Cristine N. Bobier

IV-Galileo

News Writing“News is tomorrow’s history today”

News is very essential to one’s life. It inform us on “what is” happening around us. It may be social issues or significant events that would get the attention of the readers. This information may change the lives or affect the readers somehow.

News is a report of past, present, and future events. These are information presented oral or written to the public. It must be clear, interesting, based on facts, accurate, and unbiased. I

Melvin Mencher defines news in his book, News Reporting and Writing as” a break from the normal flow of events, an interruption in the expected”. This only means that news are really surprising and it is not the usual things or routine that we have.

What makes a good News story?

News needs to be interesting that is why there are news values that can be considered to catch the reader’s attention.

Timeliness

- It is also known as immediacy. It is an important factor in a news. The latest angle and development of the news. People are only interested with events that happen yesterday and today. They also follow events which they think would be more interesting the following day. But it would not be important if the delivery of the papers to the readers were delayed

EXAMPLE:

Palace confident PH to hit inflation target

by Madel Sabater - Namit

February 6, 2014

Malacanang on Thursday expressed confidence that inflation will still be within target amid the strengthening of the dollar against the peso.Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) Secretary Herminio Coloma, Jr. also assured the government’s continuous monitoring of consumer prices.“Government continues to monitor closely the movement of consumer prices in order to protect the citizens’ purchasing power,” Coloma said.“The country’s economic managers are aware of the pressures exerted by global developments, especially the tapering policies of the US federal reserves that have affected the peso-dollar exchange rates,” he said.

“While the inflation rate in January rose to 4.2 percent, our economic managers are confident that inflation will be kept within the Development Budget Coordination Committee (DBCC) target, ranging from three to five percent,” he added.The Philippine Statistical Authority (PSA) said the weakening of the peso led to the increase in consumer prices, with the inflation rate hitting 4.2 percent in January, the fastest pace since January 2012.Coloma however expressed optimism that the country’s economy remains in good fiscal position.Coloma noted that the acceleration of inflation was brought about by successive calamities last year as well as the imbalance in supply because of relief assistance being brought to disaster-stricken areas.

Manila Bulletin

Proximity

- How near the incident happen? This only means that readers are more interested in the news that happen within their area or community. It matters for the readers for it will affect their lives or daily routine.

EXAMPLE:

Lacson: Tacloban City to be relocated away from shorelineBy Kristine Angeli Sabillo

MANILA, Philippines – Tacloban City will never be the same again after the onslaught of Super Typhoon “Yolanda.” It won’t even be in the exact same spot, after plans to move the city away from the shoreline areas pushes through.Rehabilitation czar Panfilo Lacson on Monday said the local government is considering moving the city elsewhere, far from the shore and the possibility from storm surges.“Tacloban has decided to move northward. Meron silang site doon na kung saan ilalayo na nila but they will not, for lack of a better word, kill the old city. It will stay there pero pa-move na sila doon sa mas safe na lugar,” Lacson said at a Malacañang press briefing.(Tacloban has decided to move northward. They have a site there…but they will not, for lack of a better word, kill the old city. It will stay there but they are moving towards a safer place.)He said they are even considering other sites where they can build a “new city.”Lacson said the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) earlier suggested building the government complex center in Palo, Leyte instead.The rehabilitation czar said they are studying if Tacloban City is still “viable,” especially since many people died there because of the storm surges.“Baka naman pwedeng hindi na tenable iyong Tacloban to be rebuilt in a manner na kung saan siya before Yolanda. So we should look for another urban center na kung saan pwedeng mag-radiate iyong economic or business activities sa nearby towns, municipalities,” he said.(It is possible that Tacloban cannot be rebuilt as it was before. So we should look for another urban center where economic or business activities can radiate to nearby towns and municipalities.)“But it doesn’t mean that Tacloban will be — just be erased from the map of the Philippines,” Lacson added

Philippine Daily Inquirer 2014

Prominence

- This involve well known people or places in which readers will be interested when the read the article. These newsmakers may be some one who is very successful and influential. It may be a country leader or official, celebrity, news worthy, star witness of a crime or important event.

EXAMPLE:

PNoy waits in line to renew driver's licenseFebruary 6, 2014 12:19pm PNoy falls in line to renew driver's license. President Benigno Aquino III arrives at the Land Transportation office in Tayuman, Manila on Thursday, February 6, to have his driver's license renewed. In a statement, Malacañang said Aquino "waited in line along with other license applicants." Gil NarteaFor less than an hour Thursday, President Benigno Aquino III was just like any other Filipino.

According to a Palace statement, Aquino personally went to the Land Transportation Office in Tayuman, Manila, on Thursday morning to have his driver's license renewed.

“But the President, who has rejected the so-called wang-wang mentality since he assumed office in 2010, waited in line along with other license applicants,” it said.

Aquino, in his inaugural speech in 2010, called the wang-wang (siren) a symbol of inequality and rejected using it.

The Palace said many applicants were “surprised” to see Aquino, who was wearing a barong with a yellow ribbon, “standing and waiting for his turn” while others greeted him and even had their photos taken with them.

It said the President was accompanied by Transportation Secretary Joseph Jun Abaya and Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) Undersecretary Renato Marfil.

This occurred a day after Malacañang thumbed down the possibility of Aquino riding the Metro and Light Rail Transits anytime soon.  

At a press briefing Wednesday, PCOO head Herminio Coloma Jr. said Aquino does not need to ride the train to know the problems of commuters.

