Why Writing for Media is a Tough Task
T IPS FOR WRITING FLAWLESSLY FOR THE MEDIA
In recent times, we encounter an array of media material ranging from news, advertisement to feature stories,
magazines and even scripted speeches. Many companies, publications and individuals have taken lead in each of these
diverse fields. As a result great lot of data is being processed and documented online every day. All this information goes
into public domain and stays there forever. We think this is reason enough to create finest quality of written material for
media. However, with increase in the quantity of news and information available online, the quality of content written
for media is diminishing. Especially in India, the focus has shifted to writing content which is search engine optimized
and not necessarily creative enough to hold the reader’s attention.
Creative writing in media can reframe the approach and impact a particular piece of information may have on its
audience. This plays essential part in corporate world as well, in terms of press content, advertisement, mailers and
more. The prime job of any of writ media piece is to appeal to the interest of the reader. “If you don’t have an appealing
style, not one gives you a penny”, said someone rightly. But appealing to the minds of mixed demographic crowd in
India could be a tough task itself. To state it simply, there is a thin line between superbly written and boastful content
for media. To prevent from writing superfluously and to maintain an adequate appealing element in writing, here are a
few tips you could follow.
HAVE A STRONG STORY:
You can differentiate a great media piece from satisfactory media writing by gauging it for a well research story. “If there
is no story, there no bait for the media”, said Norman Klinge. This does not mean that one goes on creating forced
stories. We often see newspapers these days hunting for news and making meaningless news out of trifle issues.
Before you start writing a report, press release or an article, make sure that
1. You’ve gathered sufficient facts.
2. Use the tactics of observation, online and offline research, and questioning.
Once you’ve got this base right, you can’t go wrong.
REASONING OVER PHILOSOPHY:
When you write for media, do not try to preach to your audience. Rather follow a chronological order answering 5 W’s
in your writing. What, Where, When, Why and How. Many media firms try to sell themselves overtly trough their
unscientific copies, which are not recommended. Instead, we can use logos, pathos and ethos, that is logic, sympathy
and credibility in writing for media. Remember, “Facts makes news”.
CHOOSE A LANGUAGE AND STYLE OF WRITING:
Depending on the type of corporate media or public journalism you are working on, choose a style of writing which is
reader friendly. A B2B magazine will choose to present content in technical language, whereas the language for a
fashion or spiritual magazine would be different. Some firms hire domain specialized writers for specific areas as well.
For writers venturing into media, our tip would be to read up works or renowned journalists and media content from
various industries.
At Mangrol Multimedia, we have specialized in every kind of media writing. Any language and style is no barrier for us.
We provide impeccable media write ups for sectors such as entertainment, theatre, films, religion and business.
By the way, keep following our insightful tips!
Be happy!
Comments