The need to rewrite a news report arises when the story lacks a clear structure. There is no clear lead; and there is no clear arrangement of facts. You feel baffled and lost when you read the story.
Your first step should be to identify the main news point. The news point may be near the top of the story or it may be buried deep within. You need to retrieve it, and build a strong lead around the main news point.
You next need to structure the story. This involves:
- Organising facts in chronological order or in diminishing order of importance
- Building paragraphs around specific points
- Using quotes, if any, to substantiate points
- Concluding the story, if it’s an analysis, with a projection.
EXAMPLE
The rewrite desks of Indian newspapers are deluged with stories mailed by stringers (newspaper term for part-time reporters) from small cities. Most of these reports are minor reports, and have limited news value. They are also badly written.
These news reports are a nightmare for rewrite editors, and need to be rewritten before being published. Here’s an example of a news report that was rewritten:
Original News report
Dharmapuri, September 11: Two wheeler theft has been rising considerably in Dharmapuri during the past two months. The Dharmapuri police conducted vehicle checks in various parts in the town on Wednesday.
As per the order of the Superintendent of Police M.D.Jayaram, a team of police conducted a surprise vehicle check in Dharmapuri town. The team checked the two wheelers and verified the RC book, Driving Licence etc. The surprise check up was conducted at GH junction, Pidamaneri cross and Four Road junction.
No stolen vehicle was found. Police warned the school students who drove at high speeds. No cases were booked in the surprise check, town police said.
- Main news point
Checking of two wheelers -
Reason for checking
Theft of two wheelers during the last two months -
Where were the checks done?
GH junction, Pidamaneri Cross and Four Road Junction -
What was done during the checks?
Two wheeler drivers were asked to show ownership documents. -
Result of checks
No stolen vehicle was found. The two wheeler riders were cautioned to drive slowly.
Rewritten story
DHARMAPURI, Sept 11: The Dharmapuri police made surprise checks in the city on Wednesday to locate stolen two wheelers.
The checks were made at three points — GH junction, Pidamaneri Cross and Four Road Junction — at the orders of Superintendent of Police M.D. Jayaram.
During the checks, two-wheeler drivers were asked to produce their driving licence and registration books.
However, the police came across no incriminating material. The two wheeler drivers were let off with the caution to drive carefully.
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