newspaper article byline example

What is a Byline And Where Do You Put it in Your Article?

• February 26, 2024
• blogging , Freelancing Tips

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What is a byline, the importance of the byline | attributing authorship and building trust, what are the different types of bylines in writing, where can i put a byline, how to write a byline.

Have you ever flipped through a magazine or scrolled through news articles and wondered, “Who wrote this captivating piece?” The answer often lies in a simple yet crucial element: the byline.

This seemingly small detail carries significant weight, both for writers and readers alike. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll delve into the world of bylines, exploring their meaning, purpose, and best practices for placement.

Whether you’re a seasoned writer or embarking on your writing journey, understanding the power of the byline is essential.

It not only credits the individual behind the words but also serves as a key element in building an authorial brand and fostering trust with readers.

So, buckle up as we unveil the byline’s significance and guide you on where to strategically place it within your articles.

Read Also: The Beginner’s Guide to Writing a Memoir: Finding Your Story

In an article, a byline is a line of text that identifies the author of the piece. It typically appears either below the title or at the end of the article and can include the following information:

• Author’s name:  This is the most common element of a byline.
• Title or credentials:  Sometimes, the byline might also mention the author’s title (e.g., Dr., Professor, etc.) or relevant academic or professional qualifications.
• Brief bio:  In some instances, particularly for online content or guest posts, the byline can include a brief author bio outlining their expertise, experience, or other relevant information.

The purpose of a byline is multifaceted:

• Credits the author:  It acknowledges the creator’s effort, expertise, and unique perspective in crafting the piece.
• Builds trust with readers:  By knowing who wrote the article, readers gain a sense of the writer’s voice, experience, and perspective, fostering trust and credibility.
• Establishes an authorial brand:  Consistent use of bylines helps authors build a recognizable name and reputation, making them more sought-after for future writing opportunities.
• Provides context and credibility:  In certain contexts, a byline can add important context to the content, especially if it comes from a subject-matter expert or a reputable journalist.

There are various forms of bylines depending on the platform and context, including:

• Simple byline:  Just the author’s name.
• Enhanced byline:  Includes additional information like titles, credentials, or a brief bio.
• Company byline:  Used for content created by a team or organization.
• Anonymous byline:  Used for content where the author’s identity isn’t revealed.
• Ghostwritten byline:  Credits the individual or entity for whom the content was created, not the actual writer.

By understanding the significance of bylines, their various forms, and best practices for placement, you can effectively utilize this tool to establish your identity as a writer, build trust with your audience, and confidently navigate the writing landscape.

At its core, a byline identifies the author of a written piece. It typically consists of the writer’s name, though it can sometimes include additional information like their title, qualifications, or a brief bio. This seemingly simple attribution serves several important purposes.

1. Crediting the Creator: First and foremost, the byline acknowledges the writer’s contribution. It recognizes their effort, expertise, and unique perspective in crafting the piece. This sense of accountability fosters a sense of ownership and pride in the writer, motivating them to produce high-quality content.

2. Building Trust with Readers: A byline establishes a connection between the author and the reader. By understanding who authored the piece, readers understand the writer’s voice, experience, and perspective. This transparency can build trust and credibility, encouraging readers to engage with the content and potentially seek out more of the author’s work.

3. Establishing an Authorial Brand: Bylines become building blocks for an author’s professional identity. By consistently publishing articles with proper bylines, writers begin to build a recognizable name and reputation within their chosen field. This brand recognition becomes valuable, making writers more sought-after and potentially attracting freelance opportunities or future collaborations.

4. Providing Context and Credibility: In certain contexts, a byline can also add significant context and credibility to the content. For example, an article written by a subject matter expert or a reputable journalist carries more weight in the reader’s eyes compared to an anonymous piece.

Read Also: How Much To Charge For Copywriting | Rates In 2024

While the core purpose of identifying the author remains constant, bylines can manifest in various forms depending on the platform and context. Here are some common variations:

1. Simple Byline: This is the most basic format, typically consisting only of the author’s name. It’s prevalent in online publications, newspapers, and magazine articles.

2. Enhanced Byline: Beyond the name, this format can include additional information such as the author’s title, credentials, or a brief bio. This is often seen in guest posts, expert articles, or personal blogs where authors want to establish their expertise or build their online presence.

3. Company Byline: In some cases, particularly with content generated by a team or organization, the byline might reflect the entity instead of a specific individual. This is common for corporate blogs, press releases, or industry publications.

4. Anonymous Byline: While less common, certain publications or platforms might choose to publish content under an anonymous byline. This can be due to safety concerns, protecting the author’s anonymity, or adhering to editorial policies.

5. Ghostwritten Byline: Some situations involve ghostwriting, where the writer’s name is not officially credited, and the byline might attribute the work to the individual or entity for whom the content was created.

When deciding which byline format to use, consider the following factors:

• Publication Guidelines:  Always consult the platform’s or publication’s specific guidelines regarding byline format and placement.
• Article Purpose:  If your article aims to establish your expertise or build your brand, an enhanced byline with additional information might be beneficial.
• Audience Context:  Consider your target audience and what information might be most relevant and informative for them.

A byline is a short text that appears at the beginning of an article or news story, typically just below the headline. It credits the author or authors of the piece. By providing readers with the name of the person or people who wrote the article, a byline establishes credibility and accountability.

The byline usually includes the author’s full name, but it can also include their professional title, affiliation, or social media handles. In some cases, the byline may also include a brief description of the author’s background or expertise.

Bylines are commonly used in newspapers, magazines, websites, and other forms of media to identify the author of a particular piece of content. They help readers understand who is responsible for the information presented and allow them to make informed judgments about the credibility and reliability of the source.

In terms of placement, the byline is typically located at the beginning of the article, either directly below the headline or slightly to the right. This placement ensures that readers can easily identify the author and understand who is responsible for the content they are about to read.

Related: Mastering the Essentials in Writing: A Guide to Effective Communication

Now that we’ve explored different byline formats, let’s delve into the question of placement. Generally, there are two main locations where bylines are positioned:

1. Below the Title: This is the most frequent placement, appearing directly under the article’s title. It offers immediate recognition for the author, drawing attention to their name early on.

2. At the End of the Article: This placement is typically found in shorter articles, blog posts, or online content. It can be integrated into a brief author bio or a dedicated “About the Author” section below the article’s closing paragraph.

Ultimately, the preferred placement may vary depending on the platform, article format, and specific editorial preferences. However, the key is to ensure consistency within your own work and adhere to the guidelines of the publishing platform.

Here are some additional tips for effective byline placement:

• Maintain consistency:  If you have a preferred format and placement, stick to it for all your publications. This helps build brand recognition and ensures easy identification by your readers.
• Consider visual appeal:  When formatting your byline, pay attention to font size, alignment, and overall aesthetics. Ensure it complements the article’s overall design and remains visually appealing within the layout.
• Optimize for searchability:  If your byline includes your website or social media links, ensure they are clickable and optimized for search engines. This can help readers learn more about you and potentially find your other work.

By understanding the significance of bylines, their various forms, and best practices for placement, you can effectively utilize this tool to establish your identity as a writer, build trust with your audience, and navigate the publishing landscape with confidence. Remember, a well-crafted byline is more than just a name; it’s a sign of ownership, credibility, and a gateway for connecting with your readers on a deeper level.

Whether you’re a novice in the freelance writing arena or a seasoned professional, nailing your byline is crucial. Check out our key recommendations:

• Limit your byline to two or three concise sentences.
• Aim for approximately 50 words.
• Include a high-quality image reflecting your confidence, warmth, and authority.
• Highlight your expertise without overtly promoting your services.
• Infuse personality or a relevant fun fact.
• Provide links to incentives from your product or service range, such as free templates, courses, or recipes.
• Link to your blog or website’s landing page.
• Customize your byline for each publication, ensuring relevance.

Crafting a brief and impactful byline is essential. Readers are drawn to your content for insights and expertise, with information about the author serving as an added bonus. Use powerful words like “effective,” “reputation,” “specialist,” and “mission,” tailoring them to the publication’s tone. Consider the target audience; a financial journal demands a different language than a parenting life hacks blog or a classic motorcycle magazine.

Your choice of photo also plays a role in shaping readers’ perceptions. A confident first impression fosters trust in your words.

Leverage your byline to guide readers to more of your content by including links to your website’s homepage or blog landing page, enhancing your freelance writing following.

Check Also: 27 Best Books On Writing To Make You A Top Writer

The modest byline, often overlooked, holds immense significance for both writers and readers. It acknowledges the author’s contribution, fosters trust with audiences, and lays the groundwork for building a recognizable name in the writing landscape.

By understanding the different forms of bylines, choosing the appropriate placement, and maximizing their potential through various strategies, you can transform this simple element into a powerful tool for your writing career.

Remember, a well-crafted byline is more than just a name printed on paper or displayed on a screen. It’s a mark of ownership, a symbol of credibility, and a gateway to connect with your readers on a deeper level.

So, embrace the power of the byline, use it strategically, and watch your journey as a writer blossom into a vibrant and impactful career.

As you embark on this path, remember to stay curious, keep learning, and most importantly, never stop writing!

A byline is a line of text that identifies the author of a written piece, typically found below the title or at the end of an article. It can include the author’s name, title, credentials, or a brief bio.

Bylines are important for several reasons: They credit the author:  They acknowledge the writer’s contribution and effort. They build trust with readers:  Knowing the author helps readers assess credibility and connect with the author’s voice. They establish an authorial brand:  Consistent use of bylines helps writers build recognition and reputation. They can provide context:  In some cases, the author’s expertise can add context or significance to the content.

Simple byline:  Just the author’s name. Enhanced byline:  Includes additional information like titles, credentials, or a brief bio. Company byline:  Used for content created by a team or organization. Anonymous byline:  Used for content where the author’s identity isn’t revealed. Ghostwritten byline:  Credits the individual or entity for whom the content was created, not the actual writer.

There are two main options for placing your byline: Below the title:  This is the most common placement, offering immediate recognition for the author. At the end of the article:  Typically found in shorter pieces or online content, often within an “About the Author” section.

Here are some ways to maximize your byline: Share your published work on social media:  Promote your work and draw attention to your authorship. Include a call to action:  Add a link to your website or portfolio in your byline. Engage with readers:  Respond to comments and questions to build a community. Track your progress:  Monitor the reach and engagement of your published articles. Network and build relationships:  Use your byline as a conversation starter with potential collaborators or editors.

• https://elnacain.com
• https://thecyphersagency.com
• https://knowadays.com/blog/what-are-bylines-and-how-to-write-one/

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What Are Author Bios and Bylines and How to Write Them (+ Examples)

• Updated on Dec 05, 2023
• No Comments

This page contains affiliate links. Meaning, I get a commission if you purchase through my links, at no cost to you. Read the full disclosure here.

Since I started publishing in magazines and websites owned by somebody else, I’ve had to consider these terms. If you’re a writer, I bet you’ve heard about them yourself. So, today, let’s look at what they are, why and when you need them, and how to write them.

And then, we’ll wrap up with some author bio examples for inspiration.

The Difference Between Author Bios and Bylines

A lot of people confuse author bios and bylines. Believe it or not, I’ve seen some bloggers literally say that bylines and bios are the same thing. They are NOT.

A byline is just the author’s name while a bio includes the name of the author and a paragraph with an overview of the author’s identity and/or accomplishments.

So, first thing first, let’s define a byline and a bio clearly and see how they’re different from each other.

What is an author’s byline?

The screenshot below is an example of a byline from the online magazine Splice Today . The byline with the author’s name (mine!) is in gray in between the headline (title) and the subheading.

In other words, a byline is simply the author’s name and nothing more.

Exceptions to bylines:

• Sometimes, especially in online publications such as personal blogs where there’s only one author—the owner of the blog website—they may choose not to publish their name in every single blog post. In this case, there are no bylines. However, in this scenario, the author’s identity is obvious even without the byline.
• Ghostwriters never get a byline because that is the nature of ghostwriting. These writers’ names are hidden, or they write under someone else’s name. In the latter case, this “someone else” may get a byline even though they’re not the original author.

The screenshot below is from Neil Patel’s blog. Here, there is no byline, but it is clear that Neil Patel is the writer because it is his website. We also see his bio in the sidebar (we’ll talk about author bios in a minute!) and his photos are splashed all over the website, making it obvious who the author is.

However, is it really Neil Patel who wrote this article? Is it possible that a hired/contracted ghostwriter has written this post? We’ll never know because there’s no byline!

Why should you care about bylines?

A byline is proof that you’re the author of a piece of writing. To us writers, bylines help us create our writing portfolios. We need them for our resumes.

If you pitch an editor of The New York Times and tell them you have bylines in The Atlantic and The Washington Post, they’ll likely pay it more attention than a total rando with no bylines.

Even in the world of bloggers, bylines can be handy, especially if you’re a freelance blogger/content writer. SaaS and UX writers, for example, can benefit from having bylines on websites like Zapier, GoDaddy Garage, HubSpot, etc. The reason why so many writers covet guest posts, even when it’s labor without monetary compensation, is for this very reason — they want to build up their writing portfolio.

Without a byline, there’s no proof of your accomplishments. Nobody will know what you’re capable of or if you’re worth hiring or commissioning.

