=News, or the Newspaper “Story,”= is another very important form of
narrative. The newspaper is the great popular educator of the day, and
in its columns are found not only excellent examples of vivid and
telling narratives, but frequently excellent types of spontaneous
writing.
News and news reporting require accuracy, clearness, brevity, and a
style that either charms, or compels interest. Indeed, it too frequently
happens that to secure the element of interest practically all else is
sacrificed.
Reporting and news writing are best learned by careful study of the
daily papers, and from constant practice. Shorthand is an invaluable
aid in securing the exact words of the speaker if the news takes the
form of an interview, or report of a public address or meeting.
The relation of the “facts” and “story” may be illustrated in the
following: