Block

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WRITING SKILLS
UNIT 1
Writing – Process and Methods 9
UNIT 2
Effectively Writing 19
UNIT 3
Changing Concepts of News 30
BLOCK 1 INTRODUCTION
This is the first block of the course BNM-024 News Writing and Editing.
Block 1: Writing Skills serves as the cornerstone for students embarking on
their journey into the realm of news writing. This block is meticulously
designed to cover the foundational elements of news writing, incorporating
the core concepts, principles, and the intricate process involved in creating
compelling news articles. It is dedicated to building a robust foundation in
news writing skills essential for every student of mass communication.
Through this block, learners will gain a deep understanding of the mechanics
of news writing, enabling them to craft stories that not only inform but also
engage their audience effectively.
Unit 1: Writing: Process and Methods delves into the various types of
news writing and unravels the comprehensive process behind crafting a news
piece. This unit guides students through the initial steps of identifying the
purpose of a news article, finding inspiration, and understanding their target
readership. It emphasizes the importance of the preliminary stages in the
news writing process, including research, outlining, and drafting, to ensure
clarity, relevance, and impact. Students will learn to navigate the
complexities of news writing with ease, setting a strong foundation for more
advanced concepts in subsequent units.
Unit 2: Effective Writing concentrates on the hallmark qualities of
exceptional writing and the diverse styles that can be employed in news
articles. This unit explores the art of crafting sentences and paragraphs with
simplicity and clarity, ensuring that the message is conveyed effectively to
the reader. It provides students with the tools to enhance their writing,
focusing on coherence, conciseness, and engagement. By the end of this unit,
students will be adept at selecting the appropriate style and tone for different
types of news stories, elevating their writing from mere information
dissemination to compelling storytelling.
Unit 3: Changing Concepts of News navigates through the evolving
landscape of news in the digital age. It sheds light on recent trends that have
reshaped the concept of news, such as the democratization of news
production, the rise of citizen journalism, and the surge of user-generated
content. This unit critically examines how these changes have affected news
consumption patterns and the implications for traditional and new media.
Students will explore the challenges and opportunities presented by the
shifting dynamics of news, equipping them with a forward-thinking
perspective on journalism in the contemporary world.
UNIT 1 WRITING: PROCESSES AND
Writing: Processes
and Methods

METHODS

Structure
1.0 Introduction
1.1 Learning Outcomes
1.2 Introduction to Writing
1.2.1 Exploring the Subject
1.2.2 Research
1.2.3 Identifying the Purpose
1.2.4 Understanding the Reader
1.3 Let us Write
1.3.1 Introduction
1.3.2 Material
1.3.3 Conclusion
1.4 Types of Writing
1.4.1 Expository Writing
1.4.2 Narrative Writing
1.4.3 Descriptive Writing
1.4.4 Argumentative Writing
1.5 Writing Experience
1.5.1 Process of Writing
1.5.2 Seeking Inspiration
1.5.3 Overcoming the Writer’s Block
1.6 Let Us Sum Up
1.7 Keywords
1.8 Further Readings
1.9 Check Your Progress: Possible Answers

1.0 INTRODUCTION
You might have a habit of reading, it could be either newspapers early in the
morning, or text books to prepare for your exams, or magazines for leisure.
Ever noticed how the writing styles for all these are different from each
other? A newspaper would be concise and to the point, while the books take
their own time to build the atmosphere before starting with the story.
Writing is a complex art form. A good writer is not only able to communicate
their ideas easily to the reader, they are also able to take the reader through a
world of storytelling while weaving visuals through only words. Even in the
case of formal writing, a well written document would leave little room for
confusion, despite relying only on words again. In case of journalism, a
writer needs to be clear, concise and communicative to file the news stories.

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Writing Skills This unit deals with the process of writing, which is largely uniform across
genres and formats and has helped many writers. We will also discuss
various methods and styles of writing, and learn when to use which. Lastly,
we will also cover every writer’s nightmare, that is the writer’s block and
discuss a few methods to get over it.

12.1 LEARNING OUTCOMES

After working through this unit, you will be able to:
• Explain the process of writing
• Organize your writing skills
• Differentiate between various types of writing styles
• Explore various sources of inspiration
• Overcome the writer’s block

1.2 INTRODUCTION TO WRITING

Writing, like speaking, is firstly a form of communication. On the other hand,
great writers across time have created masterpieces in poetry and prose,
equating writing with art. It is also a skill that one can hone with adequate
practice and apt inputs. Most of the writers take a three step approach while
writing. This consists of - pre-writing, writing and rewriting. Pre-writing is
the preparation one needs to do before starting the actual process. Writing is
structuring the information in words, sentences and paragraphs. Rewriting is
the process of editing the content for grammar, spellings, punctuations and
meaning.
According to many writers, it is the pre-writing that is the most elephantine
task of the three. Many writers have claimed to have spent about 60 percent
of their time prewriting. This primarily includes the following steps:

1.2.1 Exploring the Subject

You may have a topic assigned to you by a client, by your editor or by a
teacher, for now. At times you will have a detailed brief, and at other times
you will have to struggle with gathering the key information for the story.
But before you start carving your story from the information at hand, you
need to explore the topic in its entirety. Do you have an angle in mind? Can
your writing be conversational? Does your topic command a formal tone? Do
you need to interview experts or refer to some existing material? Is the topic
of broader relevance or you are choosing it merely because of your
inclination?
To answer all these questions, you may seek help of mind mapping. Mind
mapping is a great way to explore the subject from different angles, before
you start with the groundwork. It is a process of creating a diagrammatic plan
of the topic and various sub themes branching out of it. Doing so exhausts all
possible angles and helps you in discovering news insights into the topic.

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1.2.2 Research Writing: Processes
and Methods
After you have identified and locked the subject, it is time to explore it from
all angles. As a journalist, it is your job to gather data from all possible
sources before you start filing a story. At times the information you gather
may turn out to be useless for your story, but lack of research would end up
in a shallow story without any soul. Also, you never know what information
might prove useful at a later stage.
In case of a story based on an event, you may need to speak to participants,
organizers, witnesses etc. On the other hand, while writing a story about an
experience, you may need to research about it by experiencing it yourself and
speaking to other people who would have had the same experience, for eg.,
writing a review of a restaurant. Research also helps in formulation of an
opinion, if you do not have one about the concerned topic.

1.2.3 Identifying the Purpose

A good writer also needs to know the purpose of writing the story. Are you
expected to write an objective report, or a subjective review, an entertaining
feature or a persuasive copy? The need to identify this is simple, as the
writing style for all formats differs tremendously. A writer needs to hone
their writing skills in order to cater to all these purposes, and more.

1.2.4 Understanding the Reader

Lastly, like any communicator, a writer also needs to understand their target
audience, the reader in this case. You may need to know the age, gender,
educational level and attitude of the readers before starting to write your
story. The language would differ if the piece was being written for children,
or for a woman’s magazine, or for a scientific journal. Knowing the reader
would help in choosing the vocabulary for the write up and help in deciding
how much information to include. It also helps in gauging their level of
understanding about the topic as well as predicting their interest level.

While all of these steps in themselves are imperative as a part of the pre-
writing process, their order can depend on the writer, the topic, or the
situational task as well.

Check Your Progress: 1

Note: 1) Use the space below for your answers.
2) Compare your answers with those given at the end of this unit.
1. What are the three steps of writing?
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2. What is the need of understanding the reader before starting to write?
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Writing Skills
1.3 LET US WRITE
After all the preparation and background research, the actual task of writing
begins. After thorough research, you will have ample material to put in order
for your write up and to entice your reader. You would also inadvertently
have a deadline looming to finish your task, acting as a push as well. It is a
good practice to create an essay map before you begin the process. An essay
map is a diagrammatic representation of the key points raised in the essay,
structured chronologically. Think of a skeleton structure that is going to
support the body of your essay.

This map not only helps in structuring the write up, it also helps in linking
one point to another so that the writing, and later the process of reading it,
seems seamless. The essay map is different from a mind map as it follows an
order, and the mind map is simply jotting down the points as they come to
you. The former is needed to structure the essay and the latter helps in
exploring the topic.

1.3.1 Introduction
It is said that first impressions are usually the lasting ones. This is true in the
case of writing as well. The introduction of any write up has the onus of
interesting the reader enough to keep him hooked to go further. The
introduction lays down the foundation for your writing and thus needs to
begin with something relatable, albeit with a twist, so that it makes the reader
comfortable as well as intrigued at the same time. You may also try to engage
the reader, by asking a question or narrating an anecdote.

The introduction needs to introduce the reader not only to the topic, but the
angle you as a writer have picked up to explore. It may also provide a small
peek into your perspective or stand. It may also act as a foreshadowing
element or a precursor to the main content that follows.

1.3.2 Material
After you have introduced your topic and laid the foundation for building
your story, it is time to uncover various vistas presented by the topic. During
the mind mapping, you would have come across various points pertaining to
your topic, some interrelated and old and some fresh yet disjointed aspects as
well. This is the part where you tap into all these ideas and present them to
the reader. Each subtopic can be discussed in one paragraph each. For eg.,
you may want to discuss the economic aspect of the topic in one paragraph,
then touch upon the psychological aspect in second.

