REPORTING PROCESS CHECKLIST AND PRESENTATION:
Your story MUST include:
At least one original interview from a source to provide direct quotes.
Background Information – at least two sources to provide context for your story
Provide other sources you used but did not cite in the final draft in the reporter’s notebook.
Include an editorial photo to compliment your story
An original headline and deck that follows the Feature Writing Template
Follow the Associated Press guidelines
It cannot exceed more than 1200 words MAX. But must be a minimum of 800 words.
Editorial imagery to complement the narrative
Must have Headline, Deck, by line – see this template for reference
this is my pitch narritive must be based on this:
I hope this finds you well. I’m writing to propose an investigative, thought-provoking story that I will be reporting this spring about a controversial issue in communities across the US – the narratives around Confederate statues. This topic is full of voices advocating competing or even conflicting narratives about how statues in public parks should be treated, with some longing to preserve history while others seek to remove statues, they consider markers of hate.
The debates have been growing more and more in recent years as discourse around Confederate statues exploded following the terrorist attack in Charlottesville, Virginia that left one person dead in 2017. Over time, growing disagreement about depictions of white supremacy has settled into a stalemate and a clash of worldviews surrounding confederate monuments – a battle that has spilled over into a tug of war over historic polling place locations. For instance, followers of Robert E Lee believe it’s important to honor his memory, while others argue that Lee was part of an illegitimate effort to maintain slavery in the United States, which was an act of insurrection. Our broadcast will take a deeper dive into the monuments and what they’re really memorializing, and question why they were placed in public spaces in the first place. We will offer viewers a detailed contextual history of the origins and spread of the Confederate statuary movement, accompanying it with expert interviews and archive footage that offers a more nuanced take on the intentions that lay behind their placement. We will amplify the voices of community members from diverse backgrounds, capturing their varied perspectives on Confederate statues. This will include interviews with historians, activists, artists, and residents who may hold differing opinions on whether these statues should stay, be relocated, or be removed altogether. Exploring the artistic elements of Confederate statues, we will analyze the symbolism embedded in these monuments. By engaging with artists, sculptors, and historians, our broadcast will shed light on the choices made in portraying historical figures and events, as well as the impact of these artistic choices on public perception. Investigating the broader implications of the ongoing discourse, our narrative will examine how public sentiment has influenced decisions by local governments regarding the fate of Confederate statues. We will explore the legal and ethical considerations surrounding removal efforts, shedding light on the often-contentious processes involved. Lastly, our broadcast will touch upon the potential of Confederate statues to hinder or facilitate healing and reconciliation. Through personal stories, interviews with community leaders, and examples of successful initiatives, we will highlight instances where communities have navigated these complex issues and found common ground.
As we embark on this exploration, our goal is to foster a deeper understanding of the various perspectives surrounding Confederate statues and contribute to a more informed public discourse on historical monuments. I believe that this narrative has the potential to be both informative and engaging for our audience. Your support in bringing this broadcast to life would be invaluable, and I am eager to discuss any further details or modifications to align with your vision.
Thank you for considering this pitch, and I look forward to the possibility of bringing this important conversation to your audience.
a sample of narrative journalism essay is also attached
