HAM430 Hard News Exercise (Lead-In)

This is the work I did in class to learn about creating the lead-in for newspaper articles.

Emergency Story

A bus full of school children is missing after two tornadoes hit Townsville at about 2pm yesterday.

Resident Grace Reynolds, whose daughter was on the missing school bus, is appealing for information.

At least 100 emergency vehicles have arrived to provide assistance, bringing water and medical supplies. Over 300 residents have been evacuated.

Phone, electricity and water services have been cut.

Court Story

A 22 year old woman has been sentenced to nine years jail for the murder of her child’s father.

Amanda Jane Felsbourg, of Moe, was found guilty of the murder of Wayne Laffery, who she had an on-off relationship with. Mr Laffery was stabbed more then 30 times in the chest, arms and legs.

Supreme Court Justice Bernard Teague said that he took into consideration that there were no prior convictions and she had shown remorse. She also is believed to have had post natal depression at the time of the stabbing.

Short News Story Assignment Ideas

Idea 1
Dandenong is currently undergoing a revitalisation of its central business district. This includes replacing old shops with tall office blocks and redesigning the main shopping strips. The construction work has caused traffic problems. Possible interviews include council, developer, local business and residents.
Idea 2
Metro was meant to end the troubles plaguing Melbourne’s rail network but passengers are still complaining. Who is really to blame and what is being done to fix the network? Possible interviews include Metro, Transport Minister, Opposition Transport Minister and Passengers.
Idea 3
The shooting of a protester has restarted the debate on wether duck hunting should be legal. Possible interviews include duck hunters, hunting association, animal welfare groups and protesters.