Be alert for accusations, statements or characterizations that cast another person or a group of people in a bad light.

Beware of stories that use only one source. Even if it’s a speech by someone, make sure you try to provide some background or context.

NEWS VALUE
Ask yourself, What’s the news here? Is it worth this much type? Worth the front
page?

 
DIVERSITY, STEREOTYPES
Be alert for phrases or descriptions that seem rooted in stereotype: e.g., a feisty
senior.
 

TASTE
It’s a weird, wacky, sometimes ugly world out there. We shouldn’t sugarcoat it. But
we do need to keep our readers in mind. If it makes you go “Ewwwwww!” maybe it
doesn’t belong in the story.

OVERWROUGHT PROSE
Not every story needs a dramatic, narrative lead. Like the courts’ definition of
pornography: You’ll know it when you see it.

 BURIED LEAD
Be aware of how long it takes to get to the nut graph. Anything further than five or
six paragraphs down needs to be discussed.

SKEPTICISM
Be aware of poll stories or medical breakthroughs or wonder drugs.
Watch the language. Flowery adjectives and adulation, or biting criticism, is a big
tip-off.

CLARITY
It goes without saying: Check the math. Follow the logic. Make sure the example is
correct.

DISSONANCE
Make sure the story’s tone matches the news.

QUOTES
 Make sure your paper has a policy about when you clean them up (if ever) and
when you leave them alone.
 

SENSITIVITY
Sometimes details can illuminate. Other times, they can risk offending readers.
Sexual assaults, gruesome accidents, descriptions of living conditions – all have
potential for going just over the line (and maybe sometimes way beyond).