Tuesday, November 27, 2007

AP Story Writing

Despite my degree in communication, I excelled in oral versions of my area of expertise and not the written word. However, I consider myself an amateur writer and rabid reader, which in turn caused me to scratch my head this morning. While reading about Cedric Benson's season-ending (and WhoWantsToSexMbaye crippling) injury, the lead started one place and the story went another.

Exhibit A!
The headline:
Benson to have season-ending leg surgery

Exhibit B!
The lead:
LAKE FOREST, Ill. -- Cedric Benson's season is over.

Exhibit C!
The closing paragraph:
In just his second NFL season, Hester broke a club record he shared with Gale Sayers for kick return touchdowns (eight) with his ninth and 10th (six on punts, four on kickoffs). Those numbers don't include a missed field goal he returned 108 yards last season against the Giants or his return of the Super Bowl's opening kickoff for a TD against the Colts.

What have I learned? Devin Hester is the new starting running back for the Chicago Bears.

Photo from BrianBehrend.com

2 comments:

CHCgirl said...

Any story about the Bears always ends, includes, or incorporates Hester's amazing stats. It would be like writing about the 85 Bears without mentioning the word "defense" It wouldn't matter if the story was about the offense or an injury or whatever, you go to the only thing the team has going for it.

Anonymous said...

abdn rock opinions aloud mobilizing stage expeditious drown choreography taking drugs
lolikneri havaqatsu