These Are Examples of the Form of a Story
ALL headlines on all types of stories should be no more than 50 characters excluding headline tags, as some Thomson Reuters products cannot handle longer headlines. All stories except Alerts must have a headline. ALL stories except Alerts must have a slug. ALL stories, including Tables, Factboxes etc should be filed in one page (or "take") except in cases of extreme length (e.g. a TEXT item or Diary) where there are system limitations.
The downstream News Processing System (NPS) used by Reuters has a 10,000-character limit per document. This translates into a maximum "take" length of 150-160 lines or about 1500 words, above which a story must be split into two or more takes. When reopening such a story, use exactly the same slug but add an =2, =3 etc to the headline (which can be shortened to accommodate).
Spot story
The basic spot news story is the mainstay of the Reuters file. Write it quickly, clearly and simply. Say what happened and why we are reporting it, in language that is easy to translate. Put the news in context with quotes, colour and background. Remember Reuters core values of accuracy, speed and objectivity and be precise with sourcing.
A lively, well-contexted and self-contained spot story is often all that is needed on a secondary development. Do not update for the sake of it - only on merit. If the story is updated, the first version of the story should remain on the screen. The Update, if any, would carry a different Unique Story Number. Any further Updates would replace the previous Update in the series, but the first story should not be replaced.
Sidebar
SLUG: XXX-XXX/YYY (wild slug) A Sidebar is a spot story that is filed as a companion piece to a running "trunk" story. It may be a related Alert and Newsbreak or a basic spot news story. It may cover reaction or some other development linked with a major running story. It may be a colour story, or a historical or scene piece.
Format and writing are the same as for the basic spot news story except that it may be possible only to sketch in the context and background. Any Sidebar should use the slug of the trunk story plus an additional identifier e.g. THAILAND-CARS/REACTION-
The tabular format - and bullet points - may also be considered as an option when you are planning sidebar treatment of a story. Sidebars can be updated, but this should be avoided if possible - Updates on Sidebars can cause confusion for screen readers and detract attention from the main "trunk" series.
Curtainraisers and holding stories
Headline tag: PREVIEW SLUG: XXX-XXX (PREVIEW) Topic Code: PRE
Curtainraisers by definition are written ahead of set-piece events - meetings, visits, elections, trials, earnings, speeches etc. They carry the PREVIEW tag in the headline and (PREVIEW) after the slug. In addition to relevant topic codes for screen clients, they are also filed with a PRE topic code. If they are written in a newsworthy fashion, they stand a chance.
Otherwise, clients are quite content to get the programmatic information (what, when, where, who, for how long) from our diaries and outlooks or, on a really major event, from a factbox or special advisory listing dates and times. So the basic message is: there is no such thing in Reuters as a routine curtainraiser. If your curtainraiser is going to read like an extended diary entry, then drop it.
Don't do a curtainraiser if no discernible news is going to emerge from the event. You probably are not going to need a formal curtainraiser if news is breaking regularly in the run-up to an event. A heated election campaign in its final week, for example, obviates the need for a curtainraiser if you are writing about the campaign on most days.
Let the news, rather than the event's mechanics, tell the story. You should not stretch for an angle, but you must make your curtainraiser meaningful. Link the event you are previewing to the context in which it takes place, the related issues and the likely outcome (or lack of it).
Dig for real news and talk to quotable sources to give the curtainraiser depth. A standard curtainraiser should be filed 2-3 days before the event and tell the story in a maximum of 600 words, although shorter is better. The very latest a curtainraiser should be filed is noon your desk's time on the day before the event.
If you file a curtainraiser on the day of the event, you invite the spike. There is strong interest among online sites and broadcasters, usually in your own time zone, in stories filed overnight to set up something that is going to happen during the coming 24 hours.
These items give customers a head start and give you a basis on which to build your story, and thus get it out faster, when the news happens. As with curtainraisers, you should consult your regional desk about your plans.
No curtainraiser or holding story should be issued during daylight hours on the day of the event. It is a waste of effort and a wasted opportunity. Obviously, if it emerges for the first time in the morning that an event will take place later in the day and reporting it is newsworthy, you should write a story.
Equally, if you have filed an overnight holding story and something newsworthy happens ahead of the event, you should update the story with the fresh news. As with all UPDATEs there should be an ADVISORY LINE under the headline telling readers what has been updated (e.g. "Adds king's quotes in third paragraph")
Overnight stories
No special tags or slugs. An overnighter is a way to restart a major ongoing story with a write through for the next news cycle by adding a forward looking element. It should be reserved for a story that is likely to appear on a top news page or the world news schedule. In all cases, consult your regional editing desk on when one is needed.
Question the news value of an overnighter when you consider writing one and question anyone who asks you for one about the news value. Keep it tight. Normal length rules apply, but the shorter the better.
You could well be pretty tired when you sit down to write one. Don't hang around the bureau until late to write it if all the facts are in and you can write the story by mid-evening. Getting out a quality overnighter is of value to customers and rewarding for bureaux, so plan ahead to leave enough gas in the tank to be able to craft a good one. If a fresh writer is available to do it, so much the better.
It's a confusing concept since we are a 24-hour news service. It is less confusing if you approach the overnighter with a view that you are providing the story primarily for a reader in a different time zone. If they are done well, overnighters help a screen client in a place where day is breaking to read in. Newspapers where it is late afternoon will use them in their next edition if they provide a fresh take. Web sites want them to freshen their news categories at any time of day. An overnighter is:
A story that acts as a bridge between two days:
You may have a big story on your patch on Tuesday and know that there is more to come on Wednesday. There may also be a big story that is moving around datelines in different time zones and needs to be taken into a new news day. In both cases, the overnighter acts as a "bridge" between two news days and in an ideal world should throw the story forward.
It may not be worth the bother if the most recent update went out an hour before the date change and there is no "throw forward" angle that is stronger. Don't strain for a sexy lead or a "today" angle if you don't have one.
Writing "Rescuers tore through the rubble of the national parliament in a desperate search for survivors of a bomb attack that killed 36 people" is not going to win you readers if the hardest news point is still the bomb attack. Similarly, "Manchukistan braced for fresh violence â’¦: or "A miners' strike entered its second day â’¦" or "The president prepared to â’¦" are all artificial constructs and will probably turn people off.
A story that gives a fresh take on news already in: There is no point writing "A plane crash killed 86 peopleâ’¦" in an overnighter if the crash occurred many hours earlier and all the facts are clear. People already know that. The "fresh take" approach works best on stories where all the facts are in, but it can also be an effective way to write a "bridging" overnighter if there is no obvious throw-forward angle.
One fresh approach is to ask "why" and write a more analytical piece. Or you may want to lead the overnighter on a strong human interest angle. You may also have gathered details or sidebar material in the course of the day's reporting that you did not have space or time for. Consider using one or more of those elements for a fresh take in the overnighter. An overnighter takes its own USN.
Instant View
Headline tag: INSTANT VIEW or ANALYSTS VIEW SLUG: XXX-XXX (INSTANT VIEW)
There are two types of Instant View. They are designed to provide clients with rapid reaction from analysts and major decision makers to a significant political or financial spot breaking news story OR a diarised event, such as an economic indicator release.
The first entry of every Instant View on economic or financial news should reach screens within 15 minutes of the event, and the series must be completed within 30 minutes. If you have interesting views from analysts that are worth filing separately but which were obtained after the permitted 15-minute gap, use the tag ANALYSTS' VIEW.
With general and political news, the INSTANT VIEW should remain updated for up to two hours and then become a FACTBOX of the 10 or so best quotes.
The purpose of the second type of Instant View is to give a one-stop shop for clients directly after data or a news event. Customers should not have to flick between items to get the whole story and the Instant is the quickest way we have to pull it all together.
The essence of these pieces is speed, so aim on big events to land them as quickly as possible. We have at most a 15-20 minute window after an event during which the market will be paying attention.
This second type of INSTANT VIEW should look like this: INSTANT VIEW 1- Ruritania industrial production rises REUTERS, Oct 1, 2004 - Ruritania industrial production rose 1.4 percent in August from July, more than expected and reinforcing a view among analysts that interest rates could rise soon. Production was 9.2 percent higher in the year through August, compared with a 7.8 percent rise in the year through July.
Key points
August July August Forecast
Change vs. prior month 1.4 % 0.8 % 0.9 %
Change vs. year earlier 9.2 % 7.8 % 8.8 %
• Ruritania statistics official says strong auto production boosted August output
• Analysts say data cements the case for a rate rise at November central bank meeting
Commentary:
JOHN Q. PUNDIT, ANALYST, PROSPEROUS BANK, RURITANIA: "We thought the number was on the high side and it definitely means the central bank will want to tighten at the next meeting."
JOE H. MONEYMAKER, TRADER, INTERNATIONAL BANK, RURITANIA: "This obviously shows that the economy is firing on all cylinders. Ruritania interest rates will clearly be going up again now.: "The auto numbers show that consumer demand is showing no sign of easing. : The central bank will want to take action sooner than later."
Market Reaction:
• Dollar at 8.70 ruros vs. 8.95 before data. Ruro gets immediate boost from increased speculation of an imminent interest rate rise.
Links:
• For more data, the Ruritania statistics Web site is http://www.rurostats.org.rr/dt/=misc
• For all ruro news and data, 3000 Xtra users can click on:
Background:
• The Ruritania economy has been growing at a 6-8 percent rate for the past few years and analysts say this is unsustainable if the central bank is to meet its inflation target
• With the exception of retail sales, most of the past two months economic figures have come in on the high side of expectations. ((Ruritania newsroom +123 456 7890))
Highlights
The Highlights format is an effective way to get key quotes and facts to clients during a fast-moving news event, such as the unveiling of a budget, a monetary policy news conference or international policy events such as the G7/IMF meetings. It get news to clients quickly without forcing them to scan multiple small stories. Instead of filing urgents after alerts the snaps are covered with an XREF which directs clients to the HIGHLIGHTS item.
This format should not be confused with World News Highlights, which are summaries of the top political and general news stories produced several times a day, sometimes by editing desks, sometimes automatically.
The Highlights format can also be used when people speak at different times, such as finance ministers at a high-level meeting. Subscribers find direct quotes very valuable. Highlights are not necessarily a substitute for a story. But if there is a key news development, break it out into an urgent. If it is a story evolving more slowly, you can wait until the end to write an update. Reporters should consult the relevant editing desk in advance if they propose to use the Highlights format, and take the desk's guidance on when to write the story.