 — Kimberly Jane Tan/KBK, GMA News

Significance

- It is also known as consequence. The reporter must show how important the news is and how will it affect the lives of the ordinary readers. He must not base on the data too much, yet he must analyze or interpret the meaning of the facts. The story needs to be presented in an interesting way so that the readers will still read it even though it can be easily grasped.

EXAMPLE

Aquino names Iriberri as new Army chiefBy Frances Mangosing, Nikko Dizon

INQUIRER.net, Philippine Daily Inquirer

9:06 pm | Thursday, February 6th, 2014

MANILA– President Benigno Aquino III has reportedly chosen Major General Hernando Delfin Carmelo

Iriberri to head the 80,000- strong Philippine Army, the Inquirer learned Thursday night.

Iriberri is currently the commander of the Army’s 7th Infantry Division.

He is a member of the Philippine Military Class (PMA) 1983.

The next Army chief also served as Brigade Commander of Army’s 503rd Brigade in Abra from January to July

2013. He also served as Senior Military Assistant to Gazmin from July 2010 to January 2013.

He also served as spokesman when Gazmin was Army chief.

A member of Philippine Military Academy “Matikas” Class of 1983, he beat other officers more senior than

him. The other two senior officers in the shortlist were Lieutenant General Gregorio Pio Catapang Jr. of the

Northern Luzon Command, a member of PMA Class of 1981 and Major General John Bonafos of Central

Command, a member or PMA Class of 1982.

As Army chief, Iriberri will take over the 80,000-strong Philippine Army.  He will hold a key position that is

sometimes the jump off point on becoming the next chief of staff of the Armed Forces of the Philippines.

He will retire on April 22, 2016.

Philippine Daily Inquirer

Oddity

- This means being different or unusual. These stories will not affect ones life and may not be that important. But having unusual stories catches the attention of the reader. News like this shifts the serious mood of the paper to a lighter one.

EXAMPLE

Hebra: offspring from zebra & horseA young "hebra," an offspring from a female zebra and a male horse, roams with her mother inside Manila Zoo in Manila, Philippines, Aug. 19, 2010. The newly-born hebra, believed to be the first of its kind in the Philippines, is under "guarded" situation as it may develop complications due to mismatches of genes from two different animals, according to zoo officials. (Xinhua/Rouelle Umali)

Conflict

- The main topic deals war or battle between man to man or a country to another one. In this case the opinions of two parties are presented.

EXAMPLE

Noy to MNLF: War or peace?By Aurea Calica (The Philippine Star) | Updated September 20, 2013 - 12:00am

MANILA, Philippines - President Aquino told Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) rebels yesterday that they still have the chance to choose between war or peace, and the government would deal with them accordingly.

Aquino, emerging from seclusion in the city, said it was not too late for the rebels to surrender and talk peace with the government, or the military operations would continue to end the siege.

On the 11th day of the crisis, gunfight between government forces and the rebels continued, leaving an Army officer dead and three of his men wounded.

The Army officer was shot by a sniper as he led his men in clearing operations in Barangay Sta. Barbara, one of the villages in Zamboanga City still occupied by rebels.

Amid reports that rebel reinforcements had arrived from Sulu, Aquino said the strength of the MNLF fighters had been significantly diminished by sustained military operations.

“To the remaining forces of our enemies, life is important to me, you might want to check if your lives are also valuable to you. And it’s not too late to reduce death or injuries, which is now in your hands,” Aquino said before reporters at the Zamboanga International Airport yesterday.

Aquino came out and greeted passengers at the airport, which resumed operations yesterday after being shut down due to the crisis.

Questions on his whereabouts cropped up since he flew there last Friday and his last public appearance was on Saturday.

Aquino explained he decided to personally oversee the operations to ensure early resolution of the crisis.

“I am both commander-in-chief and the President, therefore, at the end of the day, everything is my responsibility, so I am very involved – from everything to getting briefed and putting some of my inputs into the security operations,” he said.

The President said he wanted to be clear to the MNLF faction of its founding chairman, Nur Misuari, that there were other groups who disapproved of their course of action in the apparent attempt to get government’s attention as they felt sidelined in the ongoing peace talks with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF).

Aquino stressed the public must always be reminded that other MNLF factions have condemned the group of Misuari from the very beginning.

“So, our policy is, those who are ready to talk peace and engage in dialogue, we will really face and encourage. Those who will put the people in danger will also be really dealt with by the state,” he said.

Despite the strong military operations against the rebel faction, Aquino said he did not want the peace process with the mainstream MNLF to stop.

“It is up to them (Misuari’s group) where they want to go. We are ready to talk peace, but we are ready to act if they put the people at risk,” he said.

Aquino said the government would want “permanent peace” and order and would not allow those sowing terror to continue doing so.

He said a review of the implementation of the 1996 peace agreement with the MNLF had been set in Indonesia but Misuari and his group canceled this.

Aquino said these developments were solid evidence that Misuari was behind the siege of Zamboanga.

“He (Misuari) was supposed to be one of those that would talk in Indonesia but he changed his track. Of course, we will have the appropriate reaction to that,” Aquino said.

Aquino said Misuari is sending mixed signals by his “posturing,” which he said was difficult to understand.

Aquino noted Misuari had been claiming he wanted peace but declared “independence” and a supposedly peaceful rally in Zamboanga City became a siege.

He said it would appear that Misuari’s group tried to “push the envelope” and test the limits or tolerance of the government, but they should know by now that the use of force would be dealt with force.

No short cuts

The MNLF signed a peace treaty in 1996 that allowed the creation of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM), and Misuari became its first governor.

Misuari, however, has been angered by a planned peace deal with the MILF, believing it would sideline the MNLF and the 1996 peace deal.

