Test your basic knowledge |

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 story reported by only one news outlet






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






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






4. The lead to a reporter's warp - read by an anchor






5. Someone who works for a news organization a reporter - editor - photographer - etc.






6. A typesetting mistake






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






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






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






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






11. An exclusive story no other news outlet has






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






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






14. The first sentence or paragraph of a story






15. A flattering story written to provide gratuitous publicity






16. An attention-getting lead






17. A lead in which the 'who' is identified by name - usually because the person is recognizable to most readers






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






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






20. Tired cliches that are recycled by lazy reporters






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






22. A full-size newspaper






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






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






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






26. Records or people providing journalists with information






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






28. Information that may be used in a story but which cannot be attributed in any way - in order to protect the source's identity






29. A reporter who files stories from outside the newsroom






30. To gather news about an event






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






32. Activities or writings that incite resistance or hostility toward the government






33. A story layout designed across two facing pages






34. An entry on a blog






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






36. A short news story






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






38. Part advertising - part editorial






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






40. HyperText Markup Language - the coding used to format and display






41. A 'follow-up' story that provides additional details about an event that was previously covered






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






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






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






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






46. A longer analysis piece that attempts to put a complex issue into perspective






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






48. Short for obituary - a story about someone who has died






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






50. A newsgathering office separate from the main newsroom.