Format
DATELINE, Feb 31 (Reuters) - Following is a selection of comments from European Central Bank President Jean-Claude Trichet's testimony to the European Parliament on Thursday.
DATELINE, Feb xx (Reuters) - Business must learn to live with a strong currency and cannot expect relief from policymakers, European Central Bank President Jean-Claude Trichet told parliament on Thursday. Following are highlights of Trichet's twice-yearly testimony before the European Parliament.
• Add: THIS ITEM WILL BE UPDATED at the end.
• Use sub heads such as RATES, INFLATION, FX to group ideas
• Put an R in the "Message Type" field to refresh. In the System 77/Decade header field this is to the left of the slug, in the Lynx header it labelled "Message Type" with a dropdown menu of options.
HIGHLIGHTS should be refreshed frequently.
• Snaps are covered by an XREF, which allows subscribers to access the rolling HIGHLIGHTS through a double-click box.
• Change the USN frequently in a long series of snaps, so that if there is a correction, the whole sequence does not have to be repeated.
• Don't forget to use the HIGHLIGHTS tag at the start of the headline and give the item a slug with HIGHLIGHTS in brackets.
Production: Using HIGHLIGHTS during a live news conference is fast and effective but labour intensive. One person files the snaps with a second person checking; you might need at least three people to provide quotes, depending on the event; a sub editor compiles and files the HIGHLIGHTS; and ideally yet another files XREF's to the snaps.
Editing Desks:
• Publish the first version as quickly as possible. File updates to the same USN with R to overwrite
• Insert new information at the top, saying "LATEST QUOTES" and below that "EARLIER QUOTES" divided by subject and/or by speaker
• Try to keep the more important news at the top of the "EARLIER QUOTES" section
• Capitalise the sub heads; the shorter the better
• Clean it up when the event ends to put the most important information at the top and remove
THIS ITEM WILL BE UPDATED
• Watch length, with 130 lines the maximum for one take. Bear in mind that not every snap has to be slavishly covered.
XRefs: Set up the format well in advance. Text should describe the event where the person was speaking and provide a click through to the USN of the Highlights. "For quotes from Mr. Big's speech before the Big Business Association on Tuesday, Feb 31, please double click on
Interview
Headline tag: INTERVIEW SLUG: XXX-XXX (INTERVIEW) Topic Code: INTER
Interviews with decision makers and people in the news are an important part of the Reuters file and support our reputation by conveying exclusivity. We should reserve the use of INTERVIEW in the slugline and headline tag for substantive interviews with subjects of note and not debase it by applying it to accounts of a few questions shouted at someone in a scrum of reporters. INTERVIEW can also be used for fund management executives or star fund managers who have a major claim to fame, but not for views from fund managers.
It is essential to prepare well for an interview and to advise photographers and Reuters Video News, which may want to do the same interview. The story should say the interview subject "told Reuters" or "said in an interview".
Outstanding interviews with major figures may also use the EXCLUSIVE tag, which is reserved for stories of exceptional significance that are obtained solely by Reuters. Strong interviews of major importance may additionally be reported after the story has been written as a TEXT of Q&A excerpts. This item must repeat all the quotes, with questions, used in the main story and must also carry additional questions and answers, which may be edited. The questions and answers should be written in order.
Given the set piece nature of interviews which are usually scheduled in advance, the INTERVIEWS are not normally updated. If an interviews subject discloses breaking news though you may want to file an Alert or Urgent sourcing the news to an interview with Reuters, and then write up the full interview later under the INTERVIEW tag.
Newsmaker/Obituary
Headline tag: NEWSMAKER or OBITUARY SLUG: XXX-XXX (NEWSMAKER) or (OBITUARY)
A profile is often written to a topical news peg. We use the tag NEWSMAKER in the headline and in brackets in the slugline. Aim for no more than 500 words (50 lines in Lynx Editor), making clear high up why this person is in the news. An OBITUARY is a Newsmaker written when the subject has died. The Newsmaker needs to be a self-contained pen-portrait. Subjects may be leading figures in politics, business, sport, arts and entertainment, science and other fields.
Aim for comprehensiveness. Personal details are essential, as are precise dates. The top half of a profile should contain a concise summary of the main points of the subject's claim to fame, with a minimum of biographical detail. The rest of the profile should review his or her career chronologically. Think colour and descriptive. Bureaux should keep Newsmakers (profiles) on prominent personalities on file and with the regional desk and the editorial reference unit. They are often needed quickly. Keeping the store regularly up to date helps when the pressure is on.
Witness
A Witness story is a first-person account by a Reuters journalist of an experience, a set of observations or an event in which he or she has participated. It can relate to the subject matter the journalist covers but it is not limited to such fields. Many of our staff experience extraordinary and unusual things in the course of their reporting.
Their work gives them unique perspectives on other human beings and their behaviour. In our own lives we undergo hardships, trials or good fortune. These things are all the stuff of Witness stories. They are individual accounts of experiences and are an opportunity for the writer to express personality, feeling and engagement. They are not vehicles for opinion, prejudice or partisanship. Reuters standards of impartiality and accuracy apply.
Reuters journalists working for text, picture, video and online services have all written Witness pieces. They are slugged WITNESS-XX/, start with the headline tag WITNESS, and are accompanied by an Advisory giving some background on the author and his or her story. They should be illustrated by an image of the author and ideally by pictures appropriate to the subject matter. All Witness stories should be discussed with regional editors, who will supervise their production.
Brights or Odds
SLUG: XXX-XXX (ODD) Topic Code: ODD A "bright" or "odd" is a story that we report above all because it is funny, quirky or bizarre. A "bright" may also be poignant or sad and invariably involves people. It is the sort of story we would not bother covering if the details were not so unusual. Such stories lighten our file, are fun to write and are welcomed by clients. They should carry the ODD slug and topic code. As a rule of thumb, the ODD slug and code should go hand in hand - don't use one without the other.
Sometimes, hard news stories contain elements that happen to be bizarre or unusual but we write these stories for more serious reasons. The first claim to have created a cloned human being came from a company, Clonaid, which is linked to a group that believes aliens cloned the first humans. That is bizarre, but it is not why we covered the story. These stories are not "brights" and should not carry the ODD slug or topic code.
The best "brights" virtually write themselves. If you have to agonise over the first paragraph, the chances are that the story does not make it. You may need a catchy headline and neat turn of phrase to "sell" the story, but don't strain for effect. Good "brights" are almost always so funny, unusual, poignant or offbeat that they can be told straight without adjectives and adverbs. Most good "brights" can be told in about 300 words - a decent amount of space in any newspaper or on any Web site.
They work best with a telling quote and often end with a quote or a humorous detail. "Brights" must be properly sourced and must be tasteful. Before writing your "bright", ask yourself whether it will interest a foreign reader. Some offbeat stories only work in a given culture or language. Make sure your story doesn't leave questions in the reader's mind.
Analysis
Generic headline tag ANALYSIS. However analyses may also carry the headline tags INSIGHT, BUY-OR-SELL, HOW-TO-PLAY-IT etc. Slug: XXXX - XXXX (ANALYSIS) Topic Code: ANV We must analyze news as it happens, making analysis part of breaking news. Usually this involves adding some context to explain the significance of the news and possible future developments. Information users are under increasing pressure to take a view on events as soon as they occur so what is likely to happen is often as important for clients as what has happened.
However, a separate story that takes the ANALYSIS tag should identify a trend or development and examine what is likely to happen next and what impact it will have. It should be an informative, in-depth look at an issue. It should usually have a spot news hook, or at least be topical. Rambling discourses that are mere extensions of the hard news cannot be described as Analysis. See also snap analysis
An Analysis stems from the writer's authority and expertise in the subject area but is not a vehicle for personal view (see "COLUMN"). It should pursue an angle or line of argument and the argument should be supported by facts or data and quotes from sources. Except in the most exceptional circumstances (in countries where sources dare not speak freely) an analysis should include authoritative named sources.
Don't be afraid to be contrarian, provided your story shows you have done your homework on facts and you have tested your theory by quoting authoritative sources. But it needs to be fair and balanced, acknowledging the existence of other angles or counter-arguments. Be prepared to to be challenged by editors. All reporters must be able to handle an Analysis.
On investment issues, an Analysis must not just give the reader insight into where an asset price may be headed but use real metrics - such as valuation measures or historical performance -- to illustrate the point. An Analysis should be no more than about 800 words or 80 lines in Lynx Editor, but exceptionally on top stories of the day or on stories of major international significance they run to about 1300 words or 130 lines.
Headline tag: SNAP ANALYSIS- SLUG: XXX-XXX (SNAP ANALYSIS)
A snap analysis is a variety of Analysis usually in bullet point format. This allows us to rush out interpretation and insight in the immediate aftermath of an event without waiting for the time it will take to write a full analysis. It can be planned in advance for setpiece news or agreed quickly with an EIC once an event occurs. The insight delivered must go beyond stating the obvious. We should aim to get these out within 30 minutes of an event. These are:
• written in bullet points. At least five bullets are needed.
• can be bylined and datelined but do not have to be.
• can be divided into different areas by sub-heads.
• Example:
SAFRICA-POLITICS/RESIGNATIONS (SNAP ANALYSIS)
SNAP ANALYSIS - Departures raise doubts over S.Africa transition
Sept 23 (Reuters) - The resignation of some key South African ministers alongside President prospects for a smooth transition.
Below are some of the possible consequences of the move:
Buy or Sell
Headline Tag: Buy or Sell SLUG: BUYSELL-XXX (ANALYSIS) Named Item Code (NIC): BUYSELL/Topic Code: ANV
The Buy or Sell headline tag, despite its name, denotes a type of news analysis that is NOT a recommendation to buy or sell a security but it is the place to offer contrasting views on the value of a company stock or the possible future path of a currency, commodity or debt instrument.
Buy or Sell should add depth to coverage of individual stocks, bonds, futures, currency plays, and market niches rather than trying to call the direction on the entire stock market, the dollar or major commodities - stories better covered in a full ANALYSIS.
Buy or Sell stories lead with a brief introduction of 1 to 3 paragraph maximum. They may carry bullet points above the byline. The argument should then be set under separate cross-heads for Buy and Sell.
Refer to data. Examples are short interest data, consensus analysis & put-call ratios for stocks; price differentials or commitments of traders data for commodities; volumes & spread trends for CDS; TradeWeb data for bonds; TR volume data for currencies.