He disappeared from public view shortly before the fighting broke out in Zamboanga but earlier led the group in declaring independence from the government.

Misuari then deployed his men to plant an independence flag at the Zamboanga city hall, but they were prevented by government troops.

This eventually led to the crisis where the rebels seized hundreds of civilians as hostages while burning down their houses.

Government troops, however, have recaptured most of the villages that were occupied by the rebel forces since the fighting broke out on Sept. 9.

The military said it would not take long before the crisis would be over as Misuari’s forces are getting depleted.

Aquino assured the public that he was bent on resolving the siege soon but would not take short cuts to prevent the incident from recurring.

“How can we say that it won’t happen again? Number one, we’ve diminished their forces. Number two, we demonstrated what government means when we say that we are prepared to respond to whatever challenges confront us,” Aquino said.

“If they think that they can match the government’s force, they are wrong. I believe we demonstrated the government’s strength and that we are ready to use it. Those who are planning to launch similar attacks, you better think twice,” he warned.

Aquino, however, stressed the lives of the hostages were of paramount importance and the end of the siege would depend on government’s ability to gather intelligence information as well as other factors to ensure their safety.

“So that is the first priority. If the ones present there are all enemies, that’s a different issue altogether. But there are hostages still,” he said.

“We will try to end the crisis immediately,” he added.

Lt. Col. Ramon Zagala, the designated spokesman for the military ground operations, added the MNLF rebels are still holding some 20 civilian hostages.

Aquino though gave assurance the government had the upper hand in constricting the movements of the dwindling number of rebel forces.

The end game

Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) spokesman Brig. Gen. Domingo Tutaan Jr. said there are now an estimated 70 rebels still holding out in Sta. Barbara and nearby villages.

“We see that our efforts are gaining ground, we believe and we’re optimistic that this will be resolved immediately and we think we can do this in the nearest point in time,” Tutaan said.

He added the AFP is now confirming field reports that 15 MNLF rebels have surrendered to the police with their firearms in Sta. Barbara.

Tutaan though could not specify when the crisis, which has displaced more than 100,000 people, would end. He, nevertheless, admitted that clearing operations could take time, as this would involve house-to-house searches.

“We are still trying to ensure that we can be able to address this without casualties from the civilian sector,” Tutaan said.

Tutaan said the troops are now sustaining the clearing operations in the areas still being held by the rebels.

The clearing operations resulted in a firefight with the rebels with an Army officer, initially identified as 1Lt. Christopher Rama, getting killed by a sniper.

Rama’s death raised the total number of military casualties to 12 soldiers dead, 108 wounded. Three policemen were also killed while 12 others were wounded in the fighting already on its 11th day.

On the enemy side, Tutaan said 86 MNLF rebels were killed while 93 were either captured or have surrendered.

Excluded from the list of rebel fatalities were eight who were killed in the fighting that broke out in barangays Sta. Barbara and Sta. Catalina yesterday.

“Two MNLF rebels were killed by our troops in an encounter in Sta. Barbara at about 11:30 a.m., while six other rebels were killed in Sta. Catalina in the fighting at about 3:30 p.m.,” said Lt. Col. Harold Cabunoc, acting AFP Public Affairs Office chief.

Some of the MNLF recruits, according to Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin, are students who are on drugs.

As the military sustained its clearing operations, two fires broke out in barangays Sta. Barbara and Rio Hondo. These villages have become the stronghold of the rebels.

As this developed, the rebels have reportedly succeeded in deploying additional fighters with the arrival of reinforcements Monday evening in Zamboanga City, sources in the intelligence community revealed.

The group, numbering some 100 fighters, was part of the 8,000-strong force that the MNLF has assembled in Talipao, Sulu since last month.

MNLF spokesman Emmanuel Fontanilla, however, said in a text message to reporters that 700 of their fighters have landed in Zamboanga City to reinforce their comrades.

– Jaime Laude, Roel Pareño, Alexis RomeroThe Philippine Star

Progress

- Every progress is a good topic. This news might come from the cities in the metro or in the provinces. Showing improvement helps not only the place for it serves as an instant advertisement but also to the newspaper who published the news by simply having an income for advertising it.

EXAMPLE

50 hectares set aside for fuel wood propagation in Compostela ValleyBy DJ YapPhilippine Daily Inquirer6:18 pm | Thursday, February 6th, 2014

Richel V. Umel Inquirer Mindanao

MANILA, Philippines—In order to curb the wanton cutting of trees for charcoal in farming communities in Compostela Valley, some 50 hectares of public lands would be developed for the propagation of fuel wood, officials said.The Departments of Agrarian Reform (DAR), of Agriculture (DA) and of the Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) in Davao recently forged a partnership to establish the project “Fuel Wood Production and Livelihood Project in Agrarian Reform Areas” in Pantukan town.The project would involve the establishment of a nursery, in which some 80,000 seedlings of various fuel wood tree species would be raised under the auspices of the Araibo Agrarian Reform Multi-Purpose Cooperative, the DAR said.The seedlings will be planted in a 50-hectare area, and the cooperative will be paid P3.60 per seedling, totalling around P300,000, according to a DAR news release.“To ensure the trees’ survival, maintenance and protection activities such as weeding, cultivation and seedling replacement for the first two months shall be carried out by the members of the cooperative,” the DAR said.As project partner, the DENR shall assist the provincial officers of the DAR and the DA in the identification of sites, survey and mapping, establishment of the nursery, and, if necessary, maintenance activities.The DA on the other hand will provide additional seedlings of high-value crops to be given to the agrarian reform beneficiaries.

