newspaper/newsmagazine
critique
newspaper/newsmagazine
critique
newspaper/newsmagazine
critique
school name
school year
publication
EVALUATION SERVICES
“Educating, training and supporting scholastic journalists and their advisers”
The Florida Scholastic Press Association’s purpose is to educate, train and support scholastic
journalism statewide. FSPA, an organization of
more than 200 student publications and broadcast programs, offers a variety of services to assist journalism students and teachers. One is an
evaluation service for publications and broadcast programs.
For many advisers and staffs, asking an outsider to evaluate their publication is not easy.
Egos are fragile. While most of us conceded the
value of constructive criticism, we seldom enjoy
having our “pride and joy,” the publication we’ve
spent countless hours producing, assessed by
someone who didn’t have to endure the long
road to creating the publication.
If they only knew how late we stayed up to meet
out deadline.
They just don’t understand how underfunded we
are.
Well, out of 35 students, seven did the work.
Although we value the merit of a top rating, we
need to remember that awards are not the only
rewards of critiquing service. Some rewards include the following:
•
Positive competitive spirit can service as
a motivator to improve weak areas of publication.
•
Consistent membership and rating can
build a tradition of excellence from one year to
the next.
•
Recognition can enhance a student’s college and career potential and can enhance an
adviser’s professional standing.
ELIGIBILITY FOR JUDGING – All Florida high
school and middle/junior high school publications and broadcast programs that are FSPA
members for the current academic year are eligible for the critique service.
JUDGES – Each year, approximately 30 individuals are judges for the FSPA evaluation service.
Judges are journalism teachers and publication
advisers from other states who are recognized
for their publication programs, college and university journalism professors, college yearbook
advisers and members of the professional media with experience with student publications.
The judge receives the publication, evaluation
forms and directions about judging. The judge
is encouraged to be specific in offering recommendations and to identify strengths, as well as
weaknesses, of the publications reviewed.
RANKING -- Newspapers, magazines, broadcast
programs and yearbooks are evaluated by ranking areas of five categories. The judge then gives
that category a score based on the rankings
within the specific categories. The final score is
determined by averaging each scores from each
category, for example All Florida = 5, Gold = 4,
Silver = 3, Bronze = 2, and Merit = 1. Rankings
will be determined by adding the points.
AWARDS – All Florida awards are announced
at the FSPA State Convention banquet each
spring, with staffs receiving award certificates
and plaques. Gold, Silver, Bronze, and Merit certificates will be mailed with scorebook results.
All Florida certificates or plaques not picked up
at the convention will be mailed after the convention.
Newspaper/newsmagazine 1
The evaluation is divided into five sections. Each section has a numerical rating ranging from 5 to 1, as
shown below:
READER AIDS – how reader-friendly the newspaper is
LAYOUT/DESIGN – how effectively type, graphics and layout are used to enhance verbal content.
COVERAGE - how well the newspaper covers all areas of school, student life and community and applicable
SOUND WRITING/EDITING – how clearly and interestingly verbal content is presented
VISUALS – how creatively and informatively visuals are assigned, composed and reproduced
EXPLANATION OF FINAL EVALUATION SYSTEM
Each division in each section is rated in the final grade as:
•All-Florida (always) = 5
•Gold (frequently) = 4
•Silver (usually) = 3
•Bronze (sometimes) = 2 or
•Merit (never) = 1
•Special Distinction = Judge’s discretion based on overall impression of the section.
➢
Judges will disregard “Advertisement” if the publication does not include ads and will not reduce a
publication’s score.
➢
Judges will annotate both positive and negative elements of the publication in any color except
black or blue so that the staff can easily recognize the remarks. Therefore, judges will write in your publications.
➢
Judges will include comments relevant to each division and therefore each section in the space on
the pages provided. In addition, they will include detailed supplementary comments explaining their overall impressions.
PART ONE: Reader Aids
NameplateRating _____
• Includes name of newspaper, date, volume number, school name, address, zip code, and perhaps phone number
and/or web site or email address
• Is clean and clear and does not overpower the page
• If student art is featured, art is clean, clear and well drawn
MastheadRating _____
• Includes names of all students on staff and their positions, as well as adviser
• Explains how readers can contact staff members with letters to the editor or suggestions for stories or other comments
• May explain key points of editorial policy, publishing schedule, and advertising rates, and may cite any awards the
newspaper has won.