Use direct quotes and keep reported speech to a minimum. Buy or Sell should quote credible analysts, investors or traders. Don't use sources that want to sit on the fence. This is Buy or Sell. Not Buy, Sell or Hold.
Headline tag: DEALTALK: SLUG: XXX-XXX (DEALTALK) Topic Code: DLTK Named Item Code: DEALTALK
DEALTALK is a news story format that provides exclusive details and insight on takeover, capital-raising or financial industry developments. Such stories stories are extremely popular with our core financial clients and demonstrate our expertise and access.
A few examples of stories that might warrant a DEALTALK: We hear from sources that terms are changing on a deal, or that bankers or buyers are getting cold feet. On an IPO, we hear that book-building is going poorly and that bankers are discussing cutting the offer price. We may hear that a deal was a success but left bad feelings on one side.
We should write DEALTALK in a bright tone, noting views and counter views. We don't need to bog the lede down with, "â’¦sources said on Thursdayâ’¦" but can make the sourcing clear lower in the story. These pieces do need to be well sourced and defensible. We do need to be wary of banker spin. Dealmakers have agendas, so we need to be sure all viewpoints are represented and that we're not being manipulated by someone with a vested interest.
• DEALTALK is always exclusive. We will not write one from a press release or event.
• DEALTALK always includes investment banks or other financial players.
• DEALTALK is well-sourced and authoritative.
• DEALTALK is timely, well-written and engaging.
All DEALTALKs should use the DEALTALK named item code, and include a line at the top: ((For more Reuters DEALTALKs, click [DEALTALK/]). Slugging should be DEALTALK/XXX (the xx's being the subject).
Feature
Headline tag: FEATURE SLUG: XXX-XXX (XXX-FEATURE) Topic Code: FEA
A story that takes the FEATURE tag is an insight into a trend or an issue or personality. It must be accompanied by illustrative material such as a picture, graphic, video or factbox. It is either topical or a compelling issue that would otherwise go unreported. It enlightens the reader about that trend or issue or personality in a broad context.
It uses specific examples to illustrate that trend or issue and puts them in a broad framework that allows the social, economic, corporate and/or political implications to shine through, whether sectoral, national or global.
A feature is essentially cross-sectoral i.e. it should appeal to anyone in a global audience of politically and financially aware readers. A feature should be no more than 800 words or about 80 lines in Lynx Editor, but exceptionally can go longer with approval from a Features Editor.
A Feature gives a correspondent the chance to report in depth and against a more relaxed deadline. Features must conform like any other story with the Reuters values of accuracy, objectivity and precise sourcing. Readability is the key but reporters who think good color writing means lacing copy with an excess of adjectives are wrong.
Feature writers MUST ensure that they have approval for an outline of the story from a Features Editor before proceeding. The Features Editors can help arrange visual or text material to enrich a feature in ways that make it particularly valuable to online and screen clients. But talk with your local picture and television colleagues as well. Sometimes the Features Editor will commission a series of text features to explore a theme or issue.
The word FEATURE is the headline tag. The slugline should carry an addition in brackets categorising the type of Feature by the most appropriate subject, e.g.:
• (SCIENCE FEATURE, PICTURE)
• (POLITICAL FEATURE, PICTURE)
• (BUSINESS FEATURE, PICTURE)
• (SPORTS FEATURE, PICTURE)
• (ENVIRONMENT FEATURE, PICTURE) etc
Special Reports and Enterprise Reporting
Headline Tag: SPECIAL REPORT SLUG: XXXX-XXXXX Topic Code: SREP
What does "enterprise" mean? By enterprise journalism, we mean deeply reported stories, done on our own initiative, which otherwise would never come to light. Here's a sampling of the kinds of stories we're interested in. This is NOT an exclusive list. Investigative journalism - accountability or watchdog reporting' Exclusive looks inside a topic now in the news; The real story behind the story; Revelatory profiles of the people who run the world; Scoops of trend-spotting and scoops of explanation
How much time should an enterprise story take and how long should it be? Some enterprise stories are quick-hit pieces that take just a day or two to pull off. Some are out-of-the-blue stories that take months. Enterprise stories vary in length, though they are usually longer than the average Reuters spot news story of 300-500 words. Enterprise stories range from 800 words to 1300 or so for an Insight piece; 1600 to 2300 words or so for a Special Report. A small percentage of enterprise stories are magazine-length, up to 4,000 words or so.
How do you get an enterprise story published? First, talk over your idea with your bureau chief or editor-in-charge: your boss. If you both agree you have a good idea, send us a story pitch.
Send pitches to the email distribution list called Enterprise Pitches (EnterprisePitches@thomsonreuters.com). Send stories to the list called Enterprise Stories (EnterpriseStories@thomsonreuters.com). CC other reporters and editors who should know about the project.
Column
Headline tag: COLUMN- unless there is product name. SLUG: COLUMN-XXX/ Topic Code: CLM
A Reuters column is a showcase for the expertise and insight of seasoned journalists who use the format to bring fresh perspectives and novel thinking to their area of specialist coverage. Columns offer extra value to our audiences by challenging assumptions, bringing clarity where there is confusion and by casting doubt on comfortable orthodoxies.
A column is opinion and is distinct from the rest of the news file in that the author is licensed to express a point of view. Each must carry a disclaimer at the top, above the byline, making clear the views they contain are not those of Reuters.
They should contain a strong argument that is properly reasoned and backed up with facts and solid reporting. It should also be fair, acknowledging the existence of other arguments or viewpoints. They should not be politically or ideologically partisan, nor should they contain invective. The column's argument should be such that if challenged it can be defended robustly and sensibly by the author.
Once appointed to cover a sector or topic columnists are free to decide their own subject matter, but close collaboration and consultation with a senior supervising editor is essential. Since columns are the work of an individual, variations between them in tone and style are welcome. Columns should only be written by dedicated columnists. The appointment of a columnist needs the approval of the Editor-in-Chief.
Blogging
Blogging is an informal approach to content creation that has evolved in response to Web users' need for a simple publishing tool giving maximum engagement with readers. Blogging is by nature a flexible format and there are few rules governing its use. Reuters journalists blog to trigger discussions on topical issues, point to the most interesting material on a subject elsewhere on the Web, take readers behind the scenes of our news-gathering, solicit questions for interviews, and to add color, anecdote and angles that don't make it into our other story types. In addition, blogging is the easiest way we have of handling multimedia story-telling and some Reuters journalists produce video blogs, also known as 'vlogs'.
A Reuters blogger should:
• Be interesting.
• Be conversational: raise questions, invite contributions, discuss what's happening on other blogs, leave some loose ends, and respond to comments made by readers.
• Link to external sites with relevant information
• Monitor other bloggers in the same space and attempt to build reciprocal links with them.
• Tag posts so that they are easy for search engines to find.
• Inject some personality into their posts and include observation and anecdote.
• Make use of multimedia whenever possible and think about a post's layout.
• Credit the original source of all content embedded in posts.
• Make sure posts are seen by a second pair of eyes before publication.
• Ask desks to place a link to their blog/post on relevant stories.
A Reuters blogger should NOT:
• Be one sided opinion. You are free to make observations, ask questions and make an argument, but blogging in Reuters is not a license to vent personal views. You are still bound by the Trust Principles of fairness and balance.
• Respond in anger to comments that appear on posts.
• End each post with the line, 'tell us what you think'. If you have a specific question for readers then ask it, otherwise let the comments box do the work for you.
• Knowingly link to material that infringes copyright.
• Have the color and personality subbed out of their posts
• Take an idea or insight from another blogger or site without acknowledgement.
Reuters use of blogging is constantly evolving and up-to-date guidance on how blogs are being used is available on the blogging wiki at http://wiki.ime.reuters.com/index.php/Blogging
Diaries
The international Diaries Desk assembles the most important items from national diaries into subject-matter diaries. National diaries should include the news codes DIA and CAL. DIA is a live code. Do not include DIA in a service message because that would take it to screen clients.
Queries to Diaries Desk should be sent CAL LON. CAL takes the diary/service message to the CALENDAR basket, which the Diaries Desk monitors. Bureaux must mark new or amended entries in national diaries with an asterisk*. Otherwise the Diaries Desk, trawling through thousands of entries, cannot know if this is a new entry. Stories announcing upcoming events such as a state visit should also be coded CAL to allow the desk to create an entry swiftly.
Diary events should be added to national diaries as soon as possible. Clients are grateful for an early warning and Reuters Editors want to know about events as early as possible for internal news planning. Diaries are either text or tabular entries. For examples of Reuters diaries, key in IND/DIARY on your Reuters 3000Xtra.
Factbox
Headline Tag: FACTBOX SLUG: XXX-XXX (FACTBOX) Topic Code: CTXT
A Factbox offers a way to present information clearly and comparatively, particularly for events such as corporate mergers. The format may vary according to the subject matter but the essential issue is that they should be short, graphic, written primarily in bulletpoint form and easy on the eye.
Basic general news background factboxes on people, countries and issues can normally run at a maximum of five key facts. Other factboxes, for example on a corporate boardroom battle or complex political procedure, may need to be done in a Q&A (Question and Answer) format. Economic and financial news lends itself to a tabular format in the factbox, listing such issues as market capitalisation, interest rate progression and various comparatives.
One possible application for P+G reporters is to look at which industry or market sectors are affected by a sudden event or policy change. The headline for such a box would be: FACTBOX-What sectors are affected by xxxx. A factbox does not have location in the dateline but begins e.g. May 6 (Reuters) - The name of the person who compiled it and the location must be in the signoff line at the bottom
Chronology
See Timeline. Headline Tag: Chronology- SLUG: XXX-XXX (FACTBOX) A Chronology is a form of factbox listing in chronological order events related to a major news story. Keep entries to the essentials, usually no more than 10 key dates with a line or two on each. Many chronologies and individual entries are far too long. Customers want information they can use, not the history of the world. Start with the oldest information first.
Headline tag: Q+A-xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx Slug: XXX-XXX/ (Q+A) This is a form of factbox used to explain complicated issues. It is a means of highlighting our depth of understanding on newsworthy themes. This item is what it says - a factbox in question and answer style.
They are:
• written in bullet point formats
• can by bylined and datelined but do not have to be.
Example:
USA-HILLARY (Q+A) Q+A-Why does Hillary Clinton keep running for president.
June 2 (Reuters) - Hillary Clinton has shrugged off calls to drop out of the U.S. Democratic presidential race and said she will keep running "until there is a nominee". Below are some questions and answers on why she is still in the race, despite her rival Barack Obama appearing to have an insurmountable lead.
