A journalistic work

Question

According to a belated report, Ms X (21) was taking a break from work at the courtyard of their house about on 15 October when Md. Y (24), a settler from M village, tried to rape her.

When X screamed for help her mother S came out of the house to save her. But Md Y, without being intimidated, took on S and began to beat her as well.

Then both the mother and the daughter screamed for help, and S’s husband B K T rushed there and caught Y red handed.

Are there any mistakes and how can I make it more journalistic? Thanks.

Anonymous · Accepted Answer

I HAVE CAREFULLY CONSIDERED MY ANSWER BEFORE POSTING

Abil,

I am not a journalist, but -- like you -- journalism interests me

very much.

Here in the United States, a newspaper article seeks to be

objective. That is, it tries to tell the facts without

expressing an opinion.

For example, you wrote "He tried to rape her." In the United States,

I think that it would be necessary to write:

He allegedly tried to rape her. That is, some people say that

he tried to rape her, but that is only their word. It is necessary for a

court of law to decide if he did or did not. After all, maybe

Ms.X, S, and BKT are not telling the truth. A newspaper reporter

does not know what really happened. So use the word "allegedly."

That is, some people say that he tried to do that.

Also, a news story should not use emotional words such as

"red-handed."

In other words, just state the facts in a business-like manner and

then end the story. Something like:

On October 15, Ms. X (21) was taking a work break in the

courtyard of her family's house when Md.Y (24), a settler from

X village, allegedly tried to sexually assault her. When S, Ms. X's

mother, tried to intervene, she was reportedly beaten by Md.Y.

BKT, hearing his wife and daughter screaming, rushed to the

scene and detained Md.Y until the police arrived.

*****

Of course, my example is not very good, for I am not a

journalist. But I think that you get the idea. I wish you the

best of luck in your career. If you write stories that are

written in a serious and objective manner, then readers will

believe you. You and your newspaper, TV station, radio

station, or website will become respected and successful.

I HAVE PROOFREAD THIS SEVERAL TIMES

Abil · Answer

Dear Anon,

Thank you very much for your valuable comments. I will try to remember them. Also thanks for corrcting the news item.

Abil

Anonymous · Answer

You are very much welcome. I wish you great success in the world of

responsible and honest journalism.

Abil · Answer

In fact, everyday I have to deal with scores of reports on human rights violations. I try to make the English version of them and disseminate them through internet, although I think I am not fit for the job. Of course, it is a pure voluntary work, with no personal benefit in terms of monetary remuneration. I am just trying to do something for my own community. Therefore, those who help me in this forum, including you, indirectly help my community.

Thanks for your best wishes for my success in my journalistic carrier and your help. I also wish you happiness and success from the bottom of my heart.

A journalistic work

Top answer

Get the Weekly English Kit 📬

Related Questions