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. News reporting that's sleazy or sensational






2. The name given to a story for newsroom use






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






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






5. An unanswered question in a story; a significant missing fact that's identified when a story is edited






6. The business and craft of producing content for the news media






7. A rookie or trainee reporter






8. The first words of a cut or wrap






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






10. The placement of art and text on a page






11. A newspaper format that's roughly half the size of a standard page






12. The top news executive in a television newsroom - responsible for news content - budget decision - hiring and firing staff - etc.






13. A timely event covered by journalists as it happens






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






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






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






17. The right of journalists to print their opinion on the performance of public figures or entertainers






18. A clickable word or image on a web page that directs you to another page or site






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






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






21. A newsroom staffer who edits stories and writes headlines






22. To gather news about an event






23. Two or more stories on the same topic - usually published in a scheduled sequence






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






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






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






27. Stories that are lighter and less urgent than serious breaking news events






28. Sombining a variety of media to cover a story






29. A newsgathering office separate from the main newsroom.






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






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






32. A story layout designed across two facing pages






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






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






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






36. An agreement by a reporter and a source specifying that information revealed in an interview cannot be printed in any form






37. A story reported by only one news outlet






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






39. An entry on a blog






40. A story explaining an upcoming meeting or event






41. Information sent out by a group of individual seeking publicity






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






43. Part advertising - part editorial






44. To continue a story on another page






45. A news lead that summarizes the most significant of the five W's






46. To delete a story - or something within a story






47. Software used to produced animated graphics






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






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






50. Use online sites such as facebook and myspace to build relationships with colleagues and sources