Scenario boxes
Headline tag: SCENARIOS- Slug: XXX-XXX (SCENARIOS) A scenario format is a form of factbox used to throw a story forward by describing what our correspondents think are the possible outcomes of a crisis or situation. Where possible they should give some guidance on the probability of each scenario.
They are:
• written in bullet points
• can be bylined and datelined but do not need to be.
Example: THAI-CRISIS (SCENARIOS)
SCENARIOS-How might the Thai political crisis unfold
BANGKOK, Sept 1 (Reuters) - Thousands of protesters have been occupying Thai Prime Minister Samak Sundaravej's official compound since Aug. 26, vowing to remain until he and his elected government fall. Following are some scenarios for what might happen next:
Snapshot
A SNAPSHOT is a quick read-in tool for screen and media clients on a major political or general news story of global interest that extends over several days or weeks and has many elements, often from different datelines. Its format will vary with the story but the SNAPSHOT is generally no longer than a page of A4 and written in bulletpoint form.
It can list latest developments, key quotes, main statistics and forthcoming events linked to the story. A SNAPSHOT can assume that the reader has a general understanding of the story and therefore dispense with most background, including first names of known players. A SNAPSHOT is regularly updated throughout a news day when developments occur.
There are no fixed times of issues. A SNAPSHOT should not be compiled on any given story without a decision by the relevant regional editor. In commodities news, a SNAPSHOT is a regular compilation of various reports in specific markets with click links to the individual reports.
Table
Tabular presentation after an Alert, whether of corporate results, economic indicators, bond issues or commodities data, is often the quickest way to supply a specialist market the key numbers it needs. As with Newsbreaks, Tables must be filed within 10 minutes of the Alert - more quickly if possible.
A quick Newsbreak is often essential after the Table is filed when a story is particularly newsworthy. Some Alerts of strictly specialist interest may be covered by a Table and not require textual treatment, i.e. not every Alert needs to be covered by a Newsbreak. Like all stories, the Table requires a slug.
The results of any political election of international interest must also be filed as a Table - either once at the end of the count or regularly updated throughout the count depending on how important the vote is.
Guidelines for Tables:
• Clearly label tables. Use the TABLE headline tag.
• In System 77/Decade, unfailingly include "T" in the header field.
• Write an active headline highlighting the main news point.
• In Lynx Editor, place the cursor where you want the table to go and click on the "Add Table" button. Format the table using the dialog box.
• Organise Tables logically and neatly.
• An opening paragraph may define the contents and can sometimes shift words out of the tabular section and avoid clutter e.g. "OPEC monthly oil output (in millions of barrels per day)."
• Alignment is crucial. Try to keep the right margin straight and decimal points aligned.
• Align columns and headings by their left margins only if they are all or almost all text.
• Try to keep columns equally spaced with at least two spaces (preferably three) between words and numbers in adjacent columns. Tables do not necessarily follow the one-page rule (check desks for guidance).
On a complicated story or where a large number of figures are involved, key numbers can be sent in a first page of a Table within the required time limit. A second page may be filed as soon as possible later to complete the table.
Text
Clients often want to read the text of a major announcement or speech. We should say in the lead paragraph whether it is a full or a partial text. Use TEXT (not FULL TEXT) as a headline tag.
If the original is in a language other than English, say so, and whether this is an official or Reuters translation. It may be necessary to file a TEXT item in more than one "take" (page). If this is necessary, use the same slug but add a page number to the headline of the item, preceded by an equal sign (e.g. "TEXT-Ruritanian president =2").
Strong interviews of major importance may additionally be reported after the story has been written as a TEXT of Q&A excerpts. This item must repeat all the quotes, with questions, used in the main story and must also carry additional questions and answers, which may be edited. The questions and answers should be written in order.
Timeline
A Timeline is a form of sidebar listing in chronological order events related to a major news story. Keep entries to the essentials, usually no more than 10 key dates with a line or two on each. Many timelines and individual entries are far too long. Customers want information they can use, not the history of the world. Start with the oldest information first.
Top News pages are the "front page" for many of our screen services. They are among the most retrieved items and offer a chance for us to highlight the main stories, help clients with navigation and promote other parts of the service.
Expert news judgment is required when choosing headlines and arranging the running order. The summaries must also adhere to a uniform format, regardless of their subject matter or where they are produced. Aim for no more than 12 stories.
Senior editors must take responsibility for Top News pages. They must be uniform. All stories should be accessible to users permissioned for them. All cross-references should work and take users to the intended instrument or directory. Stories must be carefully selected and categorised clearly and sensibly, usually with the most significant story first if not the latest. An Analysis section should be used. Coding protocols must be observed. A TOP NEWS checklist:
• All TOP NEWS summaries must have the following codes in the header field: the topic codes TOP, GLANCE, XREF; a unique USN; an R in the Message Type/Ref field; the GLANCE/XXX named item code in the RIC field; the TOP/XXX named item code in the NI field. The Lynx Editor header also has fields marked "Message Type", "Named Item" "RICs" etc.
• The TOP NEWS summary headline must appear in upper and lower case.
• TOP NEWS in the headline must be preceded and closed by a single asterisk.
• The related markets links toolbar, must always appear at the top of a TOP NEWS summary beneath the main TOP NEWS summary headline.
• Vertical bars | must be used to visually group the links within the toolbar.
• Never write an introduction to the news headline in the TOP NEWS summary.
• Story headlines should be grouped by one to four categories, and the first must always have the label "Top Stories" while any others can change depending on the amount and type of news on offer.
• Aim for 12 story headlines within a single TOP NEWS summary.
• Category labels must be written in upper case, story headlines must be written in upper and lower case.
• Each story headline must be preceded with a > symbol.
• Never text wrap a story headline to a second line, always truncate using ellipses.
• Dynamic Cross reference links to real-time news and prices must be grouped under the labels UP-TO-THE-MINUTE HEADLINES and LIVE PRICES & DATA.
• Some summaries may not include LIVE PRICES & DATA (e.g. the TOP NEWS for Sports).
• Never exceed more than 2 columns of 2 cross reference links within a cross reference links category i.e. UP-TO-THE-MINUTE HEADLINES.
• The static links to Speedguides at the bottom of a TOP NEWS summary should never change.
In Lynx Editor for the moment, use the existing glance application to cut and paste headlines and USNs into a Glance or Take-A-Look. Eventually a "Merge Headlines" function will be available as a more automated option.
For examples of TOP NEWS summaries, key in TOP on your Reuters 3000Xtra.
Poll (Polling)
Polling is a growth industry across the media, playing to the desire to know "what the others are thinking". Reuters polls are popular with our clients, helping to strengthen the Reuters brand. Only stories on Reuters polls should have the POLL tag and the word in brackets after the slug.
Every poll story we run is an exclusive. Reuters produces polls on a variety of subjects but often they cover financial market expectations. When we report that an economic indicator or a company result was above, below or in line with expectations, how do we know? As often as not it is because a Reuters poll established the consensus view beforehand. Polls linked to a set event in the future - announcement of company results, publication of economic data, country election etc - should carry a PRE topic code. Polls on company earnings should take an EARNINGS POLL tag in the headline and in brackets after the slug.
How to poll:
• Chose a subject. It can be short term, such as economic data due next week, or long term, such as where analysts expect a stock index to end the year. It doesn't have to be a pure numbers game. You could, for instance, ask analysts to rate the performance of your central bank governor or finance minister.
• Set your questions. They must be clear, unambiguous and fair. Leading questions, aimed at getting a pre-ordained answer, have no place in Reuters polls.
• Find respondents. Make sure they're bona fide, know what they're talking about and are willing to take part.
• Collect responses. This can be done by phone, e-mail or fax. You can usually get responses out of analysts relatively easily but polling decision makers or celebrities is much harder and time consuming.
• Analyse the responses. Bring the numbers to life with stories. Get people to justify their forecasts or views. Establishing the consensus view, if there is one, should be the target. That can be done in many ways such as calculating a mean average or median forecast for next month's inflation rate. The median, the middle forecast if you line them all up in a row, is usually preferable to the mean because it is generally less liable to distortion by forecasts which are way out of line. You should also publish the highest and lowest forecasts and the number of forecasts. Another option is the mode, which is the most frequently cited response. Excel can calculate all this for you.
• Don't ignore the mavericks. This month's minority view can become next month's conventional wisdom. Watch out for changes in expectations; why do economists now expect an interest rate cut soon whereas last month they ruled one out?
• Publish. Say when your poll was conducted as timing can influence views. Was your interest rate survey taken before or after the shock rise in inflation? The faster you publish, the less likely you'll be overtaken by events. Run individual responses when possible as transparency is vital to the credibility of our polls.
Covering other organisations' polls:
Public opinion polls are often produced by reputable organisations with no axe to grind but care still needs to be taken in reporting them. Different pollsters use different methods yielding different results.
• Beware of the spin doctors: A lobby group may commission a poll from a respected organisation but then present the results selectively to support its cause.
• Voodoo polls: Beware of surveys in which participants select themselves such as in phone-in TV polls and Internet surveys. At best one side of an argument may feel more passionately about an issue than the other, meaning more of them take part. At worst, organised interest groups may rig the result.
• Watch out for commercially-motivated polls. A survey showing that all men fear going bald by 40 may be sponsored by the makers of a miracle hair restorer. We need to beware against free plugs for the sponsors in such cases.
Source : Reuters Handbook of Journalism, 26 March 2012.
The downstream News Processing System (NPS) used by Reuters has a 10,000-character limit per document. This translates into a maximum "take" length of 150-160 lines or about 1500 words, above which a story must be split into two or more takes. When reopening such a story, use exactly the same slug but add an =2, =3 etc to the headline (which can be shortened to accommodate).
Spot story
The basic spot news story is the mainstay of the Reuters file. Write it quickly, clearly and simply. Say what happened and why we are reporting it, in language that is easy to translate. Put the news in context with quotes, colour and background. Remember Reuters core values of accuracy, speed and objectivity and be precise with sourcing.
A lively, well-contexted and self-contained spot story is often all that is needed on a secondary development. Do not update for the sake of it - only on merit. If the story is updated, the first version of the story should remain on the screen. The Update, if any, would carry a different Unique Story Number. Any further Updates would replace the previous Update in the series, but the first story should not be replaced.
