The document provides guidance for a media writing class, including tips on what makes a story newsworthy, such as being timely, important, interesting, with local impact or human interest. It announces an in-class writing exercise where students write a news story about themselves and includes possible approaches. The document also lists guests who will be speaking to the class, including people from Sports Business Daily and The Associated Press.

1. Media Writing
MC2010
Steve Buttry
Aug. 25, 2016

2. Today’s quiz
Following AP style, which of these organizations should
be spelled out on first reference: CBS, CIA, FBI, NASA,
NRA?
Email your answer to brouzan94@gmail.com.

15. Primary questions:
• Is it timely?
• Is it important?
• Is it interesting?
• Who’s the audience?
What makes something news?
Secondary factors:
•Local
•Prominent
•Conflict
•Impact
•Human interest
•Unusual

16. In-class writing exercise
A news story about yourself (include photo):
Possible approaches:
• How you were affected by or responded to the flood
• Something newsworthy you’ve done (doesn’t have to
be recent)
• Why you came to LSU
• Something creative (but factual)

17. Thursday guests
Ben Fischer
Sports Business Daily
Cliff Brunt
The Associated Press

18. Tuesday’s guest