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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 section of a story that's written ahead of time for an event that will occur close to deadline






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






3. Associated Press - a worldwide news-gathering cooperative






4. A person who gathers and writes news stories for publication or broadcast






5. A series of photos and captions that illustrates a topic or event on a web site






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






7. A newspaper that prints a new edition every day






8. An indirect quote that summarizes - in your own words - what someone else said






9. The focus - emphasis - or 'slant' of a story; a distinctive way of viewing and writing about a topic






10. The area or subject that a reporter is responsible for covering. (topic - institution - location)






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






12. A reporter who files stories from outside the newsroom






13. The recorded voice of someone in the news - or sound from a news event






14. Words the introduce some element in a broadcast news story






15. When the anchor speaks over video - or when a reporter narrates over video cover






16. A 1966 law requiring federal agencies to make most of their records available to the public upon request






17. A block of information - including staff names and publication data - often printed on the editorial page






18. To design a page on a computer






19. A write whose commentary is sold and distributed by a news organization for reprinting in other publications






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






21. Gathering information for a news story from a group of online readers






22. A person who assigns - approves - or corrects stories for publication or broadcast






23. A small story or chart accompanying a bigger story on the same topic






24. A feature that provides drama or emotional impact for readers






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






26. The closing line where reporters say their name and station call letters






27. An ending that concludes a story in a clever way






28. The story deserving the biggest headline and best display on page one - or at the start of a newscast






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






30. News reporting that's sleazy or sensational






31. A small headline running below the main headline






32. The public's perception of the reliability of a reporter or news outlet






33. An advertisement






34. A blog written by a reporter or team of reporters that focuses on specialized topic such as local crime - sports or politics






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






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






37. The word journalists use to refer to a published article






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






39. A shot of a reporter at a news scene reporting a story






40. In libel cases - a person who has acquired fame or notoriety or has participated in some public controversy






41. Used to highlight items listed in the text






42. An explanatory paragraph near the top of the story that summarizes what the story is about






43. The main page of a web site - providing links to the rest of the site






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






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






46. The person who reads the news during a newscast and provides transition between stories






47. Lines of type - often bold - used to divide text into smaller sections






48. Questions intended to steer an interviewee in a particular direction






49. A recorded sound bit played during a tv news story






50. Reckless disregard of the truth; printing something you know to be false