Journalism Pitch and News Writing Fundamentals
Table of Contents
Journalism Pitch
A journalism pitch is a short proposal of a news story idea. It summarizes what the story is about and explains why it matters. This is crucial for journalists to convince editors that their story idea is worth pursuing.
Key Terms in Print Journalism
- Hook: A lede specifically designed to catch the reader’s attention and encourage them to keep reading the story.
- Inverted Pyramid: A customary structure for writing a news story, especially for hard news stories. The most significant information is placed at the beginning, followed by less important details.
The Associated press Guide to News Writing
The guide emphasizes the need for journalists to verify their sources and avoid plagiarism. It also provides guidance on structuring news stories, from the lead to the conclusion. The guide stresses the importance of using clear and concise language, avoiding jargon and cliches, and writing for the intended audience.
News Writing Fundamentals
knowing the news values can definitely help a journalist make many decisions, including:
- What information to give first in a news article, and in the lede.
- Which articles to display on a newspaper’s front page.
- What questions to ask in an interview.
The six news values are:
- Timeliness: Recent events have a higher news value than less recent ones.
Additional Resources
- LibGuides: Writing Center Online Resource Guide: Journalism Pitch
- The Associated Press Guide to news Writing – 2nd Edition
- News Writing Fundamentals | writing… – The Writing Center
Lu Chongmao Plans to Ban Non-Mint Flavored Cigarettes First
In a significant move towards public health, Lu Chongmao has announced plans to ban non-mint flavored cigarettes. This initiative aims to curb smoking habits, especially among younger populations who are often drawn to flavored tobacco products. The ban is part of a broader effort to implement stricter regulations on tobacco products, which have been linked to numerous health issues, including lung cancer and heart disease.
Key Points of the Ban
| aspect | Details |
|—————————–|————————————————————————-|
| Targeted Flavors | Non-mint flavored cigarettes |
| Implementation Date | 2025-02-09 |
| Time | HKT 16:52 |
| Regulatory Impact | Stricter control over tobacco products |
Impact on Public Health
the ban on non-mint flavored cigarettes is expected to have a profound impact on public health. According to the World Health Association (WHO), flavored tobacco products are particularly appealing to youth and young adults, leading to increased smoking rates.By removing these products from the market, the initiative aims to reduce the number of new smokers and improve overall health outcomes.
Industry Response
The tobacco industry has been vocal about the potential economic implications of the ban. Companies that produce flavored cigarettes argue that such regulations could lead to job losses and financial strain. However, public health advocates counter that the long-term benefits of reducing smoking-related illnesses far outweigh these short-term economic concerns.
International Context
This move by Lu Chongmao is part of a global trend towards stricter tobacco control. Countries like Canada and Australia have already implemented similar bans, citing the need to protect public health. The international community is watching closely to see how effective these measures are in reducing smoking rates.
Conclusion
Lu Chongmao’s plan to ban non-mint flavored cigarettes is a bold step towards improving public health. By targeting flavored tobacco products, the initiative aims to reduce smoking among younger populations and mitigate the health risks associated with tobacco use. as the implementation date approaches, it will be crucial to monitor the impact of the ban and assess its effectiveness in achieving its public health goals.
For more information and updates, visit the RTHK news website.
Share your thoughts on this initiative with us on Twitter.
This script includes the Facebook SDK and initializes it, allowing you to use Facebook’s social features in your JavaScript code.
#### Supported Programming Languages
The Facebook API supports multiple programming languages, making it accessible to a wide range of developers. Some of the supported languages include PHP, JavaScript, Python, and Java [[3](https://moldstud.com/articles/p-what-programming-languages-are-supported-by-the-facebook-api)].
| Language | Use Case |
|———–|—————————————————-|
| PHP | Server-side applications,API integration |
| JavaScript | Client-side applications,social features |
| Python | API integration,automation scripts |
| Java | Mobile applications,server-side applications |
### Conclusion
The Facebook API provides a robust platform for developers to create social applications and integrations.Whether you are using PHP for server-side applications or JavaScript for client-side features, the Facebook SDK offers the tools you need to harness the power of Facebook’s platform. By leveraging the API, you can build engaging and interactive applications that reach a global audience.
For more detailed information, refer to the resources provided [[1](https://datatas.com/php-and-facebook-api-building-social-apps/)][[2](https://devhunt.org/blog/integrate-facebook-sdk-into-js-apps)][[3](https://moldstud.com/articles/p-what-programming-languages-are-supported-by-the-facebook-api)].
Interview with Lu Chongmao on Tobacco Control in Hong Kong
Editor: Could you discuss the current regulations on flavored cigarettes and e-cigarettes in Hong Kong?
Lu Chongmao: Hong Kong has taken steps to control tobacco use, notably by banning flavored cigarettes. Around 40% of smokers use flavored cigarettes, with young smokers and women comprising the majority.Therefore, regulating flavored cigarettes is crucial to prevent a rebound in smoking rates.
Editor: What are your thoughts on the use of e-cigarettes, and have there been any regulations implemented on them?
Lu Chongmao: Previously, I legislated a ban on the import and sale of e-cigarettes about three years ago. It’s now time to further control or even ban their use. Authorities plan to offer a transition period or initially ban smoking in public places next year.
Editor: How effective do you believe these regulations will be in achieving Hong Kong’s public health goals?
Lu Chongmao: The authorities target a 7.8% smoking rate reduction for this year. I am committed to achieving this target and dismiss claims that tobacco control harms the economy. Countries like Singapore and Canada have strict tobacco control measures but thriving tourism industries. Osaka, Japan even implemented an outdoor smoking ban during the World Expo in April this year, showcasing that tobacco control is possible without hampering economic activities.
For more data and updates, visit the RTHK news website.
Share your thoughts on this initiative with us on Twitter.
].</p>
<p>#### Utilizing the Facebook API with PHP</p>
<p>Once you have completed the initial setup, you can start using the Facebook API in your PHP code. This allows you to build server-side applications that interact with Facebook’s platform. For instance, you can use the API to fetch user data, post updates, or manage ads [[1](https://datatas.com/php-and-facebook-api-building-social-apps/)].</p>
<p>Here is a basic example of how to initialize the Facebook SDK in PHP:</p>
<p>“`php<br />
require_once ‘facebook-php-sdk-v5/src/autoload.php’;<br />
$fb = new FacebookFacebook([<br />
‘app_id’ => ‘your-app-id’,<br />
‘app_secret’ => ‘your-app-secret’,<br />
‘default_graph_version’ => ‘v10.0’,<br />
]);</p>
<p>$fb->getLoginUrl();<br />
“`</p>
<p>This code snippet initializes the Facebook SDK and generates a login URL for users to authenticate with your application.</p>
<p>#### Integrating Facebook SDK into JavaScript Applications</p>
<p>The Facebook JavaScript SDK enables developers to integrate social features into client-side web and mobile applications. With the SDK, you can implement functionalities such as login with Facebook, sharing content to feeds, and integrating plugins like Like and Share buttons [[2](https://devhunt.org/blog/integrate-facebook-sdk-into-js-apps)].</p>
<p>Here is an example of how to include the Facebook SDK in your JavaScript application:</p>
<p><script>
(function(d, s, id) {
var js, fjs = d.getElementsByTagName(s)[0];
if (d.getElementById(id)) return;
js = d.createElement(s); js.id = id; js.src = ){kind=link}
