BIK 1063

WRITING FOR THE

MEDIA

WHAT IS GOOD WRITING

Good writing for the mass media, is clear,

concise, simple and, to the point
It conveys information, ideas or, feelings
to
the
reader
clearly
but
without
overstatement.

WHAT IS GOOD WRITING

Good writing is also:
Efficient It uses the minimum number of words to
make its point. It doesnt waste the readers time.
Precise It uses words for their exact meaning; it
does not throw words around carelessly.
Clear - It leaves no doubt about its meaning.
Modest It does not draw attention to itself. Good
writing does not try to show off the writers
intelligence. It emphasizes content over style.

GETTING READY TO WRITE

Know the Language
For the writers, knowledge of the rules of
grammar, punctuation and spelling is
mandatory.

Know the Subject

Clarity of thought and information must guide
writers.

GETTING READY TO WRITE

Write It Down
You cannot be a writer unless you put the
words together.
No one is a writer until ideas become words
and the sentences become paragraph.

Edit and Rewrite

Good writers have the discipline to reread,
edit and rewrite.
Rewriting requires the writers read their work
critically.

BASIC TECHNIQUES
Write Simply
The key to clarity is simplicity.
The power of simple writing is immense.
E.g: I have a dream. Martin Luther King Jr.,
1963

Use Simple Words

Short words are not only handier to use but
more powerful in effect.
Benjamin Franklin once wrote, To write clearly,
not only the most expressive, but the plainest
words should be chosen.

BASIC TECHNIQUES
Use Simple Sentences
The simple sentence is a good tool for
cleaning up muddy writing.

Practice Brevity
The best writers need to be edited.

Use Familiar Words

Writers must understand what their audiences
will know and must not test them too much.
E.g: Fundamental vs Basic

BASIC TECHNIQUES
Eliminate Jargon, Clichs, and Bureaucratese
Jargon is technical language used in specialized
fields or among people with a common interest. Good
writers for the mass media use words and phrases
that are commonly understood by their audiences.
Clichs are overused words, phrases and clauses.
They have been used so often that they have lost
their original luster.
Bureaucratese is a general name for a serious
misuse of the language. Do not try lather writing with
unnecessary and imprecise meaning.
E.g: Inclusive vs No one left out

BASIC TECHNIQUES
Vary Sentences Type and Length
Simple, Compound, Complex and Compound-Complex
Writers should convey ideas and information to
readers quickly and efficiently.

Nouns and Verbs

Nouns and verbs are the strongest words in the
language.
Verbs are the most important words that the writer
will use.
A good verbs denotes action; a better verb denotes
action and description.

BASIC TECHNIQUES
Transitions
Transitions ties the writing together.
Readers should be able to read through a
piece of information without stops or
surprises.

WRITING FOR THE MASS MEDIA

Subject Matter
Writers for the mass media must take on a
wide variety of subjects and formats,
including news stories, feature stories,
advertisements, letters and editorials.

Purpose
Writing for the mass media has three major
purposes: to inform, entertain or persuade.

WRITING FOR THE MASS MEDIA

Audience
Mass-media writing is often directed at a wide
audience. This fact dictates not only the subject
matter but also the way in which something is
written.

Writing Environment
Writing for the mass media often takes place in the
presence of others who are doing the same thing.
The writing is frequently done under deadline
pressure.