Philippine Daily Inquirer

Types of news

Fire story: literally it talks about fire incidents happen within the community. It includes the total amount of damage, people affected and the reason why it happen.

Example

Parañaque warehouse fire contained after 17 hoursBy Mike Frialde (philstar.com) | Updated December 23, 2013 - 6:14pm

MANILA, Philippines - The fire that struck a warehouse and two adjacent buildings in Barangay Sto.

Nino in Parañaque City early Monday was placed under control after almost 17 hours.

According to the Parañaque City Central Fire Station, responding firefighters managed to place the

fire under control at 3:46 p.m.

Parañaque Fore said the fire struck the warehouse of Maldive Trading Corporation at about 1:10 a.m.

The fire alarm level was then raised to Task Force Bravo at 6:40 a.m. after the blaze spread to the

adjacent buildings of Ceva Logistics and KLG.

Aiding the Parañaque Fire Department were firefighters from the cities of Valenzuela and

Mandaluyong.

No one was reported hurt or killed in the fire, the Parañaque Fire Department said. 

Arson investigators are still determining what caused the fire. 

- Source The Philippine Star-

Accident News- it tell us about accidents that may occur any time and any where. The topic may be a road accident, unexpected event that resulted too much injuries and many more. Example:

Wayward truck leaves 1 dead, 4 injured in LagunaBy Maricar Cinco

Inquirer Southern Luzon

CAMP PACIANO RIZAL, Laguna-A 16-year-old was killed, while four other people were injured after four vehicles fi,gured in a road accident in Calamba City, Laguna early Tuesday.Superintendent Marvin Saro, Calamba City police chief,  identified the fatality as Abegail San Pablo, a resident of Barangay (village) Puting Lupa in Calamba City.

Injured were Zenaida Gonzaga, 47, and Christian Mendoza, 34, both residents of Calamba City, Filipina Benedicto,33, from Rosario, Batangas, and Maria Corazon Adarlo, 25, from Batangas City.In a text message, Saro said the victims were on a passenger jeepney bound for Laguna when their vehicle was hit on its rear by a wayward 10-wheeler truck around 7:30 a.m. along the national road in Barangay (village) Turbina.The truck also hit a shuttle bus and a tricycle before hitting a stop.The police arrested the truck driver identified as Redulme Mosuela, who claimed losing control of the brakes.The police are still in the area conducting an investigation.

Police News- this news may be entirely about the actions or misbehavior police. The topic may also be about crimes.Example

38 cops handling drug cases fired for skipping court hearingsBy Jamie Marie Elona

INQUIRER.net

MANILA, Philippines–Thirty eight police officers handling drug cases were dismissed from service, while over 350 others were slapped with administrative charges following their alleged failure to attend court proceedings of the cases, a Philippine National Police official said.Police Senior Superintendent Bartolome Tobias, PNP-Anti Illegal Drugs Special Operations Task Force chief, said that of the 392 police officers charged with administrative cases, 38 have been dismissed, and six others were suspended, based on records from the monitoring system from 2006 to March 2013.The records further indicate that 159 personnel were either separated from the service, dropped from the rolls, retired or have been marked AWOL during the pendency of the drug cases.Sixty nine others were, meanwhile, still under pre-charge or summary hearing proceedings.“Despite our continuing directive, there are still some police officers who continuously defy our stern warning, to the prejudice of efforts in combating illegal drugs,” Tobias said, as he stressed the importance of the testimony of police witnesses in the prosecution of illegal drug cases.He said the immediate superior of these police witnesses who failed to appear in court can also be held liable pursuant to Republic Act. 9165, in addition to administrative charges.Courts, Tobias said, are now furnishing the PNP the orders where illegal drug cases have been dismissed for failure of police witnesses to attend court hearings.“These court orders are more than enough evidence to conduct pre-charge evaluation against the PNP witnesses for serious neglect of duty,” he said.

15 cops to bear crosses on Good FridayBy Jeannette I. AndradeQuezon City policemen facing reprimand for minor offenses have been offered a chance to redeem themselves on Good Friday.To wipe their slate clean, all they have to do is take up the cross, literally, and follow their leader.Quezon City Police District (QCPD) director Senior Superintendent Richard Albano on Sunday offered this option to policemen who had been found to be remiss in attending the weekly flag-raising ceremony at Camp Karingal as well as those facing administrative charges for less grave offenses.“Only those who are subjects of reprimand for tardiness or absence in our formations may join the activity as a form of penitence for their minor offense,” he explained, adding that he was offering the alternative for policemen who did not wish to be penalized.Albano, who said he would be leading the cross bearers, told the Philippine Daily Inquirer that the activity was not compulsory for all Quezon City policemen although he would also welcome those who wanted to do penance on Good Friday.As of Sunday, 15 policemen, including Albano, have expressed their willingness to take up their crosses, whether at Camp Karingal or at the Quezon Memorial Circle where a stations of the cross would be set up. On top of this, they would also join the traditional “pabasa.”Asked why he was joining the activity, Albano said it was part of his penance for Holy Week.

He explained that he came up with the idea for the activity based on the doctrine that if the Lord was able to forgive, then how much more man?“If they [policemen] feel they deserve forgiveness, they should make the sacrifice,” Albano added.Earlier, the QCPD said it was prepared for the expected increase in the number of people leaving for the provinces for the Holy Week break.

Structure of the News

INVERTED PYRAMID- a traditional technique used in news writing. In which the data are presented from the most important to the least.1. PRIMARY LEAD- The first paragraph is the most important. Even though it is just a short sentence,

it contains the lead which is the most interesting element.

