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News facts & stats

7 fact-checked facts about news and journalism, each with the reason behind it. 5 more are in today's round and join this page after it closes.

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The basics

In a newspaper, what is a headline?

AnswerThe title printed above a story

Headlines sum up a story in a few words to catch readers' attention.

What does a journalist's byline show?

AnswerThe name of the writer

The byline, usually printed just below the title, credits the reporter who wrote the story.

Going deeper

The 'inverted pyramid' style of news writing puts what first?

AnswerThe most important facts

Readers get the key facts in the opening lines, and less vital details follow, so stories can be trimmed from the bottom.

Ancient Rome's 'Acta Diurna' were early examples of what?

AnswerPublic news notices

Daily notices posted in public places told Romans about official business and notable events.

What is a news agency, or wire service?

AnswerAn organization that gathers news and supplies it to many outlets

Agencies send reporters worldwide and supply their stories and photos to newspapers, broadcasters and websites.

Expert level

The weekly 'Relation', printed from 1605 and often called the first newspaper, was published in which city?

AnswerStrasbourg

Johann Carolus printed it in a city in the Holy Roman Empire that later became part of France.

What does it mean when news is 'embargoed'?

AnswerJournalists get it early but can't publish until a set time

Embargoes let reporters prepare accurate stories so they can publish the moment the agreed time arrives.

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