You Asked, We Answered.
— Benjamin R.
Age 9, Downey
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
— Jennifer B.
Age 16, Northridge
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
— Terry F.
Age 12, Marina Del Rey
The Times is printed at the high tech Olympic Printing Plant, at 8th and Alameda in downtown Los Angeles. It is so named because of its proximity to Olympic Blvd., and because the term "olympic" implies big. The plant covers 27 acres, and is the largest printing facility for an American newspaper. Robots carry huge rolls of newsprint through the building from a warehouse with stacks of paper four stories high. And the Goss Colorliner presses can make 6-10 Papers per second.
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.