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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 line or paragraph that alerts readers to a related story elsewhere in the paper or on the web site






2. A newspaper that prints a new edition every day






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






4. State and federal laws guaranteeing public access to most government records






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






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






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






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






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






10. A phrase inserted into a story that advises copy editors that the information has been checked






11. 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






12. The space running vertically between two columns






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






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






15. A graphic device that labels regularly appearing material






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






17. A recounting of an entertaining or informative incident within a story






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






19. Publishing or broadcasting a false statement that maliciously or carelessly damages someone's reputation






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






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






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






23. In radio or tv new stories - sounds recorded to capture the flavor of a news scene






24. The first words of a cut or wrap






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






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






27. The placement of art and text on a page






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






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






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






31. A story explaining an upcoming meeting or event






32. The first sentence or paragraph of a story






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






34. A feature story on the culture's latest fads - fashions - and ideas






35. To kill or withhold a story from publication






36. A short news story






37. The exact words spoken by a source






38. News reporting that's sleazy or sensational






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






40. Information gathered by reporters to help them understand a story's history - meaning - context - etc. also refers to quotes or facts that can be used in a story without disclosing the source's name.






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






42. A journalistic defense against libel that allows reporters to print what's said in legislative or judicial proceedings - to express opinions or to review public performances






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






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






45. A newsgathering office separate from the main newsroom.






46. Reporters - anchors - disc jockeys - those paid to appear on the air






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






48. A timely event covered by journalists as it happens






49. Not prerecorded; usually refers to stories filed from a news scene






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