So, unless you’re ghostwriting for a hefty payment, make sure all your writing comes with a byline. Otherwise, there’s no point in publishing in a magazine or blog that isn’t your own.

Should you have a byline in your own blog?

Depends on your personal taste.

In any case, on your own website, you should make it perfectly clear that whatever is written comes from you or has your approval. Basically, you are responsible and accountable for everything that is published on your website.

For example, in Neil Patel’s blog, even though there’s no byline, it is abundantly clear that it is indeed his website. His images are splashed all over the site. His face is basically the brand of his business. No matter who is writing these blog posts, it’s Neil’s words.

Personally, I like having a byline on The Side Blogger . This also allows me to commission other writers or have guest bloggers from time to time and they all publish under their own bylines. So, having a consistent design across the site where you always see the author’s name in every single article is useful.

Now, let’s talk about author bios.

What is an author bio?

The image below shows the author bio of Si Quan Ong who writes on Ahrefs blog .

In blogs or online magazines and news outlets, you may see the author bio in a few different ways:

• In a website, an author bio may not appear alongside the article. But, the byline may be hyperlinked with the author’s bio page (as in, when you click the author’s name, it takes you to a separate page that has the author’s bio and a list of articles they have published on that website.)
• A website may have the author’s bio alongside their article(s) on the same page. It may appear in the sidebar or under the article.
• Some websites have an author page that lists all the articles published by that author on that website, but no bio.
• Some other websites have the byline only and no bio or author page.

Do you need an author bio?

Author bios are typically built into the website’s larger system. Some websites have them. Others don’t. And they’re not nearly as important as a byline. Even if you do not have a bio, your byline proves your authorship of a piece of writing.

To give you an example, I’ve written several pieces for Splice Today and my author page simply includes a list of articles and no bio. But that’s fine. That’s how all of their author pages look like and I don’t care whether or not they include my bio.

But, if a website has author bios built into their system, then they’ll ask you for one. And when they do, you must provide it. And since it’ll be on that website, you better do a good job and not send over a sloppy paragraph, right?

Author bio specifications

All websites have their own specifications for author bios, and they’ll let you know what these are. If you’re writing for a website and they have author bios (do a little research before you pitch them or send over a piece of writing) and they haven’t given you specs, then feel free to ask for these.

Typical specifications include:

• Whether or not you’ll need to give them a profile photo, and if so, what are the required dimensions?
• Is there a minimum and/or maximum word/character count?

How to write an author bio

There’s no rule for writing author bios and it depends entirely on what you’re trying to achieve.

As I said earlier, the byline is the most important thing for a writer; the bio is a sweet extra.

What to include in an author bio:

I’ve seen writers include one or more of the following in their author bios.

• Personal details (pronouns, sexuality, BIPOC denomination, or whatever establishes their identity, personality, background, etc.)
• Past publications
• Author’s social media and/or website
• Author’s location (it doesn’t have to be specific, just the state/province or even just the country is fine.)

Author bio examples

Let’s look at a few author bio examples, shall we?

A mini resume

Often, SaaS, UX, and content writers will use their bio as a mini resume and they’ll list what they do, where their expertise lie, and a link to their website or a larger portfolio. This way, potential employers or anyone interested in hiring a writer with similar skill sets can get in touch with the author.

Below you’ll see an example of an author bio from Hubspot . I like it because it’s short but gets to the point quickly — introduces who Stephanie Trovato is and who she’s worked with to establish her expertise — all business, no play but that’s perfect for these short bios.

Stephanie is a content marketing expert with a passion for connecting the dots of strategy and content. She has worked with industry leaders including HubSpot, Oracle, Travel + Leisure, and Forbes.

You’re not only your job title

Krystina Martinez’s author bio on Zapier is a mix of business and fun facts about herself. I like this one a lot! It doesn’t have a link to her website or a long list of past clients, but maybe that’s not necessary? I mean, but the sound of it, she has a J.O.B. as a content writer at Zapier, so maybe the bio is just a nice touch here and not so much a tool for prospecting new clients or employers.

Krystina Martinez is a writer on Zapier’s content marketing team, based in Dallas, Texas. When she’s not working, you can find her sewing, exercising, or watching anime and gymnastics.

The braggart

If you have names like the New York Times and the New Yorker on your resume, wouldn’t you want to boast too? That’s what Hala Alyan has done in Guernica .

Hala Alyan is a Palestinian American writer and clinical psychologist whose work has appeared in The New Yorker, The New York Times, POETRY, and elsewhere. Her poetry collections have won the Arab American Book Award and the Crab Orchard Series, and her debut novel, Salt Houses, won the Dayton Literary Peace Prize. Her latest novel, The Arsonists’ City, was a finalist for the 2022 Aspen Words Literary Prize. Her forthcoming collection of poetry, The Moon That Turns You Back, will be published by Ecco.

Vainglory is not mandatory

In the end, nobody really cares about your author bio… except maybe you.

Let me remind you once again: your byline is more important than your author bio. If you want to brag about your long list of accomplishments in that tiny paragraph or two, you’re really just tickling your own ego… which is totally fine, by the way. I mean, when I’ve published in Guernica or Granta or the Paris Review , you bet I’ll be listing those names off on all of my bios whether or not other people give a damn! ‘Cause I do, dammit!

My point is, if you don’t care about listing off your past publications, that’s totally fine. The author bio has neither made nor dismantled anybody’s writing career as far as I know.

Here’s a modest author bio of Doug Crandell from The Sun magazine even though he has plenty to brag about.

Doug Crandell has fallen in love with fall crocuses. He plants the bulbs on a little farm in Douglasville, Georgia.

A few tips for author bios

Earlier I said an author bio neither makes nor breaks a career. I stand by it.

However, I also kinda sorta implied that nobody cares about your bio except for you.

Well, that may not be so true, after all.

Here’s why I’m contradicting myself: The only times I care to read an author bio is when I’ve been really impressed by a certain piece of writing. As a reader, I become interested in the person behind the words, so I click the byline and try to find out more about the author.

So, it may be that while bios are not as important for building a career as a byline, they’re still a great way to build connections with readers.

The publishing world looks very different these days, thanks to social media. If you have your own following, you can market your work more effectively, on your own, without having to rely on a third-party PR team. So, a bio could very well be a place where you try to woo your readers into following you or learning more about you.

A crafty writer may convince a reader to buy their books, or follow them on social, or sign up for their newsletter just by flirting their way through that teeny-tiny author bio!

So, brag away if you want to, or use humor to charm your reader, or do both! It’s up to you how to want to engage your readers, after all.

And finally, know that you can craft a bio based on where your writing appears.

For example, this is what my bio looks like on this website: a mix of business and some personal details:

Maliha (they/she) is a writer, blogger, editor, and content marketer. They’re the owner of  The Side Blogger , a Canva Verified Expert, and a confident procrastinator at large.

But I have a totally different bio on Porter House Review where I published a short personal essay last year. Here I wrote whatever I wanted, really. I didn’t even mention anything about content marketing or blogging because, in an author bio for a literary magazine where I published creative nonfiction, these qualifications are unnecessary.

Maliha is an electrical engineer and writer of essays and short stories. She lives in sunny Colorado despite a mild sun allergy, spends way too much time walking around aimlessly or reading in libraries or drinking chai in coffee shops, and has a thing for analog cameras, especially Polaroids.

That is all.

I hope this post helps you understand the difference between an author byline (literally a line in a piece of writing with the author’s name in it) and an author bio (a mini-biography of one or two paragraphs at most) and gives you enough ideas to draw from when you’re writing your own bio.

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• Writing Tips

What Are Bylines? (And How to Write One)

• By  Lynn Godson
• Nov 03, 2023
• Freelance Tips

Share this article:

If you write blog posts, articles, or news stories, you’re likely to come across the term byline . For a freelance writer, a byline is a way to take full credit for your work, get your name out there, and add to your portfolio .

But what is a byline, exactly?

This blog post will explain exactly what a byline is, why you need one, and how to write one.

What Is a Byline?

A byline is a line that tells readers who has written a piece of content (such as a blog post or article). At the very least, it comprises the author’s name, but a great byline can contain much more than that. Some bylines are more like mini-bios and may include a summary of the author’s background, a photograph, and contact information.

What Are the Benefits of Bylines?

As a freelance writer, it can be difficult to get your work noticed, but a byline can really help.

Your byline not only tells readers that you wrote a particular piece of content; it also gives them an insight into your areas of expertise . It allows you to establish credibility in that area and, in turn, develop a readership who trust your opinions.

Your byline also actively associates you with the brands and publications you write for. If that brand or publication is trusted, you are more likely to be trusted – so it’s a great way to boost your reputation. You are more likely to reach an audience of people who are interested in your particular area of expertise (whether that’s readers or potential clients). All of this can increase demand for what you do and the services you offer. Just keep in mind that readers tend to attribute the values of a publication to its writers, so take care that you do actually want to be associated with their values!

Finally, bylines help you build your portfolio. When seeking new writing opportunities, you need to be able to share examples of your work with potential clients. Clients want reassurance that you have the right knowledge and experience to deliver on their brief . Examples of previous work are the best way to showcase your skills and provide that reassurance.

How to Write a Byline

Whether you’re new to freelance writing or have plenty of experience, it’s important to get your byline right. Here are our top tips:

• Keep your byline to two or three sentences.
• Use around 50 words.
• Include a high-quality image that shows your confident, warm, and authoritative self.
• Emphasis your expertise but don’t try to sell your services.
• Show your personality or add in a fun fact, if it seems appropriate for the publication.
• Link to an incentive from your service or product range, such as a free template, course, or recipe.
• Link to a landing page for your blog or your website.
• Tailor your byline to each publication. Relevance is key.

It’s important to keep your byline short and punchy. People come to your article primarily because they want to read your content and learn from your expertise. Getting to know a little about you as the author is a great add-on, but it’s not their priority. So, what you say in your byline needs to be impactful.

Use strong words, such as “effective,” “reputation,” “specialist,” and “mission.” If you’re writing for an informal publication, add in adjectives that show your lighter side. There are thousands of dull bylines out there already. Don’t add to their number!

Focus carefully on the type of publication you’re writing for. A byline for a financial journal will contain very different vocabulary than a byline for a blog on life hacks for busy parents or for a magazine on classic motorcycles.

Your choice of photo is another means of influencing your readers toward seeking out more of your writing. If their first impression of you is confident, they’re more likely to have confidence in what you say.

Your byline is a great opportunity to direct readers to more of your content, so add in your website’s homepage or blog landing page, with an incentive if that’s appropriate. Your byline can really help you to build a following for your freelance writing.

Three Byline Examples

Our first example, from US Today , just gives the writer’s name, as is common in newspapers, whether online or in print.

The next example, from The Guardian , gives the writer’s name and a photo. The author’s name is a clickable link, which directs the reader to a portfolio of the author’s previous work for the publication.

This example, from the online version of the UK’s Motorcycle News , gives information about the writer’s role and his relevant interests. Much like the example above, the author’s name is a clickable link that takes the reader to a more in-depth bio, examples of previous work, and contact details.

Becoming a Freelance Writer

A good byline is the writer’s equivalent of a business card. We hope that, after reading our blog post, you’re ready to write your own!

If freelance writing is your dream career, let our Becoming A Freelance Writer course inspire you to realize that dream! The course covers everything you need to know to go from amateur wordsmith to full-fledged professional. Why not give it a go for free?

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University Library, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

Newspapers and Magazines as Primary Sources

• Introduction to Newspapers and Magazines

Introduction

Example of a newspaper article, example magazine article, exercise for step 1.

• Step 2: Page
• Step 3: Issue
• Step 4: Further Research
• Return to HPNL Website

Ask a Librarian

When working with newspapers and magazines, you will likely begin with an article, especially if you are using digitized newspaper and magazine collections, article indexes, or footnote tracking as strategies for discovering primary sources.

All newspaper and magazine articles have authors, but the authors are not always identified. Many articles are unsigned, by which we mean the author remains anonymous. The part of a newspaper article that identifies the author or authors is called the byline , which you can see in the example below. In a newspaper article, the byline will sometimes include the author's affiliation (does he or she work for the newspaper itself, or is he or she a reporter for a newswire service like the Associated Press?) and sometimes even the author's job title (e.g. Crime Reporter). If there is a byline, it can appear in different places--beneath the headline, or sometimes at the end of the article itself.

There is no special name for the part of a magazine article that identifies its author, but as with newspapers, many magazine articles are unsigned. If the article is signed, the author's name can appear beneath the title, or at the end of the article. Unsigned articles have been conventional throughout the history of journalism, though less so after the 19th century. In Britain, the number of unsigned magazine articles written by now-famous authors was so great, that scholars in the 20th century tried to provide attribution for as many of these unsigned articles as possible. The results of their work can be consulted in the Wellesley Index to Victorian Periodicals .

Magazine articles often have titles, but not always. Sometimes, especially if the article forms part of a special section, it will be untitled.

Newspaper articles technically do not have titles, but headlines . Headlines and titles serve similar functions, but a headline is really one or more line of display type intended to capture the reader's attention. One reason to understand that headlines are not the same as titles is that a newspaper article reprinted from a newswire service like the Associated Press will often have completely different headlines, depending on the newspaper in which it is printed. The headline chosen for such an article can sometimes reveal information about the newspaper's editorial stance.