Or in another case, you may want to write down one side of the story in one
paragraph and another side in second. This not only helps in clear outlining
of the ideas, it also helps in including examples and case studies to elaborate
on the idea and make the writing even more interesting. Examples help the
reader visualize the topic in a real life scenario. On the other hand, some
writers choose to start with the case study first and then come down to the
fact elucidated by it. This also helps in hooking in the reader and making
them understand the point much more easily. At times, you may find that you
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would need to quote a famous person or include some scientific research or Writing: Processes
and Methods
facts and figures to consolidate your story. This material shall also be
included at this stage, suiting the sub topic in case.

1.3.3 Conclusion
A good write up can be found lacking if it fails to conclude satisfactorily. As
a writer, you may find it difficult to conclude, especially in case of a broad
topic. A conclusion in essence not only needs to summarize the story, it also
needs to state a perspective and provide a take away for the reader. It could
be a call to action, like some steps to reduce pollution might be suggested to
the reader at the end of a write up about pollution. It could also be a
statement to ponder upon, or a raging question to support the stance of the
writer in the story.

A good story is the one that not only triggers an emotional response, but has
a lasting impact and is remembered and recalled by the reader. Few writers
have also been known to end the story with a twist that questions the premise
and also keeps the reader guessing. Such an end is known as a cliffhanger,
because it leaves the reader hanging from a literal cliff.

Check Your Progress: 2

Note: 1) Use the space below for your answers.
2) Compare your answers with those given at the end of this unit.
1. What is an essay map? How is it different from a mind map?
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2. What is the importance of writing an introduction?
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1.4 TYPES OF WRITING

Now that we have covered how to structure your write up, let us discuss the
different writing styles that you can use for your story. Also known as
discourses, these writing styles depend on the choice of story, the angle
acquired and lastly the comfort of the writer. There are mainly four styles -
Exposition Style, Narrative Style, Descriptive Style and lastly Argumentative
Style. As a writer, you may even choose to use a mix of them even while
writing one story. Let us discuss them one by one:

1.4.1 Expository Writing

Most common form of writing, expository writing, works on establishing or
‘exposing’ the facts. It starts by breaking down a broad topic into smaller
sub-parts and stating facts about them one by one. The facts may include
specifying the characteristics, defining the attributes and explaining the
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Writing Skills nuances to a layman reader. If the topic calls for it, the writer may
supplement the facts with examples as well. Think of any textbook and you
would recall expository writing at its best use.

1.4.2 Narrative Writing

Narrative writing works on a time based or temporal order. This simply
means that all the facts are laid down in a story format, with events
happening one after another. A skilled storyteller is the one who is able to
structure the story so that the reader’s interest is raised to a climax before
coming to a conclusion or end.

The narration could be in first person or third person, and could use non
linearity to build the story, i.e., he or she may refer to something that
happened in the past, to incite more interest of the reader. A story teller may
also use other tools such as pictures, lyrical songs etc. to weave the narrative.
Think of a fictional piece of writing and you have your example of Narrative
writing at its best.

1.4.3 Descriptive Writing

Descriptive writing paints a picture for the reader, by describing the topic.
Think of a tourism related article, you might have never been to Kashmir, but
a descriptive article will help you experience it through the power of words.
It may describe the place, the people, the food and the weather. There is very
little scope for any sort of analysis in this case. Most of the travelogues lie in
this category.

1.4.4 Argumentative Writing

Lastly, the argumentative style of writing, which includes expressing an
opinion after exploring and weighing the options one by one. In this case, the
topic needs to be multifaceted, so that different opinions and thus arguments
can be formulated. The writer needs to express the arguments from both
sides, much like a debate, but singlehanded, and then evaluate them based on
their pros and cons. You may use evidence in the form of facts and figures to
validate your point and summarize by reasoning through. You may also use
inductive or deductive reasoning to reach a conclusion. Remember, this style
of writing may build upon any other style of writing as well. So you may
start a write up with descriptive style and then switch to argumentative style
while wrapping it up.

1.5 WRITING EXPERIENCE

After discussing the preparation part in detail, we come down to the actual
process of writing. Even the greatest of writers have sworn to be scared by
the task, so it is not a big deal, if it scares you as well. While one might be
able to write sitting in a cafeteria bustling with people, the other may not be
able to focus even in the quiet of night. The process and experience is
different for everyone, but one can never be adequately prepared beforehand.

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1.5.1 Process of Writing Writing: Processes
and Methods
The process of writing is almost the same, whether it be a news story or a
novel. One needs to start choosing words, weaving sentences and furnishing
paragraphs to present the information at hand. Writers struggle with the
choice of vocabulary, sentence structure, length, cohesion, rhythm and
format. In this case, consistency is always the key. Writing bit by bit by
smaller deadlines always helps. Following are the steps one may take in order
to write something successfully:
1. Start with the first draft - look at it like a rough framework of ideas, a
flow of information in a sequence. The words are put in to convey the
meaning while organizing your thoughts sentence by sentence. You may
not like the way it is turning out, but remember that it is the first step.

2. Revise the draft - when you revisit the first draft, you would have an
understanding of what information to give when, and how to avoid
repetition, if any. You will be able to check if it makes any sense,
identify gaps, and if it reinforces certain information again and again
needlessly. It is also a good idea not to revisit the draft immediately after
you finish it. If you spend some time away from it and then come back to
it after a while, you will find that you are able to bring a fresh
perspective to it.
3. Refine the draft - Now is the time to better the writing based on your
reading of it. You may change sentence structures, grammar, vocabulary
and information hierarchy. You will also find that you will be able to
bring in fresh information, consolidate the arguments, and place the
emotional appeal well in place. You might also be able to identify and
bridge the gaps in your writing.

4. Editing - This part takes care of the overall draft by looking over the
format, language and other aspects from the perspective of the reader.
Any information that does not fall into place, or does not add up to the
story is edited out. Usually outsourced, editing is like pre-screening of
the document before it goes to meet its audience. It also includes
proofreading to check the punctuation, grammar and syntax of the
language.

1.5.2 Seeking Inspiration

Many writers confess that they struggle with ideas while writing. While some
believe that one can only write truthfully about what they have experienced
and lived, to make the reader believe in it, while others believe that with
proper research, one might be able to write about almost anything. In this
case, ideation becomes an extremely broad process and writers struggle to
find topics worthy of writing about. Few of the avenues that can help you in
digging for fresh ideas are:

1. Look within - you may have memories, dreams, thoughts etc. that would
have intrigued you and left you thinking over days. Childhood
memories, interesting experiences, vivid recollections of some incidents
may prove to be fruitful when trying to chance upon an idea. 15
Writing Skills 2. Meeting people - Think of a public gathering you may have attended, or
a family gathering? While the event itself is a narrative, there are a
number of stories brimming under the surface as well. Observe and talk
to people and you would have a great chance of uncovering them!

3. Exposure - Arts have always borrowed from each other. If you expose
yourself to various art forms, such as music, theatre, painting, dance,
films etc., you may very well find yourself exposed to new ideas. Art can
also take you out of your comfort zone, and that is where you can come
across fresh perspectives.

1.5.3 Overcoming the Writer’s Block

A writer’s block is a situation or a period when the writer struggles to find a
topic worthy of writing, or even finds it difficult to write anything. The
greatest of writers have claimed to suffer from it and it can prove very
frustrating when you need to write something not for leisure but for a
looming deadline. While procrastination can be a contributing cause, many
writer’s have struggled with the writer’s block across ages and generations.
Few techniques that can help you overcome this barrier are:
1. Free writing - this technique involves the practice of writing something
without judgement. It involves the writer writing anything and
everything that comes to their mind, in order to get the chaos on paper
and leave the mind a sorted place.
2. Change place - try writing in a different environment and using different
tools. If you are used to a typewriter at your work desk, start writing on a
notepad in a park. You will be astonished to see how a simple change
like this would affect your thought process.

3. Skip levels - try going back to the mind mapping, or even essay mapping
for a while. Once you let your mind wander unstructured for a bit, it
would help you when you come back to the more rigorous writing task.
You may also start with editing the draft to as far as you have written.

4. Take breaks - When nothing else works, take a break. Remember to

enjoy the task, otherwise your reader will catch your lethargy and lack of
excitement fronm your writing and the story would not solve its purpose.

Check Your Progress: 3

Note: 1) Use the space below for your answers.
2) Compare your answers with those given at the end of this unit.
1. What are the four basic writing styles?
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2. What are the various steps involved in the process of writing? Writing: Processes
and Methods
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1.6 LET US SUM UP

In this unit, you were introduced to the processes and methods of writing. As
a journalist, it is imperative to know how to write, but the skill is very
valuable in other professions as well. We also discussed the importance of
each and every step involved in writing and how to master this art form. We
also mulled over various styles of writing and discussed which suits what
type of story. You were also introduced to a few methods of gaining
inspiration to write and in the end, we discussed a few ways to overcome the
writer’s block.

1.7 KEYWORDS
Active voice - type of sentence where the verb is highlighted more than the
subject
Byline - name of the author credited with the article
Citation - reference to the source of information
Draft - a complete unedited version of the text
Editor - a person appointed the task of reading and revising a manuscript
before publication
Narrative - a chronological telling of facts

1.8 FURTHER READINGS

1. Hicks, W., Sally, A., Gilbert, H., Holmes, T., & Bentley, J. (2016).
Writing for journalists. Routledge.
2. Papper, R. (2020). Broadcast news and writing stylebook. Routledge.
3. Warburton, N. (2020). The basics of essay writing. Routledge.
4. Uskali, T., Gynnild, A., Jones, S., & Sirkkunen, E. (2021). Immersive
journalism as storytelling: Ethics, production, and design (p. 212).
Taylor & Francis.

