An alternative news writing template which maintains a clear distinction between facts, analysis and opinion
Semaform challenges you as a journalist to give your subjective analysis of the news you write – but only after you having presented the “indisputable facts” of the news story
Navn | Kategori | Formål |
---|---|---|
Semaform | News template | News |
Volumen | Læsetid | Beskrivelse |
---|---|---|
5 sections, each with 4-6 paragraphs | 2-4 minutes | Ambitious news template , which distinguishes sharply between facts and views, and which insists on including multiple perspectives in the coverage of a news topic |
Intro
The traditional news structure, based on the inverted pyramid, is outdated and insufficient in relation to being able to convey the complexities of the modern world in which we live. This is the approach of an American news service to developing an alternative new news format that distinctly separates facts and views in news.
Origin
Semaphor is Greek for messenger. It is also the term for flag communication, which is a Morse-like alphabet and signaling system performed by people with a flag in each hand. In October 2022, the word took on yet another meaning: It became the name of a new American news service whose mission is to uphold the highest news standards in a news and information universe that is increasingly dominated by misinformation and disinformation.
“Global trust in the media is at an all-time low. A new moment requires new thinking,” the founders of Semafor state.
As a starting point, Semafor believes that the traditional news article, based on the inverted pyramid and originating from the age of printed newspapers, has had its day and should be replaced as it is unable to perform its core mission of ensuring a fair and balanced news dissemination in today’s digital news world.
” Too much news — even some of the best journalism that’s practiced today — so tightly intertwines facts and analysis that readers have trouble telling the two apart. Articles don’t always honestly offer opposing viewpoints. And they’re usually told from a single perspective.
All that makes it hard for time-strapped readers to trust — or even understand — the big picture.” (“What is Semaform, anyway?)
In line with Semafor’s goals of transparency, balance and a global perspective in news reporting, a new and alternative form of news, called Semaform, has been constructed.
“We’re exposing the architecture of our original journalism in an effort to rebuild trust from our audience. Our “Semaform” structure makes clear the lines between facts, analysis, opinion, counter-narratives, and global perspectives.”
Single sources can’t always capture the complexity of a story, and part of consuming the news is understanding diverse perspectives on the same facts.” (About)
Formel structure
A news piece is based on 5 sections, each of which will normally have 2-6 paragraphs.
- The news
- Analysis
- Counter opinion
- Perspectives
- Sources
Content structure
The ambition is to put the focus on the facts of the news, present the news in context and convey a broader understanding of it. Key is separating the facts of the news piece from its interpretation and analysis.
- The news and its facts in concentrated form
- The journalist’s analysis of the news
- Opposing views or arguments
- Different perspectives on the subject
- Relevant sources that can contribute to clarifying the news
Use
Semaform is applicable to almost all kinds of news and in all kinds of news reporting.
The template signals a new kind of transparency and confidentiality between journalist and reader, as the journalist openly presents his or hers subjective opinion or analysis in a section specially designed for that purpose.
The analysis comes after the indisputable facts of the news are laid out in the first section of the template.
In practice, not all five sections of the template necessarily apply to every news item. The first two sections (facts and point of view) are mandatory, while one or two of the other sections can be omitted without undermining the overall quality of the template and the recognizability of the news form among readers.
Strengths of the template
- Alternative and exciting new news format
- Practically applicable even to small news organizations
- Effective in distinguishing between facts and opinions and preventing misinformation
- Sends a clear signal of transparency to readers from the news provider
The challenges for the journalist
The task of determining the structure, expression and general content of the news story is handled by the template. The challenge of the reporter is the specific content of the story
As a reporter, with this template you can focus all your attention and energy on the real and more profound challenges:
- Identifying one’s own bias
- To look beyond that bias in understanding the reality of the news
- Composing and writing the news in a new way
- Distinguishing between the facts of a news story and the analysis of those facts
- Identifying and understanding the opposite point of view and conflicting points of view
- Seeing and understanding a news item from several perspectives, including the global perspective
Tip
- Switching to this news template requires thorough preparation and discussion of the template’s opportunities, challenges and potential pitfalls
Sources and documentation
- What is Semaform, anyway? Semafor, Gina Chua, 22. oktober 2022
- The traditional story-structure gets deconstructed – Nieman Lab, Gina Chua, december 2022
- Semaform and function, Columbia Journalism Review, Jon Allsop, 19. oktober 2022
Example
Example Semaform: The case against SBF leaves out his victims
Master
Links
Please contact Skriveskabeloner.dk if you have questions about the template or want information on how you can incorporate this template into your organization or company’s writing processes. We can also help with expertise if you want to incorporate the template technically into your CMS.