Investigative Story

Instructions

You are to write an original piece of investigative data journalism, in approximately 1500 words. Your piece must include 1 or 2 original data graphics (no more or no fewer).

Journalistic style

Use standard journalistic style, as previously.

• Introductory Hook – something catchy and current.
• Nutgraph – the meat of the story – provides the main point or theme (1-3 sentences).
• Mechanistic Development – sequence of facts, quotes, and analysis that tells the story.
• Inclusion of quotes by experts, eye witnesses or other sources. Effective quotes employ key details, characterization, entertaining and clear analogies.
• Counterargument – usually occurs about two-thirds of the way through the piece.
• Conclusion – the broader meaning and implications.

Deadlines

• Thu, 4/3: Post draft lede and nutgraph on Slack before class
• Tue, 4/08: Draft submission due
• Thu, 4/10: Peer review in class
• Sun, 4/18: Final submission due