Sidebar
SLUG: XXX-XXX/YYY (wild slug) A Sidebar is a spot story that is filed as a companion piece to a running "trunk" story. It may be a related Alert and Newsbreak or a basic spot news story. It may cover reaction or some other development linked with a major running story. It may be a colour story, or a historical or scene piece.
Format and writing are the same as for the basic spot news story except that it may be possible only to sketch in the context and background. Any Sidebar should use the slug of the trunk story plus an additional identifier e.g. THAILAND-CARS/REACTION-
The tabular format - and bullet points - may also be considered as an option when you are planning sidebar treatment of a story. Sidebars can be updated, but this should be avoided if possible - Updates on Sidebars can cause confusion for screen readers and detract attention from the main "trunk" series.
Curtainraisers and holding stories
Headline tag: PREVIEW SLUG: XXX-XXX (PREVIEW) Topic Code: PRE
Curtainraisers by definition are written ahead of set-piece events - meetings, visits, elections, trials, earnings, speeches etc. They carry the PREVIEW tag in the headline and (PREVIEW) after the slug. In addition to relevant topic codes for screen clients, they are also filed with a PRE topic code. If they are written in a newsworthy fashion, they stand a chance.
Otherwise, clients are quite content to get the programmatic information (what, when, where, who, for how long) from our diaries and outlooks or, on a really major event, from a factbox or special advisory listing dates and times. So the basic message is: there is no such thing in Reuters as a routine curtainraiser. If your curtainraiser is going to read like an extended diary entry, then drop it.
Don't do a curtainraiser if no discernible news is going to emerge from the event. You probably are not going to need a formal curtainraiser if news is breaking regularly in the run-up to an event. A heated election campaign in its final week, for example, obviates the need for a curtainraiser if you are writing about the campaign on most days.
Question the news value of any curtainraiser when you consider writing one and question whoever asks you for one about the news value. Keep it tight. Screen clients want a heads-up on what is going to happen. Media customers have a premium on space for news that has not happened yet.In all cases, consult your regional desk about your plans, including when to file.
Let the news, rather than the event's mechanics, tell the story. You should not stretch for an angle, but you must make your curtainraiser meaningful. Link the event you are previewing to the context in which it takes place, the related issues and the likely outcome (or lack of it).
Dig for real news and talk to quotable sources to give the curtainraiser depth. A standard curtainraiser should be filed 2-3 days before the event and tell the story in a maximum of 600 words, although shorter is better. The very latest a curtainraiser should be filed is noon your desk's time on the day before the event.
If you file a curtainraiser on the day of the event, you invite the spike. There is strong interest among online sites and broadcasters, usually in your own time zone, in stories filed overnight to set up something that is going to happen during the coming 24 hours.
These items give customers a head start and give you a basis on which to build your story, and thus get it out faster, when the news happens. As with curtainraisers, you should consult your regional desk about your plans.
No curtainraiser or holding story should be issued during daylight hours on the day of the event. It is a waste of effort and a wasted opportunity. Obviously, if it emerges for the first time in the morning that an event will take place later in the day and reporting it is newsworthy, you should write a story.
Equally, if you have filed an overnight holding story and something newsworthy happens ahead of the event, you should update the story with the fresh news. As with all UPDATEs there should be an ADVISORY LINE under the headline telling readers what has been updated (e.g. "Adds king's quotes in third paragraph")
Overnight stories
No special tags or slugs. An overnighter is a way to restart a major ongoing story with a write through for the next news cycle by adding a forward looking element. It should be reserved for a story that is likely to appear on a top news page or the world news schedule. In all cases, consult your regional editing desk on when one is needed.
Question the news value of an overnighter when you consider writing one and question anyone who asks you for one about the news value. Keep it tight. Normal length rules apply, but the shorter the better.
You could well be pretty tired when you sit down to write one. Don't hang around the bureau until late to write it if all the facts are in and you can write the story by mid-evening. Getting out a quality overnighter is of value to customers and rewarding for bureaux, so plan ahead to leave enough gas in the tank to be able to craft a good one. If a fresh writer is available to do it, so much the better.
It's a confusing concept since we are a 24-hour news service. It is less confusing if you approach the overnighter with a view that you are providing the story primarily for a reader in a different time zone. If they are done well, overnighters help a screen client in a place where day is breaking to read in. Newspapers where it is late afternoon will use them in their next edition if they provide a fresh take. Web sites want them to freshen their news categories at any time of day. An overnighter is:
A story that acts as a bridge between two days:
You may have a big story on your patch on Tuesday and know that there is more to come on Wednesday. There may also be a big story that is moving around datelines in different time zones and needs to be taken into a new news day. In both cases, the overnighter acts as a "bridge" between two news days and in an ideal world should throw the story forward.
It may not be worth the bother if the most recent update went out an hour before the date change and there is no "throw forward" angle that is stronger. Don't strain for a sexy lead or a "today" angle if you don't have one.
Writing "Rescuers tore through the rubble of the national parliament in a desperate search for survivors of a bomb attack that killed 36 people" is not going to win you readers if the hardest news point is still the bomb attack. Similarly, "Manchukistan braced for fresh violence â’¦: or "A miners' strike entered its second day â’¦" or "The president prepared to â’¦" are all artificial constructs and will probably turn people off.
A story that gives a fresh take on news already in: There is no point writing "A plane crash killed 86 peopleâ’¦" in an overnighter if the crash occurred many hours earlier and all the facts are clear. People already know that. The "fresh take" approach works best on stories where all the facts are in, but it can also be an effective way to write a "bridging" overnighter if there is no obvious throw-forward angle.
One fresh approach is to ask "why" and write a more analytical piece. Or you may want to lead the overnighter on a strong human interest angle. You may also have gathered details or sidebar material in the course of the day's reporting that you did not have space or time for. Consider using one or more of those elements for a fresh take in the overnighter. An overnighter takes its own USN.
Instant View
Headline tag: INSTANT VIEW or ANALYSTS VIEW SLUG: XXX-XXX (INSTANT VIEW)
There are two types of Instant View. They are designed to provide clients with rapid reaction from analysts and major decision makers to a significant political or financial spot breaking news story OR a diarised event, such as an economic indicator release.
Both carry the headline tag INSTANT VIEW and must carry a slug (e.g. AUSTRALIA-ECONOMY/BUDGET-VIEW (INSTANT VIEW)).The first type compiles the views, in direct quotes, of no fewer than three analysts. It should be updated, as a normal story would be, but without the UPDATE tag, as each new entry is added. It begins with a dateline and short note describing the event or figures being analysed. Write the name, title and organisation for each commentator in upper case above his/her quote, separated by commas.
The first entry of every Instant View on economic or financial news should reach screens within 15 minutes of the event, and the series must be completed within 30 minutes. If you have interesting views from analysts that are worth filing separately but which were obtained after the permitted 15-minute gap, use the tag ANALYSTS' VIEW.
With general and political news, the INSTANT VIEW should remain updated for up to two hours and then become a FACTBOX of the 10 or so best quotes.
The purpose of the second type of Instant View is to give a one-stop shop for clients directly after data or a news event. Customers should not have to flick between items to get the whole story and the Instant is the quickest way we have to pull it all together.
The essence of these pieces is speed, so aim on big events to land them as quickly as possible. We have at most a 15-20 minute window after an event during which the market will be paying attention.
This second type of INSTANT VIEW should look like this: INSTANT VIEW 1- Ruritania industrial production rises REUTERS, Oct 1, 2004 - Ruritania industrial production rose 1.4 percent in August from July, more than expected and reinforcing a view among analysts that interest rates could rise soon. Production was 9.2 percent higher in the year through August, compared with a 7.8 percent rise in the year through July.
Key points
August July August Forecast
Change vs. prior month 1.4 % 0.8 % 0.9 %
Change vs. year earlier 9.2 % 7.8 % 8.8 %
• Ruritania statistics official says strong auto production boosted August output
• Analysts say data cements the case for a rate rise at November central bank meeting
Commentary:
JOHN Q. PUNDIT, ANALYST, PROSPEROUS BANK, RURITANIA: "We thought the number was on the high side and it definitely means the central bank will want to tighten at the next meeting."
JOE H. MONEYMAKER, TRADER, INTERNATIONAL BANK, RURITANIA: "This obviously shows that the economy is firing on all cylinders. Ruritania interest rates will clearly be going up again now.: "The auto numbers show that consumer demand is showing no sign of easing. : The central bank will want to take action sooner than later."
Market Reaction:
• Dollar at 8.70 ruros vs. 8.95 before data. Ruro gets immediate boost from increased speculation of an imminent interest rate rise.
Links:
• For more data, the Ruritania statistics Web site is http://www.rurostats.org.rr/dt/=misc
• For all ruro news and data, 3000 Xtra users can click on:
Background:
• The Ruritania economy has been growing at a 6-8 percent rate for the past few years and analysts say this is unsustainable if the central bank is to meet its inflation target
• With the exception of retail sales, most of the past two months economic figures have come in on the high side of expectations. ((Ruritania newsroom +123 456 7890))
Highlights
The Highlights format is an effective way to get key quotes and facts to clients during a fast-moving news event, such as the unveiling of a budget, a monetary policy news conference or international policy events such as the G7/IMF meetings. It get news to clients quickly without forcing them to scan multiple small stories. Instead of filing urgents after alerts the snaps are covered with an XREF which directs clients to the HIGHLIGHTS item.
This format should not be confused with World News Highlights, which are summaries of the top political and general news stories produced several times a day, sometimes by editing desks, sometimes automatically.
The Highlights format can also be used when people speak at different times, such as finance ministers at a high-level meeting. Subscribers find direct quotes very valuable. Highlights are not necessarily a substitute for a story. But if there is a key news development, break it out into an urgent. If it is a story evolving more slowly, you can wait until the end to write an update. Reporters should consult the relevant editing desk in advance if they propose to use the Highlights format, and take the desk's guidance on when to write the story.
Format
DATELINE, Feb 31 (Reuters) - Following is a selection of comments from European Central Bank President Jean-Claude Trichet's testimony to the European Parliament on Thursday.
The intro can be turned into a news lead as the event unfolds:For Example
DATELINE, Feb xx (Reuters) - Business must learn to live with a strong currency and cannot expect relief from policymakers, European Central Bank President Jean-Claude Trichet told parliament on Thursday. Following are highlights of Trichet's twice-yearly testimony before the European Parliament.
• Add: THIS ITEM WILL BE UPDATED at the end.
• Use sub heads such as RATES, INFLATION, FX to group ideas
• Put an R in the "Message Type" field to refresh. In the System 77/Decade header field this is to the left of the slug, in the Lynx header it labelled "Message Type" with a dropdown menu of options.
