The art of crafting a compelling news article lies in mastering the principles of effective journalism. At it’s core, news writing demands clarity, accuracy, and a structure that prioritizes the most critical information. One of the foundational techniques is the use of the 5Ws and 1H—Who,what,When,Where,Why,and How.These elements ensure that readers recieve a complete picture of the story from the outset [[1]].
The inverted pyramid structure is another cornerstone of news writing. Originating during the American Civil War, this method places the most vital details at the beginning of the article, followed by supporting information and background context. This approach not only grabs the reader’s attention quickly but also allows editors to trim the article from the bottom without losing essential facts [[1]].
When writing a news report, the headline and the first sentence are crucial. They must encapsulate the essence of the story to engage the audience instantly. The inverted pyramid method ensures that the most important details are placed in the first paragraph, making it easier for readers to grasp the key points swiftly [[2]].
Good news writing begins with accurate reporting. Journalists serve the public by presenting truthful facts in straightforward articles. The lede (or lead) of a news article is the first sentence,often written as a single paragraph,that conveys the most critical information of the story. Crafting a strong lede is essential to hook the reader and set the tone for the rest of the article [[3]].| Key Elements of News Writing | Description |
|———————————-|—————–|
| 5Ws and 1H | Ensures thorough coverage of the story. |
| Inverted Pyramid Structure | Prioritizes critical information at the top. |
| Headline and Lede | Captures attention and summarizes the story. |
| accurate Reporting | Provides truthful and honest facts. |
By adhering to these principles, journalists can create engaging and informative news articles that resonate with their audience. Whether you’re a seasoned reporter or a budding writer, mastering these techniques is essential for effective storytelling.A Century After Mussolini: Are We facing a New Era of Fascism and Environmental Collapse?
Next Monday marks 100 years since Benito mussolini established his fascist dictatorship in Italy. Coinciding with this grim anniversary, Donald Trump is set to take office as president of the United States, a progress that dominique de Villepin, former French Prime Minister and diplomat, describes as a “historical shock.” In a recent statement, Villepin compared this period to major world events that “not only changed the course of history but the view of who we are as human beings.”
The parallels between past and present are striking. After World War II, the world vowed never to let fascism rise again. The predecessor of the European Union was founded to ensure peace between Germany and France, along with their neighboring nations. While this alliance succeeded in preventing war, it now faces a new threat: the rise of the extreme right, which seeks to dismantle this hard-won unity.
But is this alarmist? Françoise Giroud, a French resistance fighter, journalist, and politician, once warned, “This is how fascism begins. It never says its name, it crawls, it floats and when it shows its nose a little, people say: Is that it? Do you believe that? You shouldn’t exaggerate so much! And then one day it hits you right in the face and it’s too late to push it away.” Her words, quoted in the bestselling book Résister, resonate deeply today. The book, which has sold 150,000 copies in France, warns of the impending takeover of power by the extreme right.
Meanwhile, another crisis looms—one that mirrors the fall of ancient Rome. Studies suggest that the roman Empire’s decline was accelerated by environmental lead poisoning, which drastically reduced the population’s IQ. Today, we face a similar threat. PFAS chemicals contaminate our soil, nanoparticles of plastic float through our bloodstreams, and clean air has become a luxury for manny. Are we on the brink of a similar collapse?
| Key Threats to Modern Society |
|———————————–|
| Environmental Pollution | PFAS in soil, plastic nanoparticles in blood, air pollution |
| Political instability | Rise of the extreme right, erosion of European unity |
| Historical Parallels | Fall of Rome due to lead poisoning, rise of fascism in the 20th century |
The world is at a crossroads. As we grapple with environmental degradation and political upheaval, the lessons of history are more relevant than ever. Will we heed these warnings,or are we doomed to repeat the mistakes of the past?
For more insights,follow journalist Salomé Saqué on Instagram,who has been vocal about these pressing issues.
Call to Action: Stay informed and engaged. Share this article to spark conversations about the challenges we face and the steps we can take to build a better future.nThe rise of the extreme right in Europe has been a growing concern, with France often seen as the birthplace of this movement. The recent death of Jean-marie Le Pen, the founder of the National Front (now National Rally, RN), has brought this issue back into the spotlight. Le Pen’s influence extended far beyond France, shaping the trajectory of far-right politics across Europe. As Belgian extremist Filip De Winter noted, “without Jean-Marie Le Pen, there would be no Meloni as Prime Minister in Italy and no Wilders in the government in the Netherlands. He was the trailblazer and we should honor him for that.”