Finally, a newspaper article will often have a dateline . An article's dateline is the part of the article that identifies the location from which the reporter filed the article. It can also refer to the date the article was filed with the newspaper, but the word primarily refers to the location. Not every article will carry a dateline, but if it does, you can use that information to decide how near the author was to the event he or she is reporting. For example, in the newspaper article below, we might interpret the reporter's information differently if the article carried a London or New York dateline.

Image credit: Chicago Daily Tribune , Sept. 28, 1922, p. 1.

Image credit: English Review , Oct., 1922, p. 353.

For the first part of this tutorial, you will examine two articles from one of the two groups below.

Group A (Great Migration)

For a brief overview of the Great Migration, see the article " Great Migration " in Africana: The Encyclopedia of the African and African American Experience , Second Edition.

Group B (Jack the Ripper)

Questions to answer about your article.

• Does the article have a headline or a title? If so, then transcribe the headline or the title.
• Does the article have a byline or author? If so, then transcribe the byline or author.
• Does the article have a dateline? If so, then transcribe the dateline.
• What kind of article is this? (E.g. national news, state news, local news, investigation, feature, fiction, poetry, column, editorial, letter?)
• What news, if any, is being reported here? For this step you must separate out the factual information from the opinions expressed. By factual information we mean information capable of being verified, not necessarily information that is true. For example, the statement "Barack Obama is the 30th President of the United States" is a factual statement, though not a true one. (He is the 44th President.) [What other kinds of historical records might you consult to verify the factual information presented in the article? (is that too much?)]
• What opinion, if any, is being reported here? Distinguish between the author's opinions, and opinions that are being reported as news (for example, expert opinion).
• Can you identify any recognizable point-of-view? If so, then how would you characterize the point-of-view?
• How would you characterize the intended audience?
• Other salient features of the article? Illustrated? Length of the article? Average sentence length? Diction? Syntax? Other stylistic features?
• Can you determine the article's purpose? (E.g. to entertain, to enlighten, to inform decision-making, to persuade, to please, to mislead or deceive, to comply with the law, to record for posterity?)
• << Previous: Introduction to Newspapers and Magazines
• Next: Step 2: Page >>
• Last Updated: Jan 4, 2023 2:21 PM
• URL: https://guides.library.illinois.edu/periodicals

Oxford University Press's Academic Insights for the Thinking World

How to write a byline

Dangerous Crooked Scoundrels

• By Edwin L. Battistella
• October 9 th 2020

A while back, I wrote a post on how to write a biography , with some tips for long-form writing about historical and public figures. However, that’s not the only kind of biographical writing you might be called upon to do. You might need to write about yourself.

Many people are comfortable writing a personal bio of about two hundred words, but it can be surprisingly tricky to write a short byline for use in a newspaper, magazine, web article, or announcement for a talk. Here are a few tips.

Keep it short: The challenge of a byline is not just what to say but what to leave out. We’ve all suffered though dreary introductions that go on way too long. A byline is not a résumé. More is not always better.

Be yourself, but without the boring parts and with some sass: When I teach writing for publication, I ask students to craft a handful of 12-15 word bylines on the first day. Here are some examples, where writers both exhibit personality and give readers something to ponder.

Aurora loves jogging, juggling, and haggling, not necessarily in that order. Joni plans a career in publishing once she is finished staring into the abyss. Brian is trying not to say “um” any more than is absolutely necessary. Cassidy is an incredibly sleep-deprived Pisces with a mild Twitter addiction. Readers can identify with these personal characteristics.

Build credibility indirectly: So-and-so “is the award-winning author of” is fine for some audiences, but often an interesting personal detail is a more engaging way to build your credibility. You can paint a picture:

Jasper Fforde recently traded a varied career in the film industry for vacantly staring out the window and arranging words on a page.

You can offer authority and authenticity, as these two mystery/thriller writers do:

John Straley, a criminal investigator for the state of Alaska, lives in Sitka, with his son and wife, a marine biologist who studies whales. April Henry knows how to kill you in a two-dozen different ways. She makes up for a peaceful childhood in an intact home by killing off fictional characters.

Consider the audience and occasion: You can—and you should—tailor your byline for particular audiences. What aspect of your background can you emphasize to make a connection to your audience? When I include that I’m from central New Jersey or that I own more dictionaries than anyone needs, I almost always get a reaction.

Use a byline to keep your focus: When you begin a piece of writing, consider writing a byline as your first step. The byline establishes a persona and defines your voice in the piece.

A student of mine, writing on the ways that millennials are revitalizing the plant industry, started with this byline, which gave her a voice to navigate the botany and economics of her topic.

Laura Becker is a tail-end millennial from California and currently resides in Oregon. She enjoys reading, spending time with her fur baby Ponyo, and watering her plants. When she isn’t doing one of those things, she can be found browsing Etsy or Amazon for her next plant.

When in doubt: If you are s tuck on a byline, make a list of your favorite things to do, places to go, or things to eat. Look through some old photos or memorabilia, or through your closet.

Browse your bookshelves to borrow from other writers. Here’s one from poet Zeke Hudson, that I really wish I had thought of:

Zeke Hudson is… he’s uh… well, he’s usually much better at writing bios. This one’s a real clunker. You can see some of his better bios in Wend Poetry, Nightblock, and Banango Street , or in his chapbook from Thrush Press . Sorry everyone.

What’s your twelve-word byline?

Featured image by Rishabh Sharma via Unsplash

As an undergraduate,  Edwin Battistella was the world's worst Russian major. Linguistics came along just in time. His books include  Bad Language: Are Some Words Better than Others? ,  Sorry About That: The Language of Public Apology ,  and   Dangerous Crooked Scoundrels: Insulting the President, from Washington to Trump .

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Quite interesting! Useful instructions.

Thank you so much for the amazing insights that you have shared with us, indeed the tips that you shared are quite unique and amazing will surely share this with my friends and family as well.

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How to Write Bylines that are as Captivating as they are Memorable

We find bylines in newspapers, articles, and online, so it’s no wonder you want to write one yourself. Not sure how? Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered.

Here’s everything you need to know.

What Are Bylines?

Before we check out a byline example, it’s important to answer your burning question: “what is a byline?”

A byline is a snippet that tells readers more about the author by including their contact details and a link to their work. It’s important not to get them confused with an author’s bio, so don’t look towards author bio examples or author bio samples for inspiration.

How to Write Bylines

Whether it’s a newspaper or article byline there is an art to producing brilliant short bios and bylines. For instance:

Look at Examples

Bylines are distinct from the headline and body copy. Even though it’s set apart you don’t need a prominent design element to emphasize it like putting the text into a box.

Several examples include:

* By Sarah Smith * Written by Sarah Smith * Sarah Smith, Political Correspondent

This will be displayed at the top of an article alongside the date and their contact details.

First or Third Person?

You can choose whether you want to write in the first or third person. Pick the first person if you want to come across as down-to-earth and friendly. This is fantastic if you write most of your own content as it makes you appear more approachable.

Using third-person turns you into an authority in your field, fantastic if you want to come across more professional.

Add Your Credentials

Bylines run into author bios, so you may be asked to include examples of your credentials, like:

* Education * Previous publications (three to five most prestigious) * Professional writing experience * Awards or fellowships * Where you live

You should also include links to your website, blog, and social media channels. But, it’s important to note, that if you’re a freelancer or not on staff with the publication then you may not need to link your outside work.

But Don’t Brag

Even though it’s tempting to reel off your many accomplishments, be mindful of what you include. Only include achievements that readers would see as beneficial to them because they’re the target audience .

People Do Business With People

Your byline and author bio should make you sound like a human which is the best way to engage with your audience. Always be yourself, human, and relatable.

Final Thoughts on Bylines

As a writer, it’s essential to include bylines to your articles, web content, or if you’ve been published in a newspaper. Remember not to confuse bylines with author bios, as bylines merely state your name, occupation, and your social media handles.

If you’re expected to craft an author bio, keep it engaging, humble, and human to help your article gain traction. Happy writing!

Did you find this article helpful? If so, check out more of our articles on Career and Education.

I agree with all these tips. It is so important in my opinion to be humble about any article you publish.

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Home About News values and principles Telling the Story

Telling the Story

Journalists at The Associated Press utilize a set of standards and practices that safeguards AP stories from bias and inaccuracies.

AP’s audio content always must be accurate. We do not alter or manipulate newsmaker actuality in any way, except as provided below:

With the permission of a manager, overly long pauses by news subjects may be shortened.

To make sound clearer, the AP does permit the use of subtle, standard audio processing methods: normalization of levels, general volume adjustments, equalization and reduction of extraneous sounds such as telephone line noise. AP permits fading in and out of the start and end of sound bites. However, the use of these methods must not conceal, obscure, remove or otherwise alter the content of the audio.

Bleeping is allowed, with a manager’s permission, to cover obscenities when there is no option but to use a piece of audio containing an obscenity. An employee with questions about the use of such methods or the AP’s requirements and limitations on audio editing should contact the desk supervisor prior to the transmission of any audio.

We don’t use sound effects or substitute video or audio from one event to another. We do not “cheat” sound by adding audio to embellish or fabricate an event. A senior editor must be consulted prior to the introduction of any neutral sound (ambient sound that does not affect the editorial meaning but corrects a technical fault).

Voice reports by AP correspondents may be edited to remove pauses or stumbles.

AUDIO & VIDEO

The AP does permit the use of the subtle, standard audio processing methods of normalization of levels, general volume adjustments, equalization to make the sound clearer, noise reduction to reduce extraneous sounds such as telephone line noise, and fading in and out of the start and end of sound bites _ provided the use of these methods does not conceal, obscure, remove or otherwise alter the content, or any portion of the content, of the audio. When an employee has questions about the use of such methods or the AP’s requirements and limitations on audio editing, he or she should contact the desk supervisor prior to the transmission of any audio.

We use only authoritative sources. We do not project, surmise or estimate in a graphic. We create work only from what we know. Except as authorized by a manager, we do not use graphics provided by others for which we lack the underlying data. We create charts at visually proper perspectives to give an accurate representation of data. The information must be clear and concise. We do not skew or alter data to fit a visual need. We credit our sources on every interactive and graphic, including graphics for which AP journalists have created the database.

CHARTING RESOLUTION

Line charts are great for tracking trends. In this case, the value axis does not have to start at zero. However there are some rules. Your chart should be balanced within the middle of the chart and don’t omit time periods. Keep the time intervals even.

AVOID DISTORTION

AP images must always be accurate. We do not alter or digitally manipulate the content of a photo or video except as stated below.

We avoid the use of generic photos or video that could be mistaken for imagery photographed for the specific story at hand, or that could unfairly link people in the images to illicit activity. No element should be digitally altered except as described below.

Minor adjustments to photos are acceptable. These include cropping, dodging and burning, conversion into grayscale, elimination of dust on camera sensors and scratches on scanned negatives or scanned prints and normal toning and color adjustments. These should be limited to those minimally necessary for clear and accurate reproduction and that restore the authentic nature of the photograph. Changes in density, contrast, color and saturation levels that substantially alter the original scene are not acceptable. Backgrounds should not be digitally blurred or eliminated by burning down or by aggressive toning. The removal of “red eye” from photographs is not permissible.

Employees with questions about the use of such methods or the AP’s requirements and limitations on photo editing should contact a senior photo editor prior to the transmission of any image.

For video, the AP permits the use of subtle, standard methods of improving technical quality, such as adjusting video and audio levels, color correcting due to white balance, eliminating buzzing, hums, clicks, pops, or overly long pauses or other technical faults, and equalization of audio to make the sound clearer _ provided the use of these methods does not conceal, obscure, remove or otherwise alter the content of the image.

Video can produced with titles and logos, the images toned and the audio quality improved.

When editing audio within a video, generally the specific audio associated with each video shot must be used without alteration. However in cases where music is the principal ambient sound – e.g. when the video portrays a marching band or an orchestra playing – audio may be laid unbroken and video images edited over the top, provided the video was shot contemporaneously and the meaning of the scene is not altered.

Photo-based graphics,  including those for television, often involve combining various photographic elements, which may mean altering portions of each photograph. The background of a photograph, for example, may be removed to leave the headshot of the newsmaker. This may then be combined with a logo representing the person’s company or industry, and the two elements may be layered over a neutral background.

Such compositions must not misrepresent the facts and must not result in an image that looks like a photograph – it must clearly be a graphic.

Similarly, when we alter photos to use as graphics online, we retain the integrity of the image, limiting the changes to cropping, masking and adding elements like logos.

An AP staffer who reports and writes a story must use original content, language and phrasing. We do not plagiarize, meaning that we do not take the work of others and pass it off as our own.

When we match a report that a news outlet was first with due to significant reporting effort, we should mention that the other outlet first reported it. At the same time, it is common for AP staffers to include in their work passages from previous AP stories by other writers – generally background, or boilerplate.

This is acceptable if the passages are short. Regardless, the reporter writing the story is responsible for the factual and contextual accuracy of the material. Also, the AP often has the right to use material from its members and subscribers; as with material from other news media, we credit it. Unless we are clearly retransmitting in full a story by a member outlet, we do not transmit stories in their original form; we rewrite them, so that the approach, content, structure and length meet our requirements and reflect the broader audience we serve.