HIGHLIGHTS should be refreshed frequently.
• Snaps are covered by an XREF, which allows subscribers to access the rolling HIGHLIGHTS through a double-click box.
• Change the USN frequently in a long series of snaps, so that if there is a correction, the whole sequence does not have to be repeated.
• Don't forget to use the HIGHLIGHTS tag at the start of the headline and give the item a slug with HIGHLIGHTS in brackets.
Production: Using HIGHLIGHTS during a live news conference is fast and effective but labour intensive. One person files the snaps with a second person checking; you might need at least three people to provide quotes, depending on the event; a sub editor compiles and files the HIGHLIGHTS; and ideally yet another files XREF's to the snaps.
Editing Desks:
• Publish the first version as quickly as possible. File updates to the same USN with R to overwrite
• Insert new information at the top, saying "LATEST QUOTES" and below that "EARLIER QUOTES" divided by subject and/or by speaker
• Try to keep the more important news at the top of the "EARLIER QUOTES" section
• Capitalise the sub heads; the shorter the better
• Clean it up when the event ends to put the most important information at the top and remove
THIS ITEM WILL BE UPDATED
• Watch length, with 130 lines the maximum for one take. Bear in mind that not every snap has to be slavishly covered.
XRefs: Set up the format well in advance. Text should describe the event where the person was speaking and provide a click through to the USN of the Highlights. "For quotes from Mr. Big's speech before the Big Business Association on Tuesday, Feb 31, please double click on
[xxxxxxxxx] (USN) File WITHOUT a headline. If you need to change something in an XREF that has already been filed, use "O" not "R" or you will lose all of the snaps.Taking Quotes: Be selective. Focus on the key quotes rather than trying to provide a complete transcript. If something is interesting but lengthy and has no snap, then paraphrase. If the speaker is responding to a question then include the question when it is essential to provide context. But use judgment and paraphrase the question for brevity. A brief summary such as DOLLAR OVERVALUED? is faster and more effective.
Interview
Headline tag: INTERVIEW SLUG: XXX-XXX (INTERVIEW) Topic Code: INTER
Interviews with decision makers and people in the news are an important part of the Reuters file and support our reputation by conveying exclusivity. We should reserve the use of INTERVIEW in the slugline and headline tag for substantive interviews with subjects of note and not debase it by applying it to accounts of a few questions shouted at someone in a scrum of reporters. INTERVIEW can also be used for fund management executives or star fund managers who have a major claim to fame, but not for views from fund managers.
It is essential to prepare well for an interview and to advise photographers and Reuters Video News, which may want to do the same interview. The story should say the interview subject "told Reuters" or "said in an interview".
Outstanding interviews with major figures may also use the EXCLUSIVE tag, which is reserved for stories of exceptional significance that are obtained solely by Reuters. Strong interviews of major importance may additionally be reported after the story has been written as a TEXT of Q&A excerpts. This item must repeat all the quotes, with questions, used in the main story and must also carry additional questions and answers, which may be edited. The questions and answers should be written in order.
Given the set piece nature of interviews which are usually scheduled in advance, the INTERVIEWS are not normally updated. If an interviews subject discloses breaking news though you may want to file an Alert or Urgent sourcing the news to an interview with Reuters, and then write up the full interview later under the INTERVIEW tag.
Newsmaker/Obituary
Headline tag: NEWSMAKER or OBITUARY SLUG: XXX-XXX (NEWSMAKER) or (OBITUARY)
A profile is often written to a topical news peg. We use the tag NEWSMAKER in the headline and in brackets in the slugline. Aim for no more than 500 words (50 lines in Lynx Editor), making clear high up why this person is in the news. An OBITUARY is a Newsmaker written when the subject has died. The Newsmaker needs to be a self-contained pen-portrait. Subjects may be leading figures in politics, business, sport, arts and entertainment, science and other fields.
Aim for comprehensiveness. Personal details are essential, as are precise dates. The top half of a profile should contain a concise summary of the main points of the subject's claim to fame, with a minimum of biographical detail. The rest of the profile should review his or her career chronologically. Think colour and descriptive. Bureaux should keep Newsmakers (profiles) on prominent personalities on file and with the regional desk and the editorial reference unit. They are often needed quickly. Keeping the store regularly up to date helps when the pressure is on.
Witness
A Witness story is a first-person account by a Reuters journalist of an experience, a set of observations or an event in which he or she has participated. It can relate to the subject matter the journalist covers but it is not limited to such fields. Many of our staff experience extraordinary and unusual things in the course of their reporting.
Their work gives them unique perspectives on other human beings and their behaviour. In our own lives we undergo hardships, trials or good fortune. These things are all the stuff of Witness stories. They are individual accounts of experiences and are an opportunity for the writer to express personality, feeling and engagement. They are not vehicles for opinion, prejudice or partisanship. Reuters standards of impartiality and accuracy apply.
Reuters journalists working for text, picture, video and online services have all written Witness pieces. They are slugged WITNESS-XX/, start with the headline tag WITNESS, and are accompanied by an Advisory giving some background on the author and his or her story. They should be illustrated by an image of the author and ideally by pictures appropriate to the subject matter. All Witness stories should be discussed with regional editors, who will supervise their production.
Brights or Odds
SLUG: XXX-XXX (ODD) Topic Code: ODD A "bright" or "odd" is a story that we report above all because it is funny, quirky or bizarre. A "bright" may also be poignant or sad and invariably involves people. It is the sort of story we would not bother covering if the details were not so unusual. Such stories lighten our file, are fun to write and are welcomed by clients. They should carry the ODD slug and topic code. As a rule of thumb, the ODD slug and code should go hand in hand - don't use one without the other.
Sometimes, hard news stories contain elements that happen to be bizarre or unusual but we write these stories for more serious reasons. The first claim to have created a cloned human being came from a company, Clonaid, which is linked to a group that believes aliens cloned the first humans. That is bizarre, but it is not why we covered the story. These stories are not "brights" and should not carry the ODD slug or topic code.
The best "brights" virtually write themselves. If you have to agonise over the first paragraph, the chances are that the story does not make it. You may need a catchy headline and neat turn of phrase to "sell" the story, but don't strain for effect. Good "brights" are almost always so funny, unusual, poignant or offbeat that they can be told straight without adjectives and adverbs. Most good "brights" can be told in about 300 words - a decent amount of space in any newspaper or on any Web site.
They work best with a telling quote and often end with a quote or a humorous detail. "Brights" must be properly sourced and must be tasteful. Before writing your "bright", ask yourself whether it will interest a foreign reader. Some offbeat stories only work in a given culture or language. Make sure your story doesn't leave questions in the reader's mind.
Analysis
Generic headline tag ANALYSIS. However analyses may also carry the headline tags INSIGHT, BUY-OR-SELL, HOW-TO-PLAY-IT etc. Slug: XXXX - XXXX (ANALYSIS) Topic Code: ANV We must analyze news as it happens, making analysis part of breaking news. Usually this involves adding some context to explain the significance of the news and possible future developments. Information users are under increasing pressure to take a view on events as soon as they occur so what is likely to happen is often as important for clients as what has happened.
However, a separate story that takes the ANALYSIS tag should identify a trend or development and examine what is likely to happen next and what impact it will have. It should be an informative, in-depth look at an issue. It should usually have a spot news hook, or at least be topical. Rambling discourses that are mere extensions of the hard news cannot be described as Analysis. See also snap analysis
An Analysis stems from the writer's authority and expertise in the subject area but is not a vehicle for personal view (see "COLUMN"). It should pursue an angle or line of argument and the argument should be supported by facts or data and quotes from sources. Except in the most exceptional circumstances (in countries where sources dare not speak freely) an analysis should include authoritative named sources.
Don't be afraid to be contrarian, provided your story shows you have done your homework on facts and you have tested your theory by quoting authoritative sources. But it needs to be fair and balanced, acknowledging the existence of other angles or counter-arguments. Be prepared to to be challenged by editors. All reporters must be able to handle an Analysis.
On investment issues, an Analysis must not just give the reader insight into where an asset price may be headed but use real metrics - such as valuation measures or historical performance -- to illustrate the point. An Analysis should be no more than about 800 words or 80 lines in Lynx Editor, but exceptionally on top stories of the day or on stories of major international significance they run to about 1300 words or 130 lines.
Pitch ideas to your editor before you start work. An Analysis should not be written without prior approval from a regional specialist editor or his/her deputy.Snap analysis
Headline tag: SNAP ANALYSIS- SLUG: XXX-XXX (SNAP ANALYSIS)
A snap analysis is a variety of Analysis usually in bullet point format. This allows us to rush out interpretation and insight in the immediate aftermath of an event without waiting for the time it will take to write a full analysis. It can be planned in advance for setpiece news or agreed quickly with an EIC once an event occurs. The insight delivered must go beyond stating the obvious. We should aim to get these out within 30 minutes of an event. These are:
• written in bullet points. At least five bullets are needed.
• can be bylined and datelined but do not have to be.
• can be divided into different areas by sub-heads.
• Example:
SAFRICA-POLITICS/RESIGNATIONS (SNAP ANALYSIS)
SNAP ANALYSIS - Departures raise doubts over S.Africa transition
Sept 23 (Reuters) - The resignation of some key South African ministers alongside President prospects for a smooth transition.
Below are some of the possible consequences of the move:
Buy or Sell
Headline Tag: Buy or Sell SLUG: BUYSELL-XXX (ANALYSIS) Named Item Code (NIC): BUYSELL/Topic Code: ANV
The Buy or Sell headline tag, despite its name, denotes a type of news analysis that is NOT a recommendation to buy or sell a security but it is the place to offer contrasting views on the value of a company stock or the possible future path of a currency, commodity or debt instrument.
Buy or Sell should add depth to coverage of individual stocks, bonds, futures, currency plays, and market niches rather than trying to call the direction on the entire stock market, the dollar or major commodities - stories better covered in a full ANALYSIS.
Buy or Sell stories lead with a brief introduction of 1 to 3 paragraph maximum. They may carry bullet points above the byline. The argument should then be set under separate cross-heads for Buy and Sell.
Refer to data. Examples are short interest data, consensus analysis & put-call ratios for stocks; price differentials or commitments of traders data for commodities; volumes & spread trends for CDS; TradeWeb data for bonds; TR volume data for currencies.
