Features of writing media

 

Writing for print media—newspapers, magazines, and newsletters—is a unique craft. Unlike the web, where readers scan and click, print readers tend to be more focused. However, because space is physically limited by the page, the writing must be incredibly disciplined.

​Here are the defining features of print media writing:

​1. The Inverted Pyramid Structure

​Most print news follows the Inverted Pyramid. This means the most "weighty" information (the Who, What, Where, When, and Why) is placed at the very beginning, with supporting details following in descending order of importance.

• ​The Lead (Lede): The first paragraph must hook the reader and summarize the main point.
• ​The Nut Graph: A paragraph that explains the context—why this story matters right now.

​2. Conciseness and "Space-Consciousness"

​In print, "space is money." Every column inch costs a specific amount in ink and paper.

• ​Economy of Language: Writers must avoid "fluff." If a word doesn't add meaning, it gets cut.
• ​Tight Editing: Editors often have to "cut from the bottom" to make a story fit a physical layout, which is why the Inverted Pyramid is so vital.

​3. Stylistic Conventions

​Print media usually adheres to a strict style guide (like AP Style or Oxford Style) to ensure consistency.

• ​Active Voice: Instead of "The trophy was won by the team," print writers use "The team won the trophy." It’s shorter and more punchy.
• ​Short Paragraphs: To avoid "graying out" a page (making it look like a dense wall of text), print writers use frequent paragraph breaks.
• ​Objectivity: Especially in news, the tone is detached and factual, avoiding "I" or "me" unless it is an opinion column.

​4. Visual Signposts

​Print writing works in tandem with design to guide the reader’s eye.

• ​Headlines: Must be catchy but informative.
• ​Subheads: Break up long features into digestible sections.
• ​Captions (Cutlines): Print is one of the few places where people almost always read the text under a photo, so these must be descriptive and accurate.

​5. The "Permanent" Nature

​Unlike a blog post or a tweet, you cannot "edit" a print story once the presses run.

• ​Fact-Checking: This leads to a higher standard of verification and rigorous proofreading.
• ​Static Layout: The writer must consider how the text will wrap around images or advertisements on a physical page.

Comparison: News vs. Feature Writing

Feature	News Writing	Feature Writing (Magazines)
Tone	Urgent and factual	Descriptive and narrative
Structure	Inverted Pyramid	Linear or "Anecdotal"
Length	Usually short/medium	Long-form and in-depth
Lifespan	Daily (perishable)	Monthly (evergreen)