LEAD- it is the special beginning of the news because it shows how the write sells his story.- It answers the questions what, who, where, when,why, and how- It gives emphasis to the news feature by placing eye catching statements- It provide us instant information about the people or places events2. SECONDARY LEAD-One or two additional paragraphs on the high lights of the story. Normally

twice the length of the main lead.3. DETAILS OR PARTICULARS in this portion it answers the question WHY and HOW4. BACKGROUND-these are relevant past events. This portion may be deleted if there are no more

space but still the thought of the news is still complete5. ILLUSTRATIONS

Lead- It provides the main details that a reader needs to know

It is classified according to its purpose

1. The conventional lead or summary lead2. Unconventional or unorthodox /novelty lead

Example of a lead

A group of Australian marine biologist travelled to Puerto Prinsesa, Palawan last January 11.2011 to study and to conduct a research about new species.

What: travel

Who: Australian marine biologist

Where : Puerto, Prinsesa Palawan

When: January 11.2011

Why: to study and to conduct a research

Qualities of News

We can differentiate News to other writings by its characteristics like:

A. It must be accurate

The writer must be careful in the facts that he will use. It needs to be factual. All the numbers,

names, statements, quotations, and address are all facts.

B. It must be balanced

The reporter must give emphasis and completeness. The story needs to be fair on both sides.

Presenting this things makes the news informative

C. It must be concise and clear

Go direct to the point. It is not a feature article to used flowery words. Being simple and brief

makes this an effective one.

D. It must be recent

The topic must be current so that it is fresh and interesting to the readers .

E. It must be objective

It needs to be fair. Even though the reporter does not like the person, he must write the article for

the information of the people

Activity

Make your own lead with these information

1. What: Graduation DayWhen: March 28 2814Where: Las Pinas East National High School CourtWho: 4th year student of Las Pinas Science High SchoolWhy: to recognize all their effort in studyingHow: Diplomas

2. What: Christmas Day out reach program of LP ScieWhen: December 25 Where: Las Pinas Science High SchoolWho: all student of Las Pinas Science High SchoolWhy: to show the true essence of ChristmasHow: sharing blessings

Copyreading“The heart of editorial operation in any newspaper”

Copyreading

- It is another term for editing. It is the act of correcting, arranging, and revising the errors done by the writers or reporters. This is usually done to all the copy before it is sent to the press and be published.

Copy Editor or Copy reader

- Some times called as “the Desk” for they are often unknown. A person who carries a big responsibility for the whole publicity for his work will surely affect the accuracy of facts, the correctness of the language especially the grammar. Cleaning the reporter’s story which is called copy is his primary job. He is also known as chief copyreader, slotman, editor, or senior deskman.

- The City Desk is where all the compiled stories for the next day are placed and where editing of the story happens. The office is active in the late afternoon and starts in the midnight for the news to be published the next day.

The founder of the New York Times, Adolph S. Ochs knows how important copy readers are when he said that “Writers there are galore. Every profession offers them. But the editor is a profession apart”. Checking each story thoroughly is very difficult task. A beautiful article will not be one if not because of these men who do not get a byline from time to time.

Copyreader’s tools

In order to work properly a desk should have the following:

a. A heavy black or blue pencil to show the correction that he madeb. Typewriters, computers and fax machinec. A dictionary for him to check the correct usage and spelling of wordsd. A telephone directory so that he can call the persons involve to verify the facts stated in the articlee. A city or a country mapf. An atlas for checking geographical names and locationsg. A file of newspapersh. A listing of news personalities with their telephone numbersi. The newspaper stylebook, if there is anyj. Always remember that a copyreader does not rewrite instead he cut outs the parts to be replaced and

pasted it where it is supposed to be placed.

Copyreaders Duties

The goal of the copyreader is to make sure the stories are accurate and clean before printing it. According to the book Advance Campus Journalism for Fourth Year, published by Ceciliano Jose B. Cruz , the job of a copyreader are the following:

Errors in Form

1. Correcting the grammar- He must observed the proper usage of the subject verb agreement, parts of speech, prepositions and even the numbers, tenses, moods and voice.

2. Correcting the spelling- Carelessness of the reporters are the culprit of this duty. Having so many mistakes in spelling can put the paper into shame. That is why the desk must be strict on this.

3. Correcting the punctuations- It is his job to put these corrections

Period- omit it in abbreviations of offices, schools, and organization: DOJ, LPCNSHS

-use it instead of parenthesis with numerals or letters with an enumeration: 11. not (11)

Comma- use to set off identification: Mr Jerry Uy-Gongco, Officer in charge

-do not use if the identification is preceded by “of”: Eman Chua of IV- Galileo -do not use between a man’s name and Jr.,Sr., III etc. : Benigno Aquino Jr - omit in age, time distances, measurements etc.: 16 year 2 months 15 days -do not use between two nouns, one of which identifies the other, as in:The well known theatrical actress Lea Salonga is a proud mentor.

Colon-use to introduce a series of names, statements : The flowers found in the garden are: santan, gumamela, and rose.

- Do not use together with a dash: Elected were:

Semicolon-use to separate a series of names, addresses or identifications: Lolita Mendez, Bacoor City; Joanna Cruz, Cavite City

Dash-used to set off parenthetical expressions: The man sent to the clinic, and Marcus- the dog who bite him was caught by the barangay.

