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Media Writing Vocab

Instructions:
  • Answer 50 questions in 15 minutes.
  • If you are not ready to take this test, you can study here.
  • Match each statement with the correct term.
  • Don't refresh. All questions and answers are randomly picked and ordered every time you load a test.

This is a study tool. The 3 wrong answers for each question are randomly chosen from answers to other questions. So, you might find at times the answers obvious, but you will see it re-enforces your understanding as you take the test each time.
1. A flattering story written to provide gratuitous publicity






2. A direct question intended to elicit a yes-or-not answer






3. An excessively long lead that's overstuffed with facts - like a bulging suitcase






4. The middle number or halfway point in a series of numbers arranged by size






5. A word or name that's stylized in a graphic way






6. The written version of a radio news story






7. A proofreading comment that means 'leave it - ignore any editing notations'






8. Material for news sites that's provided by the public rather than news organizations or journalists






9. A short - amusing news story






10. The slanting of information by a source - usually an attempt to make someone look good






11. State and federal laws that guarantee public access to meetings of government bodies






12. A type of news lead that withholds a significant piece of information (usually a person's last name)






13. Used to highlight items listed in the text






14. A campaign by a news outlet to bring about reform or encourage government action






15. A small - detailed page diagram showing where all elements go






16. Associated Press - a worldwide news-gathering cooperative






17. The section of a sports arena or stadium reserved for reporters covering the event






18. A newspaper that prints a new edition every day






19. State and federal laws guaranteeing public access to most government records






20. A sentence or block of type providing descriptive information about a photo






21. To gather news about an event






22. A lead that begins a story by placing readers in the middle of the action






23. An attention-getting lead






24. A timely event covered by journalists as it happens






25. Large type running above or beside a story to summarize its content






26. An advertisement






27. Presenting information using more than one medium - combining text - graphics - audio and video






28. Sombining a variety of media to cover a story






29. Reporting that requires extensive research to uncover information on misconduct or corruption that has been concealed from the public






30. The term used for counting the number of visitors to a web page






31. To publish an important or dramatic story for the first time






32. A special label for any regularly appearing section - page - or story






33. A word or phrase used by a writer to move a story from one point to another






34. The skills and tactics used to convey information and maintain a positive public image about a person - product - event or organization






35. The most prestigious award in journalism - established by publisher Joseph Pulitzer at Columbia University






36. unfairly favoring one side over another when writing a story






37. In libel cases - someone who exercises power or influence in governmental affairs






38. Statutes that give journalists the right to protect the identity of sources when questioned during judicial proceedings






39. A web log; an online journal providing commentary news dispatches and/or links to related Web sites






40. A staffer who works with reporters - editors - photographers and designers to plan and create special treatment for stories






41. A collection of facts and data that's organized by journalists into a searchable format






42. The written phrase that identifies the source of a fact - opinion or quote in a story






43. The legal protection given to authors preventing others from copying or selling their work






44. A graphic device that labels regularly appearing material






45. To lengthen a story by adding unnecessary material - usually so it fits a predetermined length






46. Passing off someone else's words or ideas as your own






47. The interconnected community of blogs and bloggers who post comments and link to each other's blogs






48. A story reported by only one news outlet






49. Video images shot at a news scene that are later used to illustrate or cover a sound bit or reporter's track that was recorded separately






50. Factual coverage of serious events