LogosRating _____
• Column boxes and other standing graphics are clean and consistently designed
• Logos do not dominate design, but enhance it
Newspaper/newsmagazine 2
Page FoliosRating _____
• Pages are clearly labeled by section and page number
• If publication date is used, date is consistent on each page and with flag date
• Folios are easily readable but do not dominate the design of the page
OrganizationRating _____
• Page order is consistent and logical, so that issue to issue, the reader knows where to locate each section of the newspaper
• Articles are placed in appropriate sections; for example, opinion belongs on opinion pages, news on news pages, etc.
• Typefaces and style for body copy, captions, photo credits and headlines follow a stylebook and do not vary page to
page, or issue to issue
• Calendar of events and special announcements are well packaged and placed
Recommendations and Commendations
Average Rating: _____ Rating Guide – All Florida, Gold, Silver, Bronze, Merit
SPECIAL DISTINCTION: ____________
EXPLANATION:
PART TWO: Layout/Design
LayoutRating _____
• Clean, uncluttered appearance. Design is modular so that elements that belong together are grouped together
• Important stories dominate page
• Headline bumps (tombstones) are avoided
• White space is used effectively
• Consistency in style is used from issue to issue
• Internal margins are consistent, and external margins are effectively utilized to frame the page
• Editors strive, when appropriate, to pair stories with a visual/graphic element such as a pulled quote, a logo, an infographic, mug shot etc. to pull the reader’s eye to the story
• Obvious use of design plan is applied
• Special pages, such as center spreads, in-depth focuses, etc., can experiment more with typefaces that may not
normally appear in the paper, but some consistency must remain.
Newspaper/newsmagazine 3
TypographyRating ____
• Body and caption typeface and size should remain consistent throughout the newspaper.
• Headline styles (ups, down, centered, flush left, etc.) must be consistent
• Headline size is relative to size and importance of stories
• Type can be used as a graphic element, especially in headlines, but should never be a distraction
• Must be careful not to mix too many typefaces, especially for heads, throughout the newspaper; no more than two
other typefaces in addition to the body copy typeface is recommended
• Vertical type is avoided
• Headline schedule assures proper fitting
GraphicsRating _____
• Reverses, screen and boxes do not interfere with legibility of copy or overpower the page.
• Boxes, screen and reverses are used consistently
• Information in graphics is always attributed to appropriate sources
• Survey info includes date of survey, as well as number of students surveyed
• White space is used as an effective graphic element to guide readers’ attention to the focus of the spread
• Staff is not afraid to experiment with design they’ve seen in publications or other sources, but should adapt these
designs to suit their coverage and thematic goals
Advertising (Optional)Rating ____
• Advertising is localized to student market and shows student participation in community.
• Ads for similar businesses (like florists or banks) are not placed near each other
• Ads do not use more than two typefaces
• Ad borders enhance the message of the ad rather than distract
• Ads should try to make use of student photos to promote the merchant when requested
• Ads are designed to appeal to a teenage audience and include appropriate creative slogans should be used to catch
students’ attention
• Internal margins are consistent, and external margins should be used to frame the spread
• Camera-ready ads from businesses are run without distortion
• High quality photos and artwork is used
Recommendations and Commendations
Average Rating: _____ Rating Guide – All Florida, Gold, Silver, Bronze, Merit
SPECIAL DISTINCTION: ____________
EXPLANATION:
Newspaper/newsmagazine 4
PART THREE: Coverage
NewsRating _____
• Each issue includes a variety of topics and issues throughout the year. Covers all areas of the school, including campus activities, issues, people and newsworthy events.
• Stories are well researched and make use of statistical information when appropriate, making sure to attribute all
statistical or student survey information. Personal bias avoided.
• A balance between news coverage and advance notice on a variety of subjects.
• Stories include quotes from official sources when appropriate as well as student reactions.
• Local, state, and national news is covered as it is applied to the student body through coverage of local reaction or
ramifications.
FeaturesRating _____
• Coverage includes academic as well as extra-curricular and social activities.
• Stories are timely and pertinent to student interests on/off campus. Sensitive treatment is given to in-depth issues.
• Features are richly detailed but not verbose. Evidence of research and interviewing a variety of sources. All sides of
an issue are presented.
• Stories are characterized by creative, engaging leads, and are filled with source quotes that reflect emotion, insight,
etc.
• Coverage is diverse and reflective of all types of subjects, yet is geared primarily toward student audience.
SportsRating _____
• Section strives to include coverage of all levels of athletics, and not just variety sports.