-use between two figures to indicate the inclusion of all intervening figures: November 11-15

Hypen- omit in title: Vice Mayor

-use in compound title: Officer-in-charge

-use in writing figures or fractions: twenty-seven two-halves

-omit in figures accompanied by fractions

-use in prefixes to proper names: Anti-Bullying

-use in compound adjectives: 16-year-old man

-do not use in compound adjectives the first word of which is an adverb: newly born baby

4. Correcting the usage of the words

Errors in Content

1. To correct errors in fact2. To improve news value3. To guard against criticism4. To expand copy5. To reduce copy6. To write headlines of news and check heads or titles of editorials, features and literary articles7. To delete unnecessary adjectives and opinions in news8. To delete libelous, seditious, and rebellious matter and all those contrary to laws, and good taste9. To correct redundancy and rewrite sentences with verbal deadwood10. To rewrite sentences or paragraphs that violate the principles of unity, coherence and emphasis11. To mark copy for compositor12. To correct errors in style and structure.

Steps in copyreading

- Read the copy- Know the story behind it or overview- Correct the grammar, punctuation, and spelling- Check if every aspect confirms with the stylebook.- Check the accuracy of facts.

Printer’s Directions

The printer’s directions are placed at the upper right hand corner of the copy. These instructions are important for it tells all the actions needed when the copy is sent to the press. The directions must contain the

size(in points), the letters that will be used (roman light, roman bold, italics), and the length of the lines (in ems). This is an example of a printer’s directions

8 points roman light11 ems

For the editorial:11 points, roman bold24 ems

For poetry:10 points itals24 ems

Copy readers mark/ symbols

These symbols are used to correct the error. It is place exactly where the error is unlike in proof reading it is found in the margin. Here are the symbols and their uses.

Activity A

Correct the errors found in these articles

1.) Themetropolitanmaniladevelopmentauthority (MMDA) and 16 cities of the nation's capital haveagreedto

adopt areas devastatedtedby super typhoon "Yolanda."

The mmdasaid through the adopt-a-LGU (local government unit) scheme, MetroManila mayrs can help restore

law and order in areas in Visayas affected by the typhoon

"What thsee badly LGUs damaged need is governance. It be because even local officials were affected by the

calamity, or they simply were just overwhelmed by the nitudemag of the disaster. It is time that we in etro anila

come in and help them run their localities," MMDA chairman francis tolentino said

2.) another honest pushcart retriever has given pride to the ninoy aquino intertional port (NAIA) after he

returned 2,400 Australian dolars or about P90,000 to its owner rightful on ednesday evningIn his repo to Manla

International Authority Airport (MIAA) General Manager jose angel honrado, NAIA Terminal 1 manager

Dante Basanta identified the honest cart retriever as Rodolfo Bernal Jr., fourty-six, resident of

maligasangimuscavite.

bernal was reportedly doing his tinetour retrieval of all unattended caggage carts at the sicondary raod, old arval

area driveway when he notised a grey plastic pouch left behind by an unknown pessanger at around 9:45 p.m.

Bernalthenimmedtely reported the incident to superior his Andro Laxina, and brought the item to the terminal's

lost and secton Found

An inventory conducted by authorities revealed that the pouch contained 15 pieces of 100 Australian dollars, 18

pieces of 50 Australian dollars, a passport under the name of a certain Koby Edward Max Griffiths, and an

HSBC online security device.

3.) MANILA, Philippines - A law maker believes the manila electric Co. (Meralco) has enough funds payto

power supp pliers to avert a shortage in el tricity

Depty MinorityLeader arnel ty said they have discovered that Meralco has amassed P43 billion in “cumulative

earnings” after examining the company’s financial statements

The Pfourty three billion is already net of all funds earm arked by Meralco to further enlarge its business,and is

on topof the P40 billion it had paid to its shareholders as dividends from 2009 to 2013,he said.

Meralco use could the P43 billion to pay power suppliers, Ty said

Secretaryenergy jericho petilla has urged Meralco to part ial ly pay pwer producers while unable to charge

electricity consumers the P4.15 per kilowatthour increase in generation charge for Nov. last year

Activity B

Correct the errors found in these articles

Monster traffic jam starts2 Metro mega-road projects under way

nanila, Philpiipnes—are you for ready some truly monstrous traffic jams and “bear with the short-term inconvenience,” as Malacang pleaded sunday?Construction of two major government infrastructure projects starts Monday night, and it is expected to worsen metropolitan traffic throughout the remainder of the Aquino administration.The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) earlier projected that on Edsa alone, vehicular traffic could slow down to only 1 to 9 kilometers per hourRoadwork on the sixed-lane expresway being uiltby the Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC) connecting South Luzon Expressway from Buendia in Makati to North Luzon Expressway on tawakbalin in QuezonCity will start at ten p.mThat’s on top of the project connecting the Ninoy Aquino International portair Expressway Phase 2 of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) to the seaside Entertainment City.Malacañang spokesman herminio coloma on Sunday sought understanding from the public,citing in particular the traffic congestion that would be caused by the construction of the 14.8-kilometer Metro Manila Skyway Stage 3 project“We call on our people to share in the burden of sacrifice and bear with the short-term inconvenience so we can build better roads that will ensure faster travel and more productive living in our highly congested National Capital Region,” Coloma said on Radyo ng Bayan.For the benefit of the people and to avoid adding to the traffic problem on Edsa, the main rites marking the 28th anniversary of the Edsa People Power Revolution would be held at the Palace grounds—not on the historic thoroughfare—on Feb.twenty five, he saidPreparationBut has the government, particularly the nnda, sufficiently prepared for the heavy traffic?Quoting MMDA Chair man Francis Tolentino, Coloma cited the two-day Metro Traffic Manageerment Summit at the Asian Institute of Management in Makati that closed on Friday—just threeene days before all hell is expected to break loose.The summit involved “all stake holders” and was “well-covered by trimedia,” Tolentino said in a text massage forwardedColoma