Under no circumstances can news releases be published in their original form; we can use information, quotes and properly cleared images from releases, but we must judge the material’s credibility, augment it with information from other sources, and then prepare our own stories, with the release material duly credited.

For video, if another broadcaster’s material is required and distributed, we advise the name of that broadcaster on the accompanying shot list. Pickups of audio and of television graphics are credited in billboards/captions when the source requests it.

VIDEO & BROADCAST

For video, if another broadcaster’s material is required and distributed, the name of that broadcaster shall be advised on the accompanying shotlist.

Pickups of audio and of television graphics are credited in billboards/captions when the member requests it.

We must make significant efforts to reach anyone who may be portrayed in a negative way in our content, and we must give them a reasonable amount of time to get back to us before we send our reports. What is “reasonable” may depend on the urgency and competitiveness of the story. If we don’t reach the parties involved, we must explain in the story what efforts were made to do so.

Transparency is critical to our credibility with the public and our subscribers. Whenever possible, we pursue information on the record. When a newsmaker insists on background or off-the-record ground rules, we must adhere to a strict set of guidelines, enforced by AP news managers.

 Under AP’s rules, material from anonymous sources may be used only if:

• The material is information and not opinion or speculation, and is vital to the report.
• The information is not available except under the conditions of anonymity imposed by the source.
• The source is reliable, and in a position to have direct knowledge of the information.

Reporters who intend to use material from anonymous sources must get approval from their news manager before sending the story to the desk. The manager is responsible for vetting the material and making sure it meets AP guidelines. The manager must know the identity of the source, and is obligated, like the reporter, to keep the source’s identity confidential. Only after they are assured that the source material has been vetted by a manager should editors and producers allow it to be used.

Reporters should proceed with interviews on the assumption they are on the record. If the source wants to set conditions, these should be negotiated at the start of the interview. At the end of the interview, the reporter should try once again to move onto the record some or all of the information that was given on a background basis.

The AP routinely seeks and requires more than one source when sourcing is anonymous. Stories should be held while attempts are made to reach additional sources for confirmation or elaboration. In rare cases, one source will be sufficient – when material comes from an authoritative figure who provides information so detailed that there is no question of its accuracy.

We must explain in the story why the source requested anonymity. And, when it’s relevant, we must describe the source’s motive for disclosing the information. If the story hinges on documents, as opposed to interviews, the reporter must describe how the documents were obtained, at least to the extent possible.

The story also must provide attribution that establishes the source’s credibility; simply quoting “a source” is not allowed. We should be as descriptive as possible: “according to top White House aides” or “a senior official in the British Foreign Office.” The description of a source must never be altered without consulting the reporter.

We must not say that a person declined comment when that person the person is already quoted anonymously. And we should not attribute information to anonymous sources when it is obvious or well known. We should just state the information as fact.

Stories that use anonymous sources must carry a reporter’s byline. If a reporter other than the bylined staffer contributes anonymous material to a story, that reporter should be given credit as a contributor to the story.

All complaints and questions about the authenticity or veracity of anonymous material – from inside or outside the AP – must be promptly brought to the news manager’s attention.

Not everyone understands “off the record” or “on background” to mean the same things. Before any interview in which any degree of anonymity is expected, there should be a discussion in which the ground rules are set explicitly.

These are the AP’s definitions:

On the record. The information can be used with no caveats, quoting the source by name.

Off the record. The information cannot be used for publication. Background. The information can be published but only under conditions negotiated with the source. Generally, the sources do not want their names published but will agree to a description of their position. AP reporters should object vigorously when a source wants to brief a group of reporters on background and try to persuade the source to put the briefing on the record.

Deep background. The information can be used but without attribution. The source does not want to be identified in any way, even on condition of anonymity.

In general, information obtained under any of these circumstances can be pursued with other sources to be placed on the record.

ANONYMOUS SOURCES IN MATERIAL FROM OTHER NEWS SOURCES

Reports from other news organizations based on anonymous sources require the most careful scrutiny when we consider them for our report.

AP’s basic rules for anonymous source material apply to material from other news outlets just as they do in our own reporting: The material must be factual and obtainable no other way. The story must be truly significant and newsworthy. Use of anonymous material must be authorized by a manager. The story we produce must be balanced, and comment must be sought.

Further, before picking up such a story we must make a bona fide effort to get it on the record, or, at a minimum, confirm it through our own reporting. We shouldn’t hesitate to hold the story if we have any doubts. If another outlet’s anonymous material is ultimately used, it must be attributed to the originating news organization and note its description of the source.

ATTRIBUTION

Anything in the AP news report that could reasonably be disputed should be attributed. We should give the full name of a source and as much information as needed to identify the source and explain why the person s credible. Where appropriate, include a source’s age; title; name of company, organization or government department; and hometown. If we quote someone from a written document – a report, email or news release — we should say so. Information taken from the internet must be vetted according to our standards of accuracy and attributed to the original source. File, library or archive photos, audio or videos must be identified as such. For lengthy stories, attribution can be contained in an extended editor’s note detailing interviews, research and methodology.

Quotes must not be taken out of context. We do not alter quotations, even to correct grammatical errors or word usage. If a quotation is flawed because of grammar or lack of clarity, it may be paraphrased in a way that is completely true to the original quote. If a quote’s meaning is too murky to be paraphrased accurately, it should not be used. Ellipses should be used rarely and must not alter the speaker’s meaning.

 When relevant, stories should provide information about the setting in which a quotation was obtained – for example, a press conference, phone interview or hallway conversation with the reporter. The source’s affect and body language – perhaps a smile or deprecatory gesture – is sometimes as important as the quotation itself.

Use of regional dialects with nonstandard spellings should generally be limited to a writer’s effort to convey a special tone or sense of place. In this case, as in interviews with a people not speaking their native language, it is especially important that their ideas be accurately conveyed. Always, we must be careful not to mock the people we quote.

Quotes from one language to another must be translated faithfully. If appropriate, we should note the language spoken.

Internal editing of audio soundbites of newsmakers is not permitted. Shortened soundbites by cutaway or other video transition are permitted as long as the speaker’s meaning is not altered or misconstrued.

The video or audio editing of quotations or soundbites must not alter the speaker’s meaning. Internal editing of audio soundbites of newsmakers is not permitted. Shortened soundbites by cutaway or other video transition are permitted as long as the speaker’s meaning is not altered or misconstrued. Sound edits on videotape are permitted under certain circumstances, such as a technical failure. They must be done only after approval by a senior editorial manager.

ACCEPTABLE EDITOR’S NOTE EXAMPLE 1

BEGGING FOR ISLAM The account of Coli’s experience with the Islamic school is based largely on interviews with the boy himself. Much of the account was confirmed in multiple interviews with rescue workers, Coli’s mother, his brother and his former marabout. To report on Coli’s rescue and return home, an AP reporter and photographer visited the school and the shelter, accompanied Coli on the trip to Guinea- Bissau, and waited with him until his mother arrived.

ACCEPTABLE EDITOR’S NOTE EXAMPLE 2

Editor’s note — Pat Valdes’ criminal history comes from interviews with INS investigator David Fry, Border Patrol agent Rudy Valdez, other investigators, and prosecutors, as well as from interviews with and letters from Valdes. Details of the investigation come from those sources and from court records and trial testimony. Details of Roman Valdes’ 1999 and 2002 interrogations and of Pat Valdes’ 2002 arrest come from Border Patrol videotapes and interviews with agents. Scenes from Pat Valdes’ trial are from trial transcripts and interviews with a juror, investigators, and prosecutors Tom Roepke and Greg McDonald. Details of the truck drivers’ sentencing are from court transcripts, interviews with prosecutors, and the reporter’s observations.

ACCEPTABLE EDITOR’S NOTE EXAMPLE 3

In other cases, especially with state-by-state packages, we write a separate, extensive note on our methodology. This is an example:

SCHOOLHOUSE SEX ASSAULT Sexual assault on college campuses has made headlines for years, but The Associated Press sought to determine whether it also is a problem among younger students and, if so, to what extent.

There are no federal requirements for elementary and secondary schools to report such assaults and academic research aimed at quantifying the number of assaults at schools throughout the U.S. has been based only on sample surveys.

The AP sent queries to public education departments in every state and the District of Columbia for all available years of statistics on sexual assaults by students. Ultimately, AP compared states across a four-year period — academic years 2011-2012 through 2014-2015 — the time frame with the most consistent reporting.

AP counted only those cases that met the federal government’s definition of sexual assault — “any type of sexual contact or behavior that occurs without the explicit consent of the recipient” — including forced sexual intercourse or sodomy, fondling and attempted rape. Excluded were minor incidents that might have resulted from childish misunderstandings and overly broad categories like sexual harassment or bullying, which included non-physical incidents or did not specify instances of sexual assault.

The education data included sexual assaults by students that led to discipline, as well as those that did not, and reflected offenses that occurred on school property or at school-sponsored events.

Few states kept information on victims, but data from states that tracked both showed the vast majority of student sexual attacks were against other students.

For states with no education data, AP looked to the National Incident-Based Reporting System, a voluntary network of official crime reports from participating states. AP used the two most recent publicly available years of NIBRS data (2013-2014) and filtered it for incidents at schools, both public and private.

The incidents counted were limited to only those occurring at an elementary or secondary school involving sexual assault codes for rape, sodomy, penetration with an object or unwanted fondling. Cases of statutory rape and consensual underage sex were excluded.

Incidents were further limited to only those involving victims and perpetrators between five and 19, the age group most likely falling into the K-12 student body. Cases without a known perpetrator — or cases where either the perpetrator’s or victim’s age was not provided — were excluded.

While AP’s accounting of schoolhouse sexual assault is a first of its kind, the number surely is an undercount because of missing and inconsistent data and a lack of oversight by states or the federal government.

A dateline tells the reader where we obtained the basic information for a story. A byline tells the reader who wrote the story.

On short, un-bylined stories (routine speeches, game stories, announcements, etc.), the dateline generally should reflect where the story took place. However, when a story is longer, contains multiple elements, has analytical material or occurs at a place that is difficult for reporters to access, the dateline should be where the staffer covering the story is located.

When a datelined story contains supplementary information obtained in another location – say, when an official in Washington comments on a disaster elsewhere – we should note it in the story. The dateline for video, photos or audio must be the location where the events depicted actually occurred. For voice work, the dateline must be the location from which the reporter is speaking; if that is not possible, the reporter should not use a dateline. If a reporter covers a story in one location but does a live report from another location, the dateline is the filing point.

For text stories with datelines, bylines may be used only if the journalist was in the datelined location. If a reporter in the field works with another staffer and both deserve bylines, the name of the staffer in the field normally goes first and a tag line gives each staffer’s location. We give bylines in text stories to photographers, broadcast reporters and video journalists who provide information without which there would be no story.

For stories without datelines, the byline goes to the writer, with credit in a tag line o the reporters who contributed substantial information.

For staffers who do voice or on-camera work, we do not use pseudonyms or “air names.” Any exceptions – for instance, if a staffer has been known professionally by an air name for some time – must be approved by a manager.

The dateline for video or audio must be the location where the events depicted actually occurred. For voice work, the dateline must be the location from which the reporter is speaking; if that is not possible, the reporter should not use a dateline. If a reporter covers a story in one location but does a live report from a filing point in another location, the dateline is the filing point.

PHOTO AND BROADCAST

We give bylines to photographers, broadcast reporters and TV crew members who provide information without which there would be no story.

If multiple staffers report the story, the byline is the editor’s judgment call. In general, the byline should go to the staffer who reported the key facts. Or, one staffer can take the byline for one cycle, and another for the following cycle.

A double byline or editor’s note also can be used when more than one staffer makes a substantial contribution to the reporting or writing of a story. Credit lines recognize reporting contributions that are notable but don’t call for a double byline.

If either of the staffers with a double byline was not in the datelined location, we should say who was where in a note at the story’s end.

For roundups, the byline goes to the writer, with credit in an editor’s note to the reporters who contributed substantial information.

Regarding credits for staffers who do voice or on-camera work: We do not use pseudonyms or “air names.” Any exceptions – for instance, if a staffer has been known professionally by an air name for some time – must be approved by a manager.

Staffers must notify supervisory editors as soon as possible of serious errors or potential errors, whether in their work or that of a colleague. Every effort should be made to contact the staffer and supervisor before a correction is sent.

When we’re wrong, we must say so as soon as possible. When we make a correction, we point it out both to subscriber editors (e.g. in Editor’s notes, metadata, advisories to TV newsrooms) and in ways that news consumers can see it (bottom-of-story corrections, correction notes on graphics, photo captions, etc.)

A correction must always be labeled a correction. We do not use euphemisms such as “recasts,” “fixes,” “clarifies,” “minor edits” or “changes” when correcting a factual error.

When we correct an error from a previous day, we ask subscribers that used the erroneous information to carry the correction as well.

For live broadcasts, we correct errors in the same newscast if at all possible. If not, we make a correction in the next appropriate live segment. Audio correspondent reports that contain factual errors are eliminated and, when possible, replaced with corrected reports.

