Tip of the Week Archive

Protecting Yourself & Co-Workers

Posted April 2, 2020 by Bill Wheelhouse

The International Journalists Network offered these tips:

COVID-19 prevention tips for journalists:

  • Work from home if you can
  • In the newsroom, clean your work station every day with at least 70% alcohol
  • Wash your hands regularly for at least 20 seconds
  • Conduct in-person interviews only if necessary
  • Keep a distance of at least three to six feet from interviewees
  • Use two microphones and sanitize them with alcohol and disposable towels
  • Clean all equipment with alcohol
  • Send teams of no more than two people 
  • Opt for places with low foot traffic
  • Wear a surgical mask when interviewing random people on the streets and discard it immediately after

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Tell It In YourWords

Posted February 28, 2020 by Bill Wheelhouse

Teaching a class always refreshes my knowledge of news writing tips.   Sometimes quite simple.   There’s nothing like Merv Block’s suggestions to give you a refresher.   Here’s one from his book Writing Broadcast News (CQ Press):   Merv says when rewriting copy to tell it in your own words.   If you still take the time to rewrite wire copy (or any other copy),  More  

A Short Tip of The Week

Posted February 13, 2020 by Bill Wheelhouse

Writers should aim for shorter sentences.   When you can, keep your sentences to ten words or less.     The more you do this… the sharper your copy.