Written News Standards

Mongabay written news varies by content type, which are defined by word length, structure and sourcing. Here are guidelines for each content type, including unique elements and requirements.

Verification Checklist

Style Guide

Newswire Article (short content type)

Overview

The Newswire Desk has a mandate to use plain, direct language to break through jargon, spark curiosity and quickly identify how people’s daily lives are connected to the environmental issues Mongabay covers in-depth. The average news reader spends less than 30 seconds engaging with an article and the newswire is trying to meet these users where they are. Newswire articles include breaking news, coverage of scientific studies and research reports, summaries and follow up about Mongabay feature reporting, data-driven alerts and obituaries.

Length

Generally, 250 to 500 words but anything under 500 words fits this content type.

Structure

Newswire stories use simple language, short sentences and paragraphs. Follow the inverted pyramid model, which starts with the most important information in the first sentence (lede) and paragraph (nut graph), continues with contextual facts and background information to understand the implications, and (if viable) finishes with a “kicker” that emphasizes the importance of the lede. No bullet points or subheadings are required.

Sourcing

A newswire article typically has one to two sources. For example, original coverage of a scientific study should have at least one outside source to comment on validity and implications of study in addition to a source associated with the study. If a news story is based on a single source, the source must be credible and on-record. For news that is already covered by other reputable outlets based on press releases, claims or quotes can be attributed to third- party sources without additional interviews. Reporters should cite sources for every statement of fact within the body of the article. References to online sources should be hyperlinked within the text rather than listed in a separate citations section

News Article (standard content type)

Overview

Mongabay publishes news articles on a daily basis and is well-known for the rigour and context included in its standard news articles. As a result, Mongabay’s news articles are longer than the average news outlet (most news articles are less than 500 words). But a shorter story doesn’t mean an insignificant story. This standard news content type is intended to be no more than 1,200 words in length, with a consistent structure, style, and standard.

Length

Generally, 800 to 1,200 words but anything higher than 500 words or under 1500 words can fit this category.

Structure

News articles get to the point quickly. Mongabay recommends following the inverted pyramid model, which starts either with a straight news lede that aims to communicate the who, what, when, where and why of a story OR a brief quote, anecdote or other colorful lede designed to capture reader interest. The most important information in the first sentence or sentences (lede) is followed by a paragraph (nut graph) that explains the core theme and news value of the article, continues with contextual facts and background information to understand the implications, and finishes with a “kicker” that emphasizes the importance of the lede. Contextual facts and background information in news articles must organize paragraphs under subheadings and include bullet points summarizing key information in the article.

Sourcing

A standard news article typically has at least four sources representing multiple perspectives. Reporters should cite sources for every statement of fact in their article. This attribution includes describing the names and titles of individuals cited, the location where information is sourced from (an interview, a publication, social media platform, a place, or press release) and how the reporter obtained the information (from an interview, in writing, through original analysis, etc). Within the body of the article, references to online sources should be hyperlinked within the text. Academic literature must be cited at the bottom of the story; the format of citations is available in Mongabay’s Style Guide.

Feature Article (standard or custom content type)

Overview

Feature reporting is often enterprising or investigative in nature and cannot be molded into a singular structure or defined by specific criteria for story length. The needs of the story guide these choices, so working on a feature article requires input from an editor at the assignment stage to determine the appropriate structure, sourcing requirements, and reporting methodology. A feature article may require an outline describing the key points and overall structure of the story before drafting. Features are required to utilize the citation guidelines in Mongabay’s verification checklist to facilitate fact checking.

Length

A feature article is typically 1,500 to 4,000 words. If an article is above 4,000 words it is advisable to restructure the article into multiple parts, unless there are legal reasons to keep all the content within a single post.

Structure

This kind of reporting typically follows a narrative structure with more flexibility than news reporting. Structural choices should be tailored to the story and the information included in the report. Feature reports often have a beginning, middle, and an end presented in chronology to avoid confusing readers, but more complex narrative structures are viable and should be determined in consultation with a story editor. Feature articles must be organized using subheadings and include bullet points summarizing key information at the top of the article.

Sourcing

A feature article typically has at least five sources and may contain 50 or more. Like a news article, reporters should cite sources for every statement of fact in their article. This attribution includes describing the names and titles of individuals cited, the location where information is sourced from (a publication, social media platform, a place, or press release) and how the reporter obtained the information (from an interview, in writing, through original analysis). Within the body of the article, references to online sources should be hyperlinked within the text. Academic literature must be cited at the bottom of the story; the format of citations is available in Mongabay’s Style Guide.

ANNEX 1 : Commentary

Overview

Mongabay publishes commentaries that reflect the viewpoints of their author(s). These are unpaid contributions that are published at Mongabay’s sole discretion. Mongabay does not edit commentaries and declines to publish any that are promotional of an organization or individual, are effectively a press release, have already appeared elsewhere, or are attack pieces. We also do not publish pieces that are ghost written — the names of all writers/developers of submitted commentaries must appear in the byline.

Length

Generally, commentaries should be 1,000 to 2000 words. Appropriate length is no more and no less than is necessary to make a compelling argument.

Structure

Commentaries need to be structured around an argument the writer is putting forth; the opinion or position/course of action being advocated for/against must be stated clearly near the top of the piece. The rest of the piece should support that argument. The tone should not be overly academic, it’s fine to get into the science behind your argument, but the narrative should still be written for a more general audience.

Sourcing

It is acceptable for a writer to use some of their own research/work experience as an example to bolster their argument, but the piece cannot be centered on that work/experience, nor can the piece be promotional of that work/experience.

ANNEX 2 : Question & Answer (Q&A)

Overview

Mongabay regularly conducts and publishes interviews with direct questions to relevant experts. Since these articles typically have lower than average audience engagement, their purpose is often to establish and deepen relationships with sources who Mongabay can reach out to for comment in other article types.

Length

Generally, a Q&A article begins with a 500-word introduction followed by the interview portion of 1,500 to 2,500 words.

Structure

A Q&A article starts with an introductory preamble that provides basic information about the interviewee, why their perspective is newsworthy, the context for the interview (especially if it was in person) and a note about the extent of editing. This preamble is followed by the back and forth of the questions and answers. Q&A articles should include at least one photo of the interviewee.

Sourcing

Since these articles center on the words of an interviewee, it doesn't require comment from outside sources. However, statements of fact made by interviewees should also be checked and false statements deleted or additional context provided in a bracketed interjection. Interview responses can be edited for length and clarity. This involves eliminating filler words like “um,””well” and “ah” and omitting portions of responses that aren’t relevant to the question that was asked, repetitions of previous responses, difficult to understand, or unclear.

Report abuse