Tracy Alexander, a student at Lakewood Ranch High School, called me recently with a favor: Will you answer some questions for my homework assignment on writing?
I asked her for details, wondering what summer school class or project had prompted her call. I was about to be introduced to virtual education.
Tracy is taking her 11th-grade AP English Language and Composition class online at Florida Virtual School, which bills itself as the country’s first statewide Internet-based public high school. And I was thrilled to learn that her teacher wants her students to learn about writing from an editor at their local newspaper.
“I appreciate you taking time out of your busy schedule and for helping me understand the importance of your craft,” Tracy said in framing the questions. She is definitely an ambitious young woman. This straight-A student is taking classes from the virtual school so she can graduate in three years. And she is clear on her goals: to get an undergraduate degree in business at the University of Florida and then attend law school.
Her assignment provided me with a great opportunity: Get my key editors to pause from the daily grind for a bit, and think about why and how we do this newspapering stuff every day. Their answers, I believe, will help you see into our world a little bit better.
1. What responsibility or responsibilities does the editor/reporter/writer have to his or her reading public?
Metro Editor Marc Masferrer: To the reader, we have the responsibility to be fair, accurate and aggressive in pursuing, reporting and writing a story. We do all three, and we establish and maintain the credibility without which we are just killing trees or taking up bandwidth.
Business Editor Jennifer Rich: Our responsibility is to report the news as fairly and accurately as we can in the amount of time we have. As journalists, we hold the public’s trust that we will be fair and impartial at all times — no matter our own personal beliefs.
East Manatee Editor Jim Jones: To report the truth, to find and report the best story possible, and to report a story that is relevant. To be fair, accurate and balanced. To present the story in a logical, readable, interesting way. To approach the story without an ax to grind — or a conflict of interest.
2. What do you consider to be the three most important elements of a successful newspaper article?
MM: Leaves all possible questions answered. Tells the reader something they didn’t already know. Inspires some sort of action by the reader.
JR: Correct facts. Fairness. Covers all the bases.
JJ: Did the reader learn something?
Good journalism should make a positive difference in the community. Did it enlighten, inform and/or entertain?
Was it as complete as we could make it? Did it tell the who, what, when, where and how?
3. How do you determine which information is newsworthy enough for publication?
MM: Is it something we didn’t already know? Does it have the potential of costing readers/taxpayers money? Is it something that could affect public safety?
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