1.9 CHECK YOUR PROGRESS: POSSIBLE

ANSWERS
Check Your Progress: 1
1. The three steps of writing are: pre-writing, writing and rewriting. Pre-
writing is the research and preparation one needs to do before starting to
write. Writing is structuring the information in words, sentences and 17
Writing Skills paragraphs. Rewriting is editing the content for grammar, spellings,
punctuations and meaning.
2. Knowing the reader helps in following ways:
a. In choosing the vocabulary
b. In deciding how much information to include
c. In gauging the level of understanding
d. In predicting the interest level
Check Your Progress: 2
1. An essay map is a diagrammatic representation of the key points raised
in the essay, structured chronologically. It not only helps in structuring
the write up, it also helps in linking one point to another. It is different
from a mind map as it follows an order, and mine map is jotting down
the points as they come to you. The former is needed to structure the
essay and the latter helps in exploring the topic.
2. The introduction of a write up has the onus of interesting the reader
enough to keep him hooked to go further. It lays down the foundation of
the writing and thus needs to begin with something relatable albeit with a
twist, so that it makes the reader comfortable and intrigued at the same
time.
Check Your Progress: 3
1. The four basic writing styles are:
- Expository writing - the writer breaks down a broad topic into parts
and stating facts about the sub-topics.
- Narrative writing - the writer lays down the information in a
temporal order and the reader’s interest is raised to a climax before
concluding the story.
- Descriptive writing - the writer paints a picture for the reader, by
describing the attributes and features of the topic.
- Argumentative writing - the writer expresses the arguments from
both sides, much like a debate, but singlehanded, and then evaluates
them.
2. There are four major steps involved in the process of writing:
- Starting with the first draft - it is a rough framework of ideas and a
flow of information in a sequence.
- Revise the draft - when you revisit the draft, you would have an
understanding of what information to give when, and how to avoid
repetition, if any.
- Refine the draft - You will be able to identify and bridge the gaps in
your writing.
- Editing - This part takes care of the overall draft by looking over the
format, language and other aspects from the perspective of the
reader.

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UNIT 2 EFFECTIVE WRITING Effective Writing

Structure
2.0 Introduction
2.1 Learning Outcomes
2.2 Qualities of Good Writing
2.2.1 Vocabulary
2.2.2 Simplicity & Clarity
2.2.3 Emotional Appeal
2.3 The Paragraph
2.3.1 Functions of a Paragraph
2.3.2 Structure of a Paragraph
2.3.3 Characteristics of a Good Paragraph
2.4 Writing Styles
2.4.1 Different Styles of Writing
2.4.2 Passive and Active Structures
2.4.3 Types of Sentences
2.4.4 Attributes of Good Style
2.5 Let Us Sum Up
2.6 Keywords
2.7 Further Readings
2.8 Check Your Progress: Possible Answers

2.0 INTRODUCTION
The previous unit introduced you to the process of writing and the methods
followed to initiate the task. This unit will delve into the qualities marking
good writing: Vocabulary, Simplicity and Clarity and lastly, including an
Emotional appeal. We will further discuss the basic unit of a write up - a
paragraph. We will analyse the structure of a good paragraph and identify its
purpose in the entire write up. We will also revisit some basic grammar while
covering sentence forms, to brush up your language skills.

2.1 LEARNING OUTCOMES

After working through this unit, you will be able to:
• Identify the qualities of good writing
• Write effective paragraphs
• Use appropriate styles of writing suited to the story

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Writing Skills
2.2 QUALITIES OF GOOD WRITING
You may have read various writers, ranging from the popular fiction ones, to
those writing newspaper columns. Few might have made you laugh, or
thrilled you with their words, while others might have bored you or may have
lost your interest very soon. There is a reason why few writers are
remembered across ages and generations, while others are not even read in
the entirety of their work. Good writing skills not only help you communicate
your point across clearly, they also help you in creating a regular loyal reader
base as well. We will now discuss the identifiers of good writing in detail:

2.2.1 Vocabulary
William Strunk & E. B. White in their seminal work ‘The Elements of Style’
state, “A sentence should contain no unnecessary words, a paragraph no
unnecessary sentences, for the same reason that a drawing should have no
unnecessary lines and a machine no unnecessary parts.”. Thus it can be
surmised clearly that a good writer uses no extras in their writing, they
instead hunt for the apt words for the situation that describe the basic idea in
the best and simplest way possible. The writer needs to be aesthetic as well as
economical in their choice of words.
For e.g., look at these two sentences:
1. The thief stole the bag from a person walking on the street.

2. The thief snatched the bag from the pedestrian.

Not only is the second sentence shorter than the first, it also paints a picture
of the action for the reader, by using a more suitable word. The writer also
uses one word ‘pedestrian’ in place of ‘A person walking on the street’ to
make the line crisper. In another example, the famous writer Stephan King
advises all budding writers to avoid using the word ‘very’. He presses that it
is just lazy writing. For eg., ‘Very big’ can be replaced by ‘Humongous’ and
‘Very intelligent’ can be replaced by ‘Brilliant’. Using these superlative
words makes the writing even more elaborative with less words in number.

2.2.2 Simplicity and Clarity

You may recall reading something written in archaic English. Shakespeare
said, “Shall I compare thee with a summer’s day?”. Do you see this type of
language being used today in writing or even in speaking? While a norm at
some point of time, today this language is obsolete and incomprehensible by
the general public. Language also evolves with time with introduction of
newer words and dissolution of older ones. To reach the mass audience, the
writing needs to be simple in terms of language. Greater the jargon or archaic
language used, lesser the understanding of the reader. However, this is easier
said than done because the ability to simplify the writing language comes
with years of practice.

Good writers also need to be able to present their ideas lucidly and precisely.
Not only does using jargon and archaic language complicate the message, it
also loses the interest of the reader and the message gets lost somewhere in
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between. One should not assume that the reader has any part of knowledge Effective Writing
beforehand already and be as descriptive as possible for their understanding.

2.2.3 Emotional Appeal

Another feature of good writing stems from its appeal. Along with catering
information to the mind, a good write up also appeals to the heart with the
emotions. They could be ranging from wonder to joy, or from thrill to even a
deep philosophical thought. The writing triggers the emotional response in
the reader and thus leaves a lasting impression. Think of a story on
environmental pollution. If the writer is able to invoke some sort of guilt in
the reader, incite responsibility for their actions and lastly include a call of
action to undertake, the reader is more likely to be moved by the story.

Activity -1
Choose an editorial story from a newspaper, written on a topic relevant to
you. Check if these three points apply to that story as well. How has the
writer composed the write up to make it communicative and appealing at
the same time.

Check Your Progress: 1

Note: 1) Use the space below for your answers.
2) Compare your answers with those given at the end of this unit.

1. What are three main qualities of good writing?

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2. What is the importance of emotional appeal in writing?

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2.3 THE PARAGRAPH

Do you remember exercises being given to you in your early classes; to write
a paragraph on your favorite festival or sports person. While writing these
paragraphs, you might have racked your brains to gather as much information
on the topic as possible and include that in a few sentences making up the
paragraph. But today, while writing a bigger story, a number of paragraphs
are needed in sequence to do justice to the topic.
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Writing Skills Most basic form of a write up, a paragraph is the central unit in the writing
structure. Each paragraph contains a basic idea and laying them in sequins
helps in laying ideas one by one. It needs leading sentences grouped together
in a sequence, and has to be coherent to take the reader forward.

A paragraph may also carry the summary of a given topic at the beginning of
the write up or even to conclude. Look at the first and last paragraphs of this
unit. In this case, the themes of the paragraphs are: introduction to the topic
and conclusion of the lesson. Similarly, each paragraph has a base idea and
articulates the same using different sentences. Just like there is a transition of
ideas from one paragraph to another, there is a transition of ideas from one
sentence to another within a single paragraph as well.

2.3.1 Functions of A Paragraph

You may think of a paragraph as a visual aid that helps in heralding a new
thought, albeit with words. It works by organising the thoughts into various
segments and groups. In earlier times of written language, the turn in thought
was marked by using a punctuation symbol. Today it is done through
segregating them into paragraphs and using indentation to mark their
beginning. The length of the paragraph may vary. It is dependent on the
complexity of the idea and the number of sentences required to elaborate on
it. Each paragraph signals to the reader that they are switching to a new idea
or thought at the moment in the write up.

Paragraphs are not just indicators of change in thought, they are miniature
write ups in themselves. They are bound by unity and coherence in the idea
and facilitate taking the writing and reading forward. If you think of a write
up as a one sided conversation between the writer and the reader, paragraphs
also provide a respite from the ongoing topic.

