What grammar rules do “The Reveille” reporters follow when writing their stories?
“The Reveille” is a member of the Associated Press and therefore follows AP style, said Howard Arceneaux, assistant director of Student Media. The paper does not adhere to the traditional English composition Modern Language Association guidelines.
The Associated Press provides state, national and international news stories to its members. It also publishes “The AP Stylebook,” which is known as “the journalist’s bible.”
The stylebook is a writing tool with specific spelling, grammar and capitalization rules, according to the Associated Press Web site. It also features punctuation rules essential to writers, editors, journalism students and their instructors.
For example, traditional English rules require writers to place a comma before the word “and” in a series, while AP style does not allow journalists to place a comma before “and” in a series.
“The Reveille” also follows its own particular style guidelines, such as the capitalization of the word “university” when it pertains to LSU and writing “the Rec Center” rather than “the Student Recreational Sports Complex.”
Where do “The Reveille” reporters get their story ideas from?
“The Reveille” reporters conduct weekly story meetings with the news editor. They are responsible for developing their own story ideas.
Reporters obtain ideas from their “beats” — a breakdown of colleges, campus departments and relevant community issues — or by obtaining input from students.
Students and other readers also are encouraged to voice their story ideas to reporters either by calling the newsroom at 578-4810 or e-mailing the news editor at [email protected].
News editor Tracy Simoneaux must approve each idea before a reporter can begin working on a story. Each story must be relevant to the University community.
How do the writers obtain information for their stories?
Writers must have at least three sources for each story. They speak with officials such as Chancellor Mark Emmert, college deans and department heads.
It also is necessary for writers to hear students’ voices on some issues that affect them, such as scheduling. The news editor recommends writers talk to students regardless of the content of the story to gain both sides of every story.
Why does “The Reveille” opinion section always seem to focus on controversial issues?
The student newspaper does not specifically concentrate on controversial subjects, said Christina Stephens, opinion editor.
“[Reveille columnists] try to write about things that are thought-provoking, and sometimes things that are thought-provoking are controversial,” Stephens said.
College is a place where students should learn about various issues and listen to other students’ viewpoints, she said, and “The Reveille” columnists are happy to create dialogue for their readers.