For corrections on live, online stories, we overwrite the previous version. We send separate corrective stories online as warranted.

For graphics, we clearly label a correction with a FIX logo or bug, and clearly identify the material that has been corrected.

For photos, we move a caption correction and retransmit the photo with a corrected caption, clearly labeled as a retransmission to correct an error.

For video, corrections in scripts and/or shotlists are sent to clients as an advisory and are labeled as such.

For live broadcasts, we correct errors in the same newscast if at all possible. If not, we make sure the corrected information is used in the next appropriate live segment.

Audio correspondent reports that contain factual errors are eliminated and, when possible, replaced with corrected reports.

Nothing in our news report – words, photos, graphics, sound or video – may be fabricated. We don’t use pseudonyms (except for established literary names or noms de guerre, which should be identified as such), composite characters or fictional names, ages, places or dates. We don’t stage or re-enact events for the camera or microphone. Virtual reality presentations must consist of real, unmanipulated imagery and sound.

We don’t stage or re-enact events for the camera or microphone, and we don’t use sound effects or substitute video or audio from one event to another. We do not “cheat” sound by adding audio to embellish or fabricate an event. A senior editor must be consulted prior to the introduction of any neutral sound (ambient sound that does not affect the editorial meaning but corrects a technical fault).

We generally do not identify, in text or images, those who say they have been sexually assaulted or subjected to extreme abuse. We may identify victims of sexual assault or extreme abuse when victims publicly identify themselves.

We generally do not identify minors who are accused of crimes or who are witnesses to them. Identification of such minors must be approved by a manager; it may depend on the severity of the alleged crime; whether police have formally released the juvenile’s name; and whether the juvenile has been formally charged as an adult. Other considerations might include public safety, such as when the youth is the subject of a manhunt; or widespread publication of the juvenile suspect’s name, making the identity de facto public knowledge.

AP resists being used as a conduit for speech or images that espouse hate or spread propaganda. When hate speech or images are the basis of a news story, it is often sufficient to briefly refer to the speech or images in a text story rather than carry the speech or propaganda at length or redistribute the images. A senior manager must vet any material showing hostages or conveying kidnappers’ statements or demands. Quoting from such materials should be kept to the minimum necessary to convey the story and must note that the hostage is speaking under duress.

We do not use obscenities, racial epithets or other offensive slurs in stories unless they are part of direct quotations and there is a compelling reason for them. We do not run imagery of such slurs; a manager must be consulted regarding any exceptions.

If a story cannot be told without reference to slurs, we must first try to find a way to give the reader a sense of what was said without using the specific word or phrase. If a profanity, obscenity or vulgarity is used, the content must be flagged at the top, advising editors of what the offensive material is.

Recognizing that standards differ around the world and from platform to platform, we tailor our advisories and selection of video and audio according to customer needs.

We do not refer readers to websites that are obscene, racist or otherwise offensive, and we must not directly link from stories to such sites.

We link our text content to the least offensive image necessary to tell the story. For photo galleries and interactive presentations we alert readers to the nature of the material in the link and on the opening page of the gallery or interactive.

A photo containing something that could be deemed offensive must carry an editor’s note flagging it.

When a piece of video or audio contains something that might be deemed offensive, we flag it in the written description (rundown, billboard and/or script) so clients know what they are getting. Recognizing that standards differ around the world, we tailor our advisories and selection of video and audio according to customer needs.

ACCEPTABLE This video clip moved with a “Clients Note” to call attention to the offensive language in the soundbite.

We take great care not to refer readers to Web sites that are obscene, racist or otherwise offensive, and we must not directly link our stories to such sites.

In our online service, we link the least offensive image necessary to tell the story. For photo galleries and interactive presentations we alert readers to the nature of the material in the link and on the opening page of the gallery or interactive. If an obscene image is necessary to tell the story, we blur the portion of the image considered offensive after approval of the department manager, and flag the video.

News Values and Principles

Introduction

For more than a century and a half, men and women of The Associated Press have had the privilege of bringing truth to the world.

Telling the story

Reporters at The Associated Press utilize a set of standards and practices that safeguards AP stories from bias and inaccuracies.

Conflicts of interest

AP employees must avoid behavior or activities that create a conflict of interest or compromise our ability to report the news accurately.

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How to Write an Article for a Newspaper: A Step-by-Step Guide

By: Author Paul Jenkins

Posted on June 15, 2023

Categories Writing

Newspaper articles are essential to journalism, providing readers with the latest news and information on various topics. Writing a newspaper article is not like writing any other informative article. It requires a specific format, style, and tone of voice.

If you are interested in writing a newspaper article, this article will provide you with a step-by-step guide on how to write an article for a newspaper.

Understanding Newspaper Articles:

Before you start writing a newspaper article, it is essential to understand the basic structure of a newspaper article. A newspaper article has a headline, byline, lead paragraph, body, and conclusion. Each section of a newspaper article serves a specific purpose, and knowing how to write each section effectively is essential. In addition, it is essential to understand the difference between a news article and an opinion piece, as they require different writing styles.

Preparing to Write:

Once you understand the structure and purpose of a newspaper article, it is time to prepare to write. This involves researching the topic, gathering information, and interviewing sources. It is essential to have at least two to three primary sources for your article and to contact them as far in advance as possible. This will make arranging interviews with them easier.

Key Takeaways

• Understanding the basic structure of a newspaper article is essential before writing one.
• Preparation is key when writing a newspaper article, including researching the topic and gathering information.
• Writing a newspaper article requires a specific format, style, and tone of voice; knowing the difference between a news article and an opinion piece is essential.

Understanding Newspaper Articles

Definition of newspaper articles.

Newspaper articles are written pieces of information reporting current events or issues. They are published in newspapers and are meant to inform readers about what is happening in the world around them.

The purpose of a newspaper article is to provide factual information in an objective and unbiased manner.

Newspaper articles are typically organized in a specific format, with a headline, a lead paragraph, and the body of the article. The headline is a short, attention-grabbing statement summarizing the article’s main point.

The lead paragraph, or lede, is the article’s opening paragraph, which provides the most important information and sets the tone for the rest of the article.

Types of Newspaper Articles

There are several newspaper articles, each with its purpose and style. Some common types of newspaper articles include:

• News articles: These articles report on current events and are meant to inform readers about what is happening around them. News articles are typically written in a straightforward, objective style.
• Feature articles: These articles are longer and more in-depth than news articles. They focus on a specific topic or issue and provide more background information and analysis. Feature articles are often written in a more narrative style and may include quotes from experts or people involved in the story.
• Opinion articles express the author’s opinion on a specific topic or issue. Columnists or editorial writers often write opinion articles to provide a perspective on the news.
• Reviews: These articles critically evaluate a book, movie, or other cultural product. Reviews are often written by critics and are meant to inform readers about the quality of the product.

In conclusion, understanding the different types of newspaper articles and their purpose is essential for writing a good article. By following a newspaper article’s basic structure and style, writers can effectively inform and engage readers with their stories.

Preparing to Write

Before starting to write a news article, one needs to prepare themselves. This section will cover the three essential sub-sections of preparing to write: researching the topic, identifying the target audience, and outlining the article.

Researching the Topic

The first step in preparing to write a news article is researching the topic. Journalists must gather information from primary and secondary sources to write a credible, well-structured article.

Primary sources are documents or objects created during the event or by someone with direct knowledge, such as interviews, letters, or audio recordings. Secondary sources analyze, interpret, or comment on primary sources, such as books, articles, and reviews.

When researching the topic, it is essential to identify the main points and background information. Journalists must present facts and avoid expressing personal opinions. They should also cite their sources and verify the accuracy of the information.

Identifying the Target Audience

The next step is identifying the target audience. Journalists need to know who their readers are to write an article that is relevant and interesting to them. They should consider the reader’s age, gender, education level, and interests.

For example, if the target audience is teenagers, the article should use simple words, short sentences, and examples that are relevant to their lives. If the target audience is professionals, the article should use technical terms and provide relevant details to their field.

Outlining the Article

The final step is outlining the article. The outline should include a headline, a lead paragraph, and subheadings. The headline should be catchy and summarize the article’s main point. The lead paragraph should provide background information and answer the story’s 5Ws and 1H (who, what, when, where, why, and how).

Subheadings should be used to break up the article into sections and make it easier to read. Each section should have a topic sentence that summarizes the section’s main point. Journalists should use complete sentences and avoid using jargon or technical terms that the reader may not understand.

In conclusion, preparing a news article is essential to writing a well-structured and credible article. Journalists should research the topic, identify the target audience, and outline the article to make it relevant and interesting to their readers.

Writing the Article

Crafting a news article for a newspaper requires a structured approach that ensures the article is informative, engaging, and easy to read. Writing involves crafting a lead paragraph, developing the body, and writing the conclusion.

Crafting the Lead Paragraph

The lead paragraph is the most critical part of a news story. It should grab the reader’s attention and summarize the article’s main points. A good lead paragraph should be concise, engaging, and informative. It should answer the questions of who, what, when, where, why, and how.

Journalists should start with a topic sentence summarizing the article’s main point to craft a good lead paragraph. They should then provide background information, using secondary sources to support their claims. The lead paragraph should be written in short, complete sentences that are easy to understand.

Developing the Body

The body of a news article should provide details, examples, and personal opinions that support the article’s main point. Journalists should use English effectively, choosing strong verbs and avoiding passive voice. They should also use citations to support their claims and avoid plagiarism.

To develop the body of a news article, journalists should start with a clear topic sentence that introduces the paragraph’s main point. They should then provide details and examples that support the topic sentence. Journalists should use short sentences and avoid using complex words that may confuse the reader.

Writing the Conclusion

The conclusion of a news article should summarize the article’s main points and provide a personal opinion or call to action. Journalists should use the conclusion to tie together the article’s main points and give the reader a clear understanding of the topic.

Journalists should start with a topic sentence summarizing the article’s main points to write a good conclusion. They should then provide a personal opinion or call to action that encourages the reader to take action or further research the topic. The conclusion should be written in short, complete sentences that are easy to understand.

In conclusion, writing a news article for a newspaper requires a structured approach that ensures the article is informative, engaging, and easy to read. Journalists can create articles that inform and engage readers by crafting a lead paragraph, developing the body, and writing the conclusion.

Polishing the Article

Editing and revising.

After completing the article’s first draft, editing and revising it to make it more polished is essential. Editing involves checking the article for spelling, grammar, and punctuation errors. The writer should also ensure that the article flows smoothly and that the sentences are clear and concise.

On the other hand, revising involves changing the article’s content. The writer should evaluate the article’s structure and organization and ensure it is easy to read and understand. They should also remove any repetitive or irrelevant information and focus on the essential points.

Fact-Checking and Citations

Fact-checking is an essential part of writing an article for a newspaper. The writer should ensure that all the information in the article is accurate and factual. They should also verify the sources of information to ensure that they are reliable and trustworthy.

Citations are also crucial in article writing. The writer should give credit to their sources of information by citing them appropriately. This adds credibility to the article and helps readers find the sources to read more about the topic.

When citing sources, the writer should follow the guidelines provided by the newspaper or publication. They should also use the correct citation style, such as APA or MLA.

In conclusion, polishing an article involves editing, revising, fact-checking, and citing sources. By following these steps, the writer can ensure that their article is well-written, accurate, and credible.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do you grab the reader’s attention in the first paragraph of a newspaper article.

The first paragraph of a news article is crucial because it sets the tone for the entire piece and determines whether the reader will continue reading.

To grab the reader’s attention, start with a strong lead summarizing the most important information engagingly. Use vivid language and descriptive details to create a sense of urgency and intrigue.

What are the essential elements of a news story?

A news story should include the five W’s: who, what, when, where, and why. It should also answer the H question: how. In addition, a news story should be objective, accurate, and timely. It should provide context and background information to help readers understand the significance of the events being reported.

How do you write a compelling headline for a newspaper article?

A good headline should be concise, informative, and attention-grabbing. It should accurately reflect the article’s content and entice the reader to want to learn more. Use active verbs and strong language to create a sense of urgency and importance. Avoid using puns or wordplay that might confuse or distract the reader.

What are some tips for conducting effective research for a newspaper article?

To conduct effective research for a news article, start by identifying reliable sources of information. These might include government websites, academic journals, and interviews with experts or eyewitnesses.

Be sure to fact-check all information and verify the credibility of your sources. Organize your notes and keep track of your sources to make it easier to write the article later.

How do you structure the body of a newspaper article?

The body of a newspaper article should be organized in a logical and easy-to-follow way. Start with the most important information and work down to the details.

Use short paragraphs and subheadings to break up the text and make it easier to read. Include quotes from sources to provide additional perspectives and insights.

What are some common mistakes to avoid when writing a newspaper article?

Some common mistakes to avoid when writing a news article include using biased language, making assumptions, and including irrelevant or inaccurate information. It’s important to remain objective and stick to the facts.

Avoid sensationalizing the story or injecting your opinions or biases into the article. Finally, proofread your work carefully for spelling, grammar, and punctuation errors.

What Exactly Are Bylines?

If you have browsed through articles on the History Unfolded website, you may have question about the field: Author/Byline

What does  Author/Byline mean? The byline gives the name of the author of the article. If there is a named author, you will usually find it directly below the article headline and sub-headline. For instance, in this Christian Scientist Monitor example below, Mary Hornaday wrote the article.

