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






2. News reporting that's sleazy or sensational






3. A software program that enables you to view Web pages






4. Associated Press - a worldwide news-gathering cooperative






5. A typesetting mistake






6. Providing a community angle on a national story by discussing its connection to local people - issues - or events






7. To delay or relocate a story






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






9. Defamation by the spoken word.






10. 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






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






12. A reporter who files stories from outside the newsroom






13. Any map - chart or diagram used to analyze an event - object or place






14. A typeface






15. The first words of a cut or wrap






16. A roundup of stories by each department of a newsroom






17. To delete part of a story






18. To design a page on a computer






19. Where a reporter covers a wide range of stories rather than focusing on a specific beat






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






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






22. Software used to produced animated graphics






23. An attention-getting lead






24. A feature story that uses interviews and observations to paint a picture of someone newsworthy






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






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






27. An audio version of a news story made available for downloading on a web site






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






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






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






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






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






33. Records or people providing journalists with information






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






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






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






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






38. A device that projects a news script in front of the camera lens for an anchor to read






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






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






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






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






43. A compilation of newsroom rules for punctuation - capitalization - abbreviation - etc. with guidelines on everything from handling profanity to recording sports scores






44. A short - amusing news story






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






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






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






48. A writer's unique blend of syntax - vocabulary and perspective that gives his or her writing its characteristic personality






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






50. A non-breaking-news story on people - trends or issues