2.3.2 The Structure of A Paragraph

As discussed earlier, a paragraph has four major components: A controlling
idea, explanation, examples and lastly the conclusion.
The controlling idea or the theme drives the paragraph, complete with the
information that needs to consolidate the argument. The reader is introduced
to the idea, then explained it in detail through help of examples or reasoning.
The writer’s perspective on the idea is elaborated here, be it in for or against
the stance. Whatever the case is, the reader is taken through the thought
process lucidly. Good writing also includes substantial evidence for the
claims and strong language to connect them together. The examples make the
idea relatable to the reader and at times bring in more clarity as well. Lastly,
at the end of the paragraph, a transitioning sentence helps in summarizing the
paragraph for the reader, and along with it, the controlling theme as well.
This last sentence also helps in leading the reader to the next idea.
Consider this paragraph as an example elucidating the structure of a
paragraph. First sentence is the topic sentence, while this one is working to
justify the idea. More sentences will be added to take the discussion further
and possibly reiterate with examples. Last sentence is used to direct your
attention to the importance of this paragraph and its contribution to the entire
write up.
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2.3.3 Characteristics of a Good Paragraph Effective Writing

A well written paragraph needs to have unity of ideas, coherence in thought

and completeness in communication. Unity is created with the choice of idea
for the paragraph. This idea is most commonly introduced at the beginning of
the paragraph. Then follow the sentences that justify or argue for the idea,
proliferate with examples and case studies. All aspects of the single idea are
covered before concluding the paragraph with the last sentence. The last
sentence may also contain a hook to lead to the second paragraph.
Coherence is the flow of thoughts in a continuous clear logical sequence. It
allows the reader to move through the write up smoothly and makes the
connections between the ideas clear and elaborate for the reader. The writer
may also use words like ‘Firstly’, ‘Lastly’, ‘Henceforth’, ‘Thus’, etc. to build
the structure of the paragraph by connecting the ideas.

Lastly, completeness is achieved when a topic is covered in entirety and no

gaps are left in the arguments. This is achieved by providing ample details,
facts and figures, illustrating examples and quotations referring to the basic
idea. The process of writing the paragraph needs the writer to follow all these
steps in order to result in a good paragraph.

Activity - 2
Choose any paragraph from this Block. Check if it follows the guidelines
and structures of a paragraph as discussed in this unit. Would you
categorize it as a good paragraph?

Check Your Progress: 2

Note: 1) Use the space below for your answers.
2) Compare your answers with those given at the end of this unit.

1. What are the four basic components of a paragraph?

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2. What are the characteristics of a good paragraph?

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Writing Skills
2.4 WRITING STYLES
Recall a writer that you like to read often. They could be writing a political
satire, or murder mysteries, or even news articles. What do you like about
them? There might be other writers who write about the same topics, but you
would find yourself revisiting your favorite writer’s writing again and again
for some reason. What is it that you enjoy about their writing? What makes it
more relatable to you? Is it just the topics of their choice, the language, or the
style of writing?
Each writer has their own writing style, be it Shakespare’s wit or
Hemingway’s melancholy. Each of them has a way with words that is
distinctive and marks their signature style. The writers which are able to
establish their own styles and consistently follow it through, have made a
name for themselves in the hall of fame of writing.

You can also develop your own writing style with a bit of effort and practice.
While the command over language is the first thing that you need to have,
mastering the format and available resources also follow shortly with time.
The audience not only enjoys the story written by the author, but also notices
the choice of words, the flow of sentences and use of literary devices in the
write up, such as metaphors or oxymorons. All these can help in ‘making
meaning’ out of the written text along with deriving joy from the process of
reading. This is only possible when the writer masters a language and learns
how to express themselves passionately through words.

2.4.1 Different Styles of Writing

A written composition can be narrative, scholarly, written for leisure, or for
informative purposes. A journalist needs to learn how to master writing
informative pieces along with few that include infotainment. Few different
styles of writing that journalists use are:
Concise style: This style needs the writer expressing the information in the
fewest words possible. The writer needs to include words that are most
expressive and make sure that the writing does not include repetition of ideas.
This type of writing does not rely on the rhetoric and the figures of speech
are used sparingly, if at all. Despite the paucity of words due to space or time
availability, the journalist needs to ensure that the clarity of the story is not
lost. Think of headlines of a newspaper and you would find few examples of
concise writing.

Plain style: This style of writing does not make use of embellishments of any
kind. The language used is simple, direct and easily understandable by
laymen readers. Three major principles of this style are: purity, propriety and
precision. The writer’s task is only to inform the reader of the sequence of
events and not provide any opinions along with them. Think of a report of a
Republic day parade as an example. Similar eye witness accounts are written
mostly in plain style for the reader.
Elegant style: Also known as Graceful style, this type of writing includes
use of figurative language but in the right measure. The aesthetic of writing is
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given more importance than any of the previous styles discussed. Metaphors, Effective Writing
allusions and other literary devices are interwoven thoughtfully into the
writing to keep the reader engaged with the text. Like a beautiful painting is
pleasing to the eye, this type of writing is pleasant to read and is
simultaneously able to convey the ideas to the reader. Think of poetic sagas
or ballads for recollecting this style of writing.
Forced Style: Also known as the Vehement style, this type of writing is
impressive for the reader, where the writer is simply trying to persuade the
reader of their views. While the passion of the writer towards the topic is
easily comprehensible, the reader may lose interest if not passionate in
similar light about the topic. The writer may use vigorous arguments and
even biased facts and figures to supplement his or her thoughts. This type of
writing finds place only in the editorial columns, spaces specifically
designated for viewpoints of esteemed people.

Activity - 3
Pick up a newspaper or a magazine. Try to identify how many of these
writing styles can you identify in the different types of articles. Read them
to the end. Which one did you enjoy the most?

2.4.2 Passive and Active Structures

Let us take a short trip back to the grammar lessons you would have received
in the school. Do you remember learning about active and passive voice?
Active voice is when the verb is the subject of the sentence and has greater
importance. For eg., ‘The man was driving the car’. On the other hand, in the
case of passive voice, the subject is shifted to the noun and thus has greater
importance in the sentence. For eg., ‘The car is being driven by the man’.

In terms of journalistic writing, both styles have their own purpose. Active
voice is needed for writing the descriptive or narrative forms of formats. It
not only helps in recreating the visual for the reader, it also helps in making
the writing relatable. On the other hand, passive voice is usually instrumental
in writing expository or argumentative articles. It helps in laying emphasis on
the receiver of action and thus builds the tempo of the story. It also makes the
writing more impersonal and thus subjective.

2.4.3 Types of Sentences

Sentences are classified broadly on two bases: Function and Structure. On the
basis of function, there are broadly 4 categories:

1. Declarative Sentences: These sentences are used to declare a piece of

information. These are used to simply convey an idea or a thought. For
e.g., ‘Taj Mahal is in Agra’.

2. Interrogative Sentences: These sentences are used as a question. They

are usually punctuated with a question mark. For e.g., ‘What is your
name?’.
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Writing Skills 3. Exclamatory Sentences: These types of sentences are used when the
writer tries to induce a sense of excitement or heightened emotion. They
are usually punctuated with an exclamation mark. For e.g., ‘What a
lovely day!’

4. Imperative Sentences: These types of sentences are used to make a

request or give an order. For e.g., ‘Please close the door.’

Moving further, sentences can also be classified on the basis of their

structure. There are four types:

1. Simple Sentences: These types of sentences usually have one subject

and one predicate. The relationship between them is also a simple one.
For e.g.,’ He bought a new car.’ The subject is ‘he’ and the predicate is
‘bought a new car’ in this case.

2. Compound Sentences: Compound sentences have two or more clauses

that may work separately as well, but are joined by a conjunction. For
e.g., ‘I am feeling unwell, but will have to work on this project’. In this
case, First part of the sentence is joined with the second part by using the
conjunction ‘but’.
3. Complex Sentences: These sentences have two clauses, one dependent
on another. Subordinating conjunctions are used to construct these
sentences. For e.g., ‘After the girl lost her spectacles, she wanted to buy
a new pair’. In this case, ‘after’ is a subordinating conjunction.
4. Complex-compound Sentences: These sentences have two clauses that
are joined together using coordinating conjunctions and punctuation. For
e.g., ‘The boy, who lived in the next room, went away on Saturday’. In
this example, the sentence would have worked even without the middle
part.

2.4.4 Attributes of Good Style

Good writing is a talent that few are born with, while others can acquire with
apt guidance and enough practice. Here are a few guidelines that you may
follow to write effectively and efficiently:

1. Avoid using too many pronouns. While directing at the subject nouns,
use of excessive pronouns may confuse the reader.

2. Avoid repetition. Words which mean the same thing along with words
that sound alike should be avoided being used in a single sentence. They
create a rhyming cluster and thus trap the reader in the sentence.

3. Avoid too many clauses in a sentence. Try providing one or maximum

two bits of information per sentence. Use of informatory or explanatory
clauses can elongate a sentence unnecessarily and again confuse the
reader.

4. Avoid using jargon. For a layman, the writing should be simple and self
explanatory. Jargon is any terminology that needs background
knowledge or understanding. For e.g., think of an idiom in your native
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 language. Imagine how it would sound translated into English and used Effective Writing
in a sentence.

5. Be honest. Think of your reader while composing your write ups. Think
why would they like to read this and what would interest them more.
Remember that writing is first and foremost a method of communication
and then an art form.

6. Be economical with words. What can be said in a select few words may
not be needed to elaborate upon in detail. This will only bore the reader
and lose their attention.

7. Add variety. The monotony of language and the rhythm in sentence

structure, when varied, keeps the reader’s attention for longer durations.
Famous author Agatha Christie, who has written a number of thrillers
and mysteries, is known to have experimented with the length of
sentences to keep the reader hooked till the end.
8. Add humor. Unless it is a serious topic that might become frivolous with
a lighter tone, use of humor also keeps the readers interested and
entertained at the same time. A lot of depth can be conveyed using
humor as satire, as elaborated by Oscar Wilde’s writings.

