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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. To identify the source of a fact - opinion or quote






2. A collection of clips - press releases - notes and story ideas - arranged by date - to remind editors of upcoming stories to assign






3. A small headline running below the main headline






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






5. To delete part of a story






6. Specialized technical or bureaucratic language that's often confusing or meaningless to ordinary readers






7. A story that explains the basics of an issue or event. also refers to an interview in which a source provides information - though not necessarily for publication






8. Adding description or human interest or slanting it unfairly by adding bias






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






10. Information sent out by a group or individual seeking publicity






11. A flattering story written to provide gratuitous publicity






12. An organization that complies news - features and photos and distributes them - for a fee - to subscribing publications






13. A group of reporters and photographers selected to cover a story where access is limited






14. A story explaining an upcoming meeting or event






15. A news story by a reporter that doesn't use actualities






16. The page opposite a newspaper's editorial page - usually reserved for columns and letters to the editor






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






18. A package of information about a product - group or event - often containing background information - photos - news releases and so on






19. The name given to a story for newsroom use






20. When journalists take sides in a controversial issue - promoting a particular point of view






21. The top-ranking executive of a newspaper - who oversees all departments






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






23. An article or project that's more creative - original - and ambitious than typical news stories






24. A story supplying additional details about an event that's been previously covered






25. An interview session where someone answers questions from a group of reporters






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






27. A format that lets web users subscribe to feeds from blogs or web sites






28. A newsgathering office separate from the main newsroom.






29. A short news story






30. News reporting that's sleazy or sensational






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






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






33. The reporter's name - usually printed at the beginning of a story






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






35. A news story structure that presents the most important facts first; the rest of the information is organized in descending order of importance






36. Violating the right of an ordinary person to be left alone






37. The placement of art and text on a page






38. A news library - where published stories and photos are stored for reference






39. A small photo showing a person's face






40. The right of public officials to speak without threat of libel when carrying out their duties






41. Aligning lines of text so they're even along both the right and left margins






42. Tired cliches that are recycled by lazy reporters






43. A part-time correspondent who is not a regular newsroom employee but gets paid by the story






44. A story that uses multiple points of entry to make complex topics more accessible to readers






45. An advertisement






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






47. An interview printed in question-and-answer form






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






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






50. A restriction placed on a news story or press release that specifies where the information can be made public