Attending to detail, striving for meaning

Article Abstract:

Walt Harrington, staff writer for The Washington Post Magazine since 1984, feels that the success of journalistic stories depends on the narrative style. He says that he uses the literary techniques of foreshadowing, flashback, resolution, and conflict on ordinary incidents to effect an absorbing manner of story-telling. Harrington feels that reporters should attune all their senses to the incident and gather as much information as possible for writing successful stories. Their objective should be to capture the reader's mood, instead of simply telling the truth.

author: Hobbs, Dawn
Innovations, Journalism, Harrington, Walt

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Journalists as playwrights

Article Abstract:

Donald Drake, assistant metro editor for narrative at 'The Philadelphia Inquirer' newspaper, believes that journalists must embrace literary methods to support the growth of journalism. Drake feels strongly that journalists should write more about dramatic events and processes. He also cautioned reporters about filling preconceived notions and stressed the importance of adopting a new vocabulary that supports stage terms when writing investigative stories.

author: Sowell, Jody
Practice, Drake, Donald

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How clean is your river?

Article Abstract:

Journalists can utilize various government resources in their investigation of water pollution. These include the EPA's Web sites, the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination Systems' report on discharge violations and states' 305(b) report on water pollution. Reporters can also examine the results of water pollution studies conducted by various government agencies, including the Geological Survey and National Resources Defense Council.

author: Loeb, Penny
Information services, Water pollution

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subjects list: Methods, Interview, Investigative reporting, Journalists
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