The Role of Media in Shaping the Far-Right Narrative
One of the key factors in the rise of the extreme right is the role of media. In France, billionaire Vincent Bolloré has been instrumental in promoting far-right ideologies. Bolloré has acquired TV stations,magazines,newspapers,publishing houses,and even bookstores,creating a media empire that amplifies far-right voices. his channel, CNews, is the most-watched news channel in France, and he uses his media outlets to shape public debate. For example, Jordan Bardella’s book, a bestseller in France, was published by Bolloré’s publishing house, promoted in his newspapers, and featured in his bookstore chain, Relay. this cross-pollination of media creates a powerful echo chamber, turning far-right ideas into mainstream discourse.
The Fachosphère: A Network of Far-Right Influence
The French have coined the term “fachosphère” to describe the ecosystem in which the extreme right thrives.Derived from the word “facho” (fascist) and the concept of the biosphere, the fachosphère encompasses parties, organizations, websites, and media that feed off each other. This network allows far-right ideas to gain traction and eventually infiltrate mainstream media, shifting public debate to the right. The internet has played a crucial role in this process,providing a platform for far-right voices to spread their message. In the Netherlands, as an example, the website Geenstijl was pivotal in the rise of Geert Wilders, who began as a columnist before becoming a prominent political figure.
The Tactics of the Extreme Right
The extreme right often employs tactics that mirror the accusations they level against their opponents. They accuse the left of being an elite pulling the strings, while they themselves manipulate media and public opinion. The term “fake news,” popularized by donald Trump, is a prime example of this strategy. Wilders has labeled the Dutch House of Representatives a “fake parliament,” even as he leads a party that critics argue is itself a facade. These tactics are designed to stifle criticism and create confusion,making it arduous for opponents to counter their narrative.
International Collaboration Among Far-Right Parties
Despite their nationalist rhetoric, far-right parties across Europe collaborate closely. Jean-Marie Le Pen’s influence extended beyond France, inspiring figures like Giorgia Meloni in Italy and Geert Wilders in the Netherlands. Wilders, in particular, has been active in building international alliances, often presenting himself as a global figure in far-right politics. This international network is supported by billionaires like Vincent Bolloré, who use their wealth to promote far-right agendas through media ownership.
The future of the Far-Right Movement
The rise of the extreme right shows no signs of slowing down. As mainstream political parties increasingly collaborate with far-right groups, the boundaries between the center-right and the ultra-right blur. The media’s role in amplifying far-right voices, combined with the internet’s ability to spread these messages quickly, has created a fertile ground for the growth of this movement. The challenge for democratic forces is to counter this trend without resorting to the same tactics, ensuring that public debate remains open and inclusive.
| Key Factors in the Rise of the Far-Right | Examples |
|———————————————|————–|
| Media Ownership | Vincent Bolloré’s media empire in France |
| International Collaboration | Jean-Marie Le Pen’s influence on Meloni and wilders |
| Internet and Social Media | Geenstijl’s role in Wilders’ rise |
| Tactics of Accusation | Use of “fake news” to discredit opponents |
| Fachosphère | Network of far-right media and organizations |
The rise of the extreme right is a complex phenomenon, shaped by media manipulation, international collaboration, and the strategic use of the internet. As this movement continues to grow, understanding its tactics and networks is crucial for those seeking to defend democratic values.How Media Framing and Billionaire Influence Shaped Geert Wilders’ Political Ascent
Geert Wilders, the controversial Dutch politician, has long been a polarizing figure in the Netherlands. Yet, his recent political success can be traced back to a combination of media framing and the influence of powerful figures like Dutch media billionaire John de Mol. According to a recent analysis, Wilders’ image was carefully curated to soften his extremist edges, making him more palatable to the public.
The Role of Media in Normalizing Wilders
Mainstream media played a pivotal role in reshaping Wilders’ public persona. As an example,Eva Jinek,a prominent Dutch journalist,interviewed Wilders about his cats,a tactic eerily reminiscent of how the French media humanized marine Le Pen. “You’ll never guess how the French media made Marine Le Pen acceptable. Yes, through her cats,” the report notes. This approach subtly shifted the narrative, focusing on personal anecdotes rather than his divisive policies.
john de Mol, the billionaire behind SBS, also played a critically important role in Wilders’ rise. De Mol’s media empire provided a platform that amplified Wilders’ message, helping him secure a “monster victory.” The report starkly states, “Anyone who wants to destroy public broadcasting should contact Wilders,” highlighting the symbiotic relationship between the politician and the media mogul.
The Problem-Avoiding Attitude in Reporting
The analysis criticizes the media’s tendency to avoid addressing the core issues surrounding Wilders. Despite his relentless repetition of extreme right-wing talking points, he is rarely portrayed as a “pushover” in the media. In contrast,figures like Rob Jetten face harsher scrutiny. this selective framing, the report argues, allows Wilders to maintain a veneer of credibility.