By Christian V. EsguerraPhilippine Daily Inquirer

Source: The Philippine Daily Inquirer (Letter to the editor)

Major airport opened despite woeful inadequacy

Almost two weeks of weather disruptions in mid-Jan. caused by the low pressure area (LPA) and tropical depression “Agaton” wrought havoc the on lives and properties of the people in aastern and northern Mindanao. Almost 80 people perished and hundreds of millions of pesos worth of infrastructure and agricultural products were lost

The economic losses were further aggravated by the long stretches of cancelled flights in LAGUINDINGANAirport, which

serves the cities of Cagayan-de-Oro and Iligan, and the provinces of Misamis Oriental, Bukidnon and Lanao del Norte. Flight cancellations occurred from Jan. 8 to 15. Flights resumed on Jan. 16, but the following Saturday, Jan. 17, until the morning of Jan. 22, flights were again cancelled. Needless to say, these cancellations translated into economic losses to the tune of hundreds of millions of peso

True, cancel lations of flights were causseed partly by the weather disturbance. The main culdprit, however, is the woefully inadequate facilities of Laguindingan Airport—it has no runway lights, and it lacks navigational aids for Instrument Flight Rules and for Visual Flight Rules. No wonder, whenever there are dsrk clouds (just simple rain clouds, not even LPAs) hovering over the airport, flights are cancelled. And what is worrying is that when there is bad weather, it is the control tower in the old lumbia airport that is being used for air traffic procedure at Laguindingan Airport

(I had the misfortune of failing to attend the wake and interment on Jan. 22, 2014, of my beloved ninang, Vicky Dinglasan Bellosillo, the wife of retired Senior Justice Josue N. Bellosillo, because of the cancelled flights. I felt so guilty and depressed for days for failing to bid adieu to my godmother who was with me in the milestones of my life.)

It is clear that Laguindingan Airport has no InstrumentLandingSystem to facilitate evening flights and whenever there is

inclement weather at daytime

And to think that the transfer to Laguindingan from Lumbia was despite rushed the plea of buss inessmen civil society and local government units to delay it until all facilities shall have been in place

It is now almost a year since the opening of Laguindingan Airport, but there is still no word about the acquisition of the much-needed runway lights and other navigational aids

With the Niny aQUINO internationalAirport always congested, coupled with the frequent flight Cancellations in Laguindingan, how on earth can tourism in our country flourish with these kinds of airports

—EDWARD B. CONTRERAS,

Cagayan de Oro City,

Headlining

“The display windows of newspaper”

Headlines

- News stories do not have title that is why they have headlines.- It usually appears in big fonts and it is the first thing that a reader will see in the news stand. This is

very important for it provides a quick information about the whole article. Making the headline is also the job of a copyreader

Characteristic of a Headline

1. Headlines are skeletonized- words that will make the headline long are omitted and the most important are retained. The headline must be read in a few seconds only.

2. They used the present tense- this is to show that the event shown in the headline in current.3. They are adjusted to look attractive and by using typography- this shows style in presenting which uses

different font.

Functions

1. Headlines advertise the stories- it catches the interest of the readers2. Headlines summarize the stories- it gives us an overview of the news story3. Headlines beautify the page- the paper looks presentable because of the different fonts, font size, color

and arrangement made in the headline.

Structure of headline

According to the book Journalism for Filipino, these are the headline pattern

1.Flush Left- two or more lines of type, each starting flush to the left

2.Dropline- This type of headline pattern involves two or three lines of type arranged diagonally. They are usually equal in length.

3. Crossline-This is a single line of type running over two or more columns. If there are two lines, it is called two part crossline.

4.Hanging Indention- there are usually three or more lines of type. The first of which is flush left and right and the succeeding lines are usually indented with their ends.

5.Inverted Pyramid-This pattern involved two or more lines of type with the first line flush left and right and the succeeding lines getting shorter and centered.

6.Flush Right- This pattern involves two or more lines of type ending flush right

Guidelines in writing Headlines

1. Be specific2. State facts, avoid opinion

3. Be concise and avoid using articles the, an, and a

4. Make a complete statement- even though the headline must be brief the subject and the verb must be there

5. Use expressive and specific words- the copyreader exaggerates the heading but he use simple word for the ordinary reader to understand

6. Use active verbs7. Use historical present

What to avoid in writing headlines

1. Fat head- these are letters or words presented in a way that there are no space(PTA Holds Christmas Party)

2. Thin heads- these are letters or words presented in a way that there are too much space

( P T A H o l d s C h r i s t m a s P a r t y )

3. Label Head- a incomplete headline and presented in a way that looks like a label.(Chinese New Year )

4. Wooden head- a weak headline, meaningless for it does not have any subject or verb.(To evaluate)

5. Mandatory head –it seems that it gives command for it starts with a verb(Stop the traffic)

6. Screaming head or sensational head- this headlines are presented in big and bold of a short and not significant news(THEIF OF THE YEAR)

7. Hanging Preposition-the headline ends with a preposition8. Coined words- avoid using uncommon abbreviation

(LFUGC tops PFMC)9. Use comma instead of and

Headline Vocabulary

Headline usually appears in short words. The shorter words, the better, so that the headline would not cover the whole front page of the news paper. These words are the synonyms of the word being used.