Refugee Board’s Aid Mainly Moral. The Christian Science Monitor. 1944-01-26

Authorless? Not quite.

Often, however, you will not see a named author. Why? One reason is that it was not common in the 1930s and 1940s for newspapers to identify the writer of each story. Another reason is because newspapers often subscribed to wire services to keep their readers informed about national and international events. Wire services like the Associated Press (AP), United Press (UP), or International News Service (INS) covered global stories and distributed them for newspapers to print. In some cases, a named author for one of these wire service organizations was listed. In many cases, only the wire service organization was listed. 

While local paper staff did not write these stories, they still typically wrote the headlines and sub-headlines.

If you cannot find a named author, look for a wire service byline. It usually appears after the location and date (see next image.) It is common to see wire service bylines simply written as “(AP)” or “(UP)” or “(JTA).”

200 Jews Reported Executed By Nazis. The Richmond (CA) Record-Herald. 1938-11-19

Other Author/Byline Resources

If you are interested in learning more about American newspapers during the time period, check out  “How Americans Got their News in the 1930s and 1940s” and “How to Read Newspapers from the 1930s and 1940s.”

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Using Bylines in Newsletter Design

A great byline promotes contributors to your newsletter

• Animation & Video

Common in newspapers and magazines , a byline credits the author or authors of the text of a story. They're a great way to highlight contributors to an important news article or opinion piece.

The credit for a photographer or illustrator is called a cutline and it associates with the specific visual asset, not with an article overall.

When to Use a Byline

The use or non-use of a byline depends on the publisher's editorial policy manual. In general, republished content for which the author owns the copyright — stuff in literary journals, for example, or guest op-ed pieces — generally always obtains a byline. Content that's considered work-for-hire may or may not obtain a byline; usually, if it's written by a staff member (as with a newspaper) it gets a byline, otherwise, it's up to the editor's discretion.

Usually, staff editorials — because they represent the entire publication — do not obtain a byline, even if a single person wrote it.

Newsletters from non-profit groups, schools and other community organizations usually always offer bylines. This practice not only promotes the writer but it reflects the community-oriented nature of the publication.

In terms of what qualifies: Generally, anything more substantive than a paragraph or two.

Different Byline Styles

Bylines generally appear in one of three ways:

• At the top of the story : Before the content begins, the cutline appears, usually separated by one or two blank lines before the story starts. Top-of-the-story cutlines generally only share data elements (name, title) without additional text or context.
• At the bottom of the story : At the conclusion of the story, a blank line or two separates the byline. In this format, bylines tend to be more comprehensive, potentially including contact information. Bottom-of-the-story bylines sometimes even render in complete sentences.
• As a cutout : Common for opinion columns, a cutout — often with a photo — serves as a visual insert into or beside the text of the content.

Bylines render the name or names of the contributors, at a minimum. Depending on the house style manual, they may also include a title (like "news writer") or organizational affiliation ("president, chamber of commerce"). They may or may not include a tag like "by" or "written by" or something similar.

Photos are more common with columnists and reviewers than with news writers, but individual editorial policy governs.

Best Practices for Developing Bylines

To make bylines stand out:

• Use consistent formatting : Place them in the same place relative to a story, every time, so readers understand at-a-glance where to discover the author's identity. Creating byline templates for your graphic-design program is a great way to do the same thing, every time.
• Use subtle but distinct typography : Using bold or italics judiciously, or using a sans-serif typeface, helps to distinguish the byline from the content.
• Align styles to cutlines : When the styles for bylines and cutlines are in sync, the overall visual appeal of the publication improves.

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How To Write An Author Bio: 7 High-Converting Byline Examples Turning Readers Into Leads

Discover the 7 components of an optimized bio with 7 high-converting author byline examples to show you exactly what to aim for.

Creating quality content is challenging.

You have to find a unique angle on an often well-covered topic. You have to research data to back it up. You have to create a compelling headline . You have to create curiosity in the opening, polish your grammar, get the tone right, yada yada … all this while fitting the piece into your brand’s or client’s overall content marketing strategy.

With all that work, it’s important that you are getting maximum value out of your content, whether it’s published on your website or a 3rd party publication.

One incredibly easy yet often overlooked way to increase the value of your content is to optimize your author bio.

There is actually quite a bit of value you can derive from your bio, and yet most marketers and writers simply throw something together and never think about it again. Such a waste!

Today, I’m going to highlight the 7 components of an optimized bio, with 7 high-converting bio and byline examples to show you exactly what to aim for.

Before we begin, let’s cover the basics.

How To Write An Author Bio and Byline Examples

A byline is a short paragraph that tells readers a little bit about the author and how to contact the author or read additional content by the author.

In most online content, the author bio can be seen at the end of the article.

Author bio of Aaron Orendorff from Fast Company.

As a general rule, you want to keep your bio to 2-3 sentences or 40-60 words. This gives you enough room to include the 7 components we’ll talk about today without creating a wall of text that scares off readers.

An author bio is sometimes confused with an author byline which is technically not the same thing.

An author byline is a line at the top of an article that names the author, usually lists the date, and occasionally includes additional information

Author byline example on Fast Company article by Aaron Orendorff.

Author bios and bylines have become much less distinct in the internet age, and on many websites, the two will be merged in some form or other. But in most cases, you will have the ability to create a distinct 2-3 sentence bio for yourself that shows up at the end of any article you write.

So let’s talk optimization. The following 7 components will help turn your author bios into legitimate lead generators for your business.

STEP #1: Say who you are and what you do

People who consume your content have got three big questions:

• Who  are you?
• What  do you do?
• Why  should I care?

Your bio should answer all three.

Nail them and they’ll be keen to find out more about you — and gladly follow you into the kingdom of your products and services. Most bios don’t address these essential queries. Some do but in a dry matter-of-fact-Wikipedia way. Think of your bio as an elevator pitch in two or three sentences.

Henneke Duistermaat gets hers right.

Henneke Duistermaat from Copyblogger. Source

She sums up who she is, what she does and who she does it for using an engaging style. Crucially, she tells readers the benefits of doing business with her. Because there’s something in it for them, her readers would want to check her out.

STEP #2: Establish your authority in the space

Authority is the tipping point of winning a hesitant prospect over or boosting your trust with clients.

Becoming a trusted voice in your space draws more prospects and causes your clients to stay with you longer. That’s why influencer marketing is the rage right now. Use your byline to underline your authority. Prove you’re worthy of a prospect’s business.

Here’s a great example from Ann Handley.

Author bio Ann Handley, Get Response blog.

Pixel after pixel, Ann proves her authority… Wall Street best seller, CCO, Entrepreneur columnist, keynote speaker. You may not have her star credentials but there’s always something to share.

Your vast experience maybe? An industry award? Or a mention by a notable publication?

Whatever it is, slip it in. Impress clients before you say a word. However, don’t shamelessly brag about everything you’ve ever done as Sammy Blindell points out in this post :

“Brand, don’t brag. It’s easy to compose a list of all your accomplishments — and it’s also a mistake. Use only those achievements that your ideal customers will see as beneficial to them, because this is about THEM. If you recently completed some extensive training in recognizing dog aggression, your financial planning audience isn’t going to care. In fact, they’ll probably turn away from your brand. However, if you were a keynote speaker and advisor for the annual International Financial Advisory Convention, that matters.”

Amen to that Sammy.

STEP #3: Include an image with some personality

I’m amazed how many content marketers miss the importance of a photo on social media profiles. It’s SOCIAL media for goodness sake — how can you socialize behind a silhouette? That’s like showing up at a party in a hood.

LinkedIn statistics  show having a profile photo can get you:

• 21x more profile views
• 9x more connection requests
• 36x more messages

The same applies to your content marketing, and yet many marketers use a photo that either looks like a mugshot or a shot where the cameraman said, “Say ‘professionalism'”. Ugh!

Want to boost your brand’s perceived competence, likeability and influence? Use a professional shot with some personality!

A great example comes from John Nemo.

John Nemo’s bio. Author of LinkedIn riches. Source

John’s shot exudes confidence, warmth and authority. Prospects are more likely to connect with him. And, oh, please smile. It makes you more likeable. To improve the quality of your photo use editing tools like Pixlr  and Fotor .

And then put your best face forward so people fall in love with you and your brand.

STEP #4: Inject your personality into the bio copy as well

When you really think about it, you and your competitors sell similar products.

The differentiator? Your unique personality . Personality, an aspect of authenticity, leads to higher ROI and appeal. Sadly, when people write business copy, they insist on sounding business like — whatever that means.

As a result, ho-hum bios abound.

People do business with people. So you better sound like a human. You’ll bond better with your audience and win more business. Jorden Roper reveals a glimpse of her personality very well.

Author bio of Jorden Roper from Clearvoice.

Jorden isn’t just a freelancer. She’s a fuschia-haired one that frolics with Chihuahuas. I have an inkling that, like her Chihuahuas, she’s:

Bold. Lively. Devoted.

In one fell swoop she humanizes and brands herself by talking about her pets. Let your hair down. Flee from high sounding nothing aka  corporate speak squeak.

Be yourself. Be human. Be relatable.

Then more people will desire to learn more about you and your products.

STEP #5: Include a lead magnet in your byline

Your conversion goal for your piece should extend to your byline. For better conversions, your offer should be related to the subject of your piece or at least relevant to the topic.

Discussed pitching? Offer readers a pitch template.

Enumerated on the benefits of content creation and management software? Offer readers a demo.

Talked about the health benefits of sex? Offer them hands-on private coaching sessions at the nearest hotel. Nah, bad idea. But I’m sure you get the hang of it.

Your bio is a great opportunity to attract direct leads from your reader base.

Here’s a great example from Beth Heyden.

Byline example Beth Hayden from Be a Better Blogger blog.

What the byline doesn’t show is how the offer is an extension of her piece. Here’s a snippet of one of her main points.

Excerpt from Be a Better Blogger post by Beth Hayden. Source

Her offer? A free report entitled ‘The Ultimate Guide to Creating a Warm Welcome Message.’ You’d almost feel dumb not to sign up for it since the report completes the piece. This way, her conversions are likely to soar.

Note the singularity of her offer. Countless content strategists overload their bylines with links which overwhelms readers and tanks conversions. Plus, by making one uncontested offer, eyeballs are instantly drawn to it.

STEP #6: Follow up your bio link with a landing page

Capitalize on the heavy lifting done by your content by linking to a landing page not your homepage.

People who read all the way down your content are potential red-hot prospects or brand loyalists in the making.

Don’t let their enthusiasm go poof — into cyberspace oblivion, without harnessing it. Reward them with something special, on a special page tailor-made for them.

Give them something cool and useful like:

• A super-relevant lead magnet
• A discount on your latest product
• A free beta version of your product
• A slot to win a prize in your competition

See how Jacob McMillen does it below. This byline example on a guest post:

Jacob McMillan author bio on the CrazyEgg blog.

Takes you straight to this landing page:

Landing page from Jacob McMillan author byline. Source

Notice how his CTA, the last words on his bio, are the first words on the landing page? This way the byline is perfectly coupled to the landing page thus increasing conversions. When a reader clicks his bio and lands on the landing page, she smoothly continues her conversion journey.

Harmony wins the day.

Step #7: Be very specific in everything you say

Your bio offers you a chance to position your brand favorably.

Be clear about what exactly  you do. You’ll generate more interest, attract higher quality leads and close more sales.

Next time I see a byline that reads ‘Andy Awesome is a marketer who resides at…’ I’ll organize an online march against dud bios. Dude, you ain’t saying nothing. They’re 271 bajillion marketers out there. Add a descriptive to specify what you do.

Only then will you stand a fighting chance of being heard above the me-too roar.

Lianna Patch stars in this regard.

Lilanna Patch author bio and byline example from Copyhackers. Source

Need help with email and landing pages? Then Lianna’s your girl. Her copy makes that crystal clear.

Brand yourself precisely. You’ll see an uptick in the number of prospects who approach you.

Finally, use your bio to boost your rankings for your target pages as Jacob McMillen explains:

“Bylines are a great place to link to a primary service page you are hoping to rank in search. It can be really challenging to rank service pages over blog posts, but including a back link to my main service page in every byline is one of the biggest reasons it’s ranking front page for 40+ key phrases.”

Conclusion: Get Every Ounce of Juice From Your Author Byline

Here’s the heart of the matter:

Your bio is an intricate part of your marketing and branding.

It’s a tiny hinge that swings huge marketing doors — a gateway to your world. So value it and craft it with care. Stretch all your investment in PPC and FB ads, SEO, outsourced content, site design and more to its fullest potential.

Make every click count.

• Recent Posts
• How To Write An Author Bio: 7 High-Converting Byline Examples Turning Readers Into Leads - September 26, 2017

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“It’s a tiny hinge that swings huge marketing doors — a gateway to your world.” Thanks for this amazing eye (and door) opener Qhubekani! It’s unfortunate how we misuse this valuable piece of real estate. Small wonder some doors creak to open for us if at all. My homework is cut out for me, off I go to oil my hinges. A thousand thanks.