9. Use imagination. Many writers use metaphors and similes to make the
writing more visual for the reader and help them envisage the scenario
with help of words. Stephan King expresses that use of adjectives can
make writing bland and generic. Metaphors as visuals work better in this
case.
10. Use of proper grammar, syntax and punctuation. Greatest of writers
would fail if they were not abiding by the basic rules of any language.

Following these particular guidelines would help you in the head start of your
writing journey.

Check Your Progress: 3

Note: 1) Use the space below for your answers.
2) Compare your answers with those given at the end of this unit.

1. What are the different styles of writing?

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2. What are the two types of voices in writing? How are they used?
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Writing Skills
2.5 LET US SUM UP
In this unit you learnt to identify the features and qualities of effective
writing. We discussed the importance of choosing the right vocabulary,
bringing in simplicity and clarity in your write ups and adding emotional
appeal to your stories. All these factors help in making your writing more
interesting and comprehensible to the reader. As the paragraph is a building
block of any write up, we covered their function, their basic structure and
then the process of writing a good paragraph. Lastly, towards the end, we
explored various types of writing styles, categories of sentences and their
uses for different effects.

2.6 KEYWORDS
• Paraphrasing - stating a person’s thoughts into own words
• Plagiarism - using someone else’s work without permission
• Proofreading - Checking for grammar and spelling errors in the draft
• Style sheet - a list of specifications used by a publication for accepting
new submissions
• Word count - number of words included in a story
• Hook - a sentence that catches the reader's attention and leads them
further

2.7 FURTHER READINGS

1. Hicks, W., Sally, A., Gilbert, H., Holmes, T., & Bentley, J. (2016).
Writing for journalists. Routledge.
2. Papper, R. (2020). Broadcast news and writing stylebook. Routledge.
3. Warburton, N. (2020). The basics of essay writing. Routledge.
4. Uskali, T., Gynnild, A., Jones, S., & Sirkkunen, E. (2021). Immersive
journalism as storytelling: Ethics, production, and design (p. 212).
Taylor & Francis.

2.8 CHECK YOUR PROGRESS: POSSIBLE

ANSWERS
Check Your Progress: 1
1. The three main qualities of good writing are:
a. Use of apt vocabulary

b. Use of simplicity and clarity in writing

c. Inclusion of an emotional appeal in the story

2. Emotional appeal in writing helps in leaving a lasting impression on the

reader. Including emotion along with information helps in engaging the
28 left and right side of the brain simultaneously.
Check Your Progress: 2 Effective Writing

1. A paragraph has four major components: A controlling idea, explanation,

examples and lastly the conclusion.

2. A well written paragraph needs to have the following characteristics: unity

of ideas, coherence in thought and completeness in communication.

Check Your Progress: 3

1. Different styles of writing are as follows:
Concise style: This style needs the writer expressing the information in
the fewest words possible.
Plain style: This style of writing does not make use of embellishments
of any kind in the writing.
Elegant style: This type of writing includes use of figurative language
but in the right measure.
Forced Style: This type of writing is impressive for the reader, where
the writer is simply trying to persuade the reader of their views.
2. There are two major types of voice styles in writing: Active voice and
Passive voice. Active voice is needed for writing the descriptive or
narrative forms of formats. Passive voice is usually instrumental in
writing expository or argumentative articles.

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Writing Skills
UNIT 3 CHANGING CONCEPTS OF NEWS

Structure
3.0 Introduction
3.1 Learning Outcomes
3.2 Changing Trends in Concepts of News
3.2.1 Democratization of News
3.2.2 Citizen Journalism
3.2.3 User Generated Content
3.3 Technological Dimensions of News Operations
3.4 New Platforms of Digital Journalism
3.5 Changes in News Delivery
3.6 Changes in News Consumption Patterns
3.7 Future Concepts of News
3.7.1 Digital-First News
3.7.2 Quick and Bite- Sized News
3.8 Let Us Sum Up
3.9 Keywords
3.10 Further Readings
3.11 Check Your Progress: Possible Answers

3.0 INTRODUCTION
In this unit you will get an insight into all the facets of news. News is a broad
term that refers to information about recent events or developments that are
of interest or importance to the general public. It provides updates on various
topics such as politics, economics, social issues, science, technology,
entertainment, sports, and any other subject which might be of interest to the
reader. News plays a crucial role in keeping people informed, facilitating
public discourse, and shaping public opinion.It also acts as a catalyst for
public discussion, democratic participation and social progress.But does that
mean it remains the same as it was, in format, presentation and content? No
the truth is that due to the development of technology and advancement in
media industry there has been a radical change in the compilation and
presentation of information and news. At present, information and news are
presented in different ways through online and offline platforms. News
organizations now broadcast news on traditional mediums as well as modern
mediums. These mediums not only have the ability to broadcast news in a
very short time (live), but also keep updating continuously. In this Unit, we
shall discuss the changing concepts and technological dimensions of news
operations.

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 Effective Writing
3.1 LEARNING OUTCOMES
After going through this unit you should be able to
• Understand the changing trends in the concepts of news
• Describe the technological dimensions of news operations
• Describe the new platforms of digital journalism
• Discuss the future concepts of news

3.2 CHANGING TRENDS IN CONCEPTS OF

NEWS
The concept of news has evolved significantly over time, and continues to
change in response to technological advancements, social shifts, and the
evolving media landscape. The rise of the internet and digital technologies
has revolutionized the way news is produced, distributed, and consumed.
Online platforms and social media have become major sources of news,
enabling instant access to information from around the world. This has led to
a decline in traditional print newspapers and a shift toward online news
outlets. Lets understand the changes and trends in the concept of news. They
are identified as follows:

3.2.1 Democratization of News

The democratization of news refers to the increased accessibility and
participation of individuals in the production, dissemination and consumption
of news and information. Traditionally, news was controlled by a few
established media outlets, but with the advent of digital technologies and the
internet, the landscape has changed significantly.The democratization of
news has been facilitated by several factors:
• Internet and Digital Technologies: The internet has allowed for the
rapid and widespread dissemination of news. Anyone with an internet
connection can now publish and share news stories, blogs, and opinion
pieces. Social media platforms have also played a significant role in
enabling individuals to share news and engage in discussions.
• Social Media Platforms: Platforms like Facebook, Twitter, and
YouTube have become popular sources of news for many people. These
platforms allow users to share, comment, and engage with news content,
leading to a more interactive and participatory news environment.
• Alternative News Sources: The democratization of news has led to the
rise of alternative news sources that challenge mainstream media
narratives. Independent news outlets, blogs, and podcasts have gained
traction, providing diverse viewpoints and catering to niche interests.
So as you see, the democratization of news has opened up new opportunities
for individuals to engage with and contribute to news production and
consumption. However, it also presents challenges related to information
overload, misinformation, filter bubbles, and quality control. Critical media
literacy and discernment are crucial for navigating the evolving news
landscape.
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Writing Skills 3.2.2 Citizen Journalism
One terminology which has become very popular is citizen journalism and
you all must have heard of it. Let us see who are these citizen journalists.
Non-professional individuals, often referred to as citizen journalists or citizen
reporters, are those who engage in the gathering, reporting, and dissemination
of news and information. These individuals are not employed by traditional
media organizations but use various tools and platforms to share news
stories, eyewitness accounts, images, videos, and opinions.Citizen journalism
has been made possible and popularized by advancements in digital
technologies, particularly the widespread availability of smartphones with
built-in cameras and internet access. This has empowered ordinary people to
document and share news events as they unfold, often providing alternative
perspectives and grassroots reporting. The main aspects of citizen journalism
are as follows:

• Grassroots Reporting: Citizen journalists often report from the ground,

covering local events, community issues, or topics that may not receive
significant attention from traditional media outlets. They act as
independent observers and can bring attention to stories that might have
otherwise gone unnoticed.
• Immediate and Raw Coverage: Citizen journalists are often on the
scene when news events occur. They can quickly capture and share
images, videos, and live updates in real-time, offering a raw and
unfiltered perspective of breaking news. This immediacy can provide
valuable information to the public before professional journalists arrive
on the scene.
• Diverse Perspectives: Citizen journalism brings diverse voices and
viewpoints to the forefront. It allows individuals from marginalized
communities or underrepresented backgrounds to share their stories and
experiences, fostering a more inclusive and comprehensive
understanding of events.
• Eyewitness Accounts: Citizen journalists often provide firsthand
accounts of events they have witnessed. This can offer unique insights,
personal narratives, and emotional experiences that may add depth and
context to news reporting.
• Collaborative and Participatory: Citizen journalism encourages
collaboration and participation. It often involves online platforms and
social media networks where individuals can engage in discussions,
share information, and contribute to the news-making process.

This conveys to us that citizen journalism has become an important

component of the contemporary media landscape, expanding the range of
voices and perspectives in news reporting. It can supplement and
complement traditional journalism, contributing to a more democratic and
participatory flow of information. But despite all the above advantages there
are few potential challenges and considerations like verification of accuracy,
bias and subjectivity, legal and ethical issues.

32
3.2.3 User Generated Content Effective Writing

Another type of format of democratization of news is User-Generated

Content (UGC) which refers to any form of content, such as text, images,
videos, reviews, or comments that is created and shared by users or
consumers of a particular product, service, or platform. It is content that is
generated by individuals who are not professional creators or affiliated with
traditional media outlets.UGC has become increasingly prevalent with the
rise of social media platforms, online communities, and interactive websites.
Below you will find the main aspects of user-generated content:

• Diversity and Authenticity: UGC provides a diverse range of

perspectives and experiences. It reflects the opinions, creativity, and
unique viewpoints of individual users. As it is often created in real-life
situations, UGC can offer an authentic and unfiltered representation of
people's thoughts, actions, and preferences.
• Crowdsourcing and Collaboration: UGC leverages the collective
intelligence and creativity of a large number of individuals. Platforms
and organizations can tap into user contributions to gather information,
ideas, and feedback. Crowdsourcing initiatives often rely on UGC to
generate content or solve specific challenges.
• Engagement and Interaction: UGC encourages active participation and
engagement from users. It enables them to interact with content,
comment on it, share their own experiences, and connect with like-
minded individuals. This fosters a sense of community and can enhance
user loyalty and satisfaction.
• Virality and Amplification: UGC has the potential to go viral and
spread rapidly through social networks. Engaging and shareable content
created by users can reach a broader audience, extending the reach and
impact of a particular message or campaign.
• Marketing and Brand Advocacy: UGC can be harnessed for marketing
purposes. Users often share their positive experiences with products or
services, creating organic word-of-mouth promotion. Brands may also
encourage users to generate content related to their offerings, which can
serve as testimonials, reviews, or endorsements.
• Trust and Credibility: UGC can be perceived as more trustworthy and
credible compared to traditional advertising or brand-generated content.
Consumers often trust the opinions and recommendations of their peers,
making UGC a valuable resource for decision-making.

User-generated content has transformed the way individuals engage with

digital platforms and each other. It offers a powerful means for self-
expression, creativity, and collaboration, but it also requires careful
management to ensure its benefits are harnessed while mitigating its potential
risks.

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Writing Skills Check Your Progress: 1
Note: 1) Use the space below for your answers.
2) Compare your answers with those given at the end of this unit.
1. Write a short note on democratisation of news.
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2. Define citizen Journalism.
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3. What do you understand by User-Generated Content (UGC)?
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3.3 TECHNOLOGICAL DIMENSIONS OF NEWS

OPERATIONS
The next form of development which has changed the face of news is
technological advancements. Let us get down to analysing how has this
significantly impacted news operations. Has it revolutionized the way news is
gathered, produced, distributed, and consumed? The most popular and
prominent technological dimensions are mentioned below that have shaped
news operations:

• Digital News Gathering: Technology has transformed the process of

news gathering. Journalists now rely on digital tools and platforms to
access information, conduct research, and communicate with sources.
They use search engines, online databases, social media, and specialized
software to collect and verify data, conduct interviews remotely, and stay
updated on breaking news in real time.
• Multimedia Storytelling: The digital era has ushered in a multimedia
approach to news storytelling. Journalists utilize various technologies to
integrate text, images, videos, audio, infographics, and interactive
elements into their stories. This enables more engaging and immersive
storytelling, appealing to a broader range of audience preferences and
enhancing the overall news experience.
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• Content Management Systems: Newsrooms employ sophisticated Effective Writing
content management systems (CMS) to streamline the editorial
workflow. CMS allows journalists to write, edit, and publish content
across multiple platforms, ensuring efficient collaboration and enabling
seamless integration with various publishing channels, including
websites, mobile apps, and social media platforms.
• Globalisation and Cross-Border Reporting: News has become more
interconnected and global in nature. With digital platforms, news from
around the world can be accessed and shared instantaneously. This has
allowed for greater awareness and understanding of global events, as
well as the opportunity for cross-border reporting and collaboration
among journalists.
• Prominence on Speed and Clickbait: In the quest for online
engagement and monetisation, there has been a growing emphasis on
speed and sensationalism in news reporting. Clickbait headlines and
articles designed to attract attention and generate clicks have become
prevalent. This trend has raised concerns about the quality and accuracy
of news, as well as the erosion of trust in media.
• Automated News Writing: Advances in natural language processing
and artificial intelligence have led to the emergence of automated news
writing. Algorithms can generate news articles from structured data or
pre-written templates, speeding up the production process for routine
news items. However, human journalists still play a critical role in
crafting in-depth, investigative, and analytical pieces that require
contextual understanding and critical thinking.
• Data Journalism and Visualization: Technology has enabled the rise
of data journalism, where journalists analyze and present complex
datasets in a compelling manner. They use data visualization tools and
software to create interactive charts, graphs, and maps that facilitate
data-driven storytelling. This helps readers grasp the significance of data
and enhances transparency in reporting.
• Mobile News Consumption: The widespread use of smartphones has
transformed news consumption habits. People can access news content
on the go, leading to shorter attention spans and the rise of bite-sized
news formats like push notifications and news apps. Mobile journalism
has also emerged, enabling journalists to report and publish stories
directly from their mobile devices.
• Audience Engagement and Social Media: Social media platforms have
become essential tools for news organizations to engage with their
audience, share content, and drive traffic to their websites. Journalists
utilize social media for real-time reporting, crowd-sourcing information,
and fostering direct interactions with readers. Social media analytics also
provide valuable insights into audience preferences and trends.
• Artificial Intelligence and Personalization: AI technologies play a role
in personalizing news experiences. News organizations leverage AI
algorithms to analyze user behavior, preferences, and consumption
patterns to deliver tailored content recommendations. This enables news
35
Writing Skills consumers to receive news that aligns with their interests, enhancing user
engagement and satisfaction.
• Virtual and Augmented Reality: Virtual reality (VR) and augmented
reality (AR) technologies have the potential to transform news
consumption by creating immersive and interactive experiences.
Journalists can use VR and AR to transport readers into virtual
environments, providing a deeper understanding of complex stories, such
as immersive reporting from conflict zones or interactive visualizations
of scientific phenomena.
• Artificial Intelligence and Fact-Checking: AI-powered tools are
increasingly employed in fact-checking processes. Automated algorithms
can analyze large amounts of information, flag potential misinformation,
and assist journalists in verifying claims and sources. However, human
editorial oversight remains crucial in ensuring accuracy and context.

So you now have understood that these technological dimensions have not
only transformed news operations but also raised important ethical and
societal considerations, including issues of privacy, data security, algorithmic
bias, and the impact on the sustainability of traditional news models.
Journalists and news organizations must navigate these dimensions
thoughtfully to leverage the benefits of technology while upholding
journalistic values and responsibilities.

3.4 NEW PLATFORMS OF DIGITAL

JOURNALISM
All this has resulted into growth in digital journalism which has seen
significant growth and innovation in recent years, with the emergence of new
platforms that have reshaped the way news is consumed and delivered. Now
you will get acquainted with some of thetypes of digital media/journalism
platforms.

• News Websites: News websites are digital platforms which emerge

after the invention of internet these websites provides up-to-date news
and information on various fields/topics nowadays most of the media
houses including traditional, print and electronic have their dedicated
websites for example: Times of India
(www.timesofindia.indiatimes.com), NDTV (www.ndtv.com),
Hindustan Times (www.hindustantimes.com), News18
(www.news18.com), Zee News (www.zeenews.india.com) and so many.
• Social Media Platforms: Social media platforms like Facebook,
Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn have become important channels for
news distribution. Many news organizations now have a presence on
these platforms, where they share news updates, engage with readers,
and drive traffic to their websites. Platforms like Twitter have also
become a hub for real-time news updates and citizen journalism.
• News Aggregators: News aggregators such as Google News, Apple
News, Flipboard, AP News, Fark, Reddit, Inoreaderand Feedly collect
news stories from various sources and curate them based on users'
36
 preferences. These platforms offer personalized news feeds, allowing Effective Writing
users to access articles from different publications in one place. They
often use algorithms to recommend relevant content and provide a
tailored news experience.
• Podcasts: Podcasting has gained significant popularity in recent years,
offering a convenient way for audiences to access news and information.
News organizations and individual journalists host podcasts, covering a
wide range of topics. Podcasts allow for in-depth discussions, interviews,
and storytelling, providing an alternative to traditional text-based
journalism. Example includes: New York Times podcast 'The Daily', The
Hindu podcast 'In Focus', The Indian Express podcast '3 Things', The
Quint podcast 'The Big Story', News laundry podcast 'Daily Dose', Times
Of India podcast 'News Wrap in English' and NDTV podcast 'Top
Headlines'.
• Live Streaming Platforms: Platforms like YouTube Live, Facebook
Live, and Twitch have enabled journalists and news organizations to
broadcast live events, interviews, and news coverage to a global
audience in real-time. Live streaming has become a powerful tool for
breaking news, live reporting, and interactive engagement with viewers.
• News Apps: Many news organizations have developed their dedicated
mobile applications, providing users with access to their content on
smartphones and tablets. These apps often offer customizable news
feeds, push notifications, and offline reading options, enhancing the user
experience and allowing for on-the-go news consumption.
• Independent Journalism Platforms: With the rise of crowd funding
and subscription-based models, independent journalism platforms have
gained traction. Platforms like Substack, Patreon, and Medium enable
journalists to publish their work independently, often with a focus on
niche topics or alternative perspectives. These platforms provide a direct
connection between writers and their audience, allowing for greater
editorial freedom and financial sustainability.

It's important to note that while these platforms have expanded the digital
journalism landscape, traditional news websites and online editions of
established print media outlets still play a significant role in delivering news.
Additionally, emerging technologies such as virtual reality (VR) and
augmented reality (AR) hold potential for immersive journalism experiences,
although their adoption and integration into mainstream platforms are still in
the early stages.

