why. And sometimes, the how.

Second, we attribute information, particularly information that might be in dispute or that is controversial, to people with access to that information – or whose official positions give them the authority to speak.

Accuracy

When you interview someone, double-check the spelling of their name; get their phone number and/or email.

After you’re done with your questions, ask if there’s anything they’d like to add.

On your way to cover a story, prepare questions in advance.

Accuracy

Readers and viewers sense a story is accurate when it seems well-reported – when it seems the reporter has done a good job collecting the information.

So, while on a story, keep an ear out for the dramatic quotation – the judge, for instance, who says a defendant has no remorse.

Accuracy

Look for the telling details, the ones that will make your story powerful – still accurate, but clearly well-researched.

The telling details are ones that in a few words say something significant – the defendant, for instance, who has had 21 convictions since he was 13 years old.

Accuracy

Where can you get accurate information when researching a topic?

Human Physical Online

Accuracy

• HUMAN: Official spokespeople – public officials and agencies usually have one.

• Paid press and information people – many non-public groups, e.g., NGOs, also have people whose job is to talk to the media.

• Institutional experts – whatever the field of interest, there is probably a trade group, university or think tank that has an expert willing to talk to you – or to steer you in the right direction.

Accuracy

• What is the person’s bias?

• Is the person qualified?

• Are other sources saying the same?

Accuracy

• PHYSICAL INFORMATION• Documents, files, records.• Books, magazines and newspaper clippings. • Recognized reference books are better than

newspaper clippings and old broadcast files.• Are they up to date?• What about the possible bias or reliability of the

source (can be an issue with some books and magazines)?

Accuracy

ONLINE INFORMATION:

• Who/what is behind the site?

• Does the site seem professional/unbiased?

• Can information be confirmed? Can its source be contacted?

Accuracy: Hoaxes

• http://hk.apple.nextmedia.com/realtime/art_main.php?iss_id=20110915&sec_id=10793140&art_id=50038553

• 日看巨乳 10 分鐘可延年益壽

• 2011 年 09 月 15 日 (03:47 pm)

• http://urbanlegends.about.com/od/medical/a/ogling_breasts.htm

• 'Medical study' purportedly published in the New England Journal of Medicine claims research has shown that ogling women's breasts increases men's lifespans.

• Description: Email hoax / Satire Circulating since: March / April 2000 Status: False

Clarity

A news sentence should:

• contain no unnecessary words,

• be short and concise so that every word tell.

Media writers must present information in a clear and simple, yet interesting, way.

Clarity

Besides the use of clear language. You must aim to:

• Use the correct words.

• Compose sentences carefully and find the right tone. For instance, dignified tone for the story of a funeral; a tone of drama and action for a daring rescue; a tone of joy for someone who achieves something great.

Clarity

Always use:• Simple and short sentences• Short, commonly used words• Avoid unnecessary words• Use active voice, whenever possible• Write plainly and directly• Use words that help readers see, rather than put them to

sleep.• Express, not impress. Writing is an act of ego, but

reporting is impersonal. • After you are done, reread and rewrite – if you have time

before deadline.

Clarity

• Tips for clear writing:

Use simple, not complex, sentences.• Simple: Tsang, now in his second term, cannot seek re-

election.• Complex: Tsang, now in his second term, cannot seek a

third term, and so some political observers say that is the reason he has not shown much regard for much public opinion in several recent controversies, including his government’s refusal to reveal the salaries it was paying new political appointees, forcing them instead to reveal them.

Clarity

Use words most people know.

• Do not send people to the dictionary. Don’t give them reasons to put your story down.

Clarity

Don’t use unnecessary words, as this paragraph does.

A metal-working factory in Yuen Long where a powerful blast yesterday afternoon killed three workers and injured four other laborers has been found to have had failed several types of safety inspections last year. (35 words)

Clarity

Both versions have only 23 words: • A powerful blast killed three workers and

injured four others yesterday at a Yuen Long factory which failed several safety inspections last year.

• A factory in Yuen Long where a powerful blast killed three workers and injured four others yesterday failed several safety inspections last year.

Charity

When possible, use active voice; use strong verbs.

Active: A leaking gas cylinder triggered the explosion.

Passive: The explosion was caused by a leaking gas cylinder.

Charity

Write the way most people talk – direct and plain, NOT like this:

The manager of a money-lending firm, who pleaded guilty to dishonestly appropriating $2.4 million from his employer, was described by two Democratic Party legislators as “a honest man with many good qualities.”

Charity

How about this?

A loan-company manager who pleaded guilty to stealing $2.4 million from his boss was described by two Democratic Party legislators as a honest man.

Charity

• Use words that help readers see, rather Use words that help readers see, rather than go to sleep, as these do:than go to sleep, as these do:

• The first and only International Anti-The first and only International Anti-Corruption Newsletter is being published Corruption Newsletter is being published on the Internet by the Independent on the Internet by the Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC) to Commission Against Corruption (ICAC) to help overseas agencies fighting crime and help overseas agencies fighting crime and corruption.corruption.

Charity

How about this?

Hong Kong’s corruption watchdog is publishing the first Internet newsletter for helping cops around the world catch crooks.

Clarity

Always use:• Simple and short sentences• Short, commonly used words• Avoid unnecessary words• Use active voice, whenever possible• Write plainly and directly• Use words that help readers see, rather than put them to

sleep.• Express, not impress. Writing is an act of ego, but

reporting is impersonal. • After you are done, reread and rewrite – if you have time

before deadline.