Hi Kato, I’m glad you found the post useful. Thanks for reading. And, yes, it’s true we misuse our bylines. On the other extreme end we don’t benefit from them because we disuse them…so they just sit there unoptimized and we lose out picking quality leads in the process. Have a great day!

Did you mean “we misuse our bios”? I am confused about the use of bio and byline, and there are few conflicts on this article as well — maybe you can enlighten me? 1. Bylines are a great place to link to a primary service page you are hoping to rank in search. (or is it Bio?) 2. Next time I see a byline that reads Andy Awesome is … (did you mean bio?) 3. What the byline doesn’t show is how the offer is an extension of her piece. (the previous paragraph mentioned bio) There are few others that I didn’t put here. I don’t want to be a prick, but I am reading your article more than once to make sure I get the point right. You did put a fairly straightforward warning about confusing bio and byline.

Hi Andre, Thanks for the catch Andre. Yes, I meant bios. Although I did say that in the internet age the two have become less distinct, it’d be good for consistency and clarity sake to make the correction. Will alert the editor. I appreciate you for taking time to go through the piece with a fine comb. Happy bio writing!

Can you expand on the part of bylines, ““Bylines are a great place to link to a primary service page you are hoping to rank in search….” I found this part very interesting. Should we change that as name + main keyword ?

Hey Carlos, service pages are very hard to secure backlinks for. While you can easily link back to your blog posts in guest posts, no self-respecting publication is going to allow in-article backlinks to service or sales pages. Author bios, on the other hand, are pretty much yours to do with as you please, so they are the perfect place to link to a service page you are wanting to rank. I’ve been able to rank my own primary service page for 30+ terms simply by including backlinks with my target search terms as anchor text in my author bios.

Thanks for clearing that up. I was thinking he was talking about the by line, on the author’s post on his site, but he was referring to the byline on the Author bio… Thanks for the clarification Jacob!

Sure thing!

Wonderful article. Using lead magnet as part of bio is smart technique to generate leads. Loved it. The best part is author implementing the tips in the article in his bio at the end.

Hi Mohammad, Thanks for your kind words. I’m happy you gleaned something from the post. So, you read all the way down to my author bio, huh 😉. I guess I had to demonstrate what I was talking about! Enjoy the rest of your day!

Thanks for a great article Qhubekani! Clear, concise and not without some humor which is all too often absent from material like this. It’s a timely reminder to be aware of and take advantage of even what seems like small opportunities to put your brand out there. As well as some great tips on how to do that. I will certainly be putting your suggestions to good use.

Hi Bobby, I appreciate your compliments and I’m happy you picked one or two tips. Do put them to good use and then come back here and brag when you get awesome results. Enjoy the rest of your day.

This is why I’m selective over my reading time, so I don’t miss great articles like this. Great tactics, simple but effective. Nice work Qhubekani!

Hey Ed, Thanks for stopping by and taking time to inspire me with your sweet words.

Wow! Wow!! Very Impressive.. Sometimes i find it hard to come up with an appropriate bio both on my portfolio and tech blog here http://www.netsocialblog.com But with the samples given here, i finally found a clue. Thanks for the share

Hey Tunde, So glad you found the post useful. Happy bio writing :)

Hi Qhubekani, Thanks for your article. Some great insights, particularly about service page backlinks in a byline – great opportunity. The examples were helpful, too. Much appreciated. Updating my byline now! All the best. Cheers, – Dane

Hi Dane, Happy you gleaned some tips. Thanks for stopping by. BTW if you want to bounce off some bio ideas you can reach me at: qhubekani [the usual stuff] wholesomecommerce.com Enjoy the rest of your day!

I love every bit of the advice and suggestions in this piece. I must confess that I’ve struggled to try to communicate who I’m and what I do in the most convincing way. So, I keep changing things like a chameleon without sounding convincing even to myself. But with this, I think I’ll just go straight ahead to do a revamp of everything about my bio and byline with it injecting every bit of required dynamics. Thanks a bunch!

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How To Write a News Article (+4 Tools, Examples & Template)

By Dmytro Spilka

Nov 6, 2019

By the late 1400s, the printing press had been perfected, and Germany began publishing pamphlets containing news content. Realising the power of printed news, several papers in London became popularised in the years following 1621.

Almost 400 years later, the transition from print to online has had a profound impact on the way we consume news and subsequently, how we create it. You’ve probably already noticed that the morning paper covers the news that was instantaneously delivered to your mobile device the night before.

The nature of online news reporting allows journalists to simultaneously watch an event unfold and update their readers in real-time. Both print and online news articles aim to discuss current or recent news in local happenings, politics, business, trade, technology and entertainment.

Typically, a news article on any topic and at any level will contain 5 vital components for success . This is what separates news-article writing from other forms of writing.

1. Headline

These 5-12 words should deliver the gist of the whole news. In most cases, it’s important not to play with words or to be too cryptic. A news article headline should be clear and succinct and tell the reader what the article is about. Should they find the topic interesting, they will probably read the article.

Whilst headlines should be clear and matter-of-fact, they should also be attention-grabbing and compelling. According to some sources, eight out of ten people will read headline copy and only two will continue to read the rest of the article (Campaign). So, if 80% of people are unlikely to ever make it past the headline, there is plenty of room to spend extra time in crafting the perfect headline for your news article.

This BBC headline definitely makes people give it a second look. At first glance, you probably noticed the words “Goat” and “Ronald Reagan” and wondered what on earth has brought this farm animal and 80s U.S. president to exist within the same sentence- let alone the same headline . Closer inspection lets the reader know that the article is about goats’ helping to save the Presidential library in the California fires. Most would want to know how, so they read on.

Put simply, this string of words tells people who wrote the article and is usually prefaced by the word ‘by’. This component really depends on the company you write for. Whilst most magazines and newspapers use bylines to identify journalists, some don’t. The Economist, for example, maintains a historical tradition where bylines are omitted and journalists remain anonymous. In such cases, the news article reflects the publication as a whole.

3. Lead paragraph

This is the section to get straight down to the facts and there is no time for introductions. A lead paragraph must be constructed to attract attention and maintain it. To do this, the basic news points and facts should be relayed without digressing into detail or explanation. Those are forthcoming in the next section of the article.

Included in the lead are what journalists refer to as the 5 Ws: Who, what, when, where and why. To some extent, by simply stating each W, some form of lead is automatically formed. For example; “ An off duty nurse and paramedic used a makeshift tourniquet to save the life of British tourist whose foot was bitten off by a shark in Australia on Tuesday”.

• Who – an off duty nurse and paramedic and a British tourist
• What – built a makeshift tourniquet
• When – Tuesday 29th October 2019 (article published Wednesday 30th October 2019)
• Where – Australia
• Why – to save the life of the British tourist

This should conclude your lead paragraph and have your readers engaged and interested to learn more about the news. Resist the temptation to include additional details about the event as they have no place here. Structure is everything and you wouldn’t want to mess up the flow of the overall piece.

4. Explanation/discussion

A good place to start when writing the paragraph that follows your lead is to jump into the shoes of your readers and think about what they might want to know next. What are the factors that seem obscure, or most fascinating and is there scope to delve into more explanatory detail to put it into the wider context?

To do this well, the writer must have access to the answers to these questions.

Expanding on the details of your 5 Ws is all about providing in-depth coverage on all the important aspects of your news. Here, you should reflect on your first-hand information. Add relevant background information that explores the wider context. In other words, consider whether this story has implications on anything else.

Include supporting evidence in this section. This can take the form of quotations from people involved or opinions of industry experts. Referring to credible sources in your news article will add value to the information you publish and help to validate your news.

Ensure that the use of your quotations add value and are informative. There is little use in providing a quote that doesn’t shed light on new information. If the point has been made clear in your lead paragraph – there is no need to repeat it here.

For example, “An off duty nurse saved the life of a British tourist’, said Police Chief John Adams.” This quote tells the reader what they already know as this is the information stated in the lead.

Rather, “It was a long way back to shore and if he continued to bleed that much all the way back I’m not sure he’d have made it” – said Emma Andersson, off duty nurse.’ The inclusion of this quote gives a deeper insight into the severity of the incident and adds value to the article.

5. Additional information

This space is reserved for information of less relevance. For example, if the news article is too long, get the main points down in the preceding paragraphs and then make a note of the trivial details. This part can also include information about similar events or facts that somewhat relate to the news story.

What makes a news article so powerful

The ultimate aim of a news article is to relay information in a specific way that is entertaining, informative, easily digestible and factual . For a news article to be effective, it should incorporate a range of writing strategies to help it along. It should be:

Active not passive

Writing in the active tense creates a more personal link between the copy and the reader. It’s more conversational and has been found to engage the audience more. It also requires fewer words, so shorter and snappier sentences can be formed.

For example “A British tourist’s life was saved by an off duty nurse” is longer and less colloquial than “An off duty nurse saved a British tourists’ life”. The latter is easily understood, more conversational and reads well.

Positive, not negative

Whilst it is true that certain publications might use language to swing the sentiment of their copy, news should give the reader the information they need to inform their own opinion . The best way to do this is to avoid being both negative or positive. A neutral tone reads well and draws attention to key issues.

It’s often more effective if your news article describes something that is actually happening rather than something that’s not. For example, rather than stating that “the government has decided not to introduce the planned tuition funding for university students this academic year” a more palatable account of the event would be “the government has abandoned plans to fund university tuition this academic year”.

Quote accurately

We now know that the use of quotations belongs in your explanatory paragraph. They validate what you’ve said and inject emotion and sentiment to your copy. But what makes a good quote? And how and when are they useful?

Writers should be able to differentiate between effective and ineffective quotes. They should also appreciate that a poorly selected quote placed in an inappropriate paragraph has the power to kill the article.

Consider who you are quoting. Is their opinion of interest to your readers? Quotes that are too long can grind on your reader’s attention. Especially if they are from bureaucrats, local politicians or generally just boring people with nothing significant to say. Rather, the shorter and snappier the quote, the better. Bald facts, personal experiences or professional opinions can add character and depth to the facts you’ve already laid out.

Direct quotes provide actuality. And Actuality provides your article with validation. Speeches and reports are a great source of quotes by people that matter to your story. Often such reports and transcripts can be long and tiresome documents. Great journalistic skill is to be able to find a usable quote and shorten it to make it more comprehensible. Second to this skill is to know precisely when the actual words used by a person should be quoted in full.

Remember, people ‘say’ things when they speak. They don’t “exclaim, interject, assert or opine”. Therefore, always use the word “said” when attributing a quote. For example, “three arrests were made on the scene” said PC Plum.

Sound use of adjectives

The golden rule here is that adjectives should not raise questions in the reader’s mind, rather they should answer them. Naturally, an adjective raises further questions. For example:

• ‘Tall’ – how tall?
• ‘Delightful’ – according to whom?
• ‘Massive’ – relative to what?

Unless followed by further information, adjectives can be subjective. However, this isn’t always bad. If they contribute to the relevance of the story, keep them. Just be sure to ponder each one as to whether they raise more questions in the reader’s mind.

Lastly, it’s always better to approach news-style writing directly and specifically. Use words like ‘gold, glitter, silver,’ instead of ‘bright and sparkly’. Being specific isn’t dull or boring. It allows readers’ to follow the article with a more accurate understanding of the news. Vagueness does not.

No Jargon or abbreviations

Those working in an organisation or specific industry will often take for granted the fact they’re surrounded by jargon. It’s a convenient and efficient way to communicate with those who also understand it. These terms become somewhat of a secret language that acts to exclude those on the outside. This must be assumed at all times when writing news. There’s no telling whether an article on a new medical breakthrough will be read solely by medical practitioners and scientists. In fact, it almost certainly won’t be.

If readers feel lost in your article or have to look elsewhere for explanations and definitions of acronyms and abbreviations, it’s unlikely they’ll return. The rule here is to avoid them or explain them.

Be cautious with puns and cliches

Over and over you hear them and rarely do they evoke any positive response; cliches have no place in your news article. Yet, as for puns, lots of headline writers find these neat little linguistic phrases irresistible.

The problem is, they can be just as exclusive as unrecognisable jargon. References to the past that are well received by readers over 55 years old, means risking a large portion of readers being left out.

Is there a tasteful and refined way to use puns, cliches or metaphors ? Yes, but one always bears the risk of some readers not understanding and abandoning the article altogether. Take the following example:

The Sun’s headline “Super Caley go ballistic, Celtic are atrocious” echoing Liverpool’s earlier “Super Cally goes ballistic, QPR atrocious”.

In all fairness, both are great puns and will have had most readers humming the Mary Poppins anthem all afternoon. But to fully appreciate this play on words, it helps to know that ‘Cally’  is the former footballer, Ian Callaghan and ‘Caley’ is the team Inverness Caledonian Thistle.

Those with no interest or knowledge of football would have been immediately excluded from this article. However, given the fact that the article was clearly aimed at football enthusiasts or at least, fans, the aim was never to produce an all-inclusive article in the first place.

Write in plain English (make it easily digestible)

Articles written in plain English are easy to digest. This is especially important what discussing complex or technological news. Most readers won’t have the time to decipher cryptic or overly elaborate writing styles whilst keeping up with the news story being told.