3.5 CHANGES IN NEWS DELIVERY

And the next step is for you to understand news delivery which too has
undergone significant changes in recent years, primarily driven by
advancements in technology and shifts in consumer preferences. So let’s take
look at the most notable changes in news delivery which impact the concepts
of news delivery. These changes are discussed below:

37
Writing Skills • Digital Transformation: The rise of the internet and digital
technologies has transformed the way news is delivered. Traditional print
publications have shifted to online platforms, and many news outlets
now have dedicated websites and mobile applications. This has made
news more accessible, searchable, and available on-demand.
• Mobile News Consumption: With the widespread adoption of
smartphones and tablets, news consumption has become increasingly
mobile. People can access news anytime, anywhere, through mobile apps
and responsive websites optimized for mobile devices. Mobile push
notifications and alerts also keep users informed in real-time.
• Social Media Platforms: Social media platforms, such as Facebook,
Twitter, and Instagram, have emerged as significant news delivery
channels. News organizations use these platforms to share their content,
and users can discover and engage with news stories directly within their
social media feeds. Social media has become a primary source of news
for many people, with content often shared and discussed among
networks of friends and followers.
• Personalized News: News delivery has become more personalized and
tailored to individual preferences. Algorithms and machine learning
techniques are employed to analyze user behavior and deliver
customized news recommendations. This can create filter bubbles, where
users are primarily exposed to content that aligns with their interests and
viewpoints.
• Multimedia and Interactive Elements: News delivery now
incorporates multimedia elements, including images, videos,
infographics, and interactive features. These enhance the storytelling
experience, provide visual context, and make news more engaging and
shareable.
• Real-Time Updates and Live Streaming: The expectation for
immediate news updates has grown significantly. News organizations
provide real-time coverage of events through live blogs, live streaming,
and social media updates. Live video platforms, such as Facebook Live,
YouTube Live, and Twitter's Periscope, enable journalists and users to
broadcast news events as they happen.
• Citizen Journalism and User-Generated Content: As mentioned
earlier, citizen journalism and user-generated content have gained
prominence. Ordinary individuals can capture and share news events
through social media platforms and other online channels, often
providing unique perspectives and grassroots reporting.
• Subscription and Paywalls: To address the challenges of digital
revenue, some news outlets have implemented subscription models or
paywalls, requiring users to pay for access to premium content. This shift
aims to ensure sustainable funding for quality journalism in an era of
declining advertising revenue.
• Podcasts and Voice Assistants: The popularity of podcasts has surged,
allowing news organizations and independent creators to deliver news
and storytelling in an audio format. Additionally, voice assistants like
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 Amazon's Alexa and Apple's Siri offer news briefings and voice- Effective Writing
activated access to news content.
• Fact-Checking and Combatting Misinformation: With the
proliferation of misinformation and fake news, there has been an
increased focus on fact-checking and verification. Dedicated fact-
checking organizations and initiatives aim to counter misinformation and
provide accurate information to the public.
These changes in news delivery have both positive and negative implications.
While they enhance accessibility, interactivity, and convenience, they also
raise concerns about information overload, filter bubbles, misinformation,
and the financial sustainability of news organizations. Critical media literacy
and discernment are increasingly important for consumers in navigating the
evolving news landscape.

Check Your Progress: 2

Note: 1) Use the space below for your answers.
2) Compare your answers with those given at the end of this unit.
1. Identify any five independent digital platforms in India.
…………………………………………………………………………….
…………………………………………………………………………….
…………………………………………………………………………….
…………………………………………………………………………….
…………………………………………………………………………….
2. Write a short note on Content Management System (CMS).
…………………………………………………………………………….
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…………………………………………………………………………….
…………………………………………………………………………….
…………………………………………………………………………….

3.6 CHANGES IN NEWS CONSUMPTION

PATTERNS
And all that you have studied till now results into change in news
consumption patterns which have experienced significant shifts in recent
years. This is primarily driven by technological advancements and changing
user behaviors. The significant changes in news consumption patterns are:

• Digital News Consumption: With the widespread availability of

internet access, digital news consumption has witnessed a significant
increase. People now turn to online platforms, websites, and mobile
applications to access news content. Digital platforms offer convenience,
accessibility, and a wide range of news sources to choose from.
• Mobile News Consumption: The proliferation of smartphones and
tablets has led to a surge in mobile news consumption. Users can access 39
Writing Skills news on their mobile devices through dedicated news apps or mobile-
optimized websites. Mobile news consumption allows for on-the-go
access, personalization, and the convenience of receiving news updates
anytime, anywhere.
• Social Media News Consumption: Social media platforms have
become significant sources of news for many people. Users discover,
consume, and share news stories directly within their social media feeds.
News organizations utilize social media to distribute content, engage
with audiences, and drive traffic to their websites. However, the rise of
misinformation and filter bubbles on social media platforms has raised
concerns about the reliability and diversity of news consumed through
these channels.
• News Aggregation and Curation: News aggregation platforms, such as
Google News, Apple News, and Flipboard, have gained popularity.
These platforms collect and curate news articles from various sources,
providing users with personalized news recommendations based on their
interests and reading habits. News aggregators offer convenience and a
centralized location for accessing news content.
• On-Demand News: The shift towards on-demand consumption has been
significant. Users prefer accessing news content when they want it,
rather than relying on scheduled news broadcasts. This trend is supported
by digital platforms that provide archives, search functions, and the
ability to revisit or explore news stories at any time.
• Multimedia News Consumption: News consumption has become more
visual and multimedia-oriented. Users engage with news content that
incorporates images, videos, infographics, and interactive elements.
Visual storytelling enhances engagement and comprehension, making
news more immersive and shareable.
• Personalization and Recommendation Systems: News consumption is
increasingly personalized. Algorithms and recommendation systems
analyze user behavior, preferences, and reading habits to offer tailored
news content and recommendations. This personalization aims to deliver
news that aligns with users' interests while potentially contributing to
filter bubbles and limiting exposure to diverse viewpoints.
• Podcasts and Audio News Consumption: Podcasts have gained
popularity as an alternative form of news consumption. Users can listen
to news-related podcasts, which offer in-depth analysis, interviews, and
storytelling in an audio format. Podcasts provide flexibility and
convenience, allowing users to consume news while multitasking.
• Trust and Credibility: News consumers are placing a greater emphasis
on trust and credibility. In an era of misinformation, users are seeking
reliable sources and fact-checking information before sharing or
believing it. Established news organizations, fact-checking initiatives,
and transparency in reporting practices are crucial for building and
maintaining trust.
• Subscription Models: Some news organizations have shifted towards
subscription-based models to generate revenue in the digital age. Users
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 pay for access to premium or exclusive content, supporting quality Effective Writing
journalism and reducing reliance on advertising revenue.

These changes in news consumption patterns have brought both benefits and
challenges. While digital platforms offer convenience, accessibility, and a
wealth of information, concerns about misinformation, filter bubbles, and the
financial sustainability of news organizations persist. Developing media
literacy skills and critical thinking become increasingly important in
navigating the complex and evolving landscape of news consumption.

3.7 FUTURE CONCEPTS OF NEWS

Till now what we have studied gives us the current forms and status of news.
And now let us understand which out of these will be the future concept of
news.

3.7.1 Digital-First News

Digital-first news refers to a journalistic approach that prioritizes the
production and distribution of news content through digital platforms and
channels. In a digital-first approach, news organizations focus on creating
content specifically tailored for online consumption, often emphasizing
immediacy, interactivity, and multimedia elements. Here are some key
characteristics and implications of digital-first news:

• Online Presence: News organizations adopting a digital-first strategy

prioritize their online presence, including websites, mobile apps, and
social media platforms. They invest in creating user-friendly, responsive,
and mobile-optimized platforms to deliver news content to a wide range
of digital devices.
• Real-Time Updates: Digital-first news organizations strive to provide
real-time updates on breaking news and ongoing events. They use live
blogs, social media updates, push notifications, and other tools to keep
audiences informed as news stories unfold. The focus is on delivering
immediate updates to meet the demand for up-to-the-minute information.
• Multimedia and Interactive Elements: Digital-first news incorporates
multimedia elements such as images, videos, infographics, and
interactive features. These elements enhance storytelling, provide visual
context, and engage audiences. News organizations leverage multimedia
to make news content more engaging, shareable, and immersive.
• Audience Engagement: Digital-first news organizations actively
encourage audience engagement and interaction. They incorporate
features like comments sections, social media integration, and interactive
polls to foster two-way communication with readers. This enables
audiences to participate, share their opinions, and contribute to the news-
making process.
• Data-Driven Journalism: Digital-first news organizations leverage data
and analytics to inform their reporting and decision-making processes.
They analyze audience behavior, preferences, and consumption patterns
to better understand their readers and deliver targeted content. Data-
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Writing Skills driven insights help shape editorial strategies and content development.
• Personalization and Recommendation: Digital-first news
organizations employ personalization algorithms and recommendation
systems to deliver customized content to individual users. By analyzing
user data and behavior, they provide tailored news recommendations
based on readers' interests, browsing history, and preferences.
Personalization aims to enhance user experience and increase
engagement.
• Social Media Amplification: Digital-first news organizations utilize
social media platforms as distribution channels, leveraging their reach
and virality. They actively promote and share news content on platforms
like Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram to expand their audience and drive
traffic to their websites. Social media also facilitates engagement,
discussions, and sharing of news stories among users.
• Monetization Models: Digital-first news organizations explore various
monetization models to generate revenue in the digital landscape. This
includes advertising, sponsored content, native advertising,
subscriptions, and memberships. Diversifying revenue streams is crucial
for sustainability and supporting quality journalism.
• Mobile-First Approach: As mobile usage continues to grow, digital-
first news organizations adopt a mobile-first approach, ensuring that their
content is optimized for mobile devices. They prioritize responsive
design, mobile-friendly interfaces, and app development to cater to the
increasing number of users accessing news through smartphones and
tablets.
So you see how digital-first news has transformed the news industry,
allowing for faster dissemination of information, greater audience
engagement, and new storytelling possibilities. However, challenges such as
monetization, trust in online sources, information overload, and the impact of
algorithmic curation on diversity of viewpoints need to be addressed to
maintain the integrity and quality of digital news.