Use direct quotes and keep reported speech to a minimum. Buy or Sell should quote credible analysts, investors or traders. Don't use sources that want to sit on the fence. This is Buy or Sell. Not Buy, Sell or Hold.
Be succinct - try to keep the story under 50 lines or 500 words. ANALYSIS or INSTANT VIEW.Dealtalk
Headline tag: DEALTALK: SLUG: XXX-XXX (DEALTALK) Topic Code: DLTK Named Item Code: DEALTALK
DEALTALK is a news story format that provides exclusive details and insight on takeover, capital-raising or financial industry developments. Such stories stories are extremely popular with our core financial clients and demonstrate our expertise and access.
DEALTALK is a perfect outlet for incremental developments in an ongoing transaction. It could be well-sourced additional information about the real story behind a deal. But remember that in mergers and acquisitions nothing is final until it's really final. DEALTALK gives us a forum to report what we're hearing as a deal progresses.
A few examples of stories that might warrant a DEALTALK: We hear from sources that terms are changing on a deal, or that bankers or buyers are getting cold feet. On an IPO, we hear that book-building is going poorly and that bankers are discussing cutting the offer price. We may hear that a deal was a success but left bad feelings on one side.
We should write DEALTALK in a bright tone, noting views and counter views. We don't need to bog the lede down with, "â’¦sources said on Thursdayâ’¦" but can make the sourcing clear lower in the story. These pieces do need to be well sourced and defensible. We do need to be wary of banker spin. Dealmakers have agendas, so we need to be sure all viewpoints are represented and that we're not being manipulated by someone with a vested interest.
• DEALTALK is always exclusive. We will not write one from a press release or event.
• DEALTALK always includes investment banks or other financial players.
• DEALTALK is well-sourced and authoritative.
• DEALTALK is timely, well-written and engaging.
All DEALTALKs should use the DEALTALK named item code, and include a line at the top: ((For more Reuters DEALTALKs, click [DEALTALK/]). Slugging should be DEALTALK/XXX (the xx's being the subject).
Feature
Headline tag: FEATURE SLUG: XXX-XXX (XXX-FEATURE) Topic Code: FEA
A story that takes the FEATURE tag is an insight into a trend or an issue or personality. It must be accompanied by illustrative material such as a picture, graphic, video or factbox. It is either topical or a compelling issue that would otherwise go unreported. It enlightens the reader about that trend or issue or personality in a broad context.
It uses specific examples to illustrate that trend or issue and puts them in a broad framework that allows the social, economic, corporate and/or political implications to shine through, whether sectoral, national or global.
A feature is essentially cross-sectoral i.e. it should appeal to anyone in a global audience of politically and financially aware readers. A feature should be no more than 800 words or about 80 lines in Lynx Editor, but exceptionally can go longer with approval from a Features Editor.
A Feature gives a correspondent the chance to report in depth and against a more relaxed deadline. Features must conform like any other story with the Reuters values of accuracy, objectivity and precise sourcing. Readability is the key but reporters who think good color writing means lacing copy with an excess of adjectives are wrong.
Make sure you are telling readers something they do not already know. Look for a newsworthy subject. Work hard on an eye-catching first paragraph.A Feature is an example of the kind of story in which a "soft" intro may, with skill, find a place on all services. There should be no editorializing. Give the date when something happened e.g. "at a conference on March 21", so the story has some shelf life.
Feature writers MUST ensure that they have approval for an outline of the story from a Features Editor before proceeding. The Features Editors can help arrange visual or text material to enrich a feature in ways that make it particularly valuable to online and screen clients. But talk with your local picture and television colleagues as well. Sometimes the Features Editor will commission a series of text features to explore a theme or issue.
The word FEATURE is the headline tag. The slugline should carry an addition in brackets categorising the type of Feature by the most appropriate subject, e.g.:
• (SCIENCE FEATURE, PICTURE)
• (POLITICAL FEATURE, PICTURE)
• (BUSINESS FEATURE, PICTURE)
• (SPORTS FEATURE, PICTURE)
• (ENVIRONMENT FEATURE, PICTURE) etc
Special Reports and Enterprise Reporting
Headline Tag: SPECIAL REPORT SLUG: XXXX-XXXXX Topic Code: SREP
What does "enterprise" mean? By enterprise journalism, we mean deeply reported stories, done on our own initiative, which otherwise would never come to light. Here's a sampling of the kinds of stories we're interested in. This is NOT an exclusive list. Investigative journalism - accountability or watchdog reporting' Exclusive looks inside a topic now in the news; The real story behind the story; Revelatory profiles of the people who run the world; Scoops of trend-spotting and scoops of explanation
How much time should an enterprise story take and how long should it be? Some enterprise stories are quick-hit pieces that take just a day or two to pull off. Some are out-of-the-blue stories that take months. Enterprise stories vary in length, though they are usually longer than the average Reuters spot news story of 300-500 words. Enterprise stories range from 800 words to 1300 or so for an Insight piece; 1600 to 2300 words or so for a Special Report. A small percentage of enterprise stories are magazine-length, up to 4,000 words or so.
How do you get an enterprise story published? First, talk over your idea with your bureau chief or editor-in-charge: your boss. If you both agree you have a good idea, send us a story pitch.
Send pitches to the email distribution list called Enterprise Pitches (EnterprisePitches@thomsonreuters.com). Send stories to the list called Enterprise Stories (EnterpriseStories@thomsonreuters.com). CC other reporters and editors who should know about the project.
Column
Headline tag: COLUMN- unless there is product name. SLUG: COLUMN-XXX/ Topic Code: CLM
A Reuters column is a showcase for the expertise and insight of seasoned journalists who use the format to bring fresh perspectives and novel thinking to their area of specialist coverage. Columns offer extra value to our audiences by challenging assumptions, bringing clarity where there is confusion and by casting doubt on comfortable orthodoxies.
A column is opinion and is distinct from the rest of the news file in that the author is licensed to express a point of view. Each must carry a disclaimer at the top, above the byline, making clear the views they contain are not those of Reuters.
They should contain a strong argument that is properly reasoned and backed up with facts and solid reporting. It should also be fair, acknowledging the existence of other arguments or viewpoints. They should not be politically or ideologically partisan, nor should they contain invective. The column's argument should be such that if challenged it can be defended robustly and sensibly by the author.
Once appointed to cover a sector or topic columnists are free to decide their own subject matter, but close collaboration and consultation with a senior supervising editor is essential. Since columns are the work of an individual, variations between them in tone and style are welcome. Columns should only be written by dedicated columnists. The appointment of a columnist needs the approval of the Editor-in-Chief.
Blogging
Blogging is an informal approach to content creation that has evolved in response to Web users' need for a simple publishing tool giving maximum engagement with readers. Blogging is by nature a flexible format and there are few rules governing its use. Reuters journalists blog to trigger discussions on topical issues, point to the most interesting material on a subject elsewhere on the Web, take readers behind the scenes of our news-gathering, solicit questions for interviews, and to add color, anecdote and angles that don't make it into our other story types. In addition, blogging is the easiest way we have of handling multimedia story-telling and some Reuters journalists produce video blogs, also known as 'vlogs'.
A Reuters blogger should:
• Be interesting.
• Be conversational: raise questions, invite contributions, discuss what's happening on other blogs, leave some loose ends, and respond to comments made by readers.
• Link to external sites with relevant information
• Monitor other bloggers in the same space and attempt to build reciprocal links with them.
• Tag posts so that they are easy for search engines to find.
• Inject some personality into their posts and include observation and anecdote.
• Make use of multimedia whenever possible and think about a post's layout.
• Credit the original source of all content embedded in posts.
• Make sure posts are seen by a second pair of eyes before publication.
• Ask desks to place a link to their blog/post on relevant stories.
A Reuters blogger should NOT:
• Be one sided opinion. You are free to make observations, ask questions and make an argument, but blogging in Reuters is not a license to vent personal views. You are still bound by the Trust Principles of fairness and balance.
• Respond in anger to comments that appear on posts.
• End each post with the line, 'tell us what you think'. If you have a specific question for readers then ask it, otherwise let the comments box do the work for you.
• Knowingly link to material that infringes copyright.
• Have the color and personality subbed out of their posts
• Take an idea or insight from another blogger or site without acknowledgement.
Reuters use of blogging is constantly evolving and up-to-date guidance on how blogs are being used is available on the blogging wiki at http://wiki.ime.reuters.com/index.php/Blogging
Diaries
The international Diaries Desk assembles the most important items from national diaries into subject-matter diaries. National diaries should include the news codes DIA and CAL. DIA is a live code. Do not include DIA in a service message because that would take it to screen clients.
Queries to Diaries Desk should be sent CAL LON. CAL takes the diary/service message to the CALENDAR basket, which the Diaries Desk monitors. Bureaux must mark new or amended entries in national diaries with an asterisk*. Otherwise the Diaries Desk, trawling through thousands of entries, cannot know if this is a new entry. Stories announcing upcoming events such as a state visit should also be coded CAL to allow the desk to create an entry swiftly.
Diary events should be added to national diaries as soon as possible. Clients are grateful for an early warning and Reuters Editors want to know about events as early as possible for internal news planning. Diaries are either text or tabular entries. For examples of Reuters diaries, key in IND/DIARY on your Reuters 3000Xtra.
Factbox
Headline Tag: FACTBOX SLUG: XXX-XXX (FACTBOX) Topic Code: CTXT
A Factbox offers a way to present information clearly and comparatively, particularly for events such as corporate mergers. The format may vary according to the subject matter but the essential issue is that they should be short, graphic, written primarily in bulletpoint form and easy on the eye.
Basic general news background factboxes on people, countries and issues can normally run at a maximum of five key facts. Other factboxes, for example on a corporate boardroom battle or complex political procedure, may need to be done in a Q&A (Question and Answer) format. Economic and financial news lends itself to a tabular format in the factbox, listing such issues as market capitalisation, interest rate progression and various comparatives.
One possible application for P+G reporters is to look at which industry or market sectors are affected by a sudden event or policy change. The headline for such a box would be: FACTBOX-What sectors are affected by xxxx. A factbox does not have location in the dateline but begins e.g. May 6 (Reuters) - The name of the person who compiled it and the location must be in the signoff line at the bottom
Chronology
See Timeline. Headline Tag: Chronology- SLUG: XXX-XXX (FACTBOX) A Chronology is a form of factbox listing in chronological order events related to a major news story. Keep entries to the essentials, usually no more than 10 key dates with a line or two on each. Many chronologies and individual entries are far too long. Customers want information they can use, not the history of the world. Start with the oldest information first.
