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| Ask the Times |
| Q. |
How do reporters get their story ideas?
Benjamin R., Age 9, Downey
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| A. |
From press releases, from their contacts or "sources" in
the community, from reports or surveys and from the wire desk.
Sometimes story ideas come from observations the reporter
makes about how people live their lives.
Steve Clow, City Editor, Times Valley Edition
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| Q. |
How do reporters organize their stories?
Jennifer B., Age 16, Northridge
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| A. |
The organization of a news story is unique. Most fiction
writers follow chronological order. They trace a series of
events from the beginning to a climax and conclusion. Reporters
(who report what they see and hear) use almost the exact opposite
approach. News stories begin with the climax. The vital facts
are revealed in the LEAD (the first paragraph), answering
the questions WHO, WHAT, WHEN, WHERE and WHY.
Louis Sahagan, Times Staff Writer
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| Q. |
Where is the Los Angeles Times printed?
Terry F., age 12, Marina Del Rey
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| A. |
The Times maintains three state-of-the-art printing facilities:
the Chatsworth plant, the Olympic plant in downtown Los Angeles
and the Orange County facility in Costa Mesa. Susan Klutnik,
Director of Operations, Olympic Facility
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Ask The Times features questions from students and teachers
throughout Southern California. Answers are provided by Times
employees in editorial, advertising, circulation, production,
distribution and community affairs.
Send your question by e-mail to nanci.kelly@latimes.com.
Please include your first name, first letter of your last
name, your age and the city in which you live.
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