This document discusses copyreading and headline writing. It defines headline writing as putting the gist of a news story in a single line or deck to enable readers to understand what the news is about at a glance. Headline writing is important for journalism as it makes news stories attractive and interesting to readers to get their attention. The document provides tips for writing good headlines, including using the tell-a-friend method of summarizing the story in one sentence. It also outlines rules for headline writing like using the present tense and minimizing punctuation.

1. COPYREADING
AND HEADLINE WRITING
(Pagwawasto ng Sipi
at Pag-uulo ng Balita)
SAN JOSE DEL MONTE NATIONAL TRADE SCHOOL
JULY 10, 2015

2. What is Headline Writing?
This is the process of putting the gist of a news story in a
single line/deck or multiple lines/decks that will enable
the readers to “know” what is the news all about at a
glance (Tentoco, 2015).
This involves choosing the right “words” – (subject, verb,
object) in order to create a “simplified” statement (that
goes within the conventions of CHW).

3. How important is Headline Writing to
Journalism?
Imagine that you are going to sell a product or service to a
prospective buyer. You need to make the item/service
attractive in order to close a deal.
The HEADLINE of a news story makes it “attractive” or
interesting to read, making sure that it will get the
attention of the reader due to its context, conciseness, and
sometimes intrigue despite its brevity.

4. How to Write Good Headlines
Writing headlines in English or Filipino news stories had
almost the same conventions (prerequisites, unit count,
purpose). The difference lies on how each language applies
its own set of rules in grammar.
So in this lecture, you will be taught of rules, tips and
suggestions in writing headlines applicable for the two
mediums, together with some unique rules and processes
for each medium.

5. The ‘Tell-A-Friend’ Method
This is how the telegram or tell-a-friend system works:
Read the story entirely before attempting to write a
headline. As you read through it, write down the main
parts of the story. One-or-two-word phrases are all you
need. Basically, you want to describe what the story is
about, and that could include an activity, names, and
events. Next, check your key phrases and summarize the
story in one complete sentence, as though you were going
to tell a friend.

6. What is the headline of this news?
ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines – A teacher held captive by suspected Abu Sayyaf bandits was
released in Jolo, Sulu yesterday.
Russel Bagonoc, 21, was found by a concerned citizen at past noon in the town proper, according
to Navy Capt. Roy Vincent Trinidad, chief of the Joint Task Force Zambasulta.
Bagonoc was brought to the headquarters of the 2nd Marine Brigade, where he was subjected
to medical checkup and debriefing.
Bagonoc and his sister Reynadeth were seized by a group of armed men on March 15 in
Olutanga, Zamboanga Sibugay.
The kidnappers brought them to Sulu.
Silvano was freed on May 14 in Jolo allegedly after ransom was paid to the kidnappers.

7. Abus free teacher
ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines – A teacher held captive by suspected Abu Sayyaf bandits was
released in Jolo, Sulu yesterday.
Russel Bagonoc, 21, was found by a concerned citizen at past noon in the town proper, according
to Navy Capt. Roy Vincent Trinidad, chief of the Joint Task Force Zambasulta.
Bagonoc was brought to the headquarters of the 2nd Marine Brigade, where he was subjected
to medical checkup and debriefing.
Bagonoc and his sister Reynadeth were seized by a group of armed men on March 15 in
Olutanga, Zamboanga Sibugay.
The kidnappers brought them to Sulu.
Silvano was freed on May 14 in Jolo allegedly after ransom was paid to the kidnappers.

8. Rules in Writing Headlines
As a general rule, the headline follows the subject-verb-object
format. Here are more rules in writing a headline:
1. The headline must have a verb and it must be in the present tense.
Wrong: Cuadra topped editorial tilt
Correct: Cuadra tops editorial tilt
2. Do not use period.

9. Rules in Writing Headlines
3. Minimize punctuation marks. Use single quotation marks. Use a
comma in place of “and” and a semicolon to separate sentences.
Wrong: Rolling stores to sell rice and groceries
Correct: Rolling stores to sell rice, groceries
4. Don’t use the articles- a, an, the
Wrong: A fire hits the squatters’ area
Correct: Fire hits squatters’ area

10. Rules in Writing Headlines
5. Don’t use names unless the person is well-known.
Wrong: Simon electrocuted
Correct: Electrician electrocuted
6. Use the infinitive for future events.
Wrong: City Hall will push anti-squatting drive
Correct: City Hall to push anti-squatting drive

11. Rules in Writing Headlines
7. Use specific terms instead of generalities
Wrong: School official gets scholarship
Correct: Principal gets US scholarship

12. More Qualities of a Good Headline
1. Always in active voice / use action word
2. Use the present tense, historical present and future tense
3. Prioritize use of subject / direct object
4. Must not hang prepositions
5. Never repeat words
6. Use familiar abbreviations only
7. No typographical errors/ grammar errors
8. Reflect the tone of the story
9. Avoid labels / titles
10. Do not editorialize
11. Do not use negative construction except when necessary