Clear and unambiguous language, without technical or complex terms, should be used throughout. As the amount of news we consume each day has increased with the internet, mobile devices and push notifications, it is important to keep things simple. We now have the pleasure and task of retaining more news than ever before. This is easier to do when the news we consume is clear, succinct and written in plain English.

Be timely and up to date

News gets old fast. Today’s news is tomorrow’s history. So, timeliness in the news industry is imperative to its success. Similarly to freshly baked goods – news should be served fresh. Once it’s old and stale, nobody’s interested in it. Don’t, however, take the risk of serving it before it’s ready.

There is great skill attached to being a timely journalist. Capabilities must range from gathering research in good time, to writing content at speed and editing accurately under pressure. There are a few things you can do to help stay on top of the latest affairs and find time to write.

First, a conscious effort to stay up to date with news on all levels is necessary. That is international affairs, governmental, regional and local levels. You should have a solid awareness of ongoing issues and debates across all mediums. For example, If there’ve been developments on ongoing peace treaties, you should be able to pick up the news story as it is – without the need to revise the entire story.

It’s likely that you’ll be under the pressure of several tight deadlines. Don’t just keep them in mind, write them down. Keeping a content calendar is an effective way to organise your time and make sure you’re hitting all deadlines accordingly. Whether it’s your phone calendar or an actual deadline diary, a visual representation of time can help you distribute tasks and stick to a schedule.

Always be available when a press release comes your way. If you’re not there to cover the story, someone else will. Organise a backup just in case you’re unavailable to make sure all necessary information reaches you in emergency situations. Having such a plan in place can save time when it comes to researching and writing news articles. The writing process becomes easier when all the material is at hand.

Make it entertaining

A good news article will entertain its readers. To do so, the article should contain some human interest. In general, it’s been found that people are interested in the lives of other people. An article that appeals to the voyeuristic part of human nature is immediately entertaining.

For example, a flood in an empty building doesn’t have nearly as much human interest as a flood in a building full of people and belongings. Sad, but true. Simply because we identify with each other, we are interested in reading about each other too.

If your story has an interesting or relatable person at the heart of it, it should fuel your article . Tug at the emotional strings of your readers and make a connection between them and your story. Look hard enough, and you’ll find human interest everywhere. Writing a business article about a new project manager with a passion for bringing tropical fruit flavours to toothpaste? There’s human interest here. We all use toothpaste – whilst some will be onboard with this idea, others will scoff and remain faithful to their dependable mint flavoured paste.

Prepare to tap into your inner literary comic. If the story you’re working on is funny, don’t hold back. Just as most journalists enjoy working on a story that hits their ‘quirky button’, most readers will be more inclined to read a story that plays on their humour strings.

Fact check everything

‘Fake news’ has become a familiar term, especially for journalists. Unverified facts and misleading claims have blurred the line between journalism and other content creation. It’s now more important than ever to fact check everything .

A good PR tip is to avoid a reputation disaster rather than repair one. You do not want to fall into the category of fake news. This might drive away potential returning readers and significantly reduce readership.

Using statistics, figures and facts are a great way to add validity and actuality to your article. They lend themselves to originality and make your article more credible when used correctly. Without checking the authenticity of these facts, you risk delivering an article that is grounded in fiction.

News article writing tools

To hit the nail on the head and deliver a news article that is well researched, well written and well-received; take advantage of some online writing tools to help you along the way.

1. Grammarly

This free and comprehensive writing tool is practically everything you need to craft grammatically correct and error-free copy. Not only does it check your spelling and grammar, but punctuation too. Grammarly uses context-specific algorithms that work across different platforms to help make your content flow seamlessly throughout.

2. Headline Analyzer

Analyse your headlines for free and determine the Emotional Marketing Value score (EMV score).  Headline analyzer analyses and scores your headlines based on the total number of EMV words it has. Headline Analyzer also tells you which emotion your headline most impacts, so you know whether you’re on the right track from the get-go. So, along with your score, you’ll find out which emotion your headline piques at, be it intellectual, empathetic or spiritual.

Writing for the web requires a distinctive set of skills than those required for print. The way readers use the online space and in particular, the search engines have changed the way they consume news. Ultimately, out of the millions of web pages, readers should be able to find yours.

Be mindful of the words you use in your article. Search engines assume that content that contains words or phrases that have or are likely to be searched by researchers, is more relevant content. As such, it bumps it up to higher-ranking positions.

You can easily find out which precise words have been in popular searches and which phrases you should incorporate into your article. Use Ahrefs Keywords Explorer tool to explore seed keywords, industry keywords, and generate keyword ideas.

You can also use Ahrefs Content Explorer to search for any keyword and get popular content that drives traffic.

4. Discussion forums

Online communities and discussion forums are a great source for journalists to broaden their network and keep up-to-date with the latest media news. Find useful tips and the latest news in the following groups:

• Journalists on Facebook, contains more than 1.3 million fans and over 9,000 journalists. It’s one of the most established journalism communities online. You’ll find inspiration and a place to find and discuss breaking news.
• LinkedIn for Journalists is a highly active community featuring a section dedicated to advice and discussion points for journalists. Take advantage of monthly free webinars that cover how to generate story leads, build sources and engage audiences.
• /r/journalism on Reddit, opens the door to nearly 10,000 members, posting questions, advice, interesting news stories and professional opinions on recent and breaking news. Not only is it a source of news stories, but also a place to find an extremely diverse mix of opinions and story angles.

A structural combination of the essential components of a news article , as noted in the first section of this post, will put you in the right direction. Once you have your framework – made up of a working headline, lead, preliminary explanation and additional notes – you can begin to pack it with all the elements that bring a news article to life.

Turn to Ahrefs and online communities for inspiration and make use of writing and editing tools like Grammarly for the entire process. This will save you time editing (crucial in the news media world) and improve the quality of your article to get it to the top of those SERPs.

Remember, there’s always a human interest, you just have to find it. It’s this element that will determine the level of engagement your article stimulates. Just keep in mind, most people are either interested in how a news story will affect their own lives or how another person’s life is being affected.

By the end of the process, you should have a news article that is in good shape and ready to entertain, educate, inspire or inform your readers. The last thing to do but certainly no less crucial is to fact check everything. A sub-editor can be handy when it comes to catching typos and picking up grammatical errors, but fact-checking is primarily down to the writer.

News Article FAQ

[sc_fs_multi_faq headline-0=”h3″ question-0=”How long should a news article headline be?” answer-0=”Headlines that are between 5-12 words (up to 65 characters) are generally more effective.” image-0=”” headline-1=”h3″ question-1=”How long should a news article be?” answer-1=”The word count is unlimited. It all depends on the nature of your news article. However, as a general rule, Google needs at least 300 words of content to grasp the context of the page.” image-1=”” headline-2=”h3″ question-2=”How to cite a news article?” answer-2=”Generally, you would need to add the name of the source, the name of the author and a hyperlink to the original source.” image-2=”” headline-3=”h3″ question-3=”How to fact check a claim, statement or statistics?” answer-3=”The claim, statement or statistics must be verifiable by a credible source. Context plays a massive role in fact-checking, hence, simply taking citing figures may not qualify as proper fact-checking.” image-3=”” count=”4″ html=”true” css_class=””]

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A political divide along gender lines is growing in South Korea

Se Eun Gong

Young men and women are politically drifting apart across the developed world. The growing political gender divide in South Korea is making experts worried about the country's future.

ARI SHAPIRO, HOST:

In South Korea, an ideological divide between young men and women is causing concerns about the country's future. Young men and women are drifting apart politically across the developed world. A recent Gallup survey showed young American women are 15 percentage points more liberal than young men. In South Korea, that political gap is more distinct, as NPR's Se Eun Gong reports from Seoul.

(SOUNDBITE OF ARCHIVED RECORDING)

UNIDENTIFIED PERSON: (Chanting in Korean).

UNIDENTIFIED GROUP: (Chanting in Korean).

SE EUN GONG, BYLINE: "We vote for feminism," the crowd chants at a recent rally celebrating International Women's Day in Seoul. South Korea has a parliamentary election this week. And if the past few elections are any hint, many young Korean women will likely do just that - vote for progressive politics. Lee Sang-mi, a 31-year-old Seoul resident, was at the rally. She says gender equality is backsliding in South Korea, and she blames the current conservative government for it.

LEE SANG-MI: (Through interpreter) In fact, from the beginning, President Yoon Suk-yeol has used backlash against policies for women as a means to gain votes. His strategy has been to divide men and women and only take men's votes.

GONG: In the presidential election two years ago, Yoon ran on a pledge to abolish the Ministry for Gender Equality. Young men were one of his most ardent supporters. Young women, however, were the least supportive. Go Min-hee is a politics professor at Ewha Women's University in Seoul. She says one of the reasons for this difference is that women's sense of autonomy has grown fast over the past decades. But their social and economic status hasn't caught up.

GO MIN-HEE: (Through interpreter) The gender gap in education has disappeared with the declining number of children and growing attention to education. But the income gap in the post-education labor market hasn't closed.

GONG: South Korea's gender wage gap remains the largest in the developed world. There are fewer women on corporate boards and in parliament than in most other affluent countries. But young men see things differently, says polling expert Jeong Han-wool.

JEONG HAN-WOOL: (Through interpreter) Men feel they are falling behind in competition, and they also have to serve in the military at an important time in their life.

GONG: In a 2019 survey, he found that nearly 70% of Korean men in their 20s think discrimination against men is serious. Many point to mandatory conscription of men as an example. At Seoul's Chung-Ang University, we met a 22-year-old engineering student, Kim Sung Hyun. He says he will vote for the ruling conservative party in the upcoming election, partly because of its position on gender issues. He's against some policies that the Gender Ministry has pushed for, such as increasing female representation in police and military.

KIM SUNG HYUN: (Through interpreter) I feel men and women each have their strengths and weaknesses. It's strange to ignore that and call for equality on such matters.

GONG: But he thinks policy preferences alone cannot explain today's political gender divide.

KIM: (Through interpreter) I think young people tend to see the main political parties positions as something more extreme than what they really are, because they are so exposed to social media.

GONG: Social media is one of the main reasons the political gender gap is widening in many developed countries, according to Alice Evans, a visiting fellow at Stanford University who studies global gender norms.

ALICE EVANS: In your echo chamber, you're telling each other how unfair it is. So men increasingly expressing resentment that, you know, many will feel that the world is giving women a better chance, women - giving women handouts and nothing to us.

GONG: Experts are concerned that the growing political and emotional distance between men and women can be dangerous, not just for the health of South Korea's democracy but also for the country's survival. South Korea's birth rate is already the lowest in the world, and young people are increasingly unenthusiastic about marriage. Here's Ewha University Professor Go Min-hee again.

GO: (Through interpreter) If women don't find a person that fits their evolving preferences in the dating market, they will choose to not meet anyone.

GONG: After all, she says, if women want politicians to be feminists, they would want the same for their life partners. Se Eun Gong, NPR News, Seoul.

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Megamergers help drive M&A upswing in 2024: Kaufman Hall

Healthcare mergers and acquisitions are off to a strong start in 2024, with the number of first-quarter deals at their highest in four years, according to consulting firm Kaufman Hall.

Twenty transactions were announced in this year's first quarter, compared with 15 deals in the first quarter of 2023, 12 in 2022's first quarter and 13 in 2021's first quarter. In 2020, there were 29 first-quarter deals, according to an M&A Quarterly Activity Report released Thursday by Kaufman Hall. 

Related: Mergers, private equity deals likely to keep law firms busy

“In a post-COVID world, organizations now are saying, ‘let’s get back to strategy,’” said Anu Singh, managing director and M&A practice leader at Kaufman Hall. “You have organizations that have been thinking about industry transformation and saying, look, we have a certain set of capabilities or resources or intellectual capital that we think we need to really thrive.”

Four of this year's first-quarter transactions were megamergers, in which the smaller organization has annual revenue of $1 billion or more. Academic health systems were the buyers in six transactions, while nonprofit systems were the buyers in nine, according to the report.

Transacted revenue, or the total operating revenue for each seller, totaled $12 billion in the first quarter, down from $12.4 billion in the first quarter of 2023, but up substantially from $3 billion in 2022's first quarter, the report found. 

Industry watchers predicted a stronger year for M&A in 2024 , following the deal slowdown during the COVID-19 pandemic and despite heightened scrutiny from regulators. Hospitals and health systems are looking to size up to better navigate financial pressures and have more clout in payer negotiations. Recent acquisition targets tend to be larger, and more providers are considering less capital-intensive partnerships instead of full mergers, according to Kaufman Hall's 2023 year-end report .

One notable first-quarter deal is Northwell Health's proposed acquisition of Nuvance Health , which would create a system with 28 hospitals and more than 1,000 care sites across New York and Connecticut. The health systems expect the transaction to close by the end of the year.

In January, New Jersey-based Saint Peter's Healthcare System and Atlantic Health System signed a letter of intent to merge in the coming months.

The Kaufman Hall report also noted the wave of hospital sales by large health systems, including Tenet Health, HCA Healthcare and Ascension. Dallas-based Tenet, for example, sold six California hospitals and their related operations in March. In February, Tenet sold three South Carolina hospitals , 27 physician clinics, an outpatient center and a free-standing emergency department to Winston-Salem, North Carolina-based Novant Health.

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