A chronology does not carry a dateline but begins e.g. May 6 (Reuters) - The name of the person who compiled it and the location must be in the signoff line at the bottom of the item.Q&A
Headline tag: Q+A-xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx Slug: XXX-XXX/ (Q+A) This is a form of factbox used to explain complicated issues. It is a means of highlighting our depth of understanding on newsworthy themes. This item is what it says - a factbox in question and answer style.
They are:
• written in bullet point formats
• can by bylined and datelined but do not have to be.
Example:
USA-HILLARY (Q+A) Q+A-Why does Hillary Clinton keep running for president.
June 2 (Reuters) - Hillary Clinton has shrugged off calls to drop out of the U.S. Democratic presidential race and said she will keep running "until there is a nominee". Below are some questions and answers on why she is still in the race, despite her rival Barack Obama appearing to have an insurmountable lead.
Scenario boxes
Headline tag: SCENARIOS- Slug: XXX-XXX (SCENARIOS) A scenario format is a form of factbox used to throw a story forward by describing what our correspondents think are the possible outcomes of a crisis or situation. Where possible they should give some guidance on the probability of each scenario.
They are:
• written in bullet points
• can be bylined and datelined but do not need to be.
Example: THAI-CRISIS (SCENARIOS)
SCENARIOS-How might the Thai political crisis unfold
BANGKOK, Sept 1 (Reuters) - Thousands of protesters have been occupying Thai Prime Minister Samak Sundaravej's official compound since Aug. 26, vowing to remain until he and his elected government fall. Following are some scenarios for what might happen next:
Snapshot
A SNAPSHOT is a quick read-in tool for screen and media clients on a major political or general news story of global interest that extends over several days or weeks and has many elements, often from different datelines. Its format will vary with the story but the SNAPSHOT is generally no longer than a page of A4 and written in bulletpoint form.
It can list latest developments, key quotes, main statistics and forthcoming events linked to the story. A SNAPSHOT can assume that the reader has a general understanding of the story and therefore dispense with most background, including first names of known players. A SNAPSHOT is regularly updated throughout a news day when developments occur.
There are no fixed times of issues. A SNAPSHOT should not be compiled on any given story without a decision by the relevant regional editor. In commodities news, a SNAPSHOT is a regular compilation of various reports in specific markets with click links to the individual reports.
Table
Tabular presentation after an Alert, whether of corporate results, economic indicators, bond issues or commodities data, is often the quickest way to supply a specialist market the key numbers it needs. As with Newsbreaks, Tables must be filed within 10 minutes of the Alert - more quickly if possible.
A quick Newsbreak is often essential after the Table is filed when a story is particularly newsworthy. Some Alerts of strictly specialist interest may be covered by a Table and not require textual treatment, i.e. not every Alert needs to be covered by a Newsbreak. Like all stories, the Table requires a slug.
The results of any political election of international interest must also be filed as a Table - either once at the end of the count or regularly updated throughout the count depending on how important the vote is.
Guidelines for Tables:
• Clearly label tables. Use the TABLE headline tag.
• In System 77/Decade, unfailingly include "T" in the header field.
• Write an active headline highlighting the main news point.
• In Lynx Editor, place the cursor where you want the table to go and click on the "Add Table" button. Format the table using the dialog box.
• Organise Tables logically and neatly.
• An opening paragraph may define the contents and can sometimes shift words out of the tabular section and avoid clutter e.g. "OPEC monthly oil output (in millions of barrels per day)."
• Alignment is crucial. Try to keep the right margin straight and decimal points aligned.
• Align columns and headings by their left margins only if they are all or almost all text.
• Try to keep columns equally spaced with at least two spaces (preferably three) between words and numbers in adjacent columns. Tables do not necessarily follow the one-page rule (check desks for guidance).
On a complicated story or where a large number of figures are involved, key numbers can be sent in a first page of a Table within the required time limit. A second page may be filed as soon as possible later to complete the table.
Text
Clients often want to read the text of a major announcement or speech. We should say in the lead paragraph whether it is a full or a partial text. Use TEXT (not FULL TEXT) as a headline tag.
If the original is in a language other than English, say so, and whether this is an official or Reuters translation. It may be necessary to file a TEXT item in more than one "take" (page). If this is necessary, use the same slug but add a page number to the headline of the item, preceded by an equal sign (e.g. "TEXT-Ruritanian president =2").
Strong interviews of major importance may additionally be reported after the story has been written as a TEXT of Q&A excerpts. This item must repeat all the quotes, with questions, used in the main story and must also carry additional questions and answers, which may be edited. The questions and answers should be written in order.
Timeline
A Timeline is a form of sidebar listing in chronological order events related to a major news story. Keep entries to the essentials, usually no more than 10 key dates with a line or two on each. Many timelines and individual entries are far too long. Customers want information they can use, not the history of the world. Start with the oldest information first.
A timeline has no dateline and begins with the date e.g. May 6 (Reuters) - The name of the person who compiled it and the location must be in the signoff line at the bottom of the item.Top News summaries
Top News pages are the "front page" for many of our screen services. They are among the most retrieved items and offer a chance for us to highlight the main stories, help clients with navigation and promote other parts of the service.
Expert news judgment is required when choosing headlines and arranging the running order. The summaries must also adhere to a uniform format, regardless of their subject matter or where they are produced. Aim for no more than 12 stories.
Senior editors must take responsibility for Top News pages. They must be uniform. All stories should be accessible to users permissioned for them. All cross-references should work and take users to the intended instrument or directory. Stories must be carefully selected and categorised clearly and sensibly, usually with the most significant story first if not the latest. An Analysis section should be used. Coding protocols must be observed. A TOP NEWS checklist:
• All TOP NEWS summaries must have the following codes in the header field: the topic codes TOP, GLANCE, XREF; a unique USN; an R in the Message Type/Ref field; the GLANCE/XXX named item code in the RIC field; the TOP/XXX named item code in the NI field. The Lynx Editor header also has fields marked "Message Type", "Named Item" "RICs" etc.
• The TOP NEWS summary headline must appear in upper and lower case.
• TOP NEWS in the headline must be preceded and closed by a single asterisk.
• The related markets links toolbar, must always appear at the top of a TOP NEWS summary beneath the main TOP NEWS summary headline.
• Vertical bars | must be used to visually group the links within the toolbar.
• Never write an introduction to the news headline in the TOP NEWS summary.
• Story headlines should be grouped by one to four categories, and the first must always have the label "Top Stories" while any others can change depending on the amount and type of news on offer.
• Aim for 12 story headlines within a single TOP NEWS summary.
• Category labels must be written in upper case, story headlines must be written in upper and lower case.
• Each story headline must be preceded with a > symbol.
• Never text wrap a story headline to a second line, always truncate using ellipses.
• Dynamic Cross reference links to real-time news and prices must be grouped under the labels UP-TO-THE-MINUTE HEADLINES and LIVE PRICES & DATA.
• Some summaries may not include LIVE PRICES & DATA (e.g. the TOP NEWS for Sports).
• Never exceed more than 2 columns of 2 cross reference links within a cross reference links category i.e. UP-TO-THE-MINUTE HEADLINES.
• The static links to Speedguides at the bottom of a TOP NEWS summary should never change.
In Lynx Editor for the moment, use the existing glance application to cut and paste headlines and USNs into a Glance or Take-A-Look. Eventually a "Merge Headlines" function will be available as a more automated option.
For examples of TOP NEWS summaries, key in TOP on your Reuters 3000Xtra.
Poll (Polling)
Polling is a growth industry across the media, playing to the desire to know "what the others are thinking". Reuters polls are popular with our clients, helping to strengthen the Reuters brand. Only stories on Reuters polls should have the POLL tag and the word in brackets after the slug.
Every poll story we run is an exclusive. Reuters produces polls on a variety of subjects but often they cover financial market expectations. When we report that an economic indicator or a company result was above, below or in line with expectations, how do we know? As often as not it is because a Reuters poll established the consensus view beforehand. Polls linked to a set event in the future - announcement of company results, publication of economic data, country election etc - should carry a PRE topic code. Polls on company earnings should take an EARNINGS POLL tag in the headline and in brackets after the slug.
How to poll:
• Chose a subject. It can be short term, such as economic data due next week, or long term, such as where analysts expect a stock index to end the year. It doesn't have to be a pure numbers game. You could, for instance, ask analysts to rate the performance of your central bank governor or finance minister.
• Set your questions. They must be clear, unambiguous and fair. Leading questions, aimed at getting a pre-ordained answer, have no place in Reuters polls.
• Find respondents. Make sure they're bona fide, know what they're talking about and are willing to take part.
• Collect responses. This can be done by phone, e-mail or fax. You can usually get responses out of analysts relatively easily but polling decision makers or celebrities is much harder and time consuming.
• Analyse the responses. Bring the numbers to life with stories. Get people to justify their forecasts or views. Establishing the consensus view, if there is one, should be the target. That can be done in many ways such as calculating a mean average or median forecast for next month's inflation rate. The median, the middle forecast if you line them all up in a row, is usually preferable to the mean because it is generally less liable to distortion by forecasts which are way out of line. You should also publish the highest and lowest forecasts and the number of forecasts. Another option is the mode, which is the most frequently cited response. Excel can calculate all this for you.
• Don't ignore the mavericks. This month's minority view can become next month's conventional wisdom. Watch out for changes in expectations; why do economists now expect an interest rate cut soon whereas last month they ruled one out?
• Publish. Say when your poll was conducted as timing can influence views. Was your interest rate survey taken before or after the shock rise in inflation? The faster you publish, the less likely you'll be overtaken by events. Run individual responses when possible as transparency is vital to the credibility of our polls.
Covering other organisations' polls:
Public opinion polls are often produced by reputable organisations with no axe to grind but care still needs to be taken in reporting them. Different pollsters use different methods yielding different results.
• Beware of the spin doctors: A lobby group may commission a poll from a respected organisation but then present the results selectively to support its cause.
• Voodoo polls: Beware of surveys in which participants select themselves such as in phone-in TV polls and Internet surveys. At best one side of an argument may feel more passionately about an issue than the other, meaning more of them take part. At worst, organised interest groups may rig the result.
• Watch out for commercially-motivated polls. A survey showing that all men fear going bald by 40 may be sponsored by the makers of a miracle hair restorer. We need to beware against free plugs for the sponsors in such cases.
Source : Reuters Handbook of Journalism, 26 March 2012.