• Coverage seeks to answer “why and how” rather than rehashing play-by-play.
• Reporting is objective and fair and from a third person point of view.
• In-depth interviews are an integral part of coverage.
• Section includes coverage of all facets of athletics, including coaches, managers, trainers, videographers, injured
players, rule changes, athletic eligibility, etc.
• Coverage highlights accomplishments and/or challenges of each team that are unique to this year.
• Coverage includes accurate records of teams’ performances, including scores, season records, post-season honors,
and significant competitions.
• Section includes a variety of materials, including features, opinion, columns and briefs.
• Coverage does not shy away from teams that are losing, or that do not receive as much spectator coverage as other
teams.
• Captions not only identify the player, but also say which game it was and any significant results of the action to the
photo.
• Stories include coach and athlete quotes, and avoid clichés like “We’re hoping to go to state,” or “It’s a rebuilding
year.”
Specialized/In-Depth WritingRating _____
• Reviews and literary material have bylines and are labeled appropriately.
• Critical reviews include facts and background to justify conclusions.
• This category includes center spreads, special package pages, or special focuses, all which examine one issue in
depth with several stories, photos, graphics, artwork, etc.
• Theme of section is clear, and all elements relate to central theme.
• Coverage is innovative and investigative, with evidence of thorough research.
• Stories reflect different aspects of the subject, and use quotes from both informed involved students and official
sources.
Newspaper/newsmagazine 5
Recommendations and Commendations
Average Rating: _____ Rating Guide – All Florida, Gold, Silver, Bronze, Merit
SPECIAL DISTINCTION: ____________
EXPLANATION:
PART FOUR: Sound writing/editing
General PrinciplesRating _____
• Style is consistent no matter which rule book is followed.
• Careful proofreading is evident by avoiding typos, punctuation errors and inaccurate story details.
• Copy space is filled.
• Clichés and nonessential phrases are avoided.
• Leads are dynamic and concise, grabbing readers’ attention.
• Paragraphs are short to enhance readability.
• Topics are timely, rather than mundane and overused.
• Stories include answers to all key questions (who, what, when, where, why, and how) but even more important “so
what?”
• Quotes come from a diverse population of students.
• Stories feature unique angles to necessary topics, such as homecoming, drama productions, team and club coverage.
• Students are identified by first and last name and grade; faculty members are identified by first and last name and
subject taught (English teacher Susan Smith).
• “Said” is the only word used in attribution unless the situation demands another verb.
• “Source said” rather than “said source” construction is maintained.
• Stories make logical use of transitions to avoid stacking quotes on top of each other.
FeaturesRating _____
• Style makes extensive use of sensory description in an attempt to “show, not tell.”
• Insightful and substantial quotes are a significant element in the story.
NewsRating _____
• All copy begins with a strong lead, avoiding overuse of articles, name of school, mascot and dates.
• Story construction is tight and concise, with that which is most newsworthy and applicable at the beginning of the
story (inverted pyramid).
Newspaper/newsmagazine 6
• Copy supported with interview material, direct and indirect quotes, and complete attribution, including title and/or
position to reflect careful research.
• Third person voice is consistently used with no evidence of bias.
• Active voice is used.
• All facts especially those obtained through research, are clearly attributed.
• Sources are clearly identified, especially official sources outside the school community.
OpinionRating _____
• Editorial takes a direct stand while avoiding preachiness.
• Editorial includes logical reasons to support its stand, and addresses opposition concerns when appropriate.
• Editorial avoids use of first person pronouns.
• Editorial is unsigned.
• Columns exhibit originality, good taste, reader appeal and quality writing.
EntertainmentRating _____
• Movie, book, and other reviews involving plot are careful not to give away too much.
• Coverage of coming events should be sure to include date, time, location, and price.
SportsRating _____
• “Team” is always subsequently referred to as “it” rather than “they.”
• Stories include opinions from key players, coaches, and when appropriate, member members of opposing teams.
• Stories are more focused on overall trends and issues, rather than play-by-play because of infrequency of publication.
• Important statistics and/or scores are included as key sports facts, especially to demonstrate a team’s progress or
lack thereof.
Cutlines/CaptionsRating _____
• Captions are usually more than one sentence.
• Captions should be written in present tense when describing the photo specifically, and in past tense in subsequent
sentences providing valuable supplementary or background information.
• Captions go beyond the obvious telling what isn’t in the photo.
• Captions identify every recognizable person in the photo except when impractical; usually fewer than six giving
first and last name and grade.