Accor-agreementAllay-to clamAnew-againApiece-eachAssail-to attack with argumentsAussie- AustralianBalk-impede, thwartBandwagon-the winning side o a steadily mounting campaign that has every indication of winning popular supportBare-expose, revealTo bat-speak for;defendBenedict-a married man

Berth-sleeping place, appointment or positionBid, ask- invite, requestBlast-criticizeBody-committee, organizationBog down- to encounter unexpected difficulty in reaching agreement over an issueBooter-football playerCite-enumerate, mention,accuseClinic- an informal class where participants keen on a subject(often a game) learn pointers from an expertConfab-conferenceCop-police

Couch-to express words; include (as couched in strong language)To cow- to frightenCrown-championshipCurb-restrain, controlDip- go down(as the temperature dips),decline,decreaseDistaff side-womenTo dog- to continue, to troubleDraw fire-to be criticizedDry run-rehearsal for an eventDue-scheduledEx-formerExodus-going out,as of a large number from any given area(summer exodus to Baguio)To eye- to considerFeud-dispute, quarrelFive- basketball teamFlay-criticizeFoil-thwart,rejectFringe benefits-additional or supplementary job concessions made by management to; labor such as commissary,fre rides to and from work, apart from those required by lawGab-conferenceGet the axe- to be dismissedGimmick- a device or trick to sell something or put over an ideaGrid –to prepareGo-tryGrill-investigateHail-welcomeHam-overacting actor, an amateur radio stationHike-increaseInquiry-investigationJunk-to throw away,dispose ofKegler-bowling aficionadoKin-familyKitty-collectionLair-shelterLeaf-tobaccoLetup-temporary easing upLink-connectLull-calmMeet-conference(n.),convene (v.)Megman-movie directorMum-silentNab-arrestNix-rejectOkay-approvePan(a book or article)-criticize severlyPanacea-universal remedy, cure all

Peg-fixed at a certain amount or levelPit-opposePost-positionPower-electricityProbe-investigateQuasi-seemingly, to a certain degreeQuit-resignQuiz-questionRatify-sanction. Approve,affirmRevamp-to renovateRift-disagreement, sepatationRow-dispute, fight, disagree,quarrelRule-decisionSans-withoutSamaritan- one who does a good deed for his fellowmen

Servant-learned manScan-examineScribe-newspapermanSet-scheduleShift-transistorSked-scheduleSlate-scheduleSlay-murderSmut-pornographySortie-any swift movementSpark-encourageSpawning grounds-breeding groundsStir-incite,induceStopgap-temporary solutionSpelunker-one who explores and studies cavesSpikers-volleyball playersSpurn-turn downStymie-to frustrate or hold up proceedingsSwap-exchangeTiff-slight quarrel,argumentTilt-exchangeThwart or foil-opposeTry-attemptTryst-clandestine meetingUrge-advocate, encourageUnderscore-to stressVet-veterinarianVie-to challenge, competeVoid-nullifyVow-pledge, promise

Counting the head

Counting the headline is a must for it needs to be not only balance in appearance but also in the letters that makes it.

Capitals

M and W- 2 unitsI-1/2 unitsOther letters- 1 ½ units

Lowercase

m and w- 1 ½ unitsf,l,I,t,j-1/2 unitsother letters- 1 unit

Other marks

… -1/2 unitsSingle quote- ½ unitsHyphen-1/2 unitsNumbers except 1- 1 unitsSpace between words- 1 unit

An example from Journalism for Filipino

P r i n t i n g (space) b u r e a u1 ½ 1 ½ 1 ½ ½ 1 1 ½ 1 1 1 1 1 1 =13 ½ unitsh i d i n g (space) r e c o r d s (space) ?1 ½ 1 ½ 1 1 ½ 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 ½ 1 ½ =14 ½ units

ACTIVITYA. Make your own headline with this news

MANILA– President Benigno Aquino III has reportedly chosen Major General Hernando Delfin Carmelo

Iriberri to head the 80,000- strong Philippine Army, the Inquirer learned Thursday night.

Iriberri is currently the commander of the Army’s 7th Infantry Division.

He is a member of the Philippine Military Class (PMA) 1983.

The next Army chief also served as Brigade Commander of Army’s 503rd Brigade in Abra from January to July

2013. He also served as Senior Military Assistant to Gazmin from July 2010 to January 2013.

He also served as spokesman when Gazmin was Army chief.

A member of Philippine Military Academy “Matikas” Class of 1983, he beat other officers more senior than

him. The other two senior officers in the shortlist were Lieutenant General Gregorio Pio Catapang Jr. of the

Northern Luzon Command, a member of PMA Class of 1981 and Major General John Bonafos of Central

Command, a member or PMA Class of 1982.

As Army chief, Iriberri will take over the 80,000-strong Philippine Army.  He will hold a key position that is

sometimes the jump off point on becoming the next chief of staff of the Armed Forces of the Philippines.He will retire on April 22, 2016.

B.

- ZAMBOANGA CITY—At least 20 people, most of them teachers, were injured when a Rural Transit Bus overturned in  Zamboanga Sibugay on Saturday, the police said.

- Chief Inspector Ariel Huesca, spokesperson of the Western Mindanao police, said the driver of the bus tried to avoid a vehicle coming from the opposite direction but swerved out of control and overturned.

- The bus was enroute to Zamboanga City from Marawi City in Lanao del Sur when the accident happened in the village of Monching on the outskirts of the town of Siay in Zamboanga Sibugay.

- The victims, who suffered bruises and contusions, were taken to the Pathfinder Hospital in Kabasalan town in Zamboanga Sibugay for treatment, Huesca said.