News Guidelines

Editorial guidance and writing standards for Star News contributors

The Lead

The lead (or lede) is the opening paragraph of your article. It should immediately grab the reader's attention and provide the most important information.

Key Principles:

  • Be concise: Keep leads to 25-35 words when possible
  • Answer the 5 W's: Who, What, When, Where, Why
  • Lead with the news: Put the most important information first
  • Avoid clichés: Start with facts, not generic statements
Good Example:

The Martinsville City Council approved a $2.5 million budget increase for road repairs Tuesday night, marking the largest infrastructure investment in five years.

Poor Example:

In a surprising turn of events that has left many residents wondering about the future of local infrastructure, the Martinsville City Council met Tuesday night to discuss various matters including budget allocations.

The 5 W's

Every news article should answer these fundamental questions:

Who?

Identify the people involved. Use full names and titles on first reference, last names only on subsequent references.

What?

Describe the event, action, or news item clearly and accurately.

When?

Provide specific dates and times. Use "Tuesday" not "yesterday" for clarity.

Where?

Specify the location with enough detail for readers to understand the context.

Why?

Explain the reason, cause, or motivation behind the news. This often requires background information.

Example:

Who: Martinsville High School Principal John Smith
What: Announced new after-school tutoring program
When: Monday, September 15, 2025
Where: Martinsville High School auditorium
Why: To improve student test scores and graduation rates

Short Paragraphs

Keep paragraphs concise and focused. This improves readability, especially for online readers.

Guidelines:

  • One idea per paragraph: Each paragraph should focus on a single point
  • 2-4 sentences: Aim for shorter paragraphs (3-5 sentences maximum)
  • Use transitions: Connect paragraphs smoothly with transitional phrases
  • Break up long text: Use subheadings, bullet points, or quotes to break up dense content
Good Structure:

The Martinsville City Council voted unanimously Tuesday to approve the new budget.

The $15 million budget includes funding for three major infrastructure projects.

Mayor Jane Doe called the vote "a significant step forward for our community."

Writing Style

Voice and Tone:

  • Use active voice whenever possible
  • Write in third person
  • Maintain a professional, objective tone
  • Avoid first-person pronouns (I, we, our) unless in quotes

Language:

  • Use clear, simple language
  • Avoid jargon and technical terms without explanation
  • Write for a general audience
  • Use strong, specific verbs

Attribution:

  • Always attribute information to sources
  • Use "said" for most attributions (avoid "claimed," "stated," "alleged" unless necessary)
  • Place attribution after the quote or information
  • Identify sources clearly: "John Smith, city manager, said..."

Category Guidelines

Choose the most appropriate category for your article:

  • LOCAL_NEWS: Community events, local happenings, neighborhood news
  • GOVERNMENT: City council, county government, public policy, elections
  • EDUCATION: Schools, universities, educational programs, student achievements
  • SPORTS: Local teams, games, athletic events, sports news
  • BUSINESS: Local businesses, economy, job market, commercial developments
  • WEATHER: Weather forecasts, alerts, climate news
  • HISTORY: Historical events, local history, heritage

Fact-Checking

Accuracy is paramount. Always verify information before publishing.

Checklist:

  • Verify names, titles, and spellings
  • Confirm dates, times, and locations
  • Cross-reference facts with multiple sources
  • Check quotes for accuracy
  • Verify statistics and numbers
  • Confirm URLs and links work correctly

Ethical Guidelines

Principles:

  • Truth and Accuracy: Report facts accurately and correct errors promptly
  • Independence: Avoid conflicts of interest
  • Fairness: Present all sides of a story
  • Accountability: Take responsibility for your work
  • Respect: Treat sources and subjects with dignity

When in Doubt:

If you're unsure about whether to publish something, consult with an editor. It's better to verify than to publish incorrect information.

Questions?

If you have questions about these guidelines or need editorial support, please contact the Star News editorial team.

Email: editorial@starnews.com
Phone: (276) 555-0123