• Gag captions are never used.
• Group captions are consistent in their designation of the location of a student (Front row: Row 2, Row 3, Back Row
OR Bottom row, Row 2, Row 3, Top row).
• Captions attempt to answer five W’s and H and So What.
• Names are carefully checked for proper spelling and accuracy in identification.
• Photo credits should be uniform.
HeadlinesRating _____
• Conform to style with strong action verbs and avoidance of “to be” verbs.
• Headlines are dynamic so that it logically leads the reader into the copy.
• Use of school names, abbreviations and mascots are limited.
• Headlines are clear summaries of the content and angle of the stories or opinion of their editorial or commentary.
• Headlines are carefully proofread to avoid unclear language, misspellings, and grammatical errors.
• Standard headlines contain a verb, stated or implied, and are written in the present or future tense.
• Headline style is consistent regarding which words are capitalized.
• Kickers and decks are used effectively.
Newspaper/newsmagazine 7
Recommendations and Commendations
Average Rating: _____ Rating Guide – All Florida, Gold, Silver, Bronze, Merit
SPECIAL DISTINCTION: ____________
EXPLANATION:
PART FIVE: Visuals
Photography: Technical QualityRating _____
• Photos carefully selected for maximum reader interest and reproduction quality.
• Photos are free of water spots, dust specks, scratches and other flaws.
• Photos are well cropped with emphasis on action or emotion.
• Photos are well framed, focused, sized and have good contrast.
• Pixilation is avoided.
• Non-traditional treatment of photos, such as cut-out backgrounds (COB), vignettes, ghosting, etc., is effective.
Photography: ContentRating _____
• Photos are not posed and do not include subjects who are looking at the camera, except when appropriate.
• Photos strive to capture emotions.
• Sports photos include key elements – the ball, racket, golf club, etc.
• No person is cropped at major joints such as the elbow or knee.
• Excessive ground or sky, as well as other unnecessary background distraction is eliminated.
Artwork/IllustrationsRating _____
• Artwork deals with school issues, is appropriately positioned and runs in tandem with news or editorials when possible.
• Artwork is of high quality and is in good taste.
• Simplistic artwork or clip-art is avoided.
Recommendations and Commendations
Average Rating: _____ Rating Guide – All Florida, Gold, Silver, Bronze, Merit
SPECIAL DISTINCTION: ____________
EXPLANATION:
Newspaper/newsmagazine 8
Judge’s Summary Comments
Judge’s signature (optional)
Final Rating
Each division in each category is rated as ALL FLORIDA (5 points), GOLD (4 points), SILVER (3 points), BRONZE (2
points), or MERIT (1 point).
Publications will be awarded one of the following ratings based on the rankings of each category:
(Check “Special Distinction” if the section is awarded.)
Part One:
Reader Aids Rating _____ Special Distinction: _____
Part Two:
Coverage
Rating _____ Special Distinction: _____
Part Three:
Layout/Design
Rating _____ Special Distinction: _____
Part Four:
Sound Writing/Editing
Rating _____ Special Distinction: _____
Part Five:
Visuals
Rating _____ Special Distinction: _____
_______
All Florida (25-23)
_______
Gold (22-20)
_______
Silver (19-15)
_______
Bronze (14-10)
_______
Merit (9-0)
_______
Number of Special Distinctions
Other recommended press associations
The following scholastic press associations provide evaluation services. Costs and deadlines vary. Contact the organization to obtain further information.
Columbia Scholastic Press Association (CSPA)
303 Journalism, 2950 Broadway
Columbia University
New York, NY 10027-3899
212-854-9400
Southern Interscholastic Press Association (SIPA)
College of Mass Communication & Information Studies
University of South Carolina
Columbia, SC 29208
803-777-6284
National Scholastic Press Association (NSPA)
2221 University Ave., SE
Suite 121
Minneapolis, MN 55414
612-625-8335
Quill & Scroll Society
School of Journalism and Mass Communication
University of Iowa
Iowa City, IA 52242
319-335-3457
The evaluation form was revised in 2011 by Jane Robbins, Evaluation Services Coordinator, with the help of Wayne Garcia, FSPA Executive Director, Ravika Rameshwar, FSPA Office Staff, Denise Honey and Linda Evanchyk. Additional assistance of material was made possible from Nebraska High School Press Association, Kettle Moraine Press Association (KEMPA), Interscholastic League Press Conference
and Virginia High School League, Inc.