Moreover, the media’s reluctance to call out lies perpetuated by the far right is another concern. The report cites a tweet from a PVV senator who defiantly claimed, “my tweet is correct,” despite evidence to the contrary. Such instances, the analysis warns, have broader implications. Quoting voltaire, it states, “Those who can make you believe in nonsense can also incite you to commit cruelties.”
The broader Context: Neoliberalism and Division
The rise of Wilders and the far right is not solely a media phenomenon. The report suggests that global neoliberalism has created fertile ground for such movements.By promoting hyper-individualism, neoliberalism has turned everyone into competitors, fostering division and resentment. “the far right feeds on division,” the analysis notes,“and the global neoliberalism,which promotes hyper-individualism,has provided the breeding ground for this in recent decades.”
Key Takeaways
| Aspect | Details |
|————————–|—————————————————————————–|
| Media Framing | Softened Wilders’ image through personal stories like his cats. |
| John de Mol’s Influence | Amplified Wilders’ message via SBS, aiding his political success. |
| Problem-Avoiding Reporting | Media rarely portrays Wilders as a pushover or calls out his lies. |
| Neoliberalism’s Role | Created societal division, enabling the far right’s rise.|
Conclusion
Geert Wilders’ political ascent is a complex interplay of media framing, billionaire influence, and societal shifts. By humanizing him and avoiding critical scrutiny, the media has inadvertently normalized his extremist views. simultaneously occurring, figures like John de Mol have provided the platforms necessary for his message to resonate. As the report warns, the stakes are high: “Those who can make you believe in nonsense can also incite you to commit cruelties.”
For more insights into the role of media in politics, explore BNN Vara’s analysis.Résister: A Call to Action Against the Rise of the Far-Right
In a world increasingly shaped by political polarization, the book Résister offers a timely and compelling guide on how to resist the growing influence of the far-right. Authored by Saqué, this 100-page manifesto, priced at 5 euros, challenges readers to rethink their approach to democracy, media, and activism.
The Media’s Role in Resisting Extremism
Saqué argues that the media’s pursuit of so-called neutrality has inadvertently enabled the rise of far-right ideologies. By failing to label figures like Geert Wilders as extreme right-wingers with hazardous agendas, the media perpetuates a false equivalence between the far-right and the far-left. “As of this neutrality, much is not mentioned, such as that Wilders is an extreme right-winger and has extremely dangerous plans,” Saqué writes.Instead of neutrality, Saqué advocates for honesty. She believes it is the media’s duty to fully inform the public, even if it means abandoning the pretense of impartiality. Drawing on the 2002 French presidential elections, she highlights how democratic forces rallied behind Jacques Chirac to counter Jean-Marie Le Pen’s far-right surge. “This is how democracy must be defended. Also by journalists, who are an essential part of democracy,” she asserts.
Crafting a New Narrative
Saqué encourages readers to move beyond criticism and actively create new stories. “Cherish ideals and promote them. Try to imagine what you would like the world to be,” she advises. These stories don’t have to be political but should be expressed with enthusiasm to inspire change. “If you want to influence opinions, you will have to change the debate and win people over. That applies across the board.”
Engaging with Far-Right Voters
One of the most striking aspects of Résister is its call for dialog with far-right voters. Saqué urges readers not to dismiss them as irredeemable racists but to engage with them thoughtfully. “Yes,also that annoying uncle at the birthday parties. Think about how you can influence his thoughts and refute his ideas,” she suggests. She emphasizes the importance of consuming reliable media, reading good books, and sharing information with loved ones to counteract the spread of misinformation.
the Danger of Despondency
Saqué warns against the despair that often accompanies political disillusionment. “Many people become desperate about the situation, withdraw and avoid news. That is precisely the intention of the extreme right, they want to make you dull, to make you lose or hide your humanity,” she explains.Quoting philosopher Jean-Paul Sartre, she reminds readers, “Resistance is the refusal to give in to despondency.”
A call to Action
The book concludes with a powerful call to action. “Don’t sigh tomorrow when you see Trump take the oath of office. Get up and do somthing,” Saqué writes. Her message is clear: resistance is not passive but requires active engagement and a commitment to defending democratic values.
| Key Takeaways from Résister |
|———————————–|
| Media must abandon neutrality for honesty. |
| Create new, inspiring stories to influence opinions. |
| Engage in dialogue with far-right voters.|
| Avoid despair and stay informed. |
| Take active steps to defend democracy. |
Résister is more than a book; it’s a rallying cry for those who believe in the power of democracy and the importance of standing against extremism. As Saqué reminds us, resistance begins with a refusal to give in to despair and a commitment to shaping a better world.