3.7.2 Quick and Bite- Sized News

Next future concept of news is quick and bite-sized news. What is this? It
refers to news content that is condensed and presented in a concise format,
typically delivering key information in a short and easily digestible manner.
This approach recognizes the modern trend of shorter attention spans and the
need for immediate information. Here are some characteristics and
implications of quick and bite-sized news:

• Summarized Information: Quick and bite-sized news distills the

essential elements of a news story into a concise format. It focuses on
delivering the main facts, key points, or the most important aspects of a
story, often omitting extensive background or in-depth analysis.
• Headlines and Bullet Points: This type of news often uses attention-
grabbing headlines or titles to quickly convey the topic or subject matter.
Bullet points or bullet-style summaries are commonly used to present the
42
 main details of the news story in a scannable format, allowing readers to Effective Writing
quickly grasp the key information.
• Short Length: Quick and bite-sized news typically consists of short
articles, snippets, or updates that can be consumed rapidly. The content
is designed to be easily readable and quickly comprehensible, catering to
individuals with limited time or those seeking a brief overview of current
events.
• Visual Elements: To enhance engagement and communicate
information efficiently, quick and bite-sized news often incorporates
visual elements such as images, infographics, or charts. These visuals
help convey information quickly and capture readers' attention in a
visually-driven digital landscape.
• Social Media and Mobile Platforms: Quick and bite-sized news aligns
well with social media platforms and mobile devices, where users often
scroll through feeds and consume content in short bursts. News
organizations optimize their content for social media distribution and
mobile consumption, ensuring that it is easily shareable and accessible
on smartphones and tablets.
• Breaking News and Updates: This approach is particularly relevant for
breaking news and time-sensitive updates. Quick and bite-sized news
allows users to stay informed on the latest developments without
requiring extensive reading or investing a significant amount of time.
• News Aggregators and News Apps: News aggregators, news apps, and
push notifications are commonly used to deliver quick and bite-sized
news to users. These platforms curate and deliver news snippets,
headlines, or brief summaries, allowing users to browse through multiple
stories quickly and efficiently.
• Accessibility and Convenience: Quick and bite-sized news aims to
provide information in a convenient and accessible manner. It recognizes
that users may prefer quick updates while on the go or during short
breaks, allowing them to stay informed without committing to longer
reading sessions.
• Complementary to In-depth Reporting: Quick and bite-sized news
should be seen as a complementary format to more in-depth reporting.
While it serves as a useful tool for quick updates and summaries, it may
not provide the full context, analysis, or nuanced understanding of
complex topics. Users should be encouraged to seek additional sources
and engage with more comprehensive journalism for a deeper
understanding of the news.

Quick and bite-sized news caters to the needs of individuals seeking brief and
immediate updates, offering a convenient way to stay informed in today's
fast-paced information environment. However, it is important to balance the
consumption of quick news with more comprehensive reporting to ensure a
well-rounded understanding of the topics and issues at hand.

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Writing Skills
3.8 LET US SUM UP
There have been radical changes in the compilation and presentation of
information and news over time, from the printing press in the 18th century
to the invention of the internet in the 20th century. The present era, i.e., the
twenty-first century, is known as the digital era. Technological advancements
in news gathering and presentations have transformed the way audiences
consume and engage with news. They have increased accessibility,
diversified perspectives, personalised content, enhanced storytelling,
facilitated citizen participation, and presented new challenges. In the above
module, all these things are described in detail.

Check Your Progress: 3

Note: 1) Use the space below for your answers.
2) Compare your answers with those given at the end of this unit.
1. Write a short note on digital – first news.
…………………………………………………………………………….
…………………………………………………………………………….
…………………………………………………………………………….
…………………………………………………………………………….
…………………………………………………………………………….
2. Write a short note on bite sized news.
…………………………………………………………………………….
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…………………………………………………………………………….
…………………………………………………………………………….
…………………………………………………………………………….

3.9 KEYWORDS
Citizen Journalism: Individuals not employed by traditional media
organistions use various tools and platforms to share news stories.

Virality: Potential of a news story to go viral and spread rapidly through

social networks.

User Generated Content: Any form of content that is created and shared by
users or consumers of a particular product, service or platform.
Digital-First News: A journalistic approach that prioritizes the production
and distribution of news content through digital platforms and channels.

Bite Sized News: News that is condensed and presented in a concise format,
typically delivering key information in a short and easily digestible manner.

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 Effective Writing
3.10 FURTHER READINGS
Ballan, D. (2023, June 11). The power of media: How it shapes public
opinion and society. English Plus Podcast.
https://englishpluspodcast.com/the-power-of-media-how-it-shapes-public-
opinion-and-society/

Baron, S. (2021, July 15). Inside the next generation of local news
aggregators. Local Media Association + Local Media Foundation.
https://localmedia.org/2020/10/what-to-consider-with-the-next-generation-of-
local-news-aggregators/

Beth. (2022, December 9). The decline of newspapers and what it means for
journalism. Just News. https://www.justnews.io/the-decline-of-newspapers-
and-what-it-means-for-journalism/

Chakraborty, A. P. (2023, April 24). Citizen journalism: The future of news

reporting?. Tactyqal. https://www.tactyqal.com/blog/citizen-journalism-the-
future-of-news-reporting/#:~:text=This type of journalism is also known as,
giving voice to marginalized communities and alternative perspectives.
The Database Management System Concepts Unit 3 database ... - egyankosh.
(n.d.-c). https://egyankosh.ac.in/bitstream/123456789/10073/1/Unit-3.pdf

Diana Owen
Georgetown University, Owen, D., & University, G. (n.d.). The new media’s
role in Politics. OpenMind. https://www.bbvaopenmind.com/en/articles/the-
new-media-s-role-in-politics/#:~:text=The media act as watchdogs checking
government actions.,groups, and work toward solutions to societal problems.

Digital News Report 2021. Reuters Institute for the Study of Journalism.
(n.d.). https://reutersinstitute.politics.ox.ac.uk/digital-news-report/2021

Fogel, S. (2023, January 3). The 10 best news aggregators of 2023. Lifewire.
https://www.lifewire.com/best-news-aggregators-4584410

Halwai, S. (2022, January 17). Types of Content Management Systems

(CMS). OpenXcell. https://www.openxcell.com/blog/types-of-content-
management-systems/
The impact of digital technologies on journalism: A paradigm shift.
Abcnewsgo.co -. (2023, May 11). https://abcnewsgo.co/the-impact-of-digital-
technologies-on-journalism-a-paradigm-shift/
Lindsey Loving Lindsey is the Communications Director for the News/Media
Alliance. Prior to joining the Alliance. (2021, April 29). Paywalls in the
Social Media Era: News Media Alliance. News/Media Alliance.
https://www.newsmediaalliance.org/paywalls-social-media-era/#:~:text=To
effectively reach new users on social media, significant amount of high-
quality content only to subscribers.

Medium. (n.d.). https://medium.com/jamlab/tool-review-content-

management-systems-fornewsrooms- 750905e87f8
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Writing Skills Misinformation concerns and online news participation ... - sage journals.
(n.d.-a). https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/20563051211009013

Recent technological advances in natural language ... - arxiv.org. (n.d.-b).

https://arxiv.org/pdf/1208.4079.pdf

TOI Tech / Aug. 8, 2016. (n.d.). Live streaming apps: Facebook live vs.
YouTube Live vs. Periscope - Times of India. The Times of India.
https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/social/Live-streaming-apps-Facebook-
Live-vs-YouTube- Live-vs-Periscope/articleshow/53593052.cms

User-generated content: What is it and why is it useful. wpCodeBlog. (2023,

May 16). https://www.wpcodeblog.com/user-generated-content/

Wikimedia Foundation. (2023, June 9). Citizen journalism. Wikipedia.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Citizen_journalism#:~:text=Citizen journalism
was made more feasible by the, made citizen journalism more accessible to
people worldwide.

3.11 CHECK YOUR PROGRESS: POSSIBLE

ANSWERS
Check Your Progress: 1
1. Democratization of news refers to the increased accessibility and
participation of individuals in the production, dissemination and
consumption of news and information.

2. When individuals not employed by traditional media organisations use

various tools and platforms to share new stories, they are engaged in
citizen journalism.

3. User generated content is any comments that is created such as text,

images, videos, reviews, or comments that is created shared by users and
consumers of a particular product, service or platform.

Check Your Progress: 2

2. Content Management System is a platform that allows journalists to
write, edit and publish content across multiple platforms, ensuring
efficient collaboration and enabling seamless integration with various
publishing channels, including websites, mobile apps and social media
platforms.

Check Your Progress: 3

1. Digital first news is a journalistic approach that prioritizes the production
and distribution of news content through digital platforms and channels.

2. Bite sized news is the news that is condensed and presented in a concise
format, typically delivering